moonpie madness movie blog

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Half Nelson


Ryan Gosling as a basehead eighth grade teacher? it actually worked pretty well in Ryan Flecks newest film, Half Nelson. dark and depressing at some points, uplifting at others, this picture moves very well and is told with a natural fluidity (i could have been bored many times but i wasn't really thinking about it). I enjoy watching Ryan Gosling (even his early work in the RL Stine classic "Goosebumps"). so far he's tackled many different roles (a nazi, a southerner, a young hercules) and he's managed to convince me in each one. Although the subject matter is hard to handle, this is one of the fall movies to catch.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Factotum


Factotum follows Charles Bukowski's character/alter ego hank Chinaski, an intelligent and dry writer who struggles to make it in a timeless LA (It's unclear whether this film takes place in the 70's or in the new millenium). Chinaski drinks his life away while simultaneously working every job known to man (pickle factory, bike shop, ice company, etc.), along the way he meets two ladies who serve as the stories antagonists (Lili taylor and Marissa Tomei). Matt Dillon does a better then average job (for matt dillon standards) as he narrates this slow picture. Let's take a look at some of my favorite matt dillon movies. wild things (nominated for best actor), you me and dupree (best supporting actor), Herbie fully loaded (won best actor). It's clear why matt dillon is one of my least favorite actors (he's up there with josh lucas), however this is one of his good performances... but i wouldnt recomend this movie. i found it a little to slow to enjoy.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

The Illusionist


I needed a movie like "the Illusionist" to close out the summer because the rest of the late august releases were not doing it for me (Beerfest, Idlewild, invincible). Neil Burger's adaptation of the short story 'Eisenheim the Illusionist', tells the tale of the great Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a powerful magician in turn of the century Vienna. Eisenheim sets up shop in the bustling German city and begins to garner large audiences with his implausible tricks, illusions so unbelievable that the city police (Paul Giammatti) begin to investigate. While investigating they learn that he's having an affair with the prince's fiance (Jessica Biel), and they attempt to shut him down. In the process he devises a brilliant plan to be with his love, but it will take lots of planning and a lot of luck. Edward Norton, who plays the illuisionist with a sophisticated grace is one of the reasons why this movie shines, but the real strength of the flick is in its supporting cast. Paul Giammatti and Rufus Sewell took me back to the early 1900's, it's mainly because of them that this winding story flows so well. a fun movie.