About Last Night . . . – (1986)
Based on David Mamet's one act play Sexual Perversity in Chicago, this film has more to offer than it would appear on the surface. Rob Lowe and a pre-augmentation Demi Moore play 20-something Chicago yuppies who fall in love, but find it hard to stay there. Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins play their respective best friends, who constantly give horrible advice. The dialogue is frequently great (especially the opening sequence) but director Ed Zwick struggles with the pacing, especially in the second half. You feel that many things were tried in the editing room before they settled on the 8-9 montage sequences (complete with crap 80s songs – dig that, lawyer!). Lowe and Moore are surprisingly good, however, showing more depth than you’d expect from the surface beauty. B-
Brokeback Mountain – (2005)
A second look still has me confused about the unbridled passion for this movie. OK, it’s got the inevitable pretty scenery and the predictably great cinematography. Director Ang Lee lets the scenes play out at a leisurely but appropriate pace, frequently with minimal dialogue - which I respect. The acting is mostly great and I get the message about seizing the moment. But the music is tedious; the women (except Michelle Williams) are caricatures, and the overall arc of the movie is wildly uneven. Their first encounter lasts 45 minutes, then, it’s completely chopped together with scenes spanning decades that barely fit and have all the rhythm of someone losing their virginity. I’m glad people love it. Me? I just have a slight infatuation. B
Pretty Woman – (1990)
The complete opposite of Brokeback Mountain: heterosexual, urban, likable characters, uninspired direction. The first half is enjoyable as we watch the spunky Julia Roberts become a huge star. Then the movie tries to be about something and everybody becomes a better person for having met each other. Yuck. There are lots of nice little moments from the supporting roles, but Jason Alexander isn’t in any of them. George Costanza playing the aggressive asshole bad guy is, and always will be, unintentionally hilarious. B-
Monday, December 29, 2008
3 Recent Re-viewings
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3 comments:
You know you're calling me out on Brokeback, so here goes: I am floored by Ennis' predicament. His 'toughing out' life with his wife, kids and work is just like anyone who has put their life on hold for their responsibilities and has a broad application. Ledger's performance is amazing and heartbreaking in every way, as he balances all of the things in his life. My favorite scenes are when Jack comes unannounced to visit and Ennis has to turn him away to spend time with his kids and then the scene at Jack Twist's parent's house after his death. The gay stuff is really just an annoying way of getting to the heart of Ennis' tortured soul.
Pretty Woman is fun to watch, except the Costanza part. I loved the Extras homage to the clothing store scene, when Ricky heads in to save his lady's reputation, only to gag on the price of the gown in question. Don't forget to watch that last episode of Extras for the greatest comment on the current state of culture/media of the last several years.
I vaguely remember the Extras scene you're referencing but didn't recognize the homage. Love the Extras finale, especially Gervais's monologue at the end.
Ledger is certainly better than PSH's Truman Capote mimicry. Joker should be his second Oscar.
sorry, the homage isn't in the last show.
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