Film Review -- Cloverfield (PG-13)

Directed by Matt Reeves
Bad Robot
Released January 18, 2008

When I first sat down to write about the new sci-fi thriller Cloverfield, I thought about simply writing "go see this movie" in huge bold caps and let that be my entire review. But you all expect more than that, right?

Cloverfield is the newest work from the mind of J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost). The film begins with the simple story of Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David) during his going away party before he takes a job in Japan. Unfortunately, New York City is being besieged by some unknown attacker and the remainder of the film deals with Rob and his friends as they traverse through Manhattan looking to escape.

Much like The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield is made in a home movie style that at first is a bit nauseating from all the jerky movements and the random starting and stopping of clips. But you easily get used to it and, in fact, the home movie element of the film enhances the level of horror because it gives the movie a more realistic feeling and that point of view perspective that pulls you into the drama (so much so that a theater full of rowdy teenagers actually sat silent and afraid during the entire film). The movie's lack of soundtrack adds to the sense of realism as well.

Abrams has definitely created a sci-fi, action, horror gem with Cloverfield and I highly recommend everyone goes out and sees it. This is definitely one not to miss for any fan of this genre. And do yourself a favor, if you don't know the meaning of the word irony, please look it up before you do go. Otherwise, parts of the film will certainly fly over your head.

3.5 out of 4
(review by CMill)

News -- 80th Annual Academy Awards / Ledger Tragedy

The nominations are in! And besides a snub to The Orphanage in any department, I am pretty impressed by all the nominations for this years 80th Annual Academy Awards. Assuming they will actually go on televised as planned, the Oscar's red carpet should be rolling out on the 24th of February. 33 days away, it is far to early to know whether disgruntled writers and activist actors will turn this historic night into another hour long news conference. For the sake of Daniel Day-Lewis and his all but certain Oscar nod, I hope not.

In a much more tragic and unrelated turn of events, young actor Heath Ledger will not be present at the awards, strike or not, after being found dead this afternoon by the New York City Police Department. Ledger was reportedly found near a bottle of "sleeping pills" in his co-celebrity and friend Mary Kate Olsen's apartment. A tragic and unexpected scenario for a very promising actor and person. Rest in peace.

News -- SuperBowl

SuperBowl -- February 3rd, 2008

Yes, it has happened. The Patriots are officially one win away from being THE best team in the history of the NFL. No questions asked. The 1972 Dolphins got NOTHING on this team. In two weeks we will see if a team in the modern era of football can pull of an undefeated season. The New York Giants stand in the way but they, as we all know, are run at quarterback by young Eli Manning. This clash is sure to be a great one with NFL history on the line.

Film Review -- The Orphanage (R)

Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
Warner Bros Pictures de Espana/Grupo Rodar
Released January 11, 2008

The Orphanage is one of those movies I really had not heard too much about. In fact, I only saw one commercial for the movie and already wanted to run out and see it. They pretty much had me at "from the guy's that brought you Pan's Labyrinth." I know I'm an impulse viewer, but with that kind of endorsement, who could blame me?

The Orphanage is a psychological thriller that centers around Laura (Belen Rueda) -- a woman who buys the very orphanage she spent her childhood in. Her plan is to turn it into a sanctuary for mentally handicapped children with her husband and their son Simon (Roger Princep). Soon after they move in, odd incidents begin occurring that all seem to stem from Simon's imaginary friends who also inhabit their new home. And if you want to know what else happens, you'll just have to go and see it because that's all I'm going to tell you of the story.

The brilliance of this film is it's ability to play upon your imagination. Most of the fear that the audience derives is based more upon their anticipation and interpretation of what is happening in the home than any visual images of horror on the screen (although there are plenty of visuals as well). With great acting from Rueda and Princep combined with a terrific musical score, this cinematic goal is magnificently accomplished.

While this movie may not have the incredible imagery that Pan's Labyrinth had, it still has that great storytelling that grabs the viewer and stirs them, mercilessly, until the very end. Truly a treat for moviegoers that like to draw their own conclusions and not have the story completely laid out in front of them.

(A side note, if you enjoyed this movie and want to see another Spanish film just as creepy and well done, check out The Devil's Backbone. )

3.5 out of 4
(Review by CMill)

News -- The 2008 Golden Globes

They were by no means exciting, flashy or fun. But the 2008 Golden Globes were announced none the less and a full list of winners is now available. There weren't too many shockers in there but the winner's list is worth a look. Let's hope that this mess is sorted out so that the 80th Oscar Celebration is not a bomb as well.

Film Review -- Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)

Directed by Zach Helm
Mandate Pictures/Walden Media
Released November 16, 2007

I am proud to say that watching films for children has always been enjoyable for me as the heavy and sometimes overwhelming themes from 21st Century cinema are absent in these G and PG movies. As I sat down to watch Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, I knew that I could push reality aside for a couple of hours and focus on the all powerful and refreshing suspension of my own disbelief.

Films starring excellent actors can always be a sure bet for satisfaction. Mr. Magorium is a character similar to Willy Wonka but not as frightening. The title role, played by Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Hook), instantly creates a fun and loving relationship with co-star Molly played by Natalie Portman (The Professional, V is for Vendetta). Their father-daughter energy is natural and gives the audience a comforting and familiar feeling. Jason Bateman (Teen Wolf 2, Arrested Development) plays a stereotypical accountant nick-named “Mutant” who has difficulty finding the bright side or even a reason to enjoy his life. As Mr. Magorium prepares to leave this world and his store, he needs to give what has made him so happy to his favorite employee -- Molly.

The “Wonder Emporium” is not a regular toy store by any means and that is what makes this movie great. The special effects bring the Emporium to life to show a different world. From bouncy-balls to paper airplanes the induced memories of our childhood are what gives Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium it's strength. While Molly is caught up on her expectation to finish her first symphony, “Mutant” is also diverted from appreciating life because of his serious occupation. But Mr. Magorium’s lust for life brings these two polar opposite characters together. It is interesting to think about how work gives us the opportunity to empathize with people we normally would never experience.

Director Zach Helm focuses on human imagination and the immense changes experienced by each character for the majority of the film. The most dominant and also cliché theme in the film is that children can teach adults important lessons. For many of us that work with young people and even those of us who don’t, it is vital for us to remember that kids are teachers too. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is a unique visual experience and with it's inspirational characters it is a fitting film for anyone who appreciates faith.

3 out of 4
(Review by tee diddee)

Editors Note: Once again, many thanks to Thomas for getting this review done all the way from Shanghai. As for us in the States, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is hard to find in theaters but I hope this review will influence your next Netflix or Blockbuster decision. Best to you Thomas.

Film Review -- There Will Be Blood (R)

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films
Released December 26, 2007

This movie literally came out of nowhere. To put it in perspective, it was a balmy 70 degrees today in Boston and I was out on a walk in a fantastic mood when I decided to stop in and see this film. Let every viewer beware, this is not a film that you should just walk into. This was one of the most oddly suspenseful, twisted films I have seen in a long time.

I knew from the very first scene that I was in for something different. The film has no dialog for literally the opening 15 minutes but does include some seriously The Shining-esk music that put a pit in my stomach. Director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) took Upton Sinclair's "Oil!" and made a modern day psychological thriller worth watching.

Be reminded that this film was over two and a half hours. This is not a film to see if you are antsy-pantsy or, in my case, coming off an hour long walk in unseasonable warmth. But if you have the time and want to give the effort to wrap your mind around this gem, haste not and hit the theater ASAP.

There Will Be Blood is the story of "oil-man" Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) who, around the turn of the century, is quite possibly the most greedy oil tycoon in the west. Upon hearing from a religious fanatic (Paul Dano) that there is a huge oil revenue brewing in a town named Little Boston, Plainview travels with his son to monopolize the area. However, his disrespect of the local people and their enthusiastic religious ways, sends his domination on a serious whirlwind.

The pacing of this film was slow. Really slow. Scenes stretched out so thin that they were almost as thin as the nail I was biting. But in the end, it just heightened the tension to insurmountable levels. The acting out of Day-Lewis (Gangs of New York) and Dano (Little Miss Sunshine) was very solid. I was very surprised by Dano who, after a pretty solid and odd performance in Little Miss Sunshine, was able to lay out another odd and solid performance for this film.

Daniel Plainview may be one of the best good/bad characters in a long while. The critical nature of the film in question of organized/fanatical religions was also pertinent and very well thought out. I have already gone on Amazon and grabbed a copy of Sinclair's "Oil!" and hope to see how it matches up. What an odd film...

3.6 out of 4

News -- 2008 Golden Globes Canceled?

Wow. It has been rumored that the 2008 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Golden Globe Awards have been canceled due to the Writer's Strike in Hollywood. This is huge news and may be a pivotal moment in this seemingly never-ending strike.

In other news, after the first web poll on this site, you the viewers decided that Denzel Washington's Thriller American Gangster should be the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Drama). Let's hope we actually get to know the HFPA winners after all.

Editors Note: This rumor has been confirmed. The 2008 Golden Globes have been canceled and will be replaced by some sort of news conference... Should be thrilling.

Editors Note (take two): The winners will still be announced during said new conference on NBC.

Happy New Years!

Welcome one and all to the new year. I make my promise that this year, I will rev up this site to a new level! Keep in touch and visit often! I sincerely wish you all a safe and wonderful 2008.

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms