Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

3/5

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a movie that is missing a lot, most notably the word "Side" in the title. It is also missing believable characters and believable dialogue. It tries to make up for it with sexy girls and 3D special effects, and it does a surprisingly good job of doing just that. The plot is, like the first two, about humans and Autobots against Decepticons, except this time it takes place in DC and Chicago. And that is the only reason I saw this movie. The Chicago scenes are amazing. It was like Source Code but reversed: I loved seeing all the buildings I was familiar with get attacked, burning to the ground with smoke wafting out the side. (I have no idea why that brings me joy.)

As for the rest of the movie, it plays like the prior two with only a modicum of improvements while retaining its numerous problems. It was still difficult to follow the robot characters and what exactly was going on in between things being blown up. The action sequences are fairly minimal and don't really keep the tension up. There is no climax and no final battle to speak of. Michael Bay tries to pull a little Forrest Gump CGI magic involving old footage of presidents, only it feels way too strained and unnatural. I thought the first half was a lot better than the second half, even though the second half has the bonus of being set in Chicago. Another positive is that the movie is hilarious, with stand-out performances by Ken Jeong, Alan Tudyk, and John Turturro. Overall, an enjoyable popcorn flick that will delight all the Chicagoans who got to see it being filmed here last year. And to everyone else: if you've seen the other two, you know exactly what you're getting into with this one.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399103/

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

3/5

Michael Bay's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a spectacular piece of entertainment. That is to say, it's an entertaining spectacle. Because I had heard bad things from many people, I went in with lowered expectations. And those lowered expectations were far exceeded. This movie is better than the original in just about every facet. It's funnier, it's more exciting, and you can actually tell what's going on in the fight scenes. Oh, and Megan Fox was hotter. Even the dialogue and acting was surprisingly good, especially compared to the original. The parents were just as funny if not funnier and John Turturro's character was awesome instead of boring and dumb. And I absolutely loved the cameo by Rainn Wilson.

As for the rest of the movie, there's not much to say. The plot is unimportant and probably filled with holes, so I won't waste any time on it here. Suffice it to say, there are transforming robots fighting other transforming robots to save Earth and all of humanity. Unfortunately, the robots are still as ugly as before, except now they combine with each other to form bigger transforming robots, like the Power Rangers on crack. Even at 2.5 hours, it doesn't nearly feel as overlong as the first one. All in all, it'll satisfy your summer need to see crude humor, hot chicks, and explosive action, but don't expect much more than that.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055369/

Margot at the Wedding (2007)

2/5

Margot at the Wedding is the reason I hate independent films. With mainstream movies, you more or less know what you're gonna get. With indie crap, they're always a risk: sometimes they pleasantly surprise you, but more often than not they disappoint you and waste your time. Throughout the movie, the characters echoed my sentiments at the bizarre actions of every other character: "What?" Confusion reigns supreme in this dreck. It tries too hard to be the weird, unique indie film for the sake of being that weird, unique indie film that it forgets to tell a story, any story. Strange things happen for no apparent reason. It tries to be a slice-of-life piece, but the characters are simply too unbelievable to exist in any life that can be sliced.

To its credit, I thought Kidman's transformation into an obscenely crazy person was impressive. And a lot of the jokes were really funny. My favorite line of the movie: "My scrotum's longer than my penis." Still, these are not enough to justify the rest of this movie. After seeing The Squid and the Whale, I thought I liked Noah Baumbach. I was very incorrect.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0757361/

The Big Lebowski (1998)

4/5

The first time I saw The Big Lebowski, I was a bit underwhelmed. I had heard the superlatives thrust about in zealous reviews, but at that time I was unfamiliar with the Coens and I didn't know "what it was that they did." Now I know, and I am truly impressed by their work here. Their inimitable style--from the precisely-crafted dialogue to the beautifully-envisioned compositions--is in full force in this movie. Unforgettable characters have emerged from forgettable roles. Simple phrases have become generational mottos. This is a movie that will remain in the collective cultural memory for a long time to come.

The humor finds itself in what the characters do and do not say and how they say it; it finds itself in their actions but more importantly in their motivations; it finds itself in the times, the places, and the moods of these individuals we slowly grow to appreciate if not love (thanks to narration by a "stranger"). While it is not particularly rare for me to laugh during a movie, it is hard for me to remember laughing so loudly, forcefully, and obnoxiously before this one.

Even so, the animated dream sequences are dated. I really don't like special effects that don't hold up over time. But there is a far more significant underlying problem I have with the film. As when I saw it the first time, I have trouble finding a point to it--something I can apply to my daily life more than simply quoting hilarious lines and/or putting them in my movie quotes quizzes. Maybe this movie is just entertainment, but I think the Coens should do more than that. I certainly know they can. But the question is whether or not I got anything more out of it than hearty laughs and good memories; and what is the answer? Does anyone have an answer in the affirmative, because I very much would like to love this movie more than I already do, and that is one major hurdle it must jump. Still, I would pop this movie in the DVD player in a heartbeat if I ever needed a quick laugh. And it's definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it already.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0118715/

The Good Shepherd (2006)

4/5

It's been awhile since I saw a movie where I didn't think about how I was going to write the review while I was still watching it. Or look at the time. This movie is engaging from the start, entrancing in every aspect. Loosely based on real events and real people during the 50's and 60's as the CIA was being formed, the plot sucks in the attentive viewer and keeps them breathless the entire time. It's been advertised as a spy thriller, but in reality it's a thinking man's drama. It is meditative. It asks questions and pretends no answers.

I was impressed by the acting (especially Matt Damon's morally ambiguous protagonist), although some characters seemed extraordinarily flat and poorly cast. (I was particularly disappointed at Robert De Niro's and Angelina Jolie's relatively limited screen time.) I found the pacing nearly flawless, although ironically it also felt like some scenes were pointless or shoddily constructed. Most of the dialogue was unnecessarily convoluted and deceptive, to the point where the audience loses track of what people say and mean or pretend to say and mean. Also, I thought there were a couple unexplained events and/or plot holes, whichever you want to call them. All these negative aspects seem to point towards it having a lower score, but the movie is more than the sum of its parts. It's truly an experience, and one not to be missed.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0343737/

Do the Right Thing (1989)

4.9/5

Do the Right Thing approaches racism from the opposite end from what we are all used to. It doesn't show the good that's present in all races, but rather the inescapable mistakes we all make when hatred clouds our thoughts and actions. This gives the audience a more visceral and memorable experience. We side with those we're biased towards and find the actions of those we're biased against unfair and excessive. We become involved; the film reaches inside us and pulls out or own hidden prejudices. Just like In the Heat of the Night, Do the Right Thing succeeds because it shows how everybody errs, not how everybody is perfect.

Watching this movie again, I was struck by how naturally the day proceeded, thanks to the editing. It didn't feel scripted or forced. What also impressed me was the depth and breadth of the characters in this neighborhood. Like The Rules of the Game, the audience recognizes and remembers every person who shows up on screen despite the extensive cast list. The script is also stellar. There are scenes of remarkable tension, incredible warmth, and biting humor.

I'll be honest, the clothes, language, and music are extremely dated; they are laughably bad. Also, what was with that intro kickbox dancing segment with the funky colors? Seriously, what is that? I found a lot of the camera angles to be both unflattering and distorting, shedding off some of the film's realism without adding to the message or tone. However, the few exceptional shots there were stood out even brighter in comparison. Also, most of the acting was pretty mediocre, except for John Turturro and Danny Aiello. Taken as a whole though, this piece is exceptional story-telling that will imprint itself in the memory of anyone who sees it.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0097216/

Miller's Crossing (1990)

4.9/5

Miller's Crossing is exquisitely detailed, exceedingly complex, and fully realized from start to finish. Darkly comic, this crime movie set in the Prohibition-era 30's tries to be a film noir in dialogue and a gangster movie a la The Godfather in content. Instead of fitting well into either category, it ends up being a fresh blend of both. Filled with double crosses, hidden agendas, and snappy dialogue, the plot can get quite confusing at times, but never out of reach for the attentive viewer. It envelops you in its own world, where every word has meaning if you know how to hear it right. The atmosphere is so real you're breathing the same air they are. My favorite aspect of this movie, and what keeps me coming back for more, is the abundance of subtle nuances left in the background for the especially watchful to pick up on. While the movie does explain the main story, it leaves a lot of important side stories and relationships open for the audience to chew over and realize on their own, which makes it much more engaging and memorable for those watching.

Onto the technical specifics. The acting was unerringly precise from all parties. The editing was terrific, milking every shot and scene for all they're worth while still maintaining mood and environment. The script itself is so rich and multi-layered in plot alone that it could stand up to analysis from a dozen different angles and produce different results each time. The dialogue is pithy and smart, as only the Coens know how to make it, although it does sometimes feel a bit "written." And it requires a very sensitive ear and very active mind to pick up on everything.

I remembered it being prettier, and was a little disappointed seeing it again and noticing rather bland colors and flat shots. While brilliant in composition and framing, the actual execution itself was not up to my expectations. The sound design as well made it a bit difficult to hear what the characters were saying, although perhaps the accents and word choice added to that problem. The dialogue doesn't quite succeed as a 40's noir, but the fervent and dedicated attempt more than make up for it. The music felt extremely out of place, specifically the choice of the main theme and also the times at which it would crop up, almost as if by accident. Also, some of the violence was a bit too exaggerated and almost laughable, although I'm pretty sure it's intentional. Very highly recommended, for any Coen brothers fan, Byrne fan, or gangster/noir fan. I will leave you with my two favorite lines from the movie.

"Nobody knows anybody. Not that well."

--"Look in your heart, look in your heart!"
--"What heart?"

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0100150/

Transformers (2007)

3/5

Transformers was a really, really fun movie. It's a summer blockbuster action movie that delivers for the entire two and a half hours. The special effects and the fights just blew me away. Some of the scenes were absolutely hilarious and had me laughing and smiling. Even though the movie was long, it was varied enough in content and mood to keep you interested and entertained. I especially loved the shout-out to Bay's earlier movie, where a kid runs around with a camera shouting, "This is so much better than Armageddon!" Also, I hear fans of the original cartoons were very pleased with how it turned out. The music was excellent and kept your blood pumping strong. The multiple storylines weave together really well.

As expected, the dialogue was extremely corny the entire time. The acting was awful. There were a ton of minor characters that were worthless (the hackers), along with subplots that were worthless (sending out a code while trapped inside). It could have easily been a much tighter, better-acted, better-written two hour movie if they had tried a little harder. Also, the main actress was pretty hot, I guess, but her face was really weird. Most of the scenes went on for too long and, at two and a half hours, the movie definitely overstayed its welcome. Although it never really got to the point where it was boring, I definitely felt some of the scenes to be quite tedious and tiring. Some of the fights were too short and there wasn't as big of a climax as I expected there to be; also, some were really confusing because of how it was shot and it was hard to tell what was going on. Also, I didn't like how the Transformers were so alien; I really didn't like their new designs. Anyway, if this movie ever interested you or you thought it might be good, go watch it, because you will not be disappointed.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0418279/