Shutter Island

2010

Director: Martin Scorsese

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Key Elements: Concept - Visual

Review:

Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, this is the story of a Federal Marshal investigating a disappearance at a high-security prison for the criminally insane – shutter island.

As I expected, there was a twist at the end, but it was bigger than I expected. Along the way we’re left guessing while being dazzled by amazing visual poetry.

I continue to be impressed with the projects DiCaprio selects for himself.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• Yeah fine, I just ah, I just can't, can't stomach the water.
• You'll never leave this island.
• There's no moral order at all. There's just this: can my violence conquer yours?
• We gotta get off this rock, Chuck.
• Which would be worse, to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?
• Why are you all wet, baby?

Stills:

The Book of Eli

2010

Director: The Hughes Brothers

Distributor: Warner Brothers Pictures

Key Elements: Concept – Visuals

Review:

Before the cross, Israel carried the hope of the Gospel.  Because they were the only people in the whole world with that honor, they were justified in using violence to protect it.

In this movie, the hope of the Gospel is carried, not by a nation, but by a single man.  And likewise, he uses violence to protect it.  Think Road Warrior with a Bible.

One thing I appreciated about this movie was that it showed how the Bible CAN be used incorrectly.  Not everyone appealing to its authority can be trusted.  That’s a rare message and an important distinction.

Another thing I like is how the twist at the end confirms that, not only is the Bible valuable, but what it says is true – Because God has been helping Eli.

Then there’s what I didn’t like.

[Spoiler]

At the end, Eli gets to a safe house where the Bible can be preserved.  …Right next to a Koran!

That’s right - After parading as a pro-Bible story this movie ends on a Universalistic note.

Lame.

Still… the premise is an interesting concept.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• People had more than they needed. We had no idea what was precious and what wasn't. We threw away things people kill each other for now.
• In all these years I've been carrying it and reading it every day, I got so caught up in keeping it safe that I forgot to live by what I learned from it.
• Thank you lord for a warm bed to sleep on, thank you for the food we are about to eat, thank you for a roof over our heads on cold nights such as this, thank you for companionship in hard times like these, Amen.
• IT'S NOT A FUCKIN' BOOK! IT'S A WEAPON. A weapon aimed right at the hearts and minds of the weak and the desperate. It will give us control of them. If we want to rule more than one small, fuckin' town, we have to have it. People will come from all over, they'll do exactly what I tell 'em if the words are from the book. It's happened before and it'll happen again. All we need is that book.
• Its like he's protected somehow, nothing can touch him
• They say the war tore a hole in the sky

Stills:

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

2008

Director: Bharat Nalluri

Distributor: Focus Features

Key Elements: Lines – Characters – Message

Review:

I was surprised to find out this movie is based on a Winifred Watson novel, and not on a stage play.  One of the most charming things about this movie is that watching it makes your feel like you’re at a live theater.

A down-on-her-luck Miss Pedigrew cons her way into a job as an assistant to the promiscuous, high-society theatrical hopeful, Delysia.  Throughout the day thw two juggle Delysia’s men as they try to secure a future for themselves.

But as the night draws near, the frivolity wears down, and the stakes become clear.  WWII introduces itself, Delysia realizes she must make up her mind and Miss Pettigrew faces a return to the lonely streets.

But these dark realities force the characters to drop their facades and decide what it really worthwhile.

In the end, it’s relationships.  Both Miss Pettigrew and Delysia turn to the people they trust most for strength to go through life.  It’s a good message delivered along with fun, fast double-entendres and a pretty sweet musical number.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• If I want to smoke cigars, I'll damned well smoke cigars, thank you very much, and to hell with your opinion.
• Men are so untrusting. I can't think why.
• Not everything comes along just when we want it. There are times when decisions just have to be made, or you certainly will miss out.
• I am not an expert on love, I am an expert on the lack of love, Delysia, and that is a fate from which I wish more fervently to save you.
• You people, with your green drinks and your parties and your subterfuges! You're all playing at love. One minute her, the next minute someone else, flit, flit, flit! We'll, I'm not playing. Love is not a game.

Stills:

Avatar

2009

Director: James Cameron

Distributor: 20^th Century Fox

Key Elements: Concept - Visual

Review:

*Sigh*  …Avatar.

James Cameron did something VISUALLY AMAZING here.  Creating his OWN 3-D technology, he presented us with an on-screen world unlike anything we’ve ever seen.  The effect this new technology created for its viewers was staggering and beautiful.

…What a pity he didn’t put as much effort into finding a worthy story to carry his new technology.

Some have compared the plot to Dances With Wolves; others to Pocahontas.   To me it’s nearly an identical retelling of Fern Gully.  No matter which movie it makes you think of most, it WILL make you think of another movie.  Because you’ve seen this one before – probably more than once.  While the visual effects are new, the story has already been told over and over again.

So… It was worth seeing once, if only for the visual effects.  But the lame story nearly nullified any enjoyment I might have taken from the experience overall.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the dream.
• I see you.
• One idiot with a gun is enough.
• If you are one of us, help us!
• All I ever wanted was a single thing worth fighting for.
• We're going up against gunships with bows and arrows.

Stills:

Paprika

2006

Director: Satoshi Kon

Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Key Elements: Concept - Visuals

Review:

In this story, based on Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel of the same name, a “DC Mini,” a device that enables people to enter the dreams of others, has been stolen. The main character, Doctor Chiba, teams up with Doctor Tokita, the creator of the DC Mini, to uncover the stolen device. Taking on her dream persona “Paprika,” Chiba inspects the dream world for clues. The action mounts until reality and the dream world collide.

This movie was the first thing I thought of when I saw the "Inception" trailer.  But though they share a premise, the two are very different movies.  I think Inception is better.

But Paprika is still worth watching - If only for the astounding animation.  This is eye candy - completely amazing.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Don't you think dreams and the Internet are similar? They are both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents.

Stills: