SBMM #5: The Queen

I have often been cynical of media productions about the Royal Family because they have mostly fallen into the category of sensationalized, tabloid media.

The Queen is not this type of production.

This film delicately, with poignancy and restraint, explores the world of Queen Elizabeth, when she was experiencing her first days of grief after her (ex)daughter-in-law Princess Diana was killed in 1997.

This film most definitely transports the viewer into the Queen's world, allowing us to come to our conclusions about the thoughts, values, and feelings of the Royal Family during that horrible season.

Helen Mirren's performance has to be seen to be believed. To put it plainly, she is incredible. Her acting embodies what I know as the queen. While watching this movie, Lindsey and I compared a speech that Helen Mirren made to the actual speech made by Queen Elizabeth. The similarities are almost creepy.

This film is made with great taste, never taking a moment to sensationalize or over-dramatize this incident. At one point, Queen Elizabeth is alone, crying, and the camera chooses to give her the privacy she deserved by filming the back of her head instead of her face. GENIUS!

This film also takes time to make some interesting comments about the changes of tradition, and how many times, people confuse traditions and values. I found myself thinking about how many churches mistake different traditions for values in a similar way.

The crafting of this movie made this one of my favorites from 2006. The Queen is a fascinating movie about a fascinating woman.

Transportability Score: 5/5

SBMM #4: Dan in Real Life

In the beginning of this movie, one lady is looking for a book that is funny. She says that she doesn't want the book to be "laugh out loud, ha-ha" funny, or laugh at other people's expense funny, but instead she is looking for a book that finds humor in authentic human moments.

It is clear that the writer/director of this film has plans to make a movie like the latter of the three books.

Peter Hedges (writer of About a Boy, and writer and director of the film Pieces of April) is known for making enjoyable movies that celebrate the simple humors of everyday life.

So how enjoyable is this film?
This film has some great moments.

The film is definitely not flawless. Some scenes that are obviously trying to feel real, feel contrived. Some scenes have dialogue that is "too clever" for its own good.

But in the midst of this, the film had some moments that were very real, modest, and genuinely funny. There was an underlying sweetness in this film that kept me wanting to watch it.

It was a pleasant 90 minutes. Not a masterpiece, but undoubtably pleasing.

Transportability Score: 3.7/5

SBMM #3: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

This movie had great potential, but it just didn''t quite make the mark.

Did the movie have the ingredients for a great flick?
Sure! Very fun and cool premise, great actors (Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman), and a promising writer/director, Zach Helm (writer of Stranger than Fiction)

Did the ingredients work?
Not really. This was a case of a movie that had a major lack of character and story development. A MAJOR LACK of overall coherency. Yes, the film was quirky, with its intent to be imaginative and engaging (a la Willy Wonka). Unfortunately, the film never fully took the time to guide the viewer into the wacky world of Mr. Magorium.

The film had a few moments that felt right...but those moments were few and far between.

I wanted Magorium to be good, but I was for the most part let down.

Transportability Score: 1.8/5

Spring Break Movie Marathon #2: The Iron Giant

I just took time to watch The Iron Giant, and somewhat to my surprise, I found this movie to be very enjoyable.

I had never had any interest in this movie (probably because the words "iron" and "giant" didn't give me any type of hook. I mean who wants to watch a movie about a giant made of iron anyway?) Later on, my interest grew because I discovered that the film was directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille).

Brad Bird began to make this movie with the idea "What if a gun had a soul"? (CNN, 1999) Read this article that came out in 1999 when the film was released.

Brad Bird also makes this comment:

"Animated films often boil down to the message, 'Be yourself,' and that's OK, but what does it
really mean?" (CNN, 1999)

With comments like these it is obvious that Bird had intents to make this animated movie better than the rest.

Does film stand up to Bird's hopes?
Yes!

Why?
1. Clever story and screenplay
2. A cool tribute to the 1950's
3. Very nice animation
4. The film addresses more than just the overused "be yourself" idea. It visits some themes as simple as the joys of childhood friendships. It also goes even deeper showing how one's choices are a major reflection of one's character. In the midst of this, the movie also has a subtle and tasteful commentary about violence in the midst of a paranoid society.

OVERALL: A completely unique and satisfying film

Take a look at what a bunch of critics say about this movie. Then read this one from Jeffrey Overstreet

At a surface, you may not have any interest in this film. Try to look past the whole "iron" and "giant" thing that might be keeping you from renting it. I think you'll find that this movie is worth your time.

Check out The Bible Experience

Spring Break Movie Marathon #1: Amadeus

I just took time to watch Amadeus again with Lindsey. This is such an excellent film. What I picked up this time that I had not observed as much in the past was the reflection this film gave on the consuming power of jealousy. This film made it evident that the creative process can be a consuming one, and that artists can easily be led to covet another's talents to the point of total consumption.

(Spoilers)
Salieri's jealousy of Mozart led him to loathe God's divine power and convinced him to have a lifelong vendetta against God. Salieri never denies the fact that his talent is subordinate to Mozart's, and becomes lost in his world of jealousy, anger, and poor self concept. He proclaims himself to be the "champion" of "mediocraties".

In the midst of this, the film also gives an epic and powerful depiction of Mozart. We are able to see him with his eccentricities, vanities, imperfections, and his undeniably genius mind.

If you have not seen it, it is definitely worth your time.

Ben Stein: Expelled

I am very curious to see how this documentary turns out. Watch the trailer on this site.

1906

One of my directors of choice, Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), is going to be directing the first live action film for Pixar (and Warner Brothers) based on the horrific earthquake that took place in San Francisco in 1906. The city was completely destroyed by this accident. Brad Bird has an uncanny ability to engage people in a story, so I am very interested to see how this film will turn out. Pixar is known for making great films, so the fact that they are making their first live action movie is very exciting.

Here is a link giving some interesting information about the 1906 earthquake.

Also, take a second to click on the photograph at the top of this page, and you will be able to zoom into the picture. Take a second to look up close at the cataclysmic destruction of this beautiful city. It is dumbfounding.

"Horton Hears a Who" in 50 Words or Less

Is "Horton" flawless? No
Is "Horton" worth your money? Yes

Reasons why it's good:
Animation looks great, especially Whoville.
Genuinely funny
Feels like you've walked into a Seuss Book.
Directed by a former Pixar-ian.
Great messages about acceptance and
faith in the unseen.
It's worth showing to our kids someday.

Thinking about "No Country"

Three months have passed since Lindsey and I saw No Country for Old Men., and I am still thinking about the implications. The final monologue escorted the viewer into a very important conversation about the nature of evil, and the film started this conversation by asking the question if hope can exist in a world full of seemingly unstoppable evil.

Take a moment to read an excellent article from the "Relevant Magazine" website discussing some of the ideas coming from the film. Then come back and read a few more comments that I have to add. (NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVIE AND PLAN TO WATCH THE MOVIE AT ANY POINT, DO NOT READ THE LINK OR THE REST OF THIS BLOG AS IT IS LADEN WITH SPOILERS)

This is a great article with some very thoughtful commentary; however, I want to add one more thought that I feel the author overlooked when discussing Chigurh's epiphany after his car wreck. Yes, I agree that Chigurh was rocked to the core by his realization of his lack of control after his wreck. However, I also see that he had another critical realization.

After walking out of his car alive, he stumbled upon two teenage boys who selflessly asked if he needed any help and if he was ok. This encounter with these innocent and giving boys seemed to further rock him to the core. Prior to his accident, Chigurh had a conversation with a character justifying his acts of murder by claiming his belief that no good existed in others. When he encountered these boys, he offered them money, and left without harming the boys. This encounter is the final encounter that the viewer watches with Chigurh.

This part of the plot is important to acknowledge because the scerne provides an integral aspect in the final development of Chigurh's character. (The encounter with the boys also serves as a dynamic contrast to the encounter that Moss had with the college age boys after his accident at the Mexican border.)

Does good exist in people? Do we have someone walking ahead with a light preparing a fire for us?
As a Christ follower, I have no doubt in my mind that a great goodness exists, and we can place our hope in God's goodness. But what about all the evil in the world? How does all this reckon? This is why the conclusion to this film is so important. Characters like the teenage boys who offer help to Chigurh give us a hint that Cormac McCarthy (the author of No Country) also believes that hope does exist. It makes me think that the author believes the same as I...that there is someone waiting ahead of us with a light to guide us and a fire to warm us in a cold world.

Following the 3D world

Dreamworks Animation Studios gave some more information about their upcoming computer animated film, Monsters vs. Aliens, explaining their innovation in the filmmaking world.

Read this article from USA Today explaining Dreamworks' vision of using 3D in their CG animated films.

(And one more surprise: Who will grace us with the voice of the President of the United States, non-other than Steve Colbert! I'd go just to see that!)

MAY 22--Be there

72 days left:

Spielberg is a master transporter. His filmmaking is one of the main reasons that I have such great belief in the transporting power of film.

To say I am excited is an understatement.
Call me biased...call me a ridiculous fan...call me what you will. Phase me you will not.
All I know is that on May 22, you will find me at Rave Theaters watching this.

Two Greats in 2008 (Cont')

A person can be transported in a story when they are completely immersed in the story.
The idea of films in 3-D has been around for years, but in the last several years (with the arrival of Digital 3-D) the concept has been revisited. Filmmakers seem to be taking a new interest in this film medium with its power to visually immerse its viewers. Directors like James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, and Pixar's John Lassiter are all embarking into the 3-D world. It's obvious that these guys are realizing something about this visual medium..

I was able to get a good taste of this power last week. My buddy Jordy and I went to the 9:40 show of U2 3D, and I have to say that this was definitely an IMMERSIVE experience.


Why it's good...
From the opening shots of the film, we were exposed to subtle rays of light shining through cracks in a wall, these rays of light broke through the screen and entered the theater. It was at moments like this where I knew that I would no longer be at the theater, but I would be able to attend a great concert.

U2 is a great band with a sound that is always epic and large. Their concerts reflect this large atmosphere, and the 3D exposure allowed me to deeper experience the epic nature of the film. At times I was watching the concert on the shoulders of some person in about the 10th row. At other times, I was flying over the heads of everybody landing next to Bono. And at other times, I was able to hover over Larry Mullen playing drums. It was all very surreal and very cool.

So was it worth the $11?

I would definitely say yes. I was a little nervous about the 3D effects being gimmicky, and yes, there were a few spots where it felt like the shots were being created to feature the 3D technology. But like my buddy Jordy said, "If anybody could have an excuse to use over the top 3D in a concert film, it's U2", and I concur. As a whole, the 3D is very tasteful, and I was able to enjoy my first U2 concert experience in a unique and immersive way.

I'm really pumped to see how digital 3D in film develops...It's seems like we're at the cusp of something really cool.


By the way:
As you know, Bono is a non-stop true humanitarian, and I was impressed to see how he merged this into the concert. I don't want to tell you too much, you need to just go see the whole thing for yourself.

You may also be aware of Bono's faith. I just want to add that it is so awesome to see a person who is impacting the entertainment world, and is also an unapologetic follower of Christ.
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If you've seen the film or heard any talk about his "Jesus, Jew. Mohammed" statement, and if you're at all confused at his implications. Here is a quote from film critic Jeffrey Overstreet who gives a decent explanation of the whole thing.

"And before anybody starts complaining about Bono’s mantra from this concert — “Jesus, Jew, Mohammed, it’s true…” — please don’t jump to conclusions. He’s not saying that all paths to God are equal. Listen closely. He then says, “All sons of Abraham.” He’s saying we’re all part of one family [as humans--- Haeger addendum], and we must learn to live together as in brotherly love. There’s nothing there that conflicts with the Gospel. So before the comments thread turns into another ludicrous “they’ve fallen away from the faith” lament, pick up the recent book of interviews called “Bono in Conversation.” You’ll find him fearlessly spelling out the gospel, as he does through his songwriting and through his tireless conscience-driven work." (Quoted in Looking Closer, Jeffrey Overstreet's Personal Blog, Click HERE TO SEE ARTICLE)

Two Greats in 2008 (So far)

The beginning of the year usually brings a mix of movies, many of them being the leftovers that are not intended to impact mass audiences. Occasionally, during this time though we will come across some "underdogs" in the January-March dates, that are surprisingly great films.

As of now, this year, I am putting my money on two films that I found to be exceptionally cool, (and both were exceptionally innovative).

"TRANSPORTED" WORTHY MOVIE #1: Cloverfield (Click Here for Trailer)

Why it's good...

This movie has been the product of some incredible marketing. Buzz was created over this film since last fall. The producers did not reveal it's title or topic until months after the initial teaser trailer. (Initially, the film was referred to by it's release date 1-18-08. How cool is that!!)


So was the film worth the buzz?
I was a little leery about this, but after watching it, Lindsey and I both found this movie to be 100% worth it. The film takes the basic premise of a "monster attacks city" plot, and makes it completely fresh, and surprisingly raw and realistic. This film is a total experience. Shot completely from the "eyeview" of the characters using a handheld camera, we are able to follow several individuals through this terrifying attack. The handheld aspect of the film (combined with excellent effects) created a new experience where you felt as if you were running alongside with the characters. The film is also a byproduct reflecting the real reactions that we have observed in the past years during 9-11 and Katrina (looters, people shooting the chaos with camera phones...very creepy and in a way revealing of how our society deals with chaos in this age)


BOTTOM LINE:
Lindsey and I left the movie that night saying that this was one incredibly "realistic" monster movie. But, I tell you no more than that, cause I don't want to ruin the experience for you. Watching this movie is a definite enjoyable experience that can be equally fun watching it on a small screen (thanks to the handheld camera techniques).

Here's a cool interview of producer (and one of my personal "always transports me with his stories" heroes) J.J. Abrams from Time magazine exploring some of the interesting themes in this movie.

THE "2nd Transported Worthy Movie" will come soon in a post in a few days!