Kim’s Movie Picks

October 25, 2005

Tim Burton’s latest stop-action animated film, The Corpse Bride, is a delightful diversion – that is, if you like your diversions a bit macabre. 

Obviously not satisfied with the ghoulish antics of his last animated film, the equally dark Nightmare Before Christmas,
Burton takes us a on journey to a timelessly Victorian town, where two sinister pairs of parents attempt to marry off their respective children, for all the wrong reasons.

Johnny Depp plays Victor Van Dort, the groom half of this ill-fated duo, with Emily Watson playing the part of Victoria, the innocent and sheltered (human) bride. Custom in this strange, dark town leads this engaged couple to meet face to face only the day before their nuptials – and then to have tragedy strike when the nervous groom cannot manage to memorize his wedding vows. Sent out of the church to practice said vows by himself, he inadvertently repeats the vows in a graveyard and instantly finds himself shackled to a bride who is a corpse (played with real panache by Helen Bonham Carter).

The animated characters in this farce are lovely to look at and the musical score by Danny Elfman adds immediate charm to some very chilly surroundings. Odes to other movies abound, and while the dialogue and song tunes are snappy, parents should be cautioned that this movie is not for small children, unless of course, you are part of the Adams Family. Then you will fit right in.

And while the plot may seem at times as thin as its main characters, this movie is a lot like Halloween candy corn, my favorite autumn candy: there is no obvious nutritional value, but there is still guilty delight, sweet satisfaction and yes, seasonal poignancy. This movie, like the candy corn, will not last long. Catch it while you can.

Two out of four stars. Rated PG for some scary images and action, and brief mild language.  Safe for all family members over 8 years old.

October 7, 2005

Director David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence does more than shock, it leaves you with a creeping unsettlement, a looking-over-your-shoulder unpleasant tingling that we come to expect from thrillers rather than melodramas.

And this film is not a thriller…at least not in the traditional sense. Yes, there is mystery, but its answer is found in a somewhat typical, two-legged, human being. There are no zombies or aliens here. And that is what is most scary. The truth, in the case of this plot, is scarier than fiction: that those most familiar to you are, perhaps, the individuals you should fear most.

This movie chronicles the unexpected changes that overcome the members of the Stall family, and their little Midwestern town, once the father thwarts an attempted armed robbery at his diner. The ensuing media attention brands him a local hero and his seemingly instinctual survivalist actions lead to unexpected, and continuingly, violent events.

Viggio Mortensen, best known for his role of Aragon in the Lord of the Ring’s trilogy, takes on a character in this film, that of local hero Tom Stall, which he can sink his teeth into, and does he ever…..it is a testament to his acting discipline that he doesn’t take this role of a seemingly quiet man called to heroic action over the top. Rather, the power of his character is seen in the subtle ways that the events of the movie, and his character’s reaction to those events, move the film’s atmosphere from heroic to horrific in a very short period of time.

Maria Bello — who many may remember from a season long ago on E.R.– plays Tom’s wife, Edie. She really gives this role her all, exuding a strong, and realistic, range of emotions, throughout the film, that holds little back. Her suspicions, her incredulousness, her anger and rage over the irreparable changes being inflicted on her family, mirror our own feelings and concerns.

This is a strongly played movie, with a very violent plot, shocking more for the character’s reactions to the various acts of violence, than the violence itself. And its ending is worth discussing.

Ed Harris is extraordinary in this film as the mobster who comes to the small town where Stall lives, turning his world upside down – and quite unexpectedly, William Hurt appears in the last act of the movie to contribute an outstanding cameo performance which leads to the all-out final showdown.

A History of Violence is rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some drug use. This is not a film I would recommend for anyone under 17 (in my opinion it should have been rated NC-17), but I still recommend it. Three and a half out of four stars for outstanding performances, solid plot, and sheer bravery of purpose. This film is thought provoking, on a number of levels, and for adults who enjoy good discussions after viewing a substantial film, this is for you.

Warning: not a date movie. There is extremely graphic sexuality and full-frontal nudity in this movie, as well as very stark scenes of violence.

October 6, 2005

Those looking to find light romance and movie escapism in the newest Reese Witherspoon movie, Just Like Heaven, would be better off renting Sweet Home Alabama – there is more chemistry between the co-stars, it has better supporting actors, and yes, I hate to admit it, a much better soundtrack (at least you can dance to it)

Just Like Heaven comes somewhat close to fulfilling the most basic comedic movie premises, but just misses every time. Not a fully realized plot, and no real comedy here.  Reese Witherspoon is her simpering best in this lite, lite role with no real snap and no real sparkle, she can and has done much better. Her co-star, Mark Ruffalo, was pleasant enough, but frankly, the chemistry was just not there for me.

We can all do better. One and a half out of four stars. Rated PG-13 for some sexual content. My advice: if you really need to, wait for the DVD.