Air (2023)

 

Based on the true story of how Nike signed Michael Jordan and took over the athletic shoe market. It’s scrappy and fun. A much better pairing of Affleck and Damon than The Rip. 

Rating: C+

Ruby Sparks (2012)

Somewhere between Weird Science and Stranger Than Fiction lies Ruby Sparks. The movie is playful, but with a dark edge. I liked the outside-the-box thinking that went into the script. Zoe Kazan was incredible in her role. Possibly Oscar worthy. If you enjoy literature, the writing process, and quirky romantic comedies, you’ll love Ruby Sparks.

Rating: B

Greenberg (2010)

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't whatever transpired on screen. I've seen a lot of indie films like this—kind of pointless dramadies that don't really go anywhere, yet are mildly entertaining. Greenberg was one of the better examples in this category.

Rating: C

The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)

A bland romantic comedy that felt like it was trying too hard to be indie. It was neither hip nor cool. Mostly slow, boring, and uneventful. Too many overly coincidental encounters. I couldn’t get past that.

Rating: D

Julie & Julia (2009)

I enjoyed Julia's side of the story much more than Julie's, who I found to be a bit grating at times. As a food lover myself, I loved seeing an entire film revolve around cooking. Don't see this film on an empty stomach. The love story between Paul and Julia felt authentic—who could resist Stanley Tucci?

I watched most of the extras on the Blu-Ray as well, which were informative, yet a bit long-winded. Meryl certainly was deserving of the Oscar. She's quite brilliant in her roll.

Rating: B-

Argo (2012)

Newly crowned Golden Globe winner for best picture is a solid hostage rescue film, with attention to detail and credible acting. Hard to say how factual the film is compared to what actually happened. Many times the scenes felt dramatically forced in order to amp up the its suspense.

I certainly wasn’t impressed on the scale of best picture winner. Then again, I am baffled at 75% of what gets nominated for major awards. Argo was an entertaining 2 hours, with a little history lesson to boot. Nothing more.

Rating: C+

Like Crazy (2011)

A very intimate story of love, relationships, and how complicated they both can be. I thought it was well done.

Rating: C+

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Woody Allen? Seriously? You're telling me Woody Allen directed this? But it's shot in Spain, not New York. No, really, Woody Allen? To say I had given up on his ability to create any more worthwhile films would be an understatement. I've been disappointed far too many times in the last 10+ years. So you can believe me when I say I was gravely suspicious of all the positive press surrounding his latest. At long last, old Woody delivers.

The film is gorgeous—a visual love poem to the city of Barcelona and the surrounding area. I've walked the steps of that ancient city myself and have a hard time pulling up memories that are more pretty to look at than many scenes in VCB.

The cast is gorgeous as well. Acting? Come on. Perfect. Story is ok—a bit convoluted. I'm not thrilled with the unfulfilling end either, but overall, a great effort.

Rating: B-

Away We Go (2009)

I liked the movie, but it sometimes felt a bit forced, like someone trying to mimic Zach Braff. Still, it's an interesting portrayal of a couple trying to find themselves. Some fun supporting characters along the way, especially Allison Janney.

Rating: C

Brief Interviews With Hideous Men (2009)

I'm not usually a fan of plotless films, but this one was intriguing. It's the smart dialogue that pulls you in, plus some surprisingly well acted scenes that don't exactly jive with the rest of the movie, but are good nonetheless. (The bathroom attendant scene, for example) Reminds me a little of Neil LaBute's early work.

Rating: C+

Devil (2010)

Decided to give this one a shot despite a streak of misses by M. Night. It wasn’t bad—better than Lady in the Water anyway. There’s some suspense, in an 80’s horror kind of way. The plot is middling. Wasn’t thrilled with the ending.

Rating: C-