Rushmore (1998)

 

A nice thing about Wes Anderson films is that they seem to take place in a time all of their own, so watching this decades later, it doesn’t feel dated. The subject is misplaced love and attention. Typical quirky Anderson characters engage against a backdrop of indie and classic tunes. 

I very much enjoy the theatrical stage productions often contained in his films. Later he will direct entire films in this manner. 

Rating: B-

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

 

A strange film from David O. Russell with an A-List cast. 

Rating: C

Slackers (2002)

 

An Immature script with a few laughs. 

Rating: C-

Bewitched (2005)

 

Ferrell is very funny in a mediocre reboot. Weak ending.

Rating: C-

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

 

Having read the original Hunger Games books and watched the movies, it was inevitable I would see the prequels. A bit underwhelmed by the performances from the teen actors, but the heavyweights held it together. 

They covered a lot of story, but at the same time it felt rushed. I would have enjoyed this more as a TV series. Becoming emotionally invested in the tributes is what makes their stories special, and we only get a brief introduction before they get wiped out in the arena. Still, I was engaged and had fun. 

Rating: C+ 

The Sparks Brothers (2021)

 

Right up front, we are shown a lot of famous people praising this duo we’ve never heard of. I’m deeply invested in the music world, and this is the first time I’m hearing of this band that’s supposedly influenced the musical landscape to the degree they are telling me. 

There is a lot of background narrative, but not being emotionally invested in the Sparks at this point, it’s mostly wasted on me. The editing style of intersplicing old clips to tell the story might have been novel had it been used sparingly, but they chose to back the truck up for this documentary. 

Meanwhile, bits and pieces of their music are being played between the lavish praises of industry insiders. They are creaming their bellbottoms over how incredible and life changing it all is. I’m like “meh”. Am I missing the joke? Did they make a documentary about a fictional mediocre band to see if people would pretend to like Sparks music because so-called experts are telling them it’s good? 

Let’s be honest. If their music was actually as good as all these musicians and the documentary say it was, they would have been more popular and people would play their albums. They don’t. The music isn’t that great. They are the answer to the question: “What if Queen wasn’t very good?”

To be fair, I did recognize the song “Cool Places” about 90 minutes in. I’d completely forgotten about that song until now. And any collaboration with Franz Ferdinand is going to be good. It’s a shame Sparks spent so much of their career seemingly trying to displease their fans. 

Rating: C-

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Classic Wes Anderson style with all the usual players, and then some. Not one of my favorites from him, but still good.

Rating: C+

Spun (2002)

I liked the music video montages better than I liked the movie. Great soundtrack. As with most drug related movies, it failed to maintain a cohesive plot. I didn't connect with any of the characters.

Rating: D

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

 Wes Anderson films are always unique, if not entertaining. This one is both. They could just as easily have gone with a giant train set-piece, along the same vein as the submarine in Aquatic. Instead, they brilliantly used the real thing, bringing the audience along for the ride through an India seldom seen onscreen.

Anderson's quirky trademark shots are everywhere. This is his film through and through. Most of it works, some  doesn't. Always worth the price of admission.

Rating: B-

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Like nothing you've seen before. It's hip, funny, quirky, and a bit juvenile. Video games infiltrate every part of the production. I really liked the characters and their quick witted interactions.

A miss for me was the focus of the entire film—Scott fighting the 7 evil ex's. If I want to see cartoonish fights, I can watch schlock like Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. Still, it was refreshing to see something different brought to screen.

Rating: C+

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

I love Wes Anderson films, even if I don’t necessarily award them glowing reviews. They are always creative, interesting, entertaining, and quirky. These are commodities I appreciate in film. Moonrise Kingdom possessed all of these qualities, portrayed by the usual cadre of Anderson players. Cute story amidst a magical landscape.

Rating: C+

Funny People (2009)

I really liked the first half to three fourths of this movie. I was seriously toying with giving out a rare "A" grade. It needed a stronger 3rd act, but still solid overall. I actually like Adam Sandler in almost every serious role he's been in—it's the comedies I hate. Spanglish. Liked it. Punch Drunk Love. LOVED IT. Here he's great too. I call it the Robin Williams Phenomenon. Terrific supporting cast, just like all Judd's movies.

Rating: B

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Stop motion or not, this film has Wes Anderson's trademark style all over it. If you're a fan of his, as I am, you will enjoy this Roald Dahl classic brought to life. You'll recognize the voices of all his usual cohorts. It's warm and safe family fare. Perhaps too safe?

Rating: C+

Shopgirl (2005)

Claire Danes is a fine actress. It's a shame she's not on screen more. Here she plays it innocent, sometimes sensual. I love her subtle performance. Steve Martin is subdued, yet delightful to watch. Jason Schwartzman is in familiar territory, but it's a place we enjoy visiting again and again.

Rating: B-