25 June, 2005

Get thee to the Cinema


In the last two weeks, I've seen more films than in the two months prior. It's been worth it. I have really been inspired by the films that I've seen lately. We're definitely experiencing a resurgence in quality films. For years, I've said that the best writing was in Television. Now, I believe that it's shifted to films.
Firstly, there was the bad, but not unbearably so "Slutty Summer." I would have been severely disappointed to spend the $7.50 (Student Discount) to see it, except that my ex, Neal, had a part in it, as did John, the lead in the play that we were both in two years ago. It's very interesting to see the person that you've slept with most in the world on screen. It made me wonder, for instance, if he'll always be the person that I've slept with most in the world...But that's a subject for another day.
I also saw "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," and I think that Angelina has never been better. Brad, as always, did a nice job. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, although I wish that I hadn't seen it opening weekend. In general, I don't believe in spending money for big budget films early in their runs. They dominate the screens anyway. Why should I spend money to help them maintain their dominance. I'd rather have four films playing on four screens than all four screens being wasted on one film.
The other big-budget film that I saw, "Batman Begins," I'd planned on seeing on opening weekend. Number one, it stars Christian Bale. Number two, it's supposedly faithful to the comic, and number three, it stars Christian Bale. It didn't disappoint. He looked phenomenal, as did the film. It's definately the best translation of the character to film.
Heights, I saw tonight on a date. I expected to like it. I didn't expect to like it that much. Loads of laughs, I cried (But those of you who know me can vouch that I can count the number of films that I haven't cried during on both hands.) It's a New York film, and The City is a character. A minor one, but it's there. Glenn Close gives an understated, moving performance. I'd never seen Elizabeth Banks, but she proved eminently watchable. Finally, after "The 24th Day," where he really impressed me, James Marsden proved here that his best acting is done outside of major blockbusters.

The last film that I mention is my favorite of them all. It's a little Indie that I fell in love with. I suggest that you all run out and see it as soon as it opens in your town, and that you hound your cinemas to get it. The name is "Saving Face." It's a fantastic romantic comedy (Which, to me, is the ultimate in film genres.). Any description beyond that feels limiting. The lead is a lesbian, but it's not a "Lesbian Film." Her family is Asian-American, but again, it's not an "Asian Film." If you really need to learn more, the title of this blog is a link to the films site.

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