Thursday, March 15, 2012

War Horse, The Gold Rush, The Artist, The Muppets, Tintin, Safe House, and Much Ado About Nothing

Other directors wouldn't dare try a movie like this, which once again proves Spielberg's mastery in filmmaking. It's not the story itself that's daring, rather it is the unique way in which he uses the story to accomplish something greater. It's clear from early in the film that boy and his horse are an allegory for...


That is what I wrote about "War Horse" well over two months ago. Unfortunately I've been pretty busy, and to tell the truth the movies I've seen haven't really inspired me to take the time to write about them. That's really too bad, because even bad movies should be examined; there is an explanation for their badness.


Instead of writing extensively about each of the movies I've seen, I'm going to briefly tell you whether or not I like the given film.


"War Horse" was a masterful film which I didn't really enjoy. The subject matter and characters never really captured my attention.


I watched "The Gold Rush" in preparation for watching "The Artist", I wanted to have a reference point for knowing what a silent film should be. I watched this at home via Netflix with the kids. Charlie Chaplin wasn't making some novelty film where physical performance was all he had; he understood that this was all he needed. Black and white, silent, limited camera techniques and all, this is an extremely entertaining film.


"The Artist" is also an entertaining film, yet we are always conscious of the fact that sound is missing. Honestly, too much emphasis is placed on this being a silent film that it doesn't work as a film, it feels like a gimmick. I would actually argue that it isn't a silent film; if the filmmakers selectively include sound, I would consider that cheating. I enjoyed the movie, but it doesn't belong in the category of "The Gold Rush".


The Muppets was wonderful, especially the musical sequence for 'I'm a Muppet of a Man'. Alas, I could go for more Muppets, this would have been much better had it been the beginning of a new Muppets TV show rather than a stand-alone one-time-only movie.


"Tintin" is like Indiana Jones for little kids (I know about the connections), and if that isn't a selling point for you I can't really help you. There isn't much depth here, but the ride is fun.


"Safe House" meets the criteria of being a movie that I have no desire to write about or even really think about. It's one of those movies that while I was sitting there I was wishing that I could be watching "Training Day" instead.


"Much Ado About Nothing" is a great way to make up for watching "Safe House"; it renews your appreciation for movies, and for Denzel.

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