Beardface's stats
- Review count111
- Helpfulness votes16
- First reviewDecember 6, 2009
- Last reviewAugust 31, 2011
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
Overall rating
5
/
5
Great flick.
PostedOctober 1, 2010
Jesse Eisenberg takes his quirkiness to a new level. At first it seemed a little fake, but it didn't take long to believe that the actor was truly a character who might quite possibly have Asperger's syndrome. At any rate, you grow to accept the genius of the actor and the character the actor is playing...the conversations he has are fun to watch.
At last a film about people who are supposedly geniuses who actually feel smarter than me, not just more well connected. It is ironic that while this man was able to make and connect so many friends, he had such a hard time maintaining the few that mattered. Great to see that money and power are not all that is important to getting what you want or need out of life.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Hit Girl Sucks...and It's Awesome!
PostedOctober 1, 2010
Chloe Moretz is now established as a force in Hollywood with this movie. (Note to C.M.--make sure to thank your parents and your manager for allowing you to be a part of so many good movies; and avoid substance abuse, because you are too talented for your life to go to waste like so many of these other folks in Tinsel Town).
It is refreshing to see vampires be what they are--nasty, nasty creatures! Yes, a person may be able to sympathize with these creatures, especially when well portrayed by actresses such as Ms. Moretz. However, it is important to recognize that in so many different ways (which were also well portrayed and developed by the writers & directors of this film) such empathy could be detrimental (and should be, given that vampires are horror creatures, not fashion models). Also, it was really cool to learn something new about an old concept in the vampire genre (hence the apt title). Good use of CGI (even some of the obvious limitations to the realness of CGI is used well to add a level of creepiness to the film), multilevel horridly uncomfortable use of sensuality, and tastefully brutal. Truly an original and classic movie; easily on the list of the best vampire movies of all time.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Remake Unnecessary
PostedSeptember 30, 2010
This film proudly touts that it is inspired by "Blood Simple." This film was beautifully shot, had good humor, had a compelling and beautiful lead actress, and was almost interesting. Almost. Like "Blood Simple," there were too many times where I just wanted to fall asleep. Yes, B.S. was a classic. Yes this was true to the spirit of the original film. But I was bored, and the promise of excitement in this film never panned out for me. 3 stars because it was well done, but I won't be recommending this to anyone who isn't already enamored with independent films.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Good movie, but not as memorable as the first.
PostedSeptember 30, 2010
This was an entertaining film, and I must say that for being so petite and unassuming, Carey Mulligan was a whole lot of woman. I can see how a workaholic businessman could take time to notice that flower, and I must say I was myself in love with her for the duration of that 2hrs and 7mins. Forget the nod for Michael Douglas, this actress definitely deserves some recognition from the Oscar committee for her performance here.
That said, the movie was good, but not great. I've read some of the other reviews regarding this film, and of course I saw the movie. I would agree that this film is not going to be as memorable as the first. While there is maybe more going on in this film, there is nothing about this film that makes it a classic. In no way does it embrace the spirit of the times that one may wish to imitate. Wall Street 1 had the same appeal as Scarface--you know or can know that the bad guys are bad, but there is something appealing about them and being like them; not so in this movie. Also the most honorable people do things of which you'd typically would be ashamed, yet in this movie those actions are sold as virtuous. What's more, the actors portrayed characters in a way which really makes me think what I've thought for so many years--is the reason that these guys who make all the decisions, and often very poor ones, are in a position to do so is simply because that's how things are. They are not necessarily smarter than me, simply more ambitious. Not necessarily harder working than me, but simply willing to do what I am not; not necessarily from a position of virtue or admirable strength, but from carelessness and thoughtlessness of the outcome of their actions on anyone else but themselves. Such is a nasty reminder that social darwinism is simply a more succinct way of saying darwinism (i.e. survival of the fittest) as it applies to human beings. Which is to say, there are those that are eaten, and those that hunt for the food--and only the strongest survive. In that since, this movie is like the first, except that it reminds you during our time of economic crisis, that water buffalos can die by being eaten not only by lions, but by the over abundance of microscopic parasites; and those same parasites can take down lions as well. Hard to stomach, knowing that so many of us are not the kings of the jungles that are humanity and society.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Magnificent!
PostedSeptember 29, 2010
Very cool story, very cool use of 3D. I have thought this for awhile now, but 3D is truly meant for animation based and focused films (I'll include Avatar and Alice in Wonderland in this group, as the best uses of 3D in those films were CGI heavy). This movie uses 3D well. Nothing forced shooting or projecting at the audience in this film. Instead it gives a depth to the artwork that a 2D medium, even with brilliant shadows and detail, simply can't portray. And the artwork was soaringly stunning and incredibly inspiring. Good character development, interesting take on racism/nationalism, thoughtful ideas on friendship & kinship as well as enemies & betrayal. A story to which multiple generations can appreciate and related. And a lot of story done in 90 minutes time. Truly magnificent!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
Why bother with this film?
PostedSeptember 21, 2010
This isn't good. This a waste of time. This is a very bad movie. It was well produced, but so what? I was glad to spend $10.00 because maybe Joaquin Phoenix can use what ever portion of it he will receive from me and other movie patrons to be able to live off of it for a little while (he did help make Gladiator a great movie after all). There was nothing unique or compelling about his experience, about who he was, or about the life he lives. No remarkable expose on the media world in which he lives. No real feeling of manipulation or stunt, so if it was present then they failed to convey it on film; only people who care about media fanfare would care, and I personally never thought of Joaquin Phoenix as a Hollywood elite--he is more of one of those reliably good actors you don't give a second thought about when the movie is done. I even had difficulty being able to successfully get fully asleep during this movie, despite the nagging urge. See this movie if you care about the artificial elevation of others typically seen in the various worlds of the arts, but know that you don't have to spend money to see this sort of thing anytime you want. All you have to do is live and breathe and listen and watch the world around you. It saddened me to think that so many people in the film who weren't actors felt the need to be a part of his celebrity.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Hire a better marketing team, guys!
PostedSeptember 20, 2010
This was a really good movie. Sadly, I get the feeling not many people (or not as many who would see it and would like it) are going to see it. Hopefully if you are reading this I'll convince you to go see it by dealing with the questions that I think will most likely come to mind.
Question 1: Is this a horror movie?
Answer: Yes, and no--both in a good way, at least to me. It is more of a supernatural thriller. To explain my answer in detail could give too much of the movie away. But I will say don't go if you are looking for a Wes Craven type movie. This is an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
Answer: Yes, and no--both in a good way, at least to me. It is more of a supernatural thriller. To explain my answer in detail could give too much of the movie away. But I will say don't go if you are looking for a Wes Craven type movie. This is an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
Question 2: Is it worth overcoming my obviously tabooed sense of rejecting anything promoting the devil?
Answer: Yes. The movie is titled "Devil" for good reason, but you don't have to feel that you are supporting the devil by watching it. Given how many Christians, and Muslims, and Jews, and Hindus, and Buddhists, and other religious persons, and even atheists who reportedly exist in the world (all of whom believe in some form of personified evil either human or supernatural, or at least would reject promoting such ideas of evil) I am not sure why someone thought it was such a great idea to fight cultural and historic taboos and call the movie "Devil"--especially if they expect people to run to the theaters. But if you can overcome this conditioned bias, you are likely to see why I'd recommend this movie to you--even if such bias is strong in you.
Answer: Yes. The movie is titled "Devil" for good reason, but you don't have to feel that you are supporting the devil by watching it. Given how many Christians, and Muslims, and Jews, and Hindus, and Buddhists, and other religious persons, and even atheists who reportedly exist in the world (all of whom believe in some form of personified evil either human or supernatural, or at least would reject promoting such ideas of evil) I am not sure why someone thought it was such a great idea to fight cultural and historic taboos and call the movie "Devil"--especially if they expect people to run to the theaters. But if you can overcome this conditioned bias, you are likely to see why I'd recommend this movie to you--even if such bias is strong in you.
Question 3: It's promoted as an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Times are tough economically for everyone. Shouldn't I keep my money in my pocket ?
Answer: No, the movie is worth the price of admission. While I know M. Night Shyamalan seems he was hellbent on committing career suicide by making movies such as "Signs" or "The Village" or "The Happening" and may have finally succeeded by making "The Last Airbender," please remember he also made "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable," and "The Lady in the Water." Plus M. Night didn't direct or write the screenplay for this movie--he wrote the base story, and produced the film. This film is pleasantly watchable, the "twists" M. Night Shyamalan is known for are valuable and not merely jolting changes in direction (that often are ultimately disappointing).
Answer: No, the movie is worth the price of admission. While I know M. Night Shyamalan seems he was hellbent on committing career suicide by making movies such as "Signs" or "The Village" or "The Happening" and may have finally succeeded by making "The Last Airbender," please remember he also made "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable," and "The Lady in the Water." Plus M. Night didn't direct or write the screenplay for this movie--he wrote the base story, and produced the film. This film is pleasantly watchable, the "twists" M. Night Shyamalan is known for are valuable and not merely jolting changes in direction (that often are ultimately disappointing).
Question 4: Will I be disappointed after watching this film?
Answer: Initially maybe, but then where you may be disappointed will ultimately lead you to feel good, so the sensation isn't likely to last long unless you didn't pay attention to the answer in Question 1.
Answer: Initially maybe, but then where you may be disappointed will ultimately lead you to feel good, so the sensation isn't likely to last long unless you didn't pay attention to the answer in Question 1.
This is a well acted, well scripted, well directed film with some faces you'll recognize but no stand out or well known actors. This is great, actually, because the movie relies on talent instead of name recognition. In fact, the name recognition they attempt to use (i.e. M. Night Shyamalan and the devil) will actually likely work against the film and the audience who would otherwise enjoy it and promote it. But because I do feel strongly about the worthwhileness of this movie, I hope my Q&A helped convince some to go watch it.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
2
/
5
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
PostedSeptember 10, 2010
I don't understand why there is a marketing team that can make the movie look so good, so appealing. Surely they must spend a whole bunch of money to get such a team in place. Surely that team focuses on what the audience will want from a film and presents that to the audience to attract them to see it--must take time and creativity to do this. But just like a gorgeous, gold adorned, perfume wearing zombie, a bad movie still stinks of death, eats away at your time and your money and your soul, and causes you agony. Why spend the money on gimmicks and marketing--make a good film and people will see it again and again, and they will tell their friends. This movie was horrid; are the women pretty--yes; are the effects cools--yes (you've seen them before, but yes); is there plenty of action (at least enough action)--yes. Will I recommend the movie--[EXPLICATIVE], [EXPLICATIVE], [EXPLICATIVE], [EXPLICATIVE], [EXPLICATIVE] NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Here is what I saw on screen.
PostedSeptember 7, 2010
In this movie various Hollywood producers, directors, actors and actresses are all at a party. Quentin Tarrantino gets really drunk and begins to rant and rave about how awesome 1970s blackslpoitation films were back then and are still to this day. He raged at how political correctness makes filmmakers too weary of public backlash if they recreate such movies. Plus, black people and culture are too mainstream now for anyone to care
enough to watch a black hero struggle not only against the evils of the world, but also
against "The Man" trying to hold him down. Robert DeNiro always____ admired those films himself, and always wished he could have
been in one.
"Yes," he agreed with Tarrantino, "that's true those movies were great, but people probably don't want to see them. I mean, people
DON'T want to even think that there is any
meaningful racism against black people these
days, especially now that Obama is in the White House. Even if it may be pretty bad out there (at least for some people) nobody wants to pick at old wounds, and too few
would think such a movie would have any meaningful present day political or social relevance. Almost too bad there aren't many Latinos who could play Shaft."
Quentin Tarrantino's face lit up with glee, and he called over Robert Rodriguez to join the conversation.
"Hey, hey, Roberto, listen to this...Bobby, say what you just said."
DeNiro shrugged and and said, "I didn't really say nothing. I just told Quentin here that I also enjoyed watching blacksploitation films, but nobody would think making one would be a good idea, or that such a movie would even matter today."
"No, no, Bobby, the last thing you said."
"What, that I think Latinos are being treated today like blacks were back then?"
"No, say it how you said it."
"Hey, I didn't mean any disrespect! I just said said it's too bad there wasn't a Latin Guy who could play Shaft."
Robert Rodriguez's face went pale and his jaw dropped. Robert DeNiro started getting self conscious. "Listen, I'm sorry. I..."
"Stop, Bobby," Rodriguez reassured, "you're fine and you've said enough. Quentin, what we did with Grindhouse was a joke. Who would help us fund such a project? And who could we even get to be in this movie to attract an audience big enough to make it jprofitable?"
"No worries," Tarrantino replied. Then he whistled and called over Danny Trejo.
"Danny, my man, do you still have the paper?"
Danny Trejo asked, "You mean 'the paper.' The one I got professionally framed in platinum molding and UV protected bulletproof glass? Of course I do."
Confused, DeNiro quiried, "What are you guys talking about?"
Tarrantino responded, "Danny, you first."
"Well, about 5-6 years ago me and Don Johnson are hanging out at Starbucks. Don was reminiscing about his lead roles, especially on Miami Vice. I was getting jealous, and I told him I will never retire from acting until I get at least one shot at a leading role in a popular major motion picture. We heard some Gil's laughing after I said this, so I asked them what was so funny. Michelle Rodriguez said, 'You've been acting forever! There is no way anyone is going to put you in a major lead role if you haven't been in one by now.' Jessica Alba said, 'That's so mean to say Michelle. But it is true that it's too easy for Hollywood to type cast you, no matter how good an actor you are.' Then Lindsay Logan chimed in, 'Plus you're too old and ugly.' So I told them all to kiss off, because I was determined to make it and I wasn't ever going to give up. So Michelle Rodriguez says, 'If you ever pull that off, I'll do a scene with you where in I'll pursue you sexually.' Jessica Alba said, 'Look, let me motivate you. I'll do a couple of those scenes, plus I'll get naked on film for no reason at all than to be naked.' Then Lindsay Logan says, 'I'll actually do a sex scene with you...and another girl, and then I'll just stay naked.' Then they all giggled. Then Don says 'You should get them to put it in writing.' Then the girls all laughed and said 'Why not, like it will ever happen.' So now I got my paper. But why do you guys care?"
Robert Rodriguez stated, "Machete."
Quentin Tarrantino then says, "Roberto, Bobby, Danny, it's time for you all to make a movie together. I'm too busy, so I can't take active part in this, but Roberto let me tell you what I hope to see in this flick. Oh and let me introduce you to some producer friends of mine."
enough to watch a black hero struggle not only against the evils of the world, but also
against "The Man" trying to hold him down. Robert DeNiro always____ admired those films himself, and always wished he could have
been in one.
"Yes," he agreed with Tarrantino, "that's true those movies were great, but people probably don't want to see them. I mean, people
DON'T want to even think that there is any
meaningful racism against black people these
days, especially now that Obama is in the White House. Even if it may be pretty bad out there (at least for some people) nobody wants to pick at old wounds, and too few
would think such a movie would have any meaningful present day political or social relevance. Almost too bad there aren't many Latinos who could play Shaft."
Quentin Tarrantino's face lit up with glee, and he called over Robert Rodriguez to join the conversation.
"Hey, hey, Roberto, listen to this...Bobby, say what you just said."
DeNiro shrugged and and said, "I didn't really say nothing. I just told Quentin here that I also enjoyed watching blacksploitation films, but nobody would think making one would be a good idea, or that such a movie would even matter today."
"No, no, Bobby, the last thing you said."
"What, that I think Latinos are being treated today like blacks were back then?"
"No, say it how you said it."
"Hey, I didn't mean any disrespect! I just said said it's too bad there wasn't a Latin Guy who could play Shaft."
Robert Rodriguez's face went pale and his jaw dropped. Robert DeNiro started getting self conscious. "Listen, I'm sorry. I..."
"Stop, Bobby," Rodriguez reassured, "you're fine and you've said enough. Quentin, what we did with Grindhouse was a joke. Who would help us fund such a project? And who could we even get to be in this movie to attract an audience big enough to make it jprofitable?"
"No worries," Tarrantino replied. Then he whistled and called over Danny Trejo.
"Danny, my man, do you still have the paper?"
Danny Trejo asked, "You mean 'the paper.' The one I got professionally framed in platinum molding and UV protected bulletproof glass? Of course I do."
Confused, DeNiro quiried, "What are you guys talking about?"
Tarrantino responded, "Danny, you first."
"Well, about 5-6 years ago me and Don Johnson are hanging out at Starbucks. Don was reminiscing about his lead roles, especially on Miami Vice. I was getting jealous, and I told him I will never retire from acting until I get at least one shot at a leading role in a popular major motion picture. We heard some Gil's laughing after I said this, so I asked them what was so funny. Michelle Rodriguez said, 'You've been acting forever! There is no way anyone is going to put you in a major lead role if you haven't been in one by now.' Jessica Alba said, 'That's so mean to say Michelle. But it is true that it's too easy for Hollywood to type cast you, no matter how good an actor you are.' Then Lindsay Logan chimed in, 'Plus you're too old and ugly.' So I told them all to kiss off, because I was determined to make it and I wasn't ever going to give up. So Michelle Rodriguez says, 'If you ever pull that off, I'll do a scene with you where in I'll pursue you sexually.' Jessica Alba said, 'Look, let me motivate you. I'll do a couple of those scenes, plus I'll get naked on film for no reason at all than to be naked.' Then Lindsay Logan says, 'I'll actually do a sex scene with you...and another girl, and then I'll just stay naked.' Then they all giggled. Then Don says 'You should get them to put it in writing.' Then the girls all laughed and said 'Why not, like it will ever happen.' So now I got my paper. But why do you guys care?"
Robert Rodriguez stated, "Machete."
Quentin Tarrantino then says, "Roberto, Bobby, Danny, it's time for you all to make a movie together. I'm too busy, so I can't take active part in this, but Roberto let me tell you what I hope to see in this flick. Oh and let me introduce you to some producer friends of mine."
At least that's what I saw when I watched this movie, and I absolutely loved it!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Pretty Good but...
PostedSeptember 2, 2010
This movie was well acted and worth the price of admission. But any movie that makes you want to put a beat down on a grandma is-- while also being at times humdrum when watching--not always lot of fun. The actress (I think it is Jacki Weaver) really does an outstanding job as a manipulative matriarch, and Guy Pearce is a great family man cop. Even still, the movie's protagonist wasn't clearly smart or stupid (maybe that is a good thing, because that is what a teenager is generally perceived to be); the end of the movie was partially predictable and almost disappointing in the lack of violence there was at the very end; and I still want to do mean, mean things to that woman. At times slow, sometimes weird and creepy (not really in an entertaining way), it is still an interesting look into what ought to be deemed the standard bearer for a portrait of a dysfunctional family.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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