The Wicker Man (1973)

'Burnt Offering'

'The Wicker Man' is widley considered a horror film must see, I've heard it's climax mentioned along with the likes of 'Halloween'. I'm hear to tell you it barley can stack up against the like of Freddie's newest forray in to the land of sequel tedium. As a thriller it fails to thrill, as a musical (yes there is much music) it is out there and unenjoyable and as a horror story it is unremarkable.

So many have said that this is a classic horror film, but I hated it. The only redeeming feature of this snoozer is the always reliable Christopher Lee. He provises the right amount of menace for his character, Lord Sumerisle.

The story could also be filed under mystery. It chronicles the journey of a religious and strong principled investigator Sgt. Howie. He has been brought to the sleepy island of Sumerisle to investigate the disapearance of a young girl whom the locals say never existed. He soon uncovers scandalous secrets of town rituals.

I know that this is a "cult film" but that is certainly one cult I'd stay away from.

Grade: C-

You, Me and Dupree

'2- laugh riddled, solid hours at the Multiplex.'

'You Me and Dupree', the new comedy starring the Texas charmer Owen Wilson, represents two of the breeziest hours in film this year.

Quirky and funny 'You Me and Dupree' might be a film likely to catch you by surprise. It involves two newlyweds (Dillon and Hudson) and their oafish house guest Dupree (Wilson), who is turning their new world upside down.

I can't tell you what makes 'Dupree' tick so well, but something does. As far as plotting nothing seemed to be "filler" to me. Everything seems to drive the plot forward. Though it might just be "going through the paces" the film makes those paces as quick and lively as possible.

Performance wise, Wilson brings the right amount of charm needed for us to accept Dupree. Dillon and Hudson are solid in thankless roles. And Douglas creates a good supporting character of Hudson's father and Dillon's boss. I'd also like to point out the effortless comedic flow of 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' 's Seth Rogen also seen here.

In closing, 'Dupree' represents some very breezy summer fun in the air conditioned comfort of a theater.

Overall: B

MovieDude

A Scanner Darkly

'A Dizzying Head Trip'

'A Scanner Darkly' produces one thought as the lights turn on; WOW! It is, put simply, a masterpiece. A masterpiece of writing, directing, acting and ultimately, film.

In a world where 2 out of 10 people are recruited to spy on the other 8, Bob Arctor (Codename: Fred) is one of the 2 recruited. His latest job is to infiltrate a drug ring. This isn't just Dope or Coke or H it's a new more addictive drug called Substance D. Arctor manages to get hooked on the D and becomes dependent. This splits the two hemispheres of the brain causing Bob to forget his law man alter ego, Fred.

This presents a problem. Eventually, Fred is assigned to spy or scan the house of... Bob Arctor. WHAT? How can they ask him to spy on himself. (Here's a hint, all agents have to wear scramble suits. Suits which take all characteristics, like looks and voice, and alter them. In physical characteristics, the suit rotates between different male and female looks.) This happens regularly, the novel tells us, just try to convince the boss you are not wrapped up in too much. The problem, the split brain hemispheres sometimes make Fred forget he's really Bob.

Living with Bob are Barris and Luckman, a D dealer and D user. The chain of events also involves Donna a dealer and object of Bob's lust and Charles Freck, a addict feeling more than momentary insanity.

'Scanner' is a marvel to look at. Using the technique of rotoscoping Linklater throws you into the middle of Substance D freak outs and the effect is jarring.

The Supporting cast is wonderful with nods going to Downey Jr., Harrelson, Ryder and Cochrane. All present throughly convincing people through the animation. Reeves believe it or not is improving and is solid in this role. Especially when the third act take a darker turn (No bad pun intended.)

In the end 'A Scanner Darkly' raises arguments for and against both sides of the war on drugs. Linklater makes all points brilliantly.

With 'Waking Life' Linklater experimented with rotoscoping, with 'A Scanner Darkly', he perfects it.

Overall: A

MovieDude

Nominated for 1 MovieDude Alternitive Oscars:

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Polar Express

'An Enthralling Holiday Experience'

THE POLAR EXPRESS tells the story of a boy who's lost all faith in Santa, but, is thrusted into a magical world where "seeing is believing."

Though it may take a few viewings, this film is some very good material. It took me a grand total of 3 times to truly absorb it all. It's not confusing... it's all just so... curious. A ghost bum on a train, show stopping musical numbers and possibly creepy animation ; how does all of this fit into the picture book narrative of Chris Van Allsburg's picture book? Don't ask me but in the hands of Zemeckis and Hanks it all seems to gel into an enthralling holiday experience.

Letter grade: B+

MovieDude

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

'It's the best damn setup money can buy!'

'Dead Man's Chest' is one of the years best and most exhilarating film experiences. A masterpiece pure and simple. The plot is in the most simplistic terms not the point. Like a Dashiell Hammett novel it's all about the aura and dialogue. Not to mention characters, trust me the film has MANY of those.

But, I'll attempt a brief plot summary. Jack Sparrow owes a debt to the ultra- heavy of the sea, Davy Jones... the payment... his soul, well that or 100 other souls. To defeat Davy Jones Jack gets assistance from Will Turner. Little does Jack know Will and his fiance Elizabeth are being hunted for helping Sparrow, a known pirate escape a grizzly fate. The only way of achieving freedom is retrieving Jack's compass for the evil Lord Beckett. Will gets involved for more than he bargained for and has to battle against Jones at Sparrow's side.

Acting wise 'Chest' has nearly no rough patches. Depp brings undeniable comedic energy to Sparrow and though un-recognizable physically, Nighy's Jones is a wonderful villain. Plus, Bloom has seemingly improved since the first outing.

The effects are dazzling but that goes without saying. As to the detractors who complain the entire film is setup for number three, I tell you this: It's the best damn setup money can buy!

Overall: A

Rousing fun and more than a bottle a' rum Matey!

MovieDude

P.S. Odds are Depp will not receive an Oscar for his work (sequels are rarely honored) but he sure as hell deserves one! It's the best male performance all year!

The Lake House

To quote Maxwell Smart: "Missed it by that much."

'The Lake House' represents the newest entry into the category of films that show promise but ultimately let you down in the climax and far too many of the romantic scenes. The plot in simplistic terms is this: A doctor (Bullock) living in 2006, manages to correspond and fall in love with, an architect (Reeves), by virtue of a magical mail box. None to promising, I know but the script nearly makes it work! Nearly. The problem is that there is always something to slow the momentum of the film. To drag it into the mud. That is not to say there aren't high points, I liked the supporting work from Plummer as Reeves' conceited father and Aghdashloo as Bullock's mentor. Sadly, they are slightly underdeveloped. Plus there's is one scene that I absolutely adored involving a McCartney song entitled: "This Never Happened Before". In the end 'The Lake House' congers up one thought on it being a truly successful film, "Missed it by that much."

Overall: a high C+ (5.5 out of 10)

MovieDude

P.S. This film also shows how Keanu Reeves is developing as an actor. He's not quite good but he's getting there.

American Beauty

'Look Closer at one of the best films ever'

A beautiful piece of work by first time director Sam Mendes. Easily one of the most accomplished film debuts in the history of cinema. The story centers around a man named Lester Burnham (the wonderful Oscar winning Kevin Spacey) a man who has lost passion in his life. His wife Caroline (Annette Benning in an equally stunning performance) is a workaholic real estate agent. Both are frustrated with their marriage which is basically just for show. Sexually frustrated Lest lusts for one of his daughter's (Thora Birch) girlfriends,Anglea (Menna Suvari). This lust begins Lester's search for happiness in life, so he quits his job and begins to flip burgers just like when he was a kid. Caroline is very frustrated with the fact that she has to be the breadwinner of the family and has an affair. Meanwhile the boy next door,Ricky is videotaping the Burnhams the daughter Jane in particular. The two strike a chord with each other and begin a romantic relationship. Ricky's father, Frank is a homophobe who suspect Ricky is homosexual because he is spending some time with Lester, of course this is not true. All Ricky is doing is scoring Lester some drugs. As the story progresses Lester gets used to Angela, and Angela starts to warm up to Lester.

Letter grade: A+ This film is a must see for anyone who appreciates film!

MovieDude

#7 on my Top 100 Films

The Apartment

'The Genius of Jack, The Best Ever... Movie wise'

What makes THE APARTMENT work? Is it the writing? Yes, but that's not all. The direction? It's perfect, but not what I'm really thinking of. What makes THE APARTMENT perfect is the acting genius of the one and only Jack Lemmon. His movements, the way he talks is all so... rhythmic. His performance is like music. The happy-sad, melancholy performance of the century.

Lemmon portrays C.C. "Buddy boy" Baxter, a man who is often blending in with the rest of the drones in the insurance company he works at. He suddenly is moving up in the world being noticed by company big shots, such as Mr. Dobisch (Ray Walston). What's his secret? He lends his apartment to higher ranking company officials for "meetings" with certain female acquaintances. Baxter's key is circulated throughout the office to a few executives including Mr. Dobisch. Baxter seems to lead a life that revolves around work. He's a lonely guy who, would normally go home after work, eat, then sleep.

Most nights, Baxter has to put that on hold for a few hours, to wait 'till the executives finish up. At the office someone catches his eye, Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine, also wonderful) an elevator operator who is the object of many of the office men's desires.

*Spoilers ahead!*

Throw in J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray... as you've never seen him before)the head of the company all the way up on the 27th floor. He has seen the excellent reviews Baxter has received from a group of executives and ties it to a rumor of an apartment key floating around the office.

Sheldrake now, wants in. He promotes Baxter and gets the key. There's one slight problem... he takes Ms. Kubelik to the apartment. And once Baxter finds out he has a pretty huge dilemma. The job or the dame?Many of THE APARTMENT's scenes sparkle with great timing of great dialouge such as:

J.D. Sheldrake: Ya know, you see a girl a couple of times a week, just for laughs, and right away they think you're gonna divorce your wife. Now I ask you, is that fair?

C.C. Baxter: No, sir, it's very unfair. Especially to your wife.

C.C. Baxter: You hear what I said, Miss Kubelik? I absolutely adore you.

Fran Kubelik: Shut up and deal.

That last quote is forever etched in the fabric of film as one of the best last lines ever.So many scenes in THE APARTMENT sparkle with Jack Lemmon's brilliance. Just look at the way he seem s to float around that apartment in the few scenes with he and Shirley MacLaine alone together. The way he moves a he drains the pasta through tennis racket. His energy, the way he hums. Just PERFECT!THE APARTMENT has not dated at all since 1960 and still holds strong as a marvelous film!

GRADE: A+ The best ever... film wise.

MovieDude

#1 on my Top 100 films.

Welcome to my blog.

Welcome to my blog! In short it will be me giving under-qualified opinions on some new, but many old films. I'll be seeing most of theese in a foggy haze, just like my namesake Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski would.
The following is my grading system: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F.

Hope you enjoy and see at least one film I recomend!

MovieDude