“Maniac” is a different kind of slasher film, one so incredibly vile and utterly wretched that you’ll be forced to decide if you enjoyed this or not. I experienced the same conflict of decision. Did I enjoy this or not? I’m not entirely sure, but a good part of me says “yes.” At a time when the Son of Sam was still fresh on everyone’s minds, “Maniac” is the closest depiction of a madman on the streets that we’ll ever get again. We don’t just watch this madman destroy folks, we learn about him, and we get into his mind.
Sherman's March
You really have to give it to filmmakers for willing to show a documentary about a period during the civil war and confront much of the government’s attempts to recruit black men into service. Many of them refused to serve, while others felt obligated. “Sherman’s March” makes no excuses about that fact, nor does it ever gloss over that point.
Instead it’s an interesting glimpse at William Sherman and his efforts to invade much of the land in an effort to win the Civil War. Controversial and rather fascinating, Civil War buffs will eat this examination of the military figure, with a spoon, and it’s a worthy two hours in history.
Premiering April 22nd on the History Channel.
29 Reasons to Run (2006)
I’m sick of road trip flicks, I’m sick of coming of age flicks, and with all due respect to our indie audience, I’m sick of movies about relationships with narration. “29 Reasons to Run,” however, completely made me re-think that thought process. I shouldn’t write off the road trip flick just yet. That would be unfair. Weeks’ and O’ Steen’s ambitious film raises the argument for the road trip flick and restores hope that there’s still a lot more to be done with the sub-genre. In some moments it can resemble an ABC drama, but I don’t hold that against it. “29 Reasons to Run” is about two men facing a dead end in their life, and decide they have to travel the road, which may be great for a novel “Sideways”?
Elizabethtown (2005)
I always try to give my favorite directors the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of their work, I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt. What’s so wrong about a dude who met a chick, and the chick helped the dude learn how to live his life, and now the dude has a different outlook on life than the dude before him? Nothing. Nothing! I’ve been that dude, I’ve met that chick, and I say more, Cameron, more, dude! Cameron Crowe is not all about the pimple dick man being helped by a strong woman, it’s a young man learning about life from a special woman. I love that. As for Kirsten Dunst, the melon head is an actress I rather enjoy. In her high points, and utter low points, the woman is easy to look at, and easy to endure.
Bad News Bears (2005)
Well, I guess every director has to have one film that’s commercial to grant them enough dough to get them through the rough times. Even one of my favorite directors of all time, Richard Linklater. It’s not that Linklater can’t do a commercial film, because “School of Rock” was great, but this is a remake. And Linklater is better than this. He’s ten times better. And he can make all the excuses he wants, but I’m still shocked the same man who created “Waking Life” was behind the camera of this remake. As usual, Linklater doesn’t do what others do. In other words, he never makes a film as everyone assumes he is. Sure, this is a remake, but this is a kick in the balls remake, just like the original was a kick in the balls kid’s film. There’s profanity, crude humor, sexual innuendos, and Billy Bob Joe Bob Thorton channels “Bad Santa” for his variation of Buttermaker. And I was pleased.
Trouble with Men and Women (2003)
Okay, so last month, I finally saw “London.” I mean, I’d heard from folks that it was an awful and grueling movie to sit through, but sometimes you just have to experience it. There’s something in us that, even though we’re told being stung by a bee hurts, inspires us to seek out that bee and have that experience. It was the same thing with “London.” People were talking endlessly about this film that was utterly awful, and yet I sought it out. And it still stings. Suffice it to say, “London” was an awful and dreadful relationship drama that sought out to be such an edgy glance at romance between two fuck-ups.
Grindhouse (2007)
Let’s face it fair readers, I was born in the wrong era. While I’m living in the time of cell phones and reality television, I should be living in the time of grind houses, and porno theaters. While I’m in a time of Kelly Clarkson, I should be in a time of Donna Summer. Simply put, I wish I was born during another time. But, you have to admit, Tarantino and Rodriguez got what they wanted. They wanted to create the grind house experience, and that’s exactly what I received. A double feature, scratchy film, and an empty theater. It’s me and my family, and about four other people, and no one got the joke. Continue reading