The last movie of 2004 and the first of 2005
2004 went out with "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", the Bill Murray oceanography movie styled after Jacques Cousteau and the television series that made many of us want to explore the ocean. The movie is getting poor reviews from the critics and after watching it, I understand why. "The Life Aquatic" is far from everyone's cup of tea. The movie is just too quirky, has too much dry humor, off-beat sealife, plot twists, and one fantastic group of actors all thrown together for a straightforward movie. If you're in the theater watching this one, then on some level the trailer appealed to you and you belong there. The 8 of us in the theater last night enjoyed the movie. The other 10-12 that arrived at various times throughout the movie, I'm not sure about. We had quite a few movie hoppers last night.
Many of the reviews have compared it to previous films directed by Wes Anderson, notably "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Since I didn't see either of those movies, I can't comment. All I can say is that if you love "Buckaroo Banzai" and are still waiting for the sequel that never was, you will enjoy "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then skip this movie and save yourself the ten bucks. For me, it was a fitting movie to end 2004.
Welcome to 2005!
The day started off with breakfast in OB with Mondo, Ms. Kitty, Blob, and the assorted gang. It was a great day with sunny skies and we chowed down at a local restaurant and Mondo and I discussed our latest strategies for getting on The Amazing Race. Afterwards we hit the beach to walk off some of the breakfast and to just enjoy the sunshine which has been absent for the last few days. As I began the drive home, I knew I had to make a detour in La Jolla to see "House of Flying Daggers."
"House of Flying Daggers" is a film in the grand Chinese tradition of martial arts, historical settings, and star-crossed lovers. The use of colors and fabric and beautiful cinematography enhances the movie while never detracting from the story. The movie is well paced and had unexpected plot twists that kept it from becoming just another swordfight with actors on wires type of movie. Those of you that like these films, (and you know who you are) go see it. The rest of you, if you have a resistance to subtitles, maybe it's time to overcome your fear. "House of Flying Daggers" is a great installment in the genre of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" martial arts movies. This was a great choice for the first movie of 2005.
Many of the reviews have compared it to previous films directed by Wes Anderson, notably "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Since I didn't see either of those movies, I can't comment. All I can say is that if you love "Buckaroo Banzai" and are still waiting for the sequel that never was, you will enjoy "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then skip this movie and save yourself the ten bucks. For me, it was a fitting movie to end 2004.
Welcome to 2005!
The day started off with breakfast in OB with Mondo, Ms. Kitty, Blob, and the assorted gang. It was a great day with sunny skies and we chowed down at a local restaurant and Mondo and I discussed our latest strategies for getting on The Amazing Race. Afterwards we hit the beach to walk off some of the breakfast and to just enjoy the sunshine which has been absent for the last few days. As I began the drive home, I knew I had to make a detour in La Jolla to see "House of Flying Daggers."
"House of Flying Daggers" is a film in the grand Chinese tradition of martial arts, historical settings, and star-crossed lovers. The use of colors and fabric and beautiful cinematography enhances the movie while never detracting from the story. The movie is well paced and had unexpected plot twists that kept it from becoming just another swordfight with actors on wires type of movie. Those of you that like these films, (and you know who you are) go see it. The rest of you, if you have a resistance to subtitles, maybe it's time to overcome your fear. "House of Flying Daggers" is a great installment in the genre of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" martial arts movies. This was a great choice for the first movie of 2005.
Comments
Post a Comment