Spring break film fest

When I break, I watch movies. I mean I watch movies even when I'm not broken, I just do it much better on break.

The Upside of Anger - Joan Allen really carried the movie. I'm not a big fan of Mike Binder, but when his writing is good, it really hits. Strong cast, so where the movies drags theres usually another thread or two that pull you back in. It's worth seeing as long as you suspend expectations of what it's supposed to be. 3.75/5

Dig! - Very cool documentary. All the music is fantastic and the bandmembers are exactly the kinds of people you'd want to chill with. Very interesting look at the creative process, the music industry and so much more through the eyes of some seemingly awesome people. 4/5

The Shape of Things - I never thought I'd say it, but Paul Rudd was great. Good dialogue but the movie wasn't anything special until the final act. I think it's worth getting emotionally into just for the end. 3.5/5

A history of Violins and Other musings

I guess this is what I do now. Reviews and I guess nothing but.

Everything is Illuminated:
This movie really surprised me since the trailer made it appear really boring. It was rather funny, but the comedic moments made the transition to gravely serious really difficult. The one main character was highly similar to Ali G, but he was still capable of being funny. It was a pretty good movie, but certain parts didn't resonate with me as much as they could have.
3.5/5

Junebug:
Again, went in expecting just quirky indie movie and came out with a remarkably realistic portrait of life. It retained some 'Me and You and Everyone We Know' out there art related scenes but by the end I was wanting to see more of the family instead, and I think that was the creator's intent, too. Amy Adams was nominated for best supporting actress, and I can't say it struck me as Oscar worthy (whatever that means) but I certainly really felt her characterization. All of the acting and writing was great. Highly recommended.
4.5/5

Cache:
High high expectations for this one. Trailers made it look like a highly unique psychological trailer and buzz concerned Haneke's appraisal of racism in France months before the riots. It certainly gave much to think about, but it fell short for me. It was compelling for its somewhat slow pace, but by the end it didn't work for me. I'm fine with having some answers unrevealed at the end of the film, but far too many of the questions ended up being written like I was watching 'Crash'. Acting was good but I just didn't feel for them by the end.
3/5

A History of Violence:
I really liked this movie. Real gorgeous looking. All the acting and everything was terrific. The only thing I didn't like was William Hurt and he's the one nominated for an acting oscar. And wow, the violence, jesus christ. I mean, the movie wasn't perfect, but it was a very solid, well paced piece of cinema.
4.5/5