Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Just Me?

*** 12.09.08 - Palmetto... 1998... Director Volker Schlöndorff

Considered a "Neo-Noir" film, "Palmetto" is a fun, dark, interesting and extremely sexy film. Director Volker Schlöndorff did his homework on this one and made a film that is always great to watch.

Now it does help that two of the sexiest women alive, Elisabeth Shue and Gina Gershon are in it. Shue looks amazing, with curves for days and during a sequence in a beach side bungalow... well lets just say I still have trouble breathing every time I watch it. Her performance as the Femme Fatal is dynamic. And Gershon's role, although smaller, is solid as well and let's face it... from her opening moment in the film to present day, I'll watch anything she does just to see her mouth and lips.

The film has so many classic moments in it that I won't get into too many of them. It has the right amount of drama, sensuality, and humor. It's shot magnificently and there is an edit sequence with about 20 minutes left in the film that to this day I still say out loud, "That's an F'ing awesome shot."

(Me and Michael Rappaport in Memphis)

The DVD doesn't have much on it, so it's a little bit of a let down, but the film... the performances, Woody Harrelson, Michael Rappaport and Chloe Sevigny are in it as well and Elisabeth Shue in all of her glory are so worth it! And when Shue is bad... awww buddy... it's Oh So Good!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Great Writing Always Equals A Great Film

**** 11.23.08 - Juno... 2007... Director Jason Reitman

OK, a major shout out has to go to Diablo Cody, an ex-stripper turned writer who nailed it with this script. It is funny, smart and alive! The clear reason she won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. She deserved it and you can judge for yourself when you look at the film.

Ellen Page gives a dynamic performance and there are several supporting performances that are just pure fun to watch.

The DVD is a good one as well, with lots of extras. I've watched the film at least 4 times and each time I find something new about it that makes me just feel good about the business.

If you haven't seen it, rent it... buy it... or go to a showing of it ASAP!