Snapshots

Brief comments on film by Amy.
Some old, some new.  Domestic films and foreign too.

Oblivion — I must confess to becoming a bit more of a Tom Cruise fan than I used to be. Or maybe I should say I have become a bigger fan of his movies (Mission Impossible series, Jack Reacher). I still don’t think he’s all that as an actor (and don’t get me started on that goofy, obnoxious smile of his) but I think he makes some interesting movies and Oblivion is no exception. Really interesting questions about personhood wrapped up in an appealing action-drama package.

A Dangerous Method — What is it with me watching movies starring actors I find really annoying? I really don’t care for Keira Knightley. Maybe it’s because she tried to ruin Pride and Prejudice. Maybe it’s because she has that annoying, Tom Cruise-like smile thing going on. But I must give her props for an impressive performance in this film. While I certainly don’t appreciate the sadomasochism, it was an education on the development of psychoanalysis.

Doc Martin — Total fluff but such lovely fluff. A great BBC comedy with just the right mixture of quirky characters, touching relationships, a great love story and beautiful scenery. I fill forgive them for dragging it out into five seasons when it should have been condensed to three. If I was getting paid to live in Cornwall, I wouldn’t have wanted it to end either.

The Lady Vanishes — I have been looking forward to this remake of Hitchcock’s classic since I saw the first preview months and months ago. At least I got months of enjoyment from the anticipation because this was a humorless flop. Unlike last summer’s 39 Steps, which I thought rivaled the original and was cast to perfection, this was flat and dull. As much as I looked forward to watching it, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. So many wonderful character actors! What a waste.

Take This Waltz — This is the first indie film I have watched in a long time. It has everything I have come to expect from that genre. Good actors (Seth Rogen was miscast but Michelle Williams and Sarah Silverman were great), good script, gratuitous language and sexual content. The statement regarding marriage and relationships is very powerful and I have quoted it often since watching it. Just wish they could deliver the same message without the graphic sex. And what is up with the baby talk?

Honorable Mentions — Last Tango in Halifax, Foyle’s War, Silk. These are all from Masterpiece Theater and I loved them all, especially Silk. If you are looking to get into a series but don’t want to commit to the typical American 15-episode season, I recommend these. They leave you wanting more but in a good way.