Aree's Talk

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

I remember talk to my good flixster friend Riley about "Up" and we mentioned that men don't cry, we just have mist coming out of our eyes during movies. Well ladies and gentlemen, you could be mother f*cking love child of but your going to weep like a 5 year old who just stubbed his toe watching "Precious". The best way to describe this film is a poetic sukerpunch of a masterpiece. Yes I get it the story has been done a million times. Poor, illiterate black girl trying to make life better for herself but trust me nothing prepares you for the sheer power of this film.
Part of the reason for this is that when you look at the cast and director clearly showing a love for the novel and a personal connection with the character that it brings out unforeseen power in everyone involved. Seriously how in all hell does the star of "Glitter" and the host if "Charm School" pull this off? Simply put then cut the bull sh*t out of their performances. Mariah Carey pulling a complete 180 degree turn, proves to have the subtlety and fearlessness that suggests that personally makes "Glitter" nothing but a real bad memory in my eyes as far as her career goes. Also props to Lenny Kravitz for a very solid acting debut.
However, every year there is one performance, that just blows everything else out there, like a hurricane of performance. This year it has to be Mo'Nique as the abusive mother. Why because anyone can play the b*tch from hell and make her an absolute monster and that would be fine. What she does here is go past all of that and finds the tormented and tragic soul Mary and makes us even sympathize to a certain degree. Its a risk not even the majority of Hollywood's A-list is willing to take but Mo'Nique runs with it and excels.
Though lets not take the credit from two less showy but equally powerful performances. Paula Patton is given the most difficult job here, providing the source of light in a film that is about as dark as an Alaskian night and without the big oscar moments is sure to be the most overlooked performance of the year. Which is unfortunate because she is amazing here, there is nothing sugar coated and certain about her teacher role but its her drive and hope that sets up the film's spirit.
Though none of this would be any good if the lead did not deliver and Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidbie is something that cannot even be described, it simply has to be seen.
As for director Lee Daniels, I got to admit this is a huge surprise for me. Not being a big fan of "Shadowboxer" but what he does here is amazing. What is essentially a combination of a black "A Serious Man" and a Tyler Perry, Daniels delivers an amazing understanding for both the darkness and beauty of life and none of it feels either corny or preachy but not overly dark and hopeless. Its amazing accomplishment and I'll be the one of many pushing for the academy to give this man the credit he deserves. As everyone else involved in this masterpiece.
So how do I end this review, simply put "Precious" is not a film I recommend you see or hint that it maybe worth your time depending on your mood. This is a film you MUST see! Seriously can't find a screening near you I'll look, I'll pick you up, hell if it comes down to it I'll even pay for your ticket. Just don't miss this movie!

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Where the Wild Things Are

Perfection is a very interesting word. No matter what you experience there is always ways it could be better. So to me the closest one can get to perfection is when even with flaws that may seem jarring to some or all, you would not dare to see it anyway other way.
This is exactly the way I feel about "Where The Wild Things Are", a film that is sure to divide right now but that no one can deny is as visionary, pure and heart breaking as filmmaking gets.
Spike Jonze I have to say, this was five years well spent. An almost unbelievable combination of Maurice Sendak's vision and Jonze's own unique touch, he essentially just showed everyone in hollywood how the hell your suppose to adapt a story much more impressive considering the book is less then 400 words. Why does the film work? Jonze understands the difference between a film about children vs. a film that understands children.
I cannot praise the amazing cast enough but the two that stand out are Max Records and James Gandolfini. Records was born for this role, giving one of the best child performances of the decade and making Max an icon for all the emotions that we associate with childhood. As for Gandolfini, this his best film performance to date as the lead monster Carol, showing all the rage and sorrow that he did during his long run in The Sopranos but also a much gentler side that turns him into one of the most lovable angry teddy bears in cinema yet.
Now as I mentioned this is not a perfect film. Some may have problems with a lack of a traditional plot, slower moments and its darker moments are going to scare younger children. This is a film that is going to have to grow on some people. Its more "400 Blows" then "Sherk", to be honest I don't care.
Jonze's "Where The Wild Things Are" brings the heart and sense of danger that have been sorely lacking in children's films in the last decade. If any film was to rank with "The Wizard of Oz" fifty years from now, I'd put my money on this one.

Slumdog Millionaire

If there is one thing that I would kill to be able to do as a film student, is the gift to take any genre and add a film to the group that just adds something fresh, exciting and just flat out amazing to the mix. So now you know how I feel about Danny Boyle whether its black comedy (Shallow Grave), drama (Trainspotting), horror (28 days later), family (Millions) or sci-fi (The hugely underrated Sunshine) he can do whatever he wants. Now add the magical Slumdog Millionaire to the resume. A combination of Bolye usual visual flair combined with the colorful look and the culture of bollywood makes one of the best shot films of the year. Now it would be nothing without its wonderful and touching dickens like story. As well as excellent performances from breakthrough actor of the year Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, Boyle turns what could have been a cliche ridden mess into something that you have to see to fully understand.

Slumdog Millionaire

If there is one thing that I would kill to be able to do as a film student, is the gift to take any genre and add a film to the group that just adds something fresh, exciting and just flat out amazing to the mix. So now you know how I feel about Danny Boyle whether its black comedy (Shallow Grave), drama (Trainspotting), horror (28 days later), family (Millions) or sci-fi (The hugely underrated Sunshine) he can do whatever he wants. Now add the magical Slumdog Millionaire to the resume. A combination of Bolye usual visual flair combined with the colorful look and the culture of bollywood makes one of the best shot films of the year. Now it would be nothing without its wonderful and touching dickens like story. As well as excellent performances from breakthrough actor of the year Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, Boyle turns what could have been a cliche ridden mess into something that you have to see to fully understand.

The Wrestler

Watching The Wrestler was something special. Never have I seen an actor pour his entire heart and soul into a performance the way Mickey Rourke has as Randy "The Ram" Robinson. He can be brilliantly funny, scary and heartbreaking all at the same time and its simply second only to Daniel Day Lewis in TWBB as the great lead performance of the 21st century.
Now usually a performance like this tends to overshadow everything else about the film but The Wrestler directed by always adventurous and very consistent Darren Aronofsky doesn't seem to have this problem. Everything from the excellent supporting cast of Marisa Tomei and Even Rachel Wood, the always stunning cinematography of an Aronofsky film, the score and the haunting songs from Bruce Springteen make The Wrestler his most mature and complete masterpiece yet.

Iron Man

Go on imdb.com and you may read a review that says that Iron Man is unlikely to meet the box office standards of Spider Man 3. You know what though? Who gives a f*ck about that. If the most entertaining and interesting comic book film since Batman Begins has to live up to standards set up by SM3 there's a serious problem in the world. Simply Iron Man has almost everything you can ask for in a summer popcorn flick. Smart, funny and always engaging. (What do you expect when you have the help of a cast like this and 2 of the writers of Children of Men doing re writes?)
The best part of this film has to be Robert Downey Jr. he IS Tony Stark. Downey gives Iron Man the proper mixture of humor and maturity needed for the role and with his first major mainstream movie knocks it out of the park and finally becomes the mega star an actor of his talent deserves to be. Helping out is a never hotter Gwyneth Paltrow who works with Downey Jr. wonderfully and clearly has much more fun with her role then other actresses in these roles (cough Katie Homes cough) Also doing great work is Terrence Howard (Even if we don't get to see him as War Machine yet.) and Jeff Bridges perfectly over the top as the main villain. So what if director Jon Favreau isn't the best action director. He knows how to create a compelling characters and a great story and is clearly having as much fun with Iron Man as everyone else. (Something you can't say about Michael Bay.) His actions scenes will become stronger with time.
So don't pay attention about Iron Man not topping SM3 in it's opening weekend (I predict the film will end up being a bigger hit either way.) Buy your ticket, enjoy your popcorn and celebrate the beginning of a promising franchise of films and the summer season of 2008 officially beginning.

Menace II Society

I have to admit watching the excellent Menace 2 Society that I kind of feel like a loser. The Hughes Brothers were 20 when they made this powerful directorial debut. (What the hell happened to them?)
I just want to say right now though please don't call this a "hood" classic. It's a term that came from rich suburbanites who use the term to belittle the work of talented black filmmakers. Plan and simple Menace 2 Society is a great film with strong performances from Jada Pickett Smith, Larenz Tate and Tyrin Turner. The powerful and forceful but never preachy story of the dangers of the gangster lifestyle is one that you won't forget anytime soon.