Lanning's Talk

Breakfast at Tiffany's

A radiant Audrey Hepburn highlights this adaptation of the Truman Capote novella about a carefree woman who cannot commit to anyone or anything. She can't even bring herself to name her cat. Indeed it is a tribute to Audrey Hepburn's talent that she can make this shallow, chain smoking, shoplifting, gold digging drunk, so utterly charming. There is real vulnerability here. Nevertheless, this light, frothy flight of fancy is extremely overrated and awfully dated (Mickey Rooney's exaggerated performance is an embarrassment). However, the vividly eccentric characters and the luxurious style of it all, is captivating.

Disney's A Christmas Carol

Gorgeous adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a 3D feast for the eyes. This slavishly faithful interpretation, is highlighted by effects so extraordinary, there are moments where it literally looks as if snow is falling in the theater. As recounted here, the story really takes its time and exhibits a dark moodiness, especially in the early scenes. In other parts, there are nightmarish images that are rather jolting for a PG rated film. Consequently, the film will please adults much more than it will entertain young children. However, for those that are patient, this atmospheric version of the classic tale is an enjoyable holiday treat.

Wendy and Lucy

A heartwarming tale, tragically uplifting, and surprisingly engaging. People looking for a more in-depth plot should probably steer clear of this little film. However, if you dig character study, and want to make a new friend.... Wendy Carrol is definitely your girl.

It's near impossible not to empathize completely with Wendy, as she is on a the cusp pf a life-changing journey to Alaska. In this specific instance, I feel completely comfortable siding with Ebert in his review:

"Wendy and Lucy is another illustration of how absorbing a film can be when the plot doesn't stand between us and a character."

So that's the thing about this movie, for the average film-head it might be found quite boring, not having a thicker plot. However, I feel like this film is a twinkling, sparkling light in the independent film world, and might light up yours if you let it.

I immediately sided with Wendy and Lucy, in their determined battle against the harsh realities of life. Anyone who has been in a rough spot, fleeing from home to pursue a new life in a new place, can understand how isolating and cruel the world can be. For those who haven't been there, it might be safe to say that you have experienced it by the end of the movie.

I found myself surprised in the amount of integrity in our young woman, obviously a very unique soul, struggling as an outcast. Possibly escaping other problems at home. A girl on the road with her only friend, her dog Lucy.One of greatest lessons in life can be learned from Wendy, that the right choice, is usually the hardest.

I am clearly ignoring any other aspects of this film... Aside from amazingly natural acting, and smart writing, there is not much else to take from this one. However, I did find the photography to be very smooth and pleasing, and the small town Oregon scenery is gorgeous, naturally.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

No more rumors that it wouldnt be MJ who was going to perform on his last shows, our that he didnt got 'it' anymore. He was fantastic, alive and kicking. Great docu/movie containing his rehearsels for his 'This is it' concerts. The movie gave me a total diffrent perspective about the king of pop, i didnt know he was that polite and friendly and he really was the artist, everything is his idea, the effects, the music, the dances, really everything.

Freaks

Landmark cult film about the relationship between a long legged trapeze artist named Cleopatra and Hans, the dwarf she marries. Uncategorizable film is creepy and disturbing, but also touching and sweet. What makes this film so unique is director Tod Browning's controversial step in casting real people with deformities as the so-called sideshow "freaks," rather than using costumes and makeup. However it is these performers that come off as trusting and honorable, while two of the "normal" members of the circus are portrayed as the real monsters. Although certainly one of the most unusual films ever produced by a major Hollywood studio, the message of sympathy and acceptance is admirable. The well publicized revulsion with which audiences originally greeted this film seems unjustified. A fascinating movie that remains a curious oddity.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Can't believe it didnt get better reviews!
I thought it was better than the first one, it was more funny and absolutely hilarious in places and a brilliant cast that you cant help but fall in love with this movie!
I love the cast, realy well acted and Hank Azaria was blooody brilliant in this movie, he made this movie even more fantastic!
I love the storyline i think although a bit farfetched its enjoyable because its fun different and cute and also funny that just makes a movie fun and nice to watch!
Being a sequel to the first its set in a different museum as the natural history museum in New York is being renovated so they move them to this bbig museum in washington DC but trouble acures when the tablet brings all of these people and animals to life, and thats where problems arise as Hank Azaria plays egyptian pharoah Kamurah and wants to take over the museum but larry (stiller) trys to stop him and in doing so he makes a new friend!
An enjoyable movie! Really worth a watch !

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Concert film documenting Michael Jackson's rehearsals for the concert series which was to take place at the O2 Arena in London. We see the preparation of what clearly would have been an extraordinary show, but unfortunately a show that never materialized. Without the dazzle of the full concert spectacle or even the up close and personal portrait of the superstar himself, the documentary is rather unsatisfying. It is ironic that the one glimpse who do get of Michael Jackson, the man, is how much of a perfectionist he was. That being said, it is doubtful he would have wanted this practice session released. He never fully commits to any song performance. At one point, he even apologizes for his singing because he is "saving" his voice. The film would have been a nice DVD extra to a collection of his videos, but as a feature length film, it is lacking. Michael Jackson deserved better.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

My absolute fav A&C. A classic. Luv Bela & Lon always.

La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano (The Legend of 1900)

OMG so cute!!!
Probably the most nicest, saddest, cutest movie ive watched in ages!
i was pleasently surprised by this movie i thought it would be an alrite movie but i thoroughly enjoyed this movie, its funny, great storyline, well written, great cast, fantastic acting and includes tim roth looking hot and acting brilliantly!!
the music soundtrack is also awesome and you can just fall in love with this movie!
Its beautiful about an orphan who is left on a ship and taken in by one of the steam guys but after his unfortunate death tim roth gets into playing the oiano and becomes a sensation but hes never stepped of the boat and can he manage it when he falls in love?!
Pruitt Taylor Vince tells the story of 1900 and revisits the ship but its about the blown up but is his friend stilll on the ship?
A gorgeous movie completely worth a watch!!

The Brood

Unnerving exploration of the psyche follows a controversial therapist who is treating the ex-wife of a husband who seeks to take custody of their daughter. Eerie, deliberately paced rumination on rage and its manifestations culminates in a memorable climax that is truly horrific. The graphic degeneration of the human body is a common theme in director David Cronenberg's work and this film is no exception. His script is clearly influenced by the messy real life divorce from his first wife and the subsequent custody battle for their daughter.

Les Quatre Cents Coups (The 400 Blows)

poignant.very very poignant..probably the closest CATCHER IN THE RYE adaptation i could get...

The Unknown

"...and now, the sensation of sensations! The wonder of wonders! ALONZO, THE ARMLESS!"


Great silent horror classic starring Lon Chaney and a young Joan Crawford. This is bizarre and wonderful. Directed by Tod Browning, who was truly a Wizard of the Weird.

For maximum enjoyment, I recommend going into this one not knowing much about it. I wouldn't even read the synopsis on Flixster; it gives too much away, in my opinion.

Velvet Goldmine

Fictional rock biopic follows the life of musician Brian Slade, based upon the life of David Bowie. Stylish period film beautifully recreates the British glam rock scene of the early '70s. Sountrack features a pulsating score with dozens of performances of both new songs written for the film as well as actual compositions from the period. It all can get a bit MTV-style-over-substance at times, but visually striking film is so lavish and decadent, it succeeds in spite of itself. Director Todd Haynes clearly has a real love for the material that makes the film captivating. Sandy Powell rightfully received an Oscar nomination for her outstanding costumes.

Death on the Nile

I love the atmosphere in the movie, its not only the mystery but also the adventure, the egyptian monuments, piramids and the trip on the nile which made it very pleasant to watch. I've read the book which is obviously better because it contains more information then the movie.
But the high plus point the movie has is that it looks much nicer then my imagination while reading the book. Also the cast is a high plus point and the music composer Nino Rota.

Where the Wild Things Are

Melancholy tale about a boy who, after misbehaving, imagines sailing away to an island inhabited by wild creatures. Author Maurice Sendak's almost wordless book (it contained ten sentences) was memorable for its gorgeous pictures. Director Spike Jonze beautifully captures the look of the book and for that reason, the film is successful. However, the original children's story had a sense of awe. In the film, his attempts to flesh out the story cause the creatures to come off as more depressing than wonderful. Although the film is visually stunning, the thematically dark tone will not please fans of the original book.

Madeo (Mother)

if i am an academy voter,i will try my best to make this become one of the nominee of 2010 oscar for best foreign film. that statement just tells just how brilliant this movie is. This is comes as no surprise,as it comes from Boong Joon-ho (alongside Park Chan-wook and Kim Jee-won,the three lions of korea).

from the tone of the film,it is not much diferrent than his Memories of Murder.But if when i watching MoM the feeling is just like watching a Fincher's movie,well,in Mother,it is just refreshing.only by reading the premise,we know we're into something entirely different.A mother trying to solve a murder mystery to help his son getting away from jail?i'm in.

The highlight of Mother is,of course,the titular character herself,played mesmerizingly good by Kim Hye-ja (i also wanna take my money on her for best actress of 2010,by a long shot). Her elegant dancing in the beginning and ending of the film through some beautiful tango-ish music, is just enough to convince me to adore her character,no matter what act she did in the movie

Up

Russell "Can we keep him?"
Carl "No!"
Russell "But he's a talking dog!"

I fell in love with this movie straight away, its brilliant i loved every minute of it!
Although for a childs movie its a bit depressing it is a brilliant movie!
Its hilarious and yoiu cant help but fall in love with the characters, its beautifully written with a great sense of humour, the storyline is brilliant and is just an all round great pixar cartoon animation.
Carl is getting older and hasnt done something he promised to do to has late wife who were a match made in heaven so he attaches a load of balloons to float up and make his journey to the south of america but he soon finds out hes not alone on his trip but accompanied by a young explorer named russal they have a great adventure a head of them with unsuspecting turns and meets new characters!
A really good movie completely worth a watch as it doesnt disappoint!
Great fun for everyone to enjoy!

Inglourious Basterds

of course its great,its tarantino.next.

Waking Life

Amazing,like a breath of fresh air! Wow this movie really surprised me,so intellectual as a film. In fact it very well make the average viewer feel like an idiot. The whole movie takes place in a dream like state,the main character talking to or rather listening to people rant on a particular subject. Each one is memorizing and captivates you almost like you are in a college course or something.
Another plus is the amazing animation. They switch between animators so each scene seems refreshing to me. Although I must admit some of the scenes gave me a headache.
I think my favorite scene was when he was talking to the man about dreams. This really opens your mind to some interesting stuff. Like controlling your dream once you are aware that it is a dream and that you can tell its a dream when you can't turn off the light switch.
Some may be bored by this film,but the one thing you can't say is that its not original. Its one of the most original movies I have ever seen,always kept me captivated! On top of all of this it has a great ending. What more can you ask for in a film?

Guy Forsyth: Did you ever have a job that you hated and worked real hard at? A long, hard day of work. Finally you get to go home, get in bed, close your eyes and immediately you wake up and realize... that the whole day at work had been a dream. It's bad enough that you sell your waking life for minimum wage, but now they get your dreams for free.