Aaron Neuwirth (DrZeek)

Blonde: Are you interested in films, by any chance? I like really old films. You can really see what the world looked like, thirty, fifty, a hundred years ago. You know the clothes, the telephones, the trains, the way people smoked cigarettes, the little details of life. The best films are like dreams you're never sure you've really had. I have this image in my head of a room full of sand. And a bird flies towards me, and dips its wing into the sand. And I honestly have no idea whether this image came from a dream, or a film. Sometimes I like it in films when people just sit there, not saying anything.

For people that enjoy making fun of the obscure challenges of an indie film, prime examples would be Gus Van Sant's Gerry (and most smaller films he does) and this film, from director Jim Jarmusch. This is a long stretch of very little happening, only to reach a confrontation at the end, which results in very little explanation (if one just looks at the surface) and then the film ends. It can be intriguing for the right mood, and being shot in Spain certainly helps.

Isaach De Bankole stars as a mysterious lone man who performs the same actions for about an hour and forty-five minutes before the last bit. He is in Spain, sits at a cafe, orders two espressos in separate cups, meets a random person who knows him and asks if he can speak Spanish (which he can't) only to have the random person go into a monologue, exchange matchboxes with certain items in them, and leave. Rinse. Repeat. The random people include Tilda Swinton, Gael Garcia Bernal, and John Hurt, with Bill Murray being the final encounter.

This is very much in line with other Jarmusch films, but certainly not as satisfying. The obscure lines of dialog can easily be interpreted in many different ways, making it at least good for discussion if one can find another person they know, who has actually gone out of their way to sit through the whole film.

Overall, the mild intrigue and scenery make it bearable, but not a film I want to revisit.

American: How the fuck did you get in here?
Lone Man: I used my imagination.

Sherlock Holmes: Now that you are both seated comfortably, I shall begin...

A lot of fun to be had here in an update of author Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective series. A finely made adventure story, with Robert Downey Jr. making for a great Sherlock Holmes, add to that wonderful chemistry between him and Jude Law as Watson, as well as stylish direction by Guy Ritchie. And as much as I enjoyed these elements of the film, Hans Zimmer's score was certainly the best part for me.

Now to start off, before outlining the plot, I have to make notice of how much I love that Warner Bros lets the filmmakers mess around with their opening logos. This time it actually even factors into the movie as it begins. So, set in Victorian Era London, the film begins with Detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner/doctor/comic foil Watson on their supposed last case together, as they capture Lord Blackwood, played by Mark Strong. It's their last case, because Watson plans to marry and move out, leaving Holmes to himself.

Dr. John Watson: [to Holmes as he guzzles a liquid] You do know what your are drinking is meant for eye surgery?

Three months later, as Blackwood is to be executed for his crimes, we find Holmes being his reclusive self, smoking his opium, doing some part time boxing, and experimenting alone in his room. Things become more complicated as an old flame/con artist, Irene Adler played by Rachel McAdams, steps back into his life with a job. This job only leads to more trouble, as the presumed dead from hanging Blackwood is found to have risen from the grave. Now, with the stalwart Watson reluctantly at Holmes' side, the two continue their work together to hopefully stop Blackwood from whatever nefarious plans he may have.

Sherlock Holmes: Watson...what have you done?

One of the best aspects of this film is how closely Robert Downey Jr. resembles the way in which the Holmes character was written by Doyle. Getting away from the more classical version portrayed by older incarnations such as Basil Rathbone, this Holmes is very much the reclusive, neurotic, loner who's genius level of detection mixed with his drug use as well as physical ability all play their parts to make him this era's Batman (yes, I brought it back to Batman, but that will play a part later in this review). Adding to this new film version of Holmes is Jude Law as Watson, again not the classical bumbling Watson, but an experienced field surgeon, who has seen his share of battles. The two characters are well represented, and the chemistry between them is truly the heart of this film. Their banter is a great joy to see, showing the true bromance that is present within the dynamic of this relationship.

Sherlock Holmes: You've never complained about my methods before.
Dr. John Watson: I've never complained! When have I ever complained about you practicing the violin at three in the morning, or your mess? Your general lack of hygiene or the fact that you steal my clothes?
Sherlock Holmes: We have a barter system.

Adding to the work of these performers is the direction by Guy Ritchie. Finally, Ritchie is given the right sandbox to play in. After directing 'Lock, Stock' and 'Snatch', only to marry Madonna and make two disastrous films, producer Joel Silver found him and gave him a shot, resulting in his low key comeback that was RocknRolla. Now, finally realizing how great of a visual director he can be, someone gave him the chance to not write another gangster comedy, but instead direct a genre film of sorts. Rightfully, all has worked out, as the film is set in Victorian times, but has an updated feel to it all. Ritchie brings in his use of rapid fire editing and constantly fun use of slo mo to the proceedings. as well as some standout ideas for key sequences, that certainly lend itself to a watchable good time. The whole tone of the film has the same sort of fun feel that films like 'The Mask of Zorro' and 'Casino Royal' had.

Bringing it back to Batman (I said it'd come up again) a lot of the plotting seems to resemble 'Batman Begins' in a way. While certainly not an origin story (and not nearly as serious) the multiple characters, plot strands, story devices, all while maintaining focus on one main character in a rebooted version certainly made me consider the similarities. That being said, both in 'Begins' and here do the female characters not add a whole lot. Not to say McAdams isn't all kinds of sexy/cute as well as effective as an actress, its just to say that the Holmes/Watson dynamic is much more entertaining, as is Wayne/Alfred. While on the subject of supporting cast, Mark Strong doesn't get a whole lot to work with as Blackwood, but since I dig Strong in just about anything he's in, I was just happy to see him here (as well as a name on the poster to help sell the film).

Other minor quibbles I have fall to the length of the film, which is a bit too long, at a little over two hours. Ritchie's strengths visually certainly don't help when connecting sequences don't have the same pull. That being said, despite the marketing showing off how big and flashy this new version of a Sherlock Holmes film is, there isn't much 'action.' There are some main set pieces for sure, but this blockbuster studio film, as I have mentioned, does do justice to the Doyle stories, striking a fine balance between its comedy/adventure and its character story/detective aspects.

Saving the best for last, I was truly impressed with Hans Zimmer's score on this film. Zimmer, who also did fine work on 'Begins' and 'The Dark Knight' (See, I can keep bringing it back to Batman!), is certainly not slumming it here, creating a wonderful new theme for a character that I certainly want to see follow up films for (and with setups for Holmes' nemesis Prof. Moriarty in place, I'm all set for it).

A lot of fun to be had here.

Dr. John Watson: Holmes, does your depravity know no bounds?
Sherlock Holmes: No.

Narrator: This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time. I am Jack's favorite movie. 1. You do not talk about Fight Club. I love watching this movie, it's always entertaining, I could easily put in on a 24 hour loop. It is a film surrounding the boring life of an office drone who becomes involved with an outsider, working together to vent their feelings initially through brutality and later through an evolved system seeking to enlighten the world in their own sort of way. The movie combines dark humor, violence, social commentary, and various other themes, and still finds time for a small love story. 2. You do NOT TALK about Fight Club. Great casting, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Jared Leto, even Meat Loaf, all at the top of their game. Just the right amount of nonchalance to their situations, yet great intensity to some important moments, as well as all the physical stuff involved, and being able to bring a great amount of humor to some dark topics. 3. If someone yells "Stop!", goes limp, taps out, the fight is over. David Fincher's best film, at the top of his game, and from the commentaries and behind the scenes stuff, you can tell he had a great time making this movie. His visual style is wonderful, showing how to make a movie through dialog, cinematography, and editing. The combination of cynical humor and a gritty atmosphere makes for a great looking film. 4. Only two guys to a fight. I have read the book that the movie is adapted from, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The script, adapted by Jim Uhls does great justice to the book and Chuck Palahnuik has even acknowledged how the film had improved upon the book in some ways. The story unfolds itself into a unique experience that is polarizing in terms of capturing it's audience, and even those who like it may still not see the message and themes that the film gets across. 5. One fight at a time. An amazing soundtrack. Composed by the Dust Brothers, they do a great job in capturing the spirit of the film, with many memorable themes throughout. The film also caps itself off amazingly with "Where's My Mind" by the Pixies, in fact, this is the movie that got me into the Pixies in the first place. Staying with the song, it is one of the best ending songs to any movie I've seen. 6. No shirt, no shoes. Addressing the style of the film again, the movie looks great. Filled with some very clever uses of special effects, frame splices. The way the camera moves, giving subtle hints about things and establishing the tones of how scenes should play out, accompanied by the, as mentioned, incredible soundtrack to help even further. 7. Fights will go on as long as they have to. The movie is very funny. Being my favorite film, that makes it my favorite dark comedy. Besides the sharp dialog, which contains all sorts of quotable lines, their are plenty of visual jokes that one can catch upon seeing the movie many times over. There is also a lot of clever/useful little information bits throughout the film, which I find neat as well. 8. If this is your first night at Fight Cub, you have to fight. When I saw this for the first time, I watched it right away the next morning. This was one of the first movies where, upon seeing it, I started to think about things. I find a lot of the ways I think about things and react to situations to be in relation to the line of thinking that these characters have, as well as the characters in other books by Palahnuik. I believe this movie to have been one of a few sources that gave me the kind of perception that I have. To me, this movie is perfect. Narrator: It's called a changeover. The movie goes on, and nobody in the audience has any idea.

Martin Blank: They all have husbands and wives and children and houses and dogs, and, you know, they've all made themselves a part of something and they can talk about what they do. What am I gonna say? "I killed the president of Paraguay with a fork. How've you been? There is no real reason why this movie should be in my top 3 of all time. It is simply a movie that just clicks with me and makes me feel like having a continuous loop of it would be just fine. It fits itself into my favorite genre of movie, a dark comedy, and a hit man-comedy at that. It's very funny, has a great soundtrack, some very funny characters, and some pretty cool action scenes. Martin Blank: If I show up at your door, chances are you did something to bring me there. John Cusack is Martin Q. Blank, in a great performance as a man who became detached from life, ditched his previous life in Michigan, and became a contract killer. He has a handful of charisma as well as a dark undercurrent and some paranoia issues that create a well balanced character. Debi: Some people say forgive and forget. Nah, I don't know. I say forget about forgiving and just accept. And... get the hell out of town. Minnie Driver is perfect as the lost girl in Martin's life, who plays as a good foil to his character. She is charming and funny, and very different in relation to the other people still in her Michigan town. Mr. Grocer: Easy there Chief, I don't see Hollow-Point Wound Care on the menu. Martin Blank: Why are you in Detroit? Redwings need a new goon? Dan Akroyd is also great in a complete bizarre role as a rival hit man to Martin, and has a great style of chemistry with Cusack as well. And then there are great little roles from Joan Cusack, Alan Arkin, Hank Azaria and Jeremy Piven, all with some of the best moments in the movie. Marty: Debi's house. Paul: Kinda crept up on you, didn't it? Marty: No, you drove us here. Paul: [pause] Yep. I love the concept, a hit man is disillusioned with his work and decides to attend his high school reunion and re-evaluate his life. Of course there is also a job to be done in his town, as well as rivals awaiting him. I also love how care free the responses are concerning hit men. No one takes Martin serious when he tells them what he does and in relation to the other people at the reunion, it seems like Martin would actually win the award for the most interesting life after high school. Mr. Newberry: What have you been doing with your life? Marty: Uh... professional killer. Mr. Newberry: Oh! Good for you, it's a... growth industry. The soundtrack of this movie is great. It got me into The Violent Femmes as well as a few other bands. I am not a big fan of 80s music, but this movie somehow manages to get the only bands and songs I like that had hits in the 80s and compile 2 great soundtracks albums. Martin Q. Blank: Oh, the reason I called... Could you find out who else is in town? I've made two spooks and a ghoul already, so if they've double-booked the job, and/or they're going to kill me, I'd like to know. If you could find that out, that'd be great. The direction by George Armitage also works very well. He combines all the elements of a dark/romantic comedy with an action thriller. The action is a lot of fun, with some memorable scenes, including a particular fight scene that is very gritty and real and a shootout in a mini mart. And this is all mixed once again with the great soundtrack as well as live vibrant colors fitting the nature of the comedy and situation. Mr. Grocer: So, what are you gonna do? You gonna Throw that gun at me? Marty: No... Maybe! Mr. Grocer: How 'bout this? How 'bout I sell you a piece for a hundred Gs? Marty: OK! Front me? Mr. Grocer: Deal! I love watching this movie. It moves quickly, has a number of memorable scenes, quick and sharp dialog written by Cusack and his friends, with a fun high concept and good characters. Martin Blank: You're a handsome devil. What's your name?