Saran's Talk

Obchod na Korze (The Shop On Main Street) (A Shop on the High Street)

The funny and tragic performances, the camera work, the story, the dream sequences; all great reasons to see this film. Another foreign picture that doesn't really have anyone involved who became very famous outside of Czechoslovakia. No famous autuers, and yet I thought it was brilliant. It leaves a mark!

Jozef Kroner as Tony Brtko holds the movie together. He's drunk much of the time and finds a boisterous voice in this condition. When he's sober, he's a pushover, too scared, too kind to do what is expected of him as an Aryan. He hates his brother-in-law who lives a wealthy life as a Nazi officer. He is annoyed by his nagging wife. The Nazis are just beginning their plan to clear all the Jews out of this small Czech town. Tony's brother-in-law gives him the advice that a Jew-lover is the only thing worse than a Jew, and tells him to stay away from one known acquaintance named Mr. Kuchar who is a friend to Jews. Tony needs Mr. Kuchar's help too much to give up his friendship though. Tony gets assigned to take over a shop, which carries sewing supplies, from an elderly Jewish woman. Ida Kaminska plays the widow Mrs. Lautmann. She is set in her ways and hard of hearing, but serves her few customers well. She continually claims not to understand that Tony as an Aryan is supposed to take her shop away from her because she is a Jew. While this is sometimes genuine, she's such a cheerful old lady that I got the definite impression that she was playing dumb, that she was just playing with Tony at times. The "I don't understand, I don't understand." is more existential, more metaphysical. The Nazis have a wooden pyramid monument built in the square that many of the Czechs call the Tower of Babel. It also reminded me a bit of the obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey. This pyramid doesn't look very dangerous, but it conveys a sense of impending doom. Pictures of the young Mr. and Mrs. Lautmann from a happier time begin to haunt Tony. The dream sequences are bright, washed out, pure images of a symbolic main street where Tony becomes Mr. Lautmann and all the current political problems are gone. The Shop on Main Street realistically portrays daily life in this place and time and slowly builds some powerful suspense in the final scenes.

Monsieur Vincent

This movie put a lump in my throat by the end because you really become close to this generous generous man. The movie gives you lots to think about. One idea particularly stuck with me- Monsieur de Paul has just realized some truths about the lives of the poor he has vowed to help and goes to a younger fellow priest to enlist his assistance. Monsieur de Paul says (in French with English subtitles so I paraphrase), "You can't worry about saving the souls of the poor. You have to help them live a life worthy of a soul first." That's profound to me! Compassion and pity are not the same and Monsieur Vincent struggles with feeling pity quite a bit it seems. However, you can't help thinking that this man, who served the poor, sick, and abandoned, started something worthwhile!

Claude Renoir was the cinematographer. Other than him, there are not too many people in the cast and crew who became very well known outside of France. Still it is a very special film that is not by one of the famous auteurs.

Land of the Lost

Don't bother.Not Now,Not Ever!

The Hangover

Lots of laughs from the well ensembled cast.What makes it a real kick is that there are a few of things I could actually see really happening due to a little over indulgence of Vegas and all it has to offer.Anyway lots of fun,go see it! =)

Killshot

Pretty good Action/Suspense/Thriller film.Great cast and good plot.I recommend this one =)

Drag Me to Hell

OMG! Are you serious?? GRRRRR! Don't bother.It;s sad to say but the movie poster is the best thing about this flick.Complete crap.the worst cheesiest special effects I think I have ever seen in a horror flick and some shit that just borders on absolutely Ridiculous!Complete waste of time,I wanted to give it a fair shot so I did see it all the way through but I am not recommending this one at all.All I can say is Ellen Page you are a very smart girl for NOT taking the lead role in this one,It would have ruined the good streak you have going for yourself.=( AWFUL!

Up

If I had millions I would invest in Pixar.They in my eyes can do NO wrong.Every film they make is it's own unique masterpiece.You must see this film,of course its great for the whole family,there is something here for everyone.A sweet and beautiful story and so very funny.Take the kiddos and spend some quality time with this one,you won't be sorry.=)

Angels & Demons

Fast paced,VERY fast paced lol.I will have to see this one again to be honest.There is just so much info and alot going on it keeps you glued thats for sure.If you liked the first one you will like this one maybe even more.=)

Terminator Salvation

Loved it! The cast was great,story was great and the special effects amazing.First Kick ass Blockbuster of the summer,See this one in the Theater!!! =)

The Haunting in Connecticut

Really good,creepy as hell and to think this was based on a true story!! Forget That sh*t! See it!

The Apartment

Excellent movie.Another one I wished I hadn't waited so long to see.Jack Lemmon was so funny when he was younger.A movie about love,lies,bribes and climbing the good ol corporate ladder.I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a good movie with an actual storyline and great plot.=)

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Cute and full of surprises! See it!

Obsessed

Very good movie.Really intense a couple of scenes.The chick fight is almost as good as the one in Kill Bill but that one remains my ultimate fav to this day.Anyway this movie has Fatal Attraction of the new generation all over it but done with a little different twist.I recommend it.=)

American Splendor

want to see this because it won best picture with the NSFC and best picture with the LAFC

Donkey Punch

Pretty cool flick,Could have been better,but like all typical knda teen slasher type flicks cant expect much really Right?Anyway the trailer got me wanting to see it.I dont want to ruin anything for anyone,Its not horrible just not Amazing.Worth a watch,there we go =)