Bridesmaids, No Strings Attached, Morning Glory, Perfume: The Story of A Murderer
- BRIDESMAIDS – (2011)
Dir-Paul Feig;Star-Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper
Quirky, perpetually unloved Wiig is maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, but she finds that she’s slowly being replaced as “BFF.” Finally a great vehicle for the very talented writer-actress Wiig (of Saturday Night Live fame), whose awkward sense of humor feels decidedly fresh (despite her overuse on SNL). A very funny movie drawing its comedy from female raunch, which is very welcome in a typically male-oriented Judd Apatow production, and the uncomfortable social situations presented in its story, with a great cast, especially McCarthy (of Gilmore Girls fame) as the lewd, obese bridesmaid who steals puppies and defecates in sink. Its third quarter is overlong and emotionally intense (for a comedy), but eventually satisfying. A welcome movie that while very funny, never finds the perfect balance between comedy and personal, emotional drama, that’s made by very funny people at their best.
- NO STRINGS ATTACHED – (2011)
Dir-Ivan Reitman;Star-Ashton Kutcher, Natalie Portman
Entirely unoriginal movie about two friends who become friends with benefits despite falling for each other. Focuses more on the relationship than being funny, which is too bad since it goes exactly where you’d expect it to go. Kucther and Portman are likable (to the extent that that’s possible, I’m looking at You, miss Portman), but don’t do much to elevate the dull screenplay they’re given. I suppose it’s a classical romantic comedy that’s too by the numbers to be endearing.
- MORNING GLORY – (2010)
Dir-Roger Michell;Star-Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Patrick Wilson
Up and coming news-show producer McAdams decides to try and revive a failing morning show rather than accepting a more secure job, employing the cantankerous and stubborn broadcasting veteran Ford who isn’t exactly willing to try anything new. The focus is on the clash of personalities, which isn’t exactly a refreshing idea. A slight and unremarkable comedy featuring many likable personalities (especially the leads) that’s over before you know it, and then you ask yourself, “did anything really happen?” The answer is not really, no.
- PERFUME: The Story of a Murderer – (2006)
Dir-Tom Tykwer;Star-Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, Alan Rickman
Troubled French orphan Jean Baptiste-Grenouille is born with a supernaturally powerful sense of smell which he trains and hones, eventually turning to crime to craft the perfect scent. Vivid production design and cinematography allow the film to capture the sense of smell like no other, with remarkably mesmerizing and beautiful imagery. The story itself is quite intriguing; it’s hard to really root for the protagonist, but it’s also difficult to look away. My main gripe is with the contrived and all-too-convenient ending that feels too artificially profound. Still, Perfume is a noteworthy film due to its detailed translation of a non-visual sensual passion into a compelling visual device.
Tags: Bridesmaids
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
November 8, 2011 at 9:03 am
=)