Day 333 - The Woodmans (Documentary)

 

"The story of a family that suffers a tragedy, but perseveres and finds redemption through each other and their work - making art."

It was interesting but it felt like it lacked in emotion at times. Several interviewees did choke up when they talked about Francesca but I do like the realistic emotion behind this documentary. The whole focus of the documentary seemed to be mostly about Francesca despite what the synopsis says. Robert the son of the family was rarely talked about which made the documentary lose its feeling a bit. There wasn't a whole lot in the documentary either, it felt empty in a way but it still shows us an interesting artist.

 

 

2/5

Day 332 - Elysium (American)

 

" film takes place on both a ravaged Earth, and a luxurious space habitat called Elysium.^[5] It explores political and sociological themes such as immigration, overpopulation, health care, exploitation, the justice system, and class issues.^[6]"

 

Basically an Ex-con exposed to radiation tries his best in order to reach Elysium where he can be cured. The design of the world wasn't that bad but I think the general pace of the film caused this film to be less successful. Matt Damon did an okay job but he could have been a thousand times better. As I watched this film I wondered how Eminem would have looked if he had accepted the role. The back up characters were very weak depth wise and at times really annoying. In the beginning the film was at a normal pace but it took  a much faster approach towards the time. Not a whole lot happens in the film it would have been better to see the characters struggle more. There were a few good moments in the film but there was room for a lot of improvement. Also I watched this film I learned it was directed by the guy who did District 9 and it was obvious to why this movie was flawed.

 

 

2/5

Day 331 - Jiro Dreams of Sushi (Documentary)

 

"The film follows Jiro Ono (小野 二郎, Ono Jirō^?), an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin three-star restaurant, on his continuing quest to perfect the art of sushi. The film also profiles Jiro's two sons, both of whom are also sushi chefs. The younger son, Takashi (隆士), left Sukiyabashi Jiro to open a mirror image of his father's restaurant in Roppongi Hills. The 50-year-old elder son, Yoshikazu (禎一), obligated to succeed his father, still works for Jiro and is faced with the prospect of one day taking over the flagship restaurant."_wiki

 

An almost elegant documentary filmed about a perfectionist. Not only is the documentary about sushi and it is also about life. I found Mr. Ono to be quite knowledge and hardworking man who is still active in what he wants to do. The director David Gelb did a great job with everything, this documentary is the best one I've seen in quite a while. This kind of documentary will keep your focus for many reasons.

 

3.9/5

 

Day 330 - 14 Blades (Hong Kong)

"A kung fu thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and centered on a secret service agent (Donnie Yen) in the emperor's court who is betrayed and then hunted by his colleagues"

 

An excellent wuxia film from Daniel Lee and Donnie Yen. I enjoyed the story as well as the fighting and character development. First off Donnie Yen is very badass in this film, with blades and with his fists. He uses a slightly different fighting style in this film than his other movies. Zhao Wei was quite subtle in this film which made her kind of the perfect maiden for Donnie Yen's character. There is a quite blunt reference to pirates of the Caribbean with "Judge" whose clothes are very similar to Jack Sparrow. This is a wonderful film to watch on a thanksgiving day or simply a slow day. It could have been better but for what it has its great and I overall enjoyed the movie. (especially Tuo Tuo)

 

3/5

 

 

Day 329 - H.H. Holmes: AMerica's First Serial Killer (Documentary)

 

"Torture chambers, acid vats, greased chutes and gassing rooms were just some of the devices of death designed by the Torture Doctor, H.H. Holmes in his castle of horrors. Follows Holmes' entire life as a criminal mastermind."

 

An interesting documentary about a man who is rumored to have killed more than 200 people. John Borowski did a great job at gathering information and telling a wonderful tale through short reenactments and real pictures. This film is the people that like to learn about serial killers, one thing that is incorrect is that before Holmes there was another serial killer in America who some believe to be Jack the Ripper before the murders in England. Anyway this is one interesting documentary into the mind of a monster...

 

3/5

Day 328 - Island Etude (Taiwanese)

"A film about an aurally handicapped college student who grabs his bike, backpack, and guitar and goes on a 7-day, 6-night round-the-island tour. On the way he discovers the natural and cultural beauty of Taiwan and during his encounters with different people he is exposed to local arts, folk customs, approaches to environmental protection, traditional family values, and a host of other cultural enlightenments"

 

A visually beautifully film with limited talking from the main character and a natural supporting cast. Most of the people in the film are not actually actors but they made the movie even better with the natural feeling they gave off. It may not be the best movie but it makes it quite enjoyable when you have all these natural things present in the film. The dialogue is realistic which makes the talking scenes even better. This is the type of film someone who have never seen Taiwan would love because you get to the wonderful scenery present in the country.

 

3/5

Day 327 - Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (Chinese)

" the South China Sea a Chinese fleet is attacked by a mysterious sea creature, destroying many ships and leaving the remaining severely damaged. Shortly after, the young Dee Renjie (Mark Chao) arrives in the Imperial Capital Luoyang, after receiving a recommendation to join the Ministry of Justice. In an attempt to appease the sea creature, the city officials have selected the beautiful courtesan Yin Ruiji (Angelababy) to be given to the monster. Empress Wu (Carina Lau), currently serving as the regent for the current emperor, charges Yuchi (Feng Shaofeng), a member of the Ministry of Justice, to investigate the sea monster attacks, threatening execution if he does not succeed in ten days"

 

A complete let down from the sequel with Andy Lau. The action scenes were so fast that you barely had time to register what was happening. It was a good idea in order to hide the horrible special effects but it managed to make me lose interest in the movie. Angelababy was beautiful as ever, even more beautiful in traditional Chinese clothing. She had the best acting in the film besides Carina Lau because everyone else was so mediocre. Mark Chao had a difficult job starring as Detective Dee when the legendary actor Andy Lau played the character before. Mark Chao lacked the charisma and overall charm that Andy Lau brought to the character. Mark was crushed badly by this role which lead to a semi boring movie.

Overall the film lacked in many persons and wasn't all too entertaining. I wonder what was Tsui Hark thinking when he made a prequel.

 

1/5