The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray-Lost in Translation) and his crew--Team Zissou--set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly non-existant Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou's partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. They are joined on their voyage by a young airline co-pilot, Ned (Owen Wilson-Starsky & Hutch) who may or may not be Zissou's son, a beautiful journalist, Jane (Cate Blanchett-The Lord of the Rings) assigned to write a profile of Zissou, and Zissou's estranged wife and co-producer, Eleanor (Anjelica Huston-Iron Jawed Angels). They face overwhelming complications including pirates, kidnapping, and bankruptcy. Also starring Willem Dafoe (Spiderman), Jeff Goldblum (Incident at Loch Ness), Michael Gambon (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow), and Noah Taylor (Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life).

While I can understand why the critics are split regarding this movie, I'm have to admit, I really enjoyed "The Life Aquatic". I found the film quirky, hilarious, and uniquely bizarre. This is type of movie that one must give oneself over to; to simply accept the oddities without question. If you are able to do that, you will love this film. Murray is clearly in his prime, drawing you into the life of his character with ease. Easily as good a performance as his Oscar nominated role in "Lost in Translation". Dafoe is a definate highlight as Klaus, showing a comic range hitherto unseen by this actor. The remainder of the cast had their moments to shine, but nothing like Murray and Dafoe. This is a film for those who liked "The Royal Tenenbaums", and for those who can appreciate humor in its subtlest form. A must see.

Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Labels: Comedy

posted by Lisa at 4:58 a.m. |

 
Elf

Starring Wil Ferrell and James Caan, 'Elf' is a cute and quirky story. Probably Ferrell's best work.

Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

Labels: Comedy

posted by Lisa at 5:54 a.m. |

 
Octopus 2

A giant octopus goes on a killing rampage in New York's harbor. What do you think?

Rating: 0 (out of 5)

Cool As Ice

Argueably the career move that ruined 90's one hit wonder 'Vanilla Ice.' A terrible story line with some surprisingly lovely cinematography.

Rating (as a movie): 1 (out of 5)
(as a cult flick): 3 (out of 5)

In America

An Irish family comes to New York to pursue the American dream as seen through the eys of two little girls. Stunning work.

Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Starsky & Hutch

An quirky film version of the hit 70's tv show with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. Comes across more of a project between friends than a film. Enjoyable for the most part if a little over the top.

Rating: 3 (out of 5)

Labels: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama

posted by Lisa at 12:05 p.m. |

 
Being Julia

Being Julia is a tale of amorous folly and revenge set in the world of the London stage in the late 1930's. London's reigning diva, Julia Lambert (Annette Bening: American Beauty), is suddenly weary of her success and fame. Not long after convincing her husband Michael (Jeremy Irons: The Merchant of Venice) to close her show so that she can take a holiday, she falls head over heels for a young American, Tom (Shaun Evans), and begins a passionate May - December affair. When she realizes that Tom is just a young social climber whose real passion is ambitious young starlet Avice Crichton (Lucy Punch: Ella Enchanted), Julia begins to plot a delightful revenge. Also featuring Juliet Stevenson, Bruce Greenwood, Miriam Margolyes, and Michael Gambon.

I went into this film with absolutely no expectations and found it utterly delightful. Bening is marvelous as Lambert, surely one of her best performances. She is delightful combination of ego, wickedness, and sensativity that is rarely found in films of late. Irons is the best I've ever seen him, proving that subtlety is the greater part of acting valor. Relative newcomer Evans is also a treat, proving to be a wonderful choice as the conniving Tom. His combination of wide eyed innocence, open smile and 'boy next door' looks made him an angelic devil. Punch, despite my reservations when she was first introduced, pulled it together in the second act, so to speak, losing the insipid expression and giggle to finally make the character of Avice believable. I found the film especially enjoyable as an active member of the local theatre company. I found myself comparing the characters to people I know from past shows, surely a compliment to the creator of such well rounded characters. In all, Being Julia is a wonderful film, and I enjoyed every moment of it. A must see for theatre and film lovers.

Rating: 4.75 (out of 5)

Labels: Drama

posted by Lisa at 4:52 a.m. |