A simple bildungsroman story of a sixteen
year old (Keir Gilchrist) who finds himself in a mental home after suicidal
impulses. A pleasant enough movie, It’s
Kind of a Funny Story is innocent and lovely, and with a huge helping
comedic hand from Zach Galifianakis, playing the supporting yet troubled
inmate, the film actually has a few good lines. It’s nothing too serious,
basically just a friendly and moderately entertaining way to spend 101 minutes
of your life.
The
Intouchables (2012)
What a great movie! French and absolutely
fabulous, The Intouchables has enough
beauty and charm to capture anyone’s heart. Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, the
film tells the story of a quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his unlikely aid
support (Omar Sy). The mismatched pairing of the unlikely two is enthralling to
watch; the banter through this incapable man’s life and the jokes that are met
are natural and hilarious. I found myself crying with laughter and multiple
junctures. The story behind each of the characters is a little confusing and
sometimes unnecessary, but luckily this aspect takes up a small portion of the
overall screen time. Performances, writing, sound and scope are all brilliant
in this film and so make it a list-topper of films to see.
Tbe
Master (2012)
Paul Thomas Anderson has done it again. The
genius that is has produced yet another gripping and intensely interesting
film, this time honing in on the mysteries and wonders that surround the cult
religion of scientology. Without any kind of specific reference to the truthful
religious following, Anderson has dramatically captured the confusion and
capriciousness that underpins the ideas of scientology, yet the film’s premise
if not based on mockery. Joaquin Phoenix is almost unrecognizable as the
boozing and gullible puppet of ‘The Cause’, headed by ‘The Master’ himself,
Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Both Hoffman and Phoenix are outstanding. The
relationship of the master and his acolyte is almost sickening as the confusion
and frustration of ‘The Cause’ is still able to seize people’s conviction.
The
underpinning idea of religious devotion makes The Master just so god damn exciting!
Welcome
to the Dollhouse (1995)
I have discovered my new favourite
film-maker! Todd Solondz… if you haven’t heard of him, perhaps its time you
had. Welcome to the Dollshouse is the
second film of Solondz’s seven-titled filmography, and so far, I think it’s
probably my favourite. It’s nothing seriously dramatic or awe-inspiring, but
the wit and charm oozing from the screen is enough to render it fairly remarkable.
The plot follows Dawn Wiener, a hopeless and unattractive junior high student, living
her life, battling bullying and the unrequited love she shares for older boys.
It’s by no means a comedy, but this films is absolutely soaked with dark wit
and humor that is just priceless!
Martha
Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Haunting, eerie, mysterious, unpredictable,
breath-taking, beautiful. The mouthful that is Martha Marcy May Marlene (It becomes easier to remember once you’ve
seen it) is the well deserved smash hit directorial debut from Sean Durkin.
Extremely haunting, this story follows the ins and outs of cult life, and the
suffering and paranoia that follows Martha as she escapes. Elizabeth Olsen,
quite outstandingly, makes her debut in this film as the lead role of
Martha/Marcy May. She really is spectacular, and the cast that aids her, with
special mention to John Hawkes and Sarah Paulson, is equally as captivating. The
film is so beautiful, and will leave you twisting a turning at night.
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