I’ve been working in a video store, hired to “fix” their “library” (i.e., non-new releases: organize Classics, Noir, etc. genres; develop a Directors’ section). Thing is, of course, customers want recommendations on new releases about 97% of the time, so I’m trying to catch up. Here’s my brief impressions:
I <3 Huckabees
Made-for-TV Charlie Kauffman; great parody of What the Bleep Do We Know? Mostly, sucked.
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Dominion/Exorcist: The Beginning**
Useless separately, interesting lesson in Hollywood marketing viewed together. Casting choices especially interesting: in the Schrader, the female lead is a dowdy Jewish lady doctor. In the Harlin, she’s a . . . hot blonde Jewish lady doctor.
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Caché**
Haneke is brilliant as usual, although the allegory-of-Bush’s-America is a bit heavyhanded. If you like this, as you should you should love Panahi’s Crimson Gold even more.
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Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang**
One of those movies that, while you’re watching it, is the best movie ever made; it couldn’t possibly be any better (like *Aliens; The Incredibles; Raiders; Adaptation; King Kong '05; * movies whose flaws reveal themselves later, upon reflection, but while they’re taking you on the ride, you’re too entertained to notice). Downey and Kilmer need to remake every buddy picture ever made.
More to come; please add yours.