Fourteen days have passed and we present to you, another issue of “Movies We Watched.” This is, of course, the regular capsule posting of films consumed that may not have made it to a full post around the Row Three office. The ever growing series of these since the inception of this website can be browsed by clicking the icon on the sidebar. Or feel free to comment on the subset below.
Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants (1996) 4/5
Ricky Jay most folks probably know as a supporting player in many of David Mamet’s films (and occasionally in P.T. Anderson’s). He is often the sleight-of-hand or confidence scheme consultant on films like The Illusionist and The Prestige. He designed the wheelchair contraptions that hides Gary Sinise’s legs in Forrest Gump. But really, Jay is best preforming his amazing gifts of sleight of hand with cards. In his 1996 show that was filmed by Mamet, Jay is in full raconteur mode giving historical anecdotes on the famous or forgotten practitioners of the strange and the unusual while performing classic tricks. His routine on the classic cup and balls is a treat. Whether or not you can spot the various sleight-of-hand tricks or not, sit back and marvel at showmanship at its finest. -KURT
Seppuku (1962) 4.5/5
Samurai films are not my specialty but at some point this came really recommended and thank goodness too because I thoroughly enjoyed Masaki Kobayashi’s “anti” Samurai film which makes a point to undercut some of the ideas behind the samurai tradition with a small, personal tragedy. Beautifully shot and amazingly well paced, this was a surprising treat. Highly recommended. -MARINA
White Night Wedding (2008) 4/5
Here was a pleasant surprise out of the Mpls Film Festival. While normally I despise films that have dramatic shifts of tone that flip on a dime, White Night Wedding somehow managed to keep me engrossed at all times while giving off a vibe of pure delight. With several characters that exude heart and fun, it’s impossible not to come away from the film in love with all of them. Laughs abound; then softened by moments of fairly dark drama are balanced well in this wonderfully shot and lighthearted (with something to say) island wedding. -ANDREW
Gardens of the Night (2008) 3/5
The first half of Damian Harris’ film is a masterwork in restraint, dealing with a difficult subject (child kidnapping and prostitution) with care and a beautiful tenderness. Ryan Simpkins’ performance is staggering and beautifully captured sadly, the film looses a little steam when it introduces the children as adults. At that point, it becomes a very typical story of street youth which though proficiently made, lacks the power of the film’s first half. -MARINA
Strongman (2009) 1.5/5
Think of it as the downer version of ANVIL, this on-the-cheap documentary follows Stanless Steel, the man who can bend fold pennies with his bare hands and lift three adults with one finger. Along with his girlfriend of three years, who pines for her days as a model, they struggle to get his Strongman career back on track despite Stan’s approach towards middle age. Faced with a lack of paying jobs, a lackluster amount of showmanship and Stan’s emotional ups and downs, their relationship struggles and sputters along with his chance for glory. Time spent with Stan and his somewhat dysfunctional family is not entirely wasted, buried in the 2 hour documentary is a message about strength and weakness and those that do not overcome. -KURT
100 Feet (2008) 3/5
Famke Janssen has to duke it out against the ghost of her abusive ex-husband. Sound like it could be interesting and Eric Red’s film does have some genuinely creepy moments but the mix of special effects, occasional overacting and the under use of Ed Westwick were a bit disappointing. Made for a mediocre time killer. -MARINA
Across the Universe (2007) 4.5/5
Everyone complains that there is not creativity left in Hollywood anymore. Then Julie Taymor comes along and gives us something extremely high on the creative scale with amazingly artful visuals and a wonderful (though sometimes melancholy) soundtrack. I see (and hear) no problem reliving these classic Beatles tunes with new and interesting arrangements – particularly when used in context with an overall story arc. Yeah we already know the story of the 60′s, but it’s anything but bland when told through the eyes of Ms. Taymor. Despite studio interference, Taymor has created something great enough to get me behind pretty much any project she tackles. -ANDREW
I first posted the trailer for Downloading Nancy when previewing Sundance 2008. The film eventually played, receiving less than favourable reviews. Even with the reviews (everything from depraved to unwatchable), I was happy when, months later, it was announced that the film would be released, however limited, by Strand Releasing. At the time of the announcement, there was no indication as to when the release might come and though that’s still the case, the film’s recent re-appearance suggests that the time is soon.
