Surprisingly a Great Movie! A Good Example of Friendship...Word!

I was so surprised at how good this was, how it took a single concept and give it so much depth and characters that we can care about. Its an epic movie with a small scope between dialogue and character development. Its not minimalists, but very humanistic at its approach. The story is about a hitman that is doing an assignment on his birthday. Its funny, because Pierce Brosnan nearly steals the whole show. Actually he does. Rather than playing a suave British man, the movie gives Brosnan to explore his Irish and get all loose. He is backward Irish hitman with contempt to screw anything that moves. His taste is mainly young girls, and he is also a drinker. Its some rare moment that we actually fall in love with him as the movie unfolds and start rooting for him. Then comes the traveling salesman that comes to Mexico city to where Jules(Brosnan character) is doing his assignment on his birthday played by the hit-and-miss Greg Kinear. He plays Danny the straight laced guy that for no apparent reason just happens to talk to Jules and they start a friendly conversation that ends with more drinking and funny one-liners. The conversation goes well until Jules breaks the ice, masterfully overlapped dialogue by Pierce that leads Danny to leave. Jules feels sorry for him and starts to make it up to him, because somehow he is lonely hitman on his birthday. The movie goes to a day where Jules gets really buddy buddy with him and asked if he can help him with a job. The right there breaks the ice between them two...But not exactly because after messing up an assignment he comes to Danny's house with his wife(played by Hope Davis) on Christmas Eve for a hide out. Watch all the wackiness ensue. It doesn't take cheap physical comedy, but with good dialogue and a sensible story that makes Jules more redeeming.
The movie doesn't go into the tired cliche of the hitman teaching the straight lace guy everything about life and what's wrong with his. Instead it involves a friendship and the reverse of that cliche about the hit man learning from the straight lace guy. It doesn't go into sentimentality, well for a little bit but relaxes itself into funny one-liners. The way I'm describing it makes it sound like a sweet movie, but its not. It felt like an after-school special on friendship, but didn't get to preachy. In a way it is a sweet movie, but in a whole different way. Originally this films was slated for an NC-17 for sex(which there is a lot of) and a little bit of violence. It was cut down to R, but didn't change the feel of the whole movie. It skates on thin ice with vulgarity, but has a high morale for it.
Examining the whole hitman being the purveyor of everything that is right for the straight lace guy. It first goes into it with Jules telling Danny what he does for a living at bullfight and showing him by using a fake target and how to actually assemble a kill. The rush goes on and cuts back to a bull fight and looks like something out of a Budd Boetticher film, and executed well done that leaves a smile on your face. Then the movie goes where Jules actually envies what Danny has and respects the fact that he is good guy. Hope Davis does a wonderful job playing Bean, Danny's wife also supplied with good one-liners. The whole movie isn't conveyed in one-liners but really memorable dialogue that will have you laughing and reminiscing about it through out the night. Richard Shepard did an awesome job and I would be looking forward into his career. He's done some other stuff that I'll be taking a peek, but this might showcase his true talents. This is Aliye Nyoka saying "Peace Out"

Aliye's Top Ten of 2005

Ahhhhh! Its finally here, like anyone cares. Since you read all my colleague's opinion on the best films of last year. Now let's hear mine, it's gonna suck! In no particular order, except for # 1, that's my favorite of the year.
1. Turtles Can Fly-Dir.Bhaman Ghobadi
I don't know man, but this stuck with me for awhile. Rarely seen Kurdish cinema that doesn't infuse American politics in the mix, but shows out it is. Although filmed in 2004 and released in very limited release in 2005, its now out on DVD and is worth it. If you like this check out the other director's "Time of Drunken Horses".
2. Mysterious Skin-Dir.Greg Arraki
It was the year for gay cinema as "Brokeback Mountain" pushed it to be mainstream. As I liked that film, but found it to be "Hollywood", I think "Mysterious Skin" was better. It was truly a movie that will stick with after you've watch it. Arraki is usually regulated as "guilty pleasure"...to just plain awful, but his style is really cool. As he handles dark subjects, this is by far his darkest. He doesn't go into the void of melo-drama or sentimentality. He is the New Wave Pasolini! His best film to date.
3.Serenity-Joss Whedon
Others will consider it as sci-fi fluff or just overrated, but I found it to be underrated and always admired Joss Whedon's writing. The movie is like John Ford and David Mamet(without the cussing) in space. The movie isn't spent on technological advancements but resolved in good dialogue and an unfolding story. The movie is fair on the look, but if you close your eyes and listen to the dialogue its like poetry. Plus, Chiwetel Ejiofor(The "Nigerian Homie" from "Dirty Pretty Things") is in it and plays one suave bad guy.
4. Hustle & Flow-Dir. Craig Brewer
Word...What can I say? Terrence Howard does it again, another movie to showcase his talents and co-star Ludacris. WOW, and the music is off the hook. While the character is hard to relate to, you'll still find yourself following him and understanding his pain...through some dope ass music. It doesn't goe into the trappings of urban films or doesn't kid itself of being an art film. All in all its just a great film with a purpose and a great performance!
5. Palindromes-Todd Solondz
As absurd and twisted the film may be, it was a guilty pleasure and really funny. I pushed people to watch it for I talk to them about it and it sparks some amazing conversations. I enjoyed Solondz last film, "Story-Telling" but this just knocked it out of the ball park.
6.Me, You and Everyone We Know-Dir.Miranda July
For a Portland filmmaker, this movie didn't suck. I loved it and think Miranda July is a really cute girl. WOW...That's my review of the movie. It was a really enjoyable film!
7.Where the Truth Lies-Atom Egoyan
Man this was a true guilty pleasure. It's never a guilty pleasure to admire Atom Egoyan, but this movie was so entertaining. It was like a Brian De Palma film, but out did him in some way!
8.Thumbsucker-Dir. Mike Mills
Another film based in Oregon, that actually didn't suck and will make me look forward to Mike Mills career. There wasn't anything impressive, but it wasn't forgettable. I could really relate to the kid because I was on those medications during high school(for a damn good reason). The soundtrack is amazing and almost steals the movie!
9.OldBoy-Dir.Chan-Wook Park
Nominated for the Cannes Jury prize of 2004, but got a slow release date till 2005. Its a great movie. I saw it twice and took my mom the second time. I love Korean cinema and this is at the fore front of the Korean New Wave. If you get the twist and watch it again, its still enjoyable again and again. I believe so!
10.Crash-Dir.Paul Haggis
Its so typical of me to have this on my top ten list, but it actually got to me. It was like Spike Lee directing a Robert Altman film. I think I'm the only that has to say it but here it goes...LUDACRIS NEEDS AN OSCAR!

Well that's my list of 2005, its here PLAYA! As for this year, 2006 seem to be promising and I can't wait.

ATTENTION TO ALL YOU SUCKAS!

It's been a huge delay during the Christmas break, but I doubt I have people that actually follow this site. If so, for thos 2 people I apologize and now I'm back with a vengeace and will posting daily and I will have my Top 10 List of 2005 tomorrow. Hell, I'll probably review "Bloodrayne". I promised writings from other colleauges besides me and I'll give you that. After all, IT'S A CELEBRATION BITCHES!

Nick Bruno's Top Ten List 2005

Nick Bruno is another cineaste I met on my journeys and he works at Video Verite in North Portland. I met him while working at Video-Rama and recommended him and hired him, and we been talking about films ever since every chance we get while we go to old revival houses. He is a really cool and very open minded and let me borrow his Krzysztof Kieslowski's "The Decalogue" on DVD...There was really no point saying that, but he knows his stuff. Here's his top 10 of 2005 in on particular order(except for #1 thats his favorite of the year), along with his own commentary.
1. Grizzly Man-Dir. Werner Herzog
Herzog seem to think it was depiction of Man vs. Nature and chaos inherent of nature, but it seem to me to be a completely realistic portrayal of mental illness and disputant. Surrounding and being rejected from society. Really funny at times and incredibly frightening and haunting at other times.
2. Me and You and Everyone we Know-Dir. Miranda July
I didn't find it at least bit pretentious and a really interesting way surrounding its subject matter around dialogue and not plot points.
3.Oldboy-Dir.Chan-Wook Park
Pure kinetic energy, just forward momentum and an awesome twist at the end.
4.Broken Flowers-Dir. Jim Jarmusch
For me a return to form from Jarmusch. He had some shaky ground with "Coffee and Cigarettes", took him a long time from "Ghost Dog". But came back strong with "Broken Flowers", feels like a Jim Jarmusch film and Bill Murray is great in it.
5.Wild Parrots at Telegraph Hill-Dir. Judy Irving
Really interesting story about a man that was homeless staying at a man's guest house and found a kinship with a flock of parrots.
6. Eros-Dir.Wong Kar-Wai/Steven Soderbergh/(but not the Antonioni)
I loved about 2/3's of it were fantastic, the Wong Kar-Wai has to be the most beautiful thing hes ever done. It even exceeded the "2046". The Soderbergh short was really clever and knew it was and flaunted it and really gambled at it's own flashiness.
7.2046-Dir. Wong Kar-Wai
It's just really gorgeous, it doesn't matter if the story doesn't stick together. Every bit of it is just candy for the eyes. It was just about beauty, unrequited love and lost.
8.Palindromes-Dir.Todd Solondz
I gotta say even though it is about child abuse it has to be about the sweetest movie Todd Solondz has ever done. Really senti-mental, also really clever usage of 13-actors playing one character. It really held together more than his last film "Story-Telling".
9.Junebug-Dir.Phil Morrison
Just a sweet simple story of real people that felt really good to see and something that small accomplished such goals by portraying real people.
10.Where the Truth Lies-Dir. Atom Egoyan
I think I'm probably the only person that I met that has defended that movie. I actually loved that movie and love everything that Atom Egoyan does.

Win's List of Films of 2005

Win (short for Winfield) is another cinephile/friend/co-worker that is really cool to talk to about films. He is basically the three C's of life that I never got along with until I met him. The three C's are "Clean-Cut Caucasian Conservatives", I like them but they don't seem to like me...except for Win. I will persuade him to write reviews for this site because he is a good writer and has an extended vocabulary than I do. He doesn't use words like "savage", or "dope-ass", or "sweet", or "DYNO-MITE". That last one was made up. He knows his stuff and loves films and has a collection of 1400(I think higher) DVD's and out-of-print Laserdics. His collection is more than mine and Kyle's(you can see his top ten down below) combined. I"ll promise to get this man's voice heard through my site, because he has voice...or something!

Win's Top Ten of 2005
1. Batman Begins
2. Mysterious Skin
3. The Squid and the Whale
4. In Her Shoes
5. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
6. Good Night, and Good Luck.
7. Syriana
8. Thumbsucker
9. This Divided State
10. Bee Season


Win's Bottom Ten (Worst Films of 2005)
1. The Producers
2.Rent
3.Elizabeth Town
4.ChumScrubber
5.House of D.......DEEZ NUTZ!
6.Be Cool
7.November
8.Catarina in the Big City
9.War of the Worlds
10.The Jacket

Kyle's Top 10 of 2005

Well, 2005 has brought many different films, most of which were much crappier than they were amazing, but oh well. Here are the ones that stand out most to me. Now, my top ten list may not be the most exciting or the most original, but deal with it.
1. King Kong
Now, I know that King Kong is a B-movie disguised with a lot of talent and a huge budget, but I loved it. I felt that Peter Jackson nailed every aspect needed with amazing special effects, poignant moments blended with some of the most entertaining action sequences, and a great cast to boot. Within every scene of this movie, so much work and perfection were put forth to make it as beautiful and amazing as possible. Peter Jackson rules and Naomi Watts did an amazing job acting off of a "pretend" character. Hopefully this movie will boost her already decent career.
2. Mysterious Skin
Although this movie slid under the radar, not being recognized at all during the awards season, I feel that this has got to be one of the most unique and well-done films this year. Joseph Gordon-Levitt truly shows his talent as an actor and is supported by an amazing cast. The script and story of this film are very dark and creative and director Gregg Araki makes this whole viewing experience very challenging and engrossing.
3. Walk the Line
The main reason why this film is on my list is not only because it is very well-crafted in every aspect, but it also has some of the most memorable and amazing performances of the year by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. I was not a big fan of the movie Ray, and I feel that Walk the Line truly captures every element that Ray left out. An all around great film!!!
4. Crash
With this film, I feel that Paul Haggis took a controversial idea and turned it into a somewhat melodramatic soap opera of people's intertwining lives. I feel that Crash has a purpose and it truly impacts in all of the right areas. The musical score and flow of the film are close to perfect, and the ensemble cast involved in this film are simply amazing. Special recognition goes to Matt Dillon and Sandra Bullock for their performances. An overall powerful and movie film.
5. In Her Shoes
This film is simply a piece that focuses on the importance of family and the ways in which people can impact and change your life. At first, I was worried about the idea of Cameron Diaz being in this movie, but director Curtis Hanson knew what he was doing when he cast her. Her performance was very honest and vulnerable. Along with her, Toni Collette and Shirley MaClaine were very perfect as well. This was a very simple story but done to perfection.
6. Sin City
With an amazing visual style, top-notch cast, and cool characters, what's not to love about this film? Overall, this film is a hip masterpiece from beginning to finish. Enough said.
7. Batman Begins
Where is Joel Schumacher? Gone, praise the Lord. This movie stands alone from all of the other Batman films by being dark and realistic while containing a great story and script and very notable performances from the entire cast. Christopher Nolan truly knows how to create atmosphere and does so perfectly in this film. If you did not enjoy this film for what it is, then you suck.
8. Brokeback Mountain
With this film, Ang Lee crafted a subtle, yet powerful and moving film that is exploding with emotion and grace. Every actor in this film is amazing, most notable Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams. There is so much honesty and truthfulness within every camera shot of this film, that it is practically impossible not to get sucked in to this world. Great film!!!
9. History of Violence
A cool story, great cast, and David Cronenberg's uniqueness make this film close to perfect. Not much more to say about it other than that it grabbed hold of the viewer and did not let go until the very last frame. Awesome movie! I love Maria Bello!!!
10. Memoirs of a Geisha
The reason that this film is on my top ten list is not because of the story which is not perfect by any means, but due to beautiful direction by Rob Marshall who manages to capture every color and every mood, and also due to stellar performances from a diverse cast of people. Not perfect, but very enjoyable and exremely elegant.

Top Ten of 2005 by Aliye's Abercrombie and Fitch Sidekick, KYLE