posted on the ultrarev's site

I was invited by my good friend to write a blog post on his site, while he's Internet challenged for the week. My post is over there, on June 13th.

the nines

I know, you would think it's all I do anymore, but I have yet another film that needs mentioning. It's a little film that enjoyed only limited release in the US late last summer. It's a winner, though. Check out The Nines. It's a film that intertwines three stories in a world that has "gone wrong" for the film's main character, played by Ryan Reynolds.

It's part psychological thriller, part drama, part spiritual quest. Very entertaining, well-written, acted and directed. It's one of those films that you talk about for a few days after you've seen it. And there's a bonus on the DVD -- a short film made by the director, John August, entitled god, that is funny and brilliant all on its own.

The Nines is rated R for some drug content, language and a brief bit of (non-graphic) sexuality. Still, it's well worth enduring any of that for the overall impact of the film.

yet another movie (or two)

I've seen two more films in the last few weeks, one just last night. The way I figure it, I'm too tired to think about theology and it is embarrassing to admit that I've been watching American Idol (and enjoying it), so you get more movie recommendations. About three weeks ago we watched and really enjoyed King of California, with Michael Douglas. It's a film about a man with bipolar disorder and his teenage daughter. Once he is released from an institution he becomes convinced that there is gold buried under the local Costco and convinces his daughter to join him in the quest. It's funny, sad, warm and moving all at once.

Last night we watched Canvas, another film about a person with mental illness. What can I say? Also entertaining, difficult to watch, sad and endearing, all at once. Both films had great performances and crisp writing, and sometimes what I really want is just a good story, well told.

brick

I saw a great movie a few weeks ago, Brick. My son recommended it and it is a fascinating contemporary take on film noir. It's rated R for drug content and violence and it takes place in a high school. Murder mystery. Teen flick. Drama and comedy. All rolled into one, quite seamlessly. If you're into something kind of different, I highly recommend it. It moves a little slow at first, but that is intentional and serves to build the story.

One of the oddities of the film is that although it is violent (mostly fist-fights) and deals with drug content among teenagers, there is virtually no profanity. In fact, I can't actually remember a single foul word.

The dialog is rich and full of creative slang; the story is more complex than you would expect and the direction, acting and cinematography are crisp and riveting. Anyone else seen it?

starting over

I got tired of feeling guilty about paying a fee for my other blog, so I went back to the free one. That way, if I don't post for a while, it's not about money going down the drain. I'm starting over. A fresh start.