What you should rent this week, and what you shouldn't
Heather Provost
Welcome back to Heather's take on what you should rent this week, and what you should skip at any cost. Last week, Heather urged you to watch "Atonement" and forget "Awake," and this week, she recommends checking out Ben Affleck's recent directorial effort. Also, Heather warns you not to rent an action thriller in which a monstrous creature wreaks havoc in New York City. Any idea which flick we're talking about? Well, dive right in and enjoy!
Get it: "Gone Baby Gone"
This is what it is: A little girl goes missing in one of Boston's roughest neighborhoods; Dorchester. Private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan), after much hesitation, agree to take the case. The investigation proves more complex than either could ever have imagined. Ben Affleck makes his directorial debut. The film also stars Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman and Amy Ryan (who was nominated for her first Oscar).
My always strong and quite often, brilliant opinion: I love films that leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled and the screen has faded to black. And "Gone Baby Gone" is definitely such a film. Not only does it deliver suspense, but it also delivers a huge moral dilemma. I'm not going to share what this dilemma is because that will, well, ruin the suspense for you. But trust me, you'll be talking about it whoever you watch this film with... even if that happens to be your cat.
When you have scenes involving Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, I mean how can you miss? Two of the finest actors of our time, I'd say. And I also have to say that Casey Affleck impressed me. I think Ben should just stick to the writing/directing thing (because he's great at it), and put his brother up there on the big screen to deliver the quality performance stuff. Amy Ryan is fine, but did she deserve an Oscar nomination? Eh, I'm not sold on that. But she did give us a despicable piece of white trash to get angry at. So there ya go.
One thing I do need to mention - whoever did the extras casting on this film should be doing every film in Hollywood. The people in this movie's "world" were so damn real! This sets the feel for the entire film... real, gritty, and rough around the edges. We see every wrinkle, every missing tooth, every extra pound. It's not, "let's cast some people, dress them in outfits, and place them on the front stoops." No, these are the real deal, and that is a big deal.
I haven't read the book the film is based on, but I will now. If the story is told half as brilliantly as it is on screen, I know it will be a page-turner. So Go Baby Go, and get this film. You'll be glad you did.
The final word: Because I snacked on my favorite Red Vine Candies while viewing this, I will give it 4 1/2 Red Vines out of 5. Um, maybe I should start watching those carbs right about now... summer is almost here... uh, except that I live in Southern California, so it never really leaves, now does it?
Skip it: "Cloverfield"
This is what it is: A giant monster interrupts a going-away party in Manhattan. The creature attacks New York City. A group of friends with a camcorder struggle to stay alive. Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, Michael Stahl-David, Odet Jasmin and T.J. Miller co-star.
My always strong and quite often, brilliant opinion: I should have taken some seasick medicine before viewing this one. AUGH. I just can't take that shifty "we are so realistic" camera work.
Okay, sure, Cloverfield makes a statement - on how our society is now so obsessed with recording everything as it happens, and how self-absorbed we all are. Um, but do you guys remember that GINORMOUS viral media campaign launched on this film's behalf? Uh, yeah... who's self-absorbed? Just sayin'.
Yeah, I get that whole YouTube phenomenon, and that's what was clearly being commented on in this film. But ya know what? I have YouTube to watch little YouTube films, and I want my "going to the movies" or "renting my movies" experiences to be what I've loved my whole life - not just the feel of some random guy with a camera, shooting a home movie. That's why home movies are home movies; because they clearly shouldn't be watched outside of your own home! So why try to give a big movie that same kind of feel? Yeah, cool and creative idea... for the first 11 minutes or so. Um, and wasn't "The Blair Witch Project" enough? And because it was shot like a home movie, and it definitely was not my home, I didn't care about one single character or performance. They all just kind of annoyed me. Moral of the story: nobody wants to watch other people's home movies!
This film was built up and built up, so naturally my expectations were huge. Uh yeah, big mistake. I don't really do "campy," and that's just what this film is. Wait. Actually, I'm not sure if it knew if it was fun and campy - or if it was truly just trying to make a statment. Maybe that's why it didn't work so well.
The "set up" takes forever and there's no suspense really. I never wondered what was going to happen next. And if you've seen the trailer, you've pretty much seen the entire movie. And monsters just don't scare me. But hey, if they scare you, by all means... Anyway, welcome to Cloverfield's wild ride. Um, I like Mr. Toad's so much more. (You know, the Disneyland ride? Oh nevermind.)
The final word: Because I snacked on my favorite Red Vine Candies while viewing this, I will give it 2 1/2 Red Vines out of 5. Guess I've found a way to cut down on carbs: rent crappy movies.
Reader Comments (5)
Once again, Heather has done such a terrific job reviewing these two films. Complete agreement on the "Gone Baby Gone"--what an excellent film. I agree, that with the cast they put together, it would have been hard to miss. I will take Heather's advice,and not bother with "Cloverfield." I'll just wait for the next review to pick my film!
Gone Baby Gone...definitely a get-it. Wow, that one left me thinking. And I also thought that the movie did a remarkable job making the world so very real and yet there was something about it that drew you in....even though it was a rough world no one ould really want to be in. Great performances and suspenseful.
I was annoyed by Cloverfield's trailer in the first place, and I figure I've seen enough real coverage of NY getting destroyed I don't need to see a movie about it. Thats just me. Also glad I skipped the shakey camera. I don't like to be nauseous during films.
By the way I love your articles, Heather. Great writing style, very conversational and smart.
thank you very much! glad you are enjoying... :)
I didn't see "Cloverfield" because I was afraid that it might make me seasick, so I am glad to know that I didn't miss much of a movie...thanks!
Clearly people that write awkward reviews don't know what they are doing anymore. Cloverfield was a great movie. Get over it.