Change Your Image
Jaimer
Reviews
Tadpole (2002)
I laughed the whole way through.
I don't think I can give an intellectual critique of this movie, because I reacted to it in a very emotional way: I loved it. I laughed all the way through. The thing that struck me so funny wasn't the dialogue so much as the facial expressions of the performers (though I did laugh every time Bebe Neuwirth opened her mouth.) The look on Charlie's face when he finds out Oscar is in love with his stepmother, the amused look on Diane's face as she watches Oscar panic during dinner at the French restaurant...I could go on.
Also, John Ritter performs the funniest choke take I have ever seen, during the aforementioned French restaurant scene. In short, I enjoyed this movie immensely and have already recommended it to all of my friends.
Finally, in response to the person who found the Voltaire quotes pretentious: I agree, but I think that was the point. After all, a 15 year old who reads Voltaire and thinks girls his age are beneath him is pretty damn pretentious himself.
The Tao of Steve (2000)
Go see this movie
This is a great, funny movie. I saw it recently at the Seattle International Film Festival. I hope it is released wide, because a) everyone needs to go see this movie and b) I want to see it again.
The movie is about a guy named Dex who is incredibly successful with women. Dex is overweight and a bit of a slacker, but he makes up for these shortcomings by basically being incredibly cool. His technique is a blend of Eastern philosophies and acting like Steve McQueen (hence the Tao of Steve.) Dex is flummoxed, however, when he meets Syd who is beautiful, intelligent, and impervious to his charms.
This movie is intelligent and insightful and very very funny.
Tzomet volkan (1999)
Vulcan Junction (mild spoiler)
I had the opportunity to see this film recently at the Seattle International Film Festival. I hope it gets released in the US, because I enjoyed it and I think it could do well here. The following review contains mild spoilers, but nothing that is not revealed within the first ten minutes of the movie.
Vulcan Junction is about an Israeli rock group in the early 1970's, but it deals with the Universal issue of choosing between what you want, and what is practical. This problem is dealt with in many ways. One member of the band must decide if he wants to work at a practical job that he hates in order to support his family or pursue his dream of being a musician. The lead singer, Shelly (Oren Shabo) is in love with his best friend's girlfriend, and must decide if he wants to put love or friendship first. Then, he is given an opportunity to sing at an important concert without his band. Again, Shelly must choose: this time, between friendship and his own dreams.
The movie is engaging. No huge insight is imparted, and my world was not changed by seeing this film. However, the characters were likable and the film kept my interest. I would give it an 8 out of 10.
La vita è bella (1997)
This film is beautiful.
One of the best movies I have ever seen. The first half is a cute, light hearted romantic comedy, while the second half tells one of the screen's best love stories. Unlike an American movie (esp. any made by Mr. Spielberg) there is no moralizing and no "Look how great this man was, look how noble I am for making this movie" moments. It's a gorgeous story, simply told. This movie is beautiful.