phellinus Reviews

The Mighty (1998)

Paint by numbers but missed a few sections

[5/10 · 6 December 2013]

First off, I'm biased, I have taught the book (Freak the Mighty) this film is based on to my 7th Grade students for a few years. The book is beautiful as it focuses on the friendship between Kevin and Max that was initially borne out of necessity, and eventually cemented by their unspoken empathy for one another.

This film fails to capture that dynamic, which ultimately is essential for the viewer's attachment to the perils of the plot that binds the two juvenile heroes together.

What surprises me are the A-List actors who signed onto the film whose well documented brilliance was diluted and inconsequential; mere sections of a story, blandly brushed by the Hollywood machine of faceless screenwriters and a director acquiescing to a script that faintly resembles the original story that has inspired many before it.

Don't waste your time on this imposter. Read the novel instead.

What About Bob? (1991)

I'm sailing, I'm SAILING!

[6/10 · 28 April 2011]

This must see move is for hydrophobes to learn effective techniques on how to sail the open waters while facing your fears of the man-made lakes of our nightmares. Completely sensitive to mental illness and Bill Murray shines as a burgeoning reformed socially dependent guy with so many misfiring synapses, it's a marvel that his central nervous system even functions.

Not only will you gain deeper insight into the genetically miswiring of a curious mental patient, but you'll most definitely learn the ultimate method for getting those reluctant friends or family of yours who are reluctant to brave the placid shores of tiny glacial lakes on your watercraft of choice.

Watch the movie, buy some hemp rope and hit the lake with your reluctant guest strapped to the mast. And watch Bill be rehabilitated in such realistic and therapeutic situations that you may even cure your own darkest fears and demons through observation and copious note taking. Have pen and paper within reach to record the wisdom and insights that no film has dared to tackle to convey to an ignorant public of mental health as this one so bravely does.

Deep Water (2006)

don't miss - the documentary (for mariner fans or not)

[10/10 · 28 April 2011]

I often write a lot of gibberish on here, but this movie really stuck with me and deserves a straightforward review.

A true tragedy, narrated by an icy, and haunting Tilda Swinton, is so surreal that you wouldn't believe it's true.

Immediately after watching this film I ordered the following two books that further expanded and enlightened the viewer/reader on the intricate details of this now forgotten human struggle of ridiculous endurance. Without question, this documentary is the film that has most affected me and still stays with me to this day - even after a few years of my initial viewing (though I do throw it on for guests quite frequently).

Also, do delve into these two books on this race to further grasp the depths of the human condition in isolation and the burden of facing impossible choices, choices that I hope never cross my path:

The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst

A Voyage for Madmen

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

historical quebec meets modern mainstream

[10/10 · 4 April 2011]

Without a doubt, this is the best Canadian film ever made. A large statement, yes. But, irrefutable. The father and oldest brother shine with impeccable acting skills. As does the mom; as does our conflicted protagonist.

If you're willing to observe a North American family progressing through the 70s and 80s - look no further (despite the Quebecois setting - this story is universal).

If you're looking for a historical social struggle of homosexuality in context - a struggle in conflict with ingrained religious dogma - then do proceed and watch this film. This narrative is a life lesson. All western folk who ever doubted the rights and motives of homosexuals - shall sit down and be educated. And heck - enjoy a tautly executed narrative at the same time.

Moral message? Yes. Pure cinema? - no doubt.

Half Nelson (2006)

This is a narrative that inspires you to change.

[9/10 · 6 January 2010]

I distrust hyperbole and I question the judgment of folk who shell out easy 10s for their favourite films despite their imperfections. Nothing's perfect. I am not one to do such things. This film, its creators and Mr. Gosling unite cohesively to present, what is likely a common, yet relevant story that depicts the traps and potential pitfalls that could possibly await any one of us.

It showcases realistic acting through a linear script that displays how easily human relationships can be complicated by human weakness and fallibility.

Gosling is the actor of his generation (this is his best work bar none). The soundtrack is perfect (which includes many tracks from Broken Social Scene's epic LP, You Forgot in People) as it soundtracks the complications in fuzzy, beautiful noise. The cinematography and direction allows us to observe the frailty and redeeming qualities of humanity as a passive voyeur.

We are enlightened; we are moved; we are educated by each frame - each expression on Gosling's tortured, yet hopeful face.

My only knock on the film is the brief (very brief) historical narrations by Gosling's students. These interludes interrupt the flow of the narrative and temporarily distract the viewer from the reality of the film. However, these scenes are so minor that they do not in any way dampen the overall poignancy of the story.

This is my movie. I've watched/obsessed/pored over it numerous times since it has been released and I'll keep coming back to it again and again.

Will you?

I think you should.

I am certain I will never love a film and character progression/collapse as much as I love this one.

This is fact. No hyperbole. Honest.