cynthia-ostrich Reviews

Masque (2012)

Raising the Bar of a Short Film

[10/10 · 6 August 2013]

I caught a screening of Masque at a film festival recently and was taken back a bit by this film. It is a short, but does not have the feel of short film. It pulls you in like a feature film would with character development, makeup, camera movement and musical score, but is still just only like a half hour long. From all the shorts I have screened in my life, this was unlike any. It seemed like the filmmakers were wishing to raise the bar of a short film.

Without having too many spoilers, Masques tells the story of a prizefighter who is betrayed and left for dead. It tells a unique story of redemption in which even the anti-hero can change his ways. It takes place in the early 20th century and begins with an old-timey boxing match that pulls you in. I was not surprised to read in my festival flyer that Masque had won other festivals. It is refreshingly enjoyable and cinematic addition to the short film genre.

High Strung (1992)

"I'd rather Be DEAD!"

[8/10 · 25 June 2013]

This hilarious film is a hidden gem. You can't get it on DVD (which is sad), and it will only be funny to those who are annoyed by everyone else. High Strung tells the story of Children's book writer and cynic Thayne Furrows, played by a young Steve Oedekerk. Poor Thayne is irritated by everyone and everything in his life and he breaks the fourth wall to tell you all about it. Although dated, because it was filmed around 1990, you will find that many of his daily annoyances are ones that we all share. A young Jim Carrey makes an appearance as 'Death', because apparently there is a limit on the amount of times you can wish or say "I'd rather be dead". Oedekerk is truly great in this rant of a film. You can see how his humor has evolved into becoming a very successful comedic screenwriter from this early work.

The Room (2003)

Among the Greatest 'Worst' Movies Ever

[2/10 · 25 June 2013]

I can't give this movie a bunch of stars. It is just against my principles as a movie reviewer. The acting, the camera work, the sets, the sound is all truly terrible. That being said, if you are a movie enthusiast and must see all kinds and types of film, you have got to see this movie. It is so bad it accidentally becomes a masterpiece of humor. Writer/ Actor / Director Tommy Wiseau was trying to make a dramatic character piece I believe. It is an utter disaster. The best actor in the film is the 2 minute appearance of the drug dealer who merely has to play 'Angry'. It is a no star film, but a 10 star comedy; not by script, purely by the poor production.

I am not one for spoilers, but there is a scene when the men all show up in tuxedos to the apartment. The story does not explain why the occasion for tuxedos, or the two strange fellows who are now on camera you have never met before. I digress…They all go outside and play catch with a football in tuxedos!!! Conveniently standing exactly three feet apart from one another. Why??? That is just a snippet of what you have to look forward to when viewing 'The Room' for the first time. However, you must watch subsequent times to truly catch all the bad acting and terrible continuity of the film; To a movie enthusiast it will really make you laugh.

High Fidelity (2000)

Nice to Know I am Not Alone

[9/10 · 25 June 2013]

As a John Cusack fan this is one of my all-time favorite films he has been in. It is also nice to know when it comes to the things I am a good at (music, movies, Top 5 lists, sucking at relationships) I am not alone. High Fidelity is a funny and delightful telling of the relationship problems of Rob Gordon (Cusack), a struggling record store owner, as he recounts where he went wrong in life with the women he has loved. Gordon breaks the fourth wall of the camera to confide in us where he has gone wrong. It is also a funny telling of the insight of men and their thought processes when it comes to life and relationships.

The cast is what makes the humor and heart of this film. Todd Louiso and Jack Black play Rob's music snob (somewhat loser) employees. Rob: "I can't fire them. I hired these guys for three days a week and they just started showing up every day. That was four years ago." Tim Robbins is also hilarious in his small cameo role as Rob's romantic rival Ian Raymond. Perhaps one of the funniest parts of the whole film is when Ian/Ray comes to the record shop for a little conflict resolution and Rob's priceless reaction to the situation.

Author Nick Hornby wrote the original novel that this film was based on. I enjoyed the movie so much that it made me a fan of Hornby and have read most of his novels. I think that this movie has probably created many fans for Hornby and his writings.

Best Worst Movie (2009)

From a Joke to Cult

[7/10 · 25 June 2013]

I begin with a preface - As a watcher of truly awful movies for the comedic value, Troll 2 has been on my DVD shelf for many years. It is one of the worst movies ever made, making it indeed hilarious. I know it is not a watch for everyone.

While going through a documentary phase recently I began to watch 'Best Worst Movie' on Netflix. I had no idea what it was about. I didn't pay particular attention to the description. It starts by telling the story of a southern dentist named George Hardy. He is definitely a pillar of the community and an all-around great guy with a million dollar smile. I couldn't put my finger on it, but for some reason George Hardy looked so familiar to me. Then they point out about 5 minutes in that the always smiling Hardy starred in one of the worst movies ever…Troll 2. The brain synapses fired and I recalled it all immediately.

This documentary takes you not only behind the making of this ill-conceived poorly budgeted film back in 1989, but also the lives of all those behind it…then and now. It takes you on the journey of Troll 2; from being a laughable joke to one with an impressive cult following.

Michael Stephenson starred as young Joshua in Troll 2, believing it was going to be the start of a long and successful acting career. The movie was a flop and pretty much ruined Michael's dream. Now as an adult, Michael directs the documentary telling the heartwarming story behind many of the actors in the film. It shows us that even the worst of films has a story to tell and indeed a little heart. If you have never screened Troll 2 I guarantee you after watching this documentary you will want to.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011)

I was looking for a Comedy, what I got was an engrossing, endearing film

[8/10 · 25 June 2013]

'Jeff, Who Lives at Home' is a hidden gem of a film. When Netflix suggested it to me, I was hoping for a comedy. It stars Jason Segel and Ed Helms, men known for their comedic roles. What I got was a very engrossing and endearing film about the family bond, with a little funny mixed in. Jason Segel is Jeff, a 30 year old man who still lives in his mother's basement. He is still struggling and a little messed up by his father's death many years before. To Jeff, everything has a meaning, there are no accidents. When an accidental phone call reaches him at home, Jeff sets off on a day of adventure, trying to discover the meaning of the dialed wrong number.

Jeff's searching for the meaning of the call takes him to many places in town and into many run-ins with his older married brother Pat, played by Ed Helms. Pat is a nice contrast to this film with his self-centeredness and humor. His marriage is falling apart. Pat must ask for the help of Jeff to spy on his wife and to find out what is going on. The third character in the film is Sharon, Jeff and Pat's mother played by Susan Sarandon, who discovers she has a secret admirer at work. It takes place over the course of a day. The characters in the film find that their lives are bound and intertwined together. At the end of the film, it left me feeling the warm and fuzzies and glad I watched the show.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

A movie for all the "wallflowers" out there

[8/10 · 23 May 2013]

I think that every adult has that moment in their teenage years when they feel infinite; a moment they wish could stand forever. I think director and author Stephen Chbosky has created a film that allows the teenager inside all of us to recall that moment in our lives, and thankfully relive it.

I understand that this type of movie isn't for everyone, but I really connected with the main character Charlie. On his first day of high school he comes to the harsh reality that he has no friends. The movie follows Charlie in his attempts to fit in somehow to the emotional chaos that is high school. Unlike other teeny bopper types of films this one tackled some more sensitive and serious issues. Sure it does center on the protagonist trying to get the girl of his dreams to like him, but first he must overcome his own shyness, fears and more deeply seated demons.

What really spoke to me was the contrast of emotions that the film portrays. You are taken on a journey into the ever changing almost bipolar mind of a teenager. The highs are great and the lows are difficult to get through. However they are common things that most American teenagers have to deal with in some capacity. I also thoroughly enjoyed the underlying theme of music being something that molds us. I think those formidable years of adolescence are the time we develop our musical tastes and realistically that tastes develops into a central part of the adults we become.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

An Enjoyable Watch

[6/10 · 22 May 2013]

A lot of times I go into a movie with an opinion already formed about it. It's not based on any research or critical reviews, simply on the trailer. That was case with The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. My opinion of the film was not too positive going in. I was dragged to it by a friend of mine with questionable taste in movies to begin with. I could have not been more surprised. I found myself laughing through the entire feature.

The movie is pretty farcical to say the least, at some junctures borderline silly, but found myself quite enjoying the humor. It was a nice change of pace from all the recent comedies that have to go to the extreme with language and sex humor to make their point. It pokes fun at inter-workings of the illusionist and the final scene before the credits is classic.

The characters were very well cast. It is no secret based on past films and TV that Steve Carrell has experience in magic tricks, and he pulls it off in the film. It was also refreshing to see Steve Buscemi reprise a comedic role and carry, an impressive contrast to bootlegger Knucky Thompson. And as you would expect, Jim Carrey steals the show as the antagonistic shock magician, Steve Gray. For those who like these actors, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a silly, light hearted but enjoyable hour and forty minute movie.