9.08.2006

Review: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

I tried writing this review 3 different times but kept getting interrupted. I watched the movie that way too. That might be why I never got the point of the movie. There seemed to be no real plot line except to have a story about mental patients. Incidently, they are the subject of some of the funniest, most heart-warming movies. This one started out that way. Add Jack Nicholson to the asylum and it becomes quite fun. I didn't catch why a 'normal' person was sent there for probation from prison (?), but he was there and he was a cool guy (great actor too!) minus all the profanities that get thrown around. Sadly, he tries too hard to help these mental patients and gets on the headmistress's nerves. (Why is there a woman in charge of this men's asylum anyhow?) This involves an antagonizing 'fight' over cigarettes, a fishing trip and a beer party, which isn't nearly as much his fault as the guard's (why'd they overlook THAT one??) which involves two women as objects of fun (not too graphic). Anyway, the movie culminates quite tragically. What starts as a kind of humorous interaction full of interesting escapades, ends with wet eyes and a feeling of 'what the heck??'....That with the profanity hardly makes it worth watching.

~ET

9.04.2006

Review: Edward Scissorhands

Is this a psychotic drama? Or a fairy-tale comedy? Well, both actually. I was worried when we chose it, but I actually enjoyed it. It ended semi-sadly, but a fairly entertaining story.
PG-13 for a reason though because yes, it is kinda creepy but it is not a horror movie. The one funny scene is a typical horror movie scene- if this were a horror movie. But we know what is going on so it's quite funny.
Why would the Avon lady open her home up just like that? Probably for the same reason this entire community paints their houses all different colors. Bizaare. Interesting imagery. There does have to be a love story, and as almost twisted as it is, it's kinda nice because Ed is a really good guy, and the boyfriend....was not.
There was also this scene involving another eccentric character who, for whatever reason, was turned on by scissorhands and started coming on to the poor guy. Nothing much happens there, but it is suggestive and unecessary- sick even, even more sick than...the plot? :-)
Tim Burton. Heard some things about this guy, and yes, this movie is odd. But not quite as odd as I thought. Great cinematography, with a laughable plot though mostly enjoyable made this movie an oddly refreshing watch.
~ET