Whip It (2009)

Girl power movies are one in a million, but what this one does right is keeping it fresh. I mean, you could argue that this is just Bend It Like Beckham: On Skates, but that would be forgetting what makes the film actually very special: It has something new to say about being a modern woman, with divergent interests. It discusses the idea of both respecting your parents wishes, and striving to find your own voice. Bend It Like Beckham is a wonderfully funny film, but it's arcs are rather pat and one-dimensional: girl finds her passion, but of course, no one wants her to pursue it. But, she knows what's best! No one else gets a say! And if she doesn't get what she wants, she just pouts until her father takes pity on her... This film takes a similar approach, but also takes some thematic detours that I quite enjoyed.

The performance are good, the directing is sharp and unassuming (what I'd expect from Drew Barrymore), and the script has a nice kick of cayenne to it. I dug it.

Buy?: Maybe? I actually don't know the answer to this. Probably not in the near future...

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Adorable little film. It's hard for me to butt it up against the best that Disney has produced, but it's very very close. I'd say that if all the great Disney films were invited to a party, this one would certainly be on the guest list, AND, it wouldn't feel the least bit awkward to be in such grand company.

Songs weren't too memorable. I found myself humming Randy Newman's "Strange Things" from Toy Story after the film. Not the best sign, but at least I remembered who composed the songs, right?

Overall, it works as a great film for kids, and animation fans alike. A worthy effort.

Buy?: Probably later, for the kids...

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to the franchise developing on what was built here (more Moriarity, please), but this film was just, I dunno.

Robert Downey Jr. continues to confirm what I've been saying since 2006: "That boy can act!" Every character he's played since re-surging back into Hollywood with Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang has been better than I could have expected (although, I didn't see The Soloist, so I can't attest to that). He makes this movie. Without a doubt. Guy Richie's direction calls too much attention to itself in the film's first act, but it finds a nice, stylistic groove that helps bring a new look and attitude to what had become a rather stuffy franchise.

Overall, a recommend. It's fun, and that's something a lot of movies can't guarantee. This one just needed a better story, I think. And a few more lights on-set; movie was a little dark.....

Buy? - Eventually. Probably used, but definitely on Blu-ray.

The Truman Show (1998)

I remember seeing this back in the summer of '98, confused mostly, because I expected a comedy, but ultimately enraptured in it all. I don't remember a film pouncing me intellectually as hard as this film did at that point, so it was a very new experience. Not only was it a fascinating concept, but it visually was so unique and different that I couldn't help but fall instantly in love. I wasn't quite the aspiring filmmaker that I am now back then, but I'd argue that this film was one of the first to really pique my increasing interest in film as art, as well as entertainment.

Oh, and Peter Weir can do no wrong in my book, so that's that.

Side Note: This film was a part of a double bill on that day in August of 1998. The other film? Six Days, Seven Nights. A perfect pair, if I may say so.

Up (2009)

This movie has the distinction of being one of two films to make me get visibly emotional. Phenomenal filmmaking, in every regard.

Side Note: The other film is The Green Mile.

Buy? - Duh.

Broadcast News (1987)

This film has eluded me for some time. It's been one that I've meant to see on several different occasions, but the mood was never right. Until now.

So, what did I think? Was it worth the wait? Or was I correct to pass it by....?

Boy oh boy was I missing out. Not only is the film well-written (it's James L. Brooks for cryin' out loud), but the acting is out-of-this-world. All three of the leads (Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, William Hurt) nail it, especially Albert Brooks; he takes the sarcastic Jewish man to new heights in this film, giving him a love-sick persona that would make Woody Allen jealous.

All in all, the film is subtle, witty, charming and in the end, very satisfying, despite a rather romantically unsatisfying ending. A joy to behold.

Buy? - But of course!

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

This was the extended edition. Classic. Nothing much more to say.