Wristcutters: A Love Story

I remember this coming to dvd a while back but i never even thought of giving it a shot. I looked over it. But low and behold, its not what you'd expect. I expected it to try really hard to be trippy and hip and over the top or overly sentimental and depressing. Well who wouldn't with a title like that? I was in for a pleasant surprise.

This strange fantasy doesn't get totally rad from the start, oh no. It started out with a kid's (you guessed it) suicide over a broken heart. It was kinda hard for me to watch. Well this kid's name is Zia (girly name huh?), played by that kid from Almost Famous. We soon find out that after you commit suicide you find yourself in a very morbid purgatory. A Lot like your last life, just a little worse.

Soon after Zia gets used to this life he finds out that his ex-girlfriend has recently offed herself. With this news Zia and his Russian rocker friend, Eugene, embark on an journey. Along the way they pick up a female hitchhiker, Makil, who's "not supposed to he here". The actors give acceptable performances, which is great. That don't try and take over the story, which is the real star of the show.

The characters of this piece are perfectly defined. Writer/Director Goran Dukic doesn't miss a beat. your really care for them. Beyond the characters is the extraordinary setting. Not over the top. Not extremely boring. Just right. So please, check out Wristcutters. It'll pay off.

Slumdog Millionaire

D: It is written.

Slumdog Millionaire is the latest film from genre crossing British director, Danny Boyle. Like most of his films, Slumdog Millionaire is a visual feast delivered for a small price. It really makes me want to see what hes working on next. How ever different a Danny Boyle film is, you can always tell its his.

So the premise is rather simple. Set in India young Jamal Makil from the slums has just won a staggering amount of money on the Hindi version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Suspecting him of fraud, cops begin to interrogate him. As they watch the show Jamal tells his story reveal how past experiences helped him with nearly every question and how its his destiny.

The reason hes gone on this show is because he believes Latika, the girl he loves, is watching.

Its very interesting to watch how Danny Boyle has represented the story with his excellent stylistic nature. The way he presents the subtitles is very unique as well. Its truly beautiful.

As expected Slumdog Millionaire has a marvelous soundtrack. Its nice to listen to the transitions of the directors choices of music of his very different films. From the techno-pop nature of Trainspotting, to the haunting sounds of 28 Days Later, and the subtle work of Underworld on Sunshine. Slumdog Millionaire hold little resemblance to the rest of these soundtracks but you can tell its kind of connected.

The only grip I have with this film is the credits. Its just so weird and out of place. After its all over all the actors break out into a massive song and dance in the middle of the subway?? But I just decided to forgive it because its was really amusing.

I really like this film, its probably on of my new favorites. Its defidently one of the best of the year. Between Let the Right One In and this, Slumdog Millionaire is more accessible and enjoyable. Nobody can hate this movie. I highly recommend it.

Son of Rambow

No, not a sequel to the highly popular Rambo series, Son of Rambow is a heartwarming drama about youth, friendship and family. Probably one of the most overlooked films of 2008, Rambow with a 'W' doesnt have he highest body count ever.

This fresh coming of age story centers around two young British boys. Will Proudfoot is 10 years old and a member of the 'brotherhood', a strange denomination that strictly forbids television and film (what would I ever do???). Soon he meets a trouble making young boy named Lee Carter, who shows him his first film, First Blood. Lee Carter then forces Will to star in his film he is submitting to a competition at the BBC.

We begin to see the friendship between the two boys grow through the film and eventually breaks down toward the end of the film, like it does in order to create suspense, when Will makes some new friends and starts casting extras and a crew. One of his new friends is the most french kid ever. Ever.

I'll admit, I cried at the end of this. Its a very emotional but satisfying ending centering around Lee's family, but i really enjoyed it. Son of Rambow is a astonishingly funny British comedy. So yeah, i really like this heartwarming family drama along the lines of Stand by Me.