The Video Station: (303) 440-4448 » Jeremy

DEVIL – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:06:10 +0000

Written by M. Night Shyamalan, Devil is a film about a mixed crowd of angry everyday people who get stuck in an elevator. Catch is, one of them is the devil. The film had an interesting premise but the amateur script immediately struck me as something that Shyamalan wrote in the course of a few days. Each character feels as if they are instantly aware of some evil presence the moment the elevator stops, and after being stuck in the elevator for all of ten minutes, become strongly upset with each other.

The only face I recognized in the film was the “snazberry” kid from Super Troopers (Geoffrey Arend). The director, John Erick Dowdle, hasn’t directed much (Quarantine). If there’s any notable appeal to this film, it’s Shyamalan. And that doesn’t say much as he has regressed from being a master of suspense (with films like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable) to an unbearable bedtime storyteller (with films like Signs, The Village, Lady in the Water, The Happening, and The Last Airbender). There’s not much depth to Devil. The film ends as quickly as it begins, not leaving much closure, but not needing much either. - [DVD]

Horror/Mystery/Thriller

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 12/21/10

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:52:42 +0000

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a new documentary that is not about graffiti. Well, not really anyways. Exit Through the Gift Shop follows obsessive Frenchman, Thierry Guetta, starting the moment he picked up a camera for the first time, till now, where he is transformed from failed documentary filmmaker into failed street artist with a lot of money. Even Banksy thinks this guy is a little crazy, which says something coming from someone who thinks it’s OK to put a manikin dressed as a prisoner of Guantanamo Bay at the photo-op for Splash Mountain at Disney world. Ok, that was a little funny.

Thierry, as we get to know him, begins to feel less and less of a sane person. To quote Thierry, “I don’t know how to play chess, but to me, life is like a game of chess.” Exit Through the Gift Shop offers a lot of insight into the underground world of “street art” however, from what seems to be an unending amount of “in-the-act” tagging footage, interesting interviews, and strange humor. If you’re expecting a graffiti documentary, watch Style Wars. Exit Through the Gift Shop is more of a self-portrait on a modern “artist”. This is a solid film with a fast pace that only slightly loses steam at the end. - [DVD]

Documentary/Comedy

Rated R

KICK-ASS – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:57:25 +0000

When choosing a graphic novel to adapt into a screenplay, one must choose wisely. The effects of choosing a novel too complex or dry has often shown its rougher side (I’m speaking of films a la The Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Punisher War Zone). Kick-Ass has a simple plot that, though it may seem ridiculous at moments, is crafted with a good sense of humor and a lot of “ass-kicking”.

Why hasn’t anybody dressed up like a superhero to fight crime? When Dave Lizewski, a high school dreamer, decides to dress up in the hopes of being the first real superhero, he gets stabbed, beaten up, and hit by a car. This is the first taste of action in this movie but certainly not the last. Samurai swords dismember multiple limbs, a number of people are shot in the midst of spontaneous battles, and the creativity of torture and execution is enough to make any fan of fast-paced action cinema’s jaw drop. This movie has it all.

The script is simple enough from the original graphic novel that it was hard for this film to leave anything out. It almost doesn’t remove anything. It’s a film that stays true to its roots. The soundtrack is excellent and fits both the editing of action and mood of the film. Nick Cage as “Big Daddy” works better than imagined and his daughter “Hit-Girl” plays along well. The pacing is pleasant and the “shorter” length helps to keep the film engaging, even if you’re grasping for more at the end. Looking for action, comedy, and a great cast all in one film? There’s nothing better than Kick-Ass. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Action/Crime/Thriller

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 8/3/10

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:01:33 +0000

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was a film that I was completely oblivious of. So in other words, I went into this film blindly. What this film presented was a surprisingly interesting plot that often reminded me of films such as Erik Skjoldbjærg’s Insomnia. The visualization of pain and redemption, old and new, are depicted throughout the film as a deep examination of a forty-year old murder unfolds. The film is based on the novel of the same title (written by Steig Larsson); two more films in the series are dated to be released in theaters. The second film, The Girl Who Played With Fire, is now in theaters.

The main characters, a young female, Lisbeth (computer hacker), and a middle-aged man, Mikael (journalist), are contrasted in outstanding Swedish backgrounds which tend to, more often than not, detract from any visual flaws (continuity) in the film. This is a well-shot film. And yet, even if the cinematography were drab, the film would have still kept my attention with its thoroughly crafted story line. Both main characters in the film are abused in some manner, whether through the hands of their “parole officer” or by the lenses of popular media. However, payback’s not a forgotten theme for this film.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo may seem like another “cold case gone hot” murder/mystery but it’s much deeper than any review or synopsis I came across. It’s an entertaining transfer from page to celluloid that despite having a lengthy running time (of 152 min.) seems to never bore. In other words, the length is appropriate. The acting is strong, the cinematography is moving, and the story is slickly polished. I expect more from the next in the series. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Crime/Mystery/Thriller

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 7/6/10

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:25:44 +0000

What would you do if you could go back in time? If you weren’t the social contributor of parties and free beer, otherwise referred to as the nerd, you’d probably completely avoid your youthful years. In Hot Tub Time Machine, John Cusack plays Adam. He is your typical John Cusack character. He’s got a knack for ruining relationships. After he ruins them, though, he’ll repair them or find something else, either by standing under their window or by falling in love with the less than likely character. That’s what happens in this movie. Well mostly.

After a “hot tub malfunction” caused by a night of partying in a hot tub, Adam and his lifelong friends are brought back to the ’80s were they come to realize that they could possibly better their own futures given this bizarre opportunity. This movie can be funny, but it’s really nothing special. I often found myself more entertained by actors Craig Robinson (The Office) and Rob Corddry rather than Cusack himself. The cameo made in Hot Tub Time Machine is good but obvious, the representation of the 80’s was more than OK, and the jokes were generally original. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Comedy/Sci-Fi

Rated R

DEPARTURES – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:54:06 +0000

Departures was for me both a surprising and rejuvenating work of dramatic cinema I yearned for to kick off the new year. 2010 is already off on the right foot with blockbusters The Hurt Locker and Sam Rockwell’s one man show Moon and I can only hope those two don’t overshadow a gem not to be missed. Directed by Yôjirô Takita and co-starring a personal Japanese favorite, Tsutomu Yamazaki (Tampopo), Departures chronicles life and death through the story of an inspired cellist Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki) turned undertaker. Though I’d classify the film of the dramatic genre, it still slaps you with a bit of dark humor every now and again. In Japan, the undertaking business is probably comparable to our social ethics toward say pornographic filmmakers for example. It’s dirty, foul and those involved are subject to social isolation. Such cultural morals are important to take along as a companion to Departures.

A misprint in the papers draws Daigo to a job interview for NK Departures, a business he believes to deal in travel booking. The taboo career keeps Daigo weary of his new career choice but as the film develops, Daigo begins to develop a new passion in life. The characters are all wonderfully drawn and the script introduces them flawlessly. The sometimes dark and quirky humor placed within the film also helps to liven up the characters and create a sense of reality. Undertaking involves both life and death and the characters are all subject to emotions on both ends. Daigo embodies the idea of mortality during the funeral scenes and portrays death as more than just an ultimatum of life but as the beginning of a new journey. Since Japanese culture plays an important role in Departures, the plot can at some moments feel awkward but the end of the film greets the audience with a strong sense of the characters’ morals and the means for their actions are met with reason. The camera work is accessible to just about anyone. It doesn’t confuse, and ultimately even aids the plot.

Departures, winner of multiple awards including the 2009 Oscar for Best Foreign Film, is a fantastic way to start off your New Year’s viewings. With its outstanding cast of believable characters and moving plot, Departures is already a fighting contender for the best DVD release of 2010. – [DVD]

Drama/Music

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 1/12/10

9 – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:35:17 +0000

The film 9 was originally presented as a graduating student short film by Shane Acker. The story of 9 follows a group of nine animatronic, tweed-covered puppets that have been brought to life by a “brilliant” scientist at the brink of humanity’s extinction. Why this is done or what is the bringer of such chaotic destruction is never explained. However, Tim Burton liked the premise of the film so much upon seeing the short that he paid for and produced Shane Acker’s feature length.

I was completely dissatisfied after the trailers built up my anticipation and brought me to fork over a meal’s worth of salary to the Century Theater here in Boulder, only to find myself occasionally nodding off and constantly checking the time on my cell phone. For me, 9 was not what you’d call immersive. The plot is full of unexplained holes which leave your imagination in complete control of interpreting the why’s and how’s. If you are an adult, expect to fulfill the duties of a scriptwriter while watching 9. The animation is surprisingly flat and dull, which in today’s market of competition from studios like Pixar, Lucas Arts, and whatever James Cameron’s decided to call his studio, is one hundred percent unacceptable.

So, enough slander of 9 from me. It’s apparent I didn’t like the film but there is an age for which I feel 9 can successfully be marketed. Like the animated Star Wars: Clone Wars movies, 9 is probably best suited for the younger age market. However, given its post-apocalyptic content, I wouldn’t go under the age of 12 and due to the weak story and frustrating animation, I wouldn’t recommend to many over the age of 16. If you’re looking for a newer flick with flashy animation or a good plot, why not go with Up. – [DVD]

Animation/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 12/29/09

THE HANGOVER – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:26:52 +0000

The Hangover probably has been a little over-hyped with praise from both critics and college students alike, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad – far from it actually. The Hangover is the best “bro-comedy” out there; in fact it’s the only one that I have ever enjoyed. After a four-year bombardment of Judd Apatow films, I was glad to see a comedy of this genre directed by someone else (Todd Phillips; Old School and Starsky & Hutch). I found The Hangover to be a refreshing brand of its own style. The structure of The Hangover is however somewhat similar to any Judd Apatow film. The crudeness is still all there, and Seth Rogen’s been swapped out with Zack Galifianakis. With that said, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what The Hangover has that sets it apart from every other “bro-comedy”, but it felt inventive and original.

The sin city backdrop of Las Vegas makes The Hangover somewhat believable. They say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. For the sake of these characters, I hope this is true. After a series of events that have been severely distorted and the memories misplaced by a night of heavy drinking, resulting in a bad hangover, three best friends awake to a trashed hotel suite á la Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. The last thing they recall is the four of them toasting on the roof of the hotel. That’s right, the four of them. Now, three best friends must pull together their individual intuitions in the search for their missing friend, who has less than 24 hours to be home for his wedding. Along the way, they begin to discover what had happened the previous night. Some of the events are a little ridiculous and over the top, but then again, this is Vegas.

The acting in The Hangover is decent, as long as you remember that it’s a comedy and not a drama. Zack Galifianakis’ humor translates from stand-up into narrative well and I think he had a strong influence on why I enjoyed The Hangover as much as I did. Also starring is The Office‘s Ed Helms, who does a fine job of playing the geekier, wife controlled, character. Mike Tyson cameos halfway through the film. The cameo was well received when I saw this in the theaters so I needn’t say anymore about his role. If you’re looking for a fun comedy that’s original and set apart from most of the other “bro-comedies” with over-the-top, un-intelligent humor, then try The Hangover and I doubt you’ll have as hard of a time remembering what happened as the characters in the film did. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Comedy

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 12/15/09

THE LIMITS OF CONTROL – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:02:35 +0000

The Limits of Control is the newest film from Jim Jarmusch, the man who gave us Dead Man, Down By Law, and Coffee & Cigarettes just to name a few. It’s a “spy thriller” body with appendages for every other genre of film. There’s comedy, drama, love, and even the slightest touch of gangster genre. Tilda Swinton, Gael Garcia Bernal, John Hurt, and Bill Murray all make cameos. The Limits of Control is however Jarmusch’s least accessible to those looking for a casual film or even a “thinker” as I like to call them. This film is for the art aficionado. The color palette is magnificent and the cinematography is distilled of much movement but leaves a pictoral burn in the left hemisphere of your brain. If Limits had lacked this aspect, I probably wouldn’t have made it through it in its entirety. I don’t mean to say the story is bad by any means, but it “just plainly don’t make no sense”. Maybe if I revisited the film two or three times I might begin to understand the plot.

The Limits of Control is a movie where none of the characters have any names. Instead we relate their faces to the objects they carry (musical instruments, diamonds, and even knowledge). At the end of the film, I really had no clue what to say. At some moments throughout the film I felt Jarmusch was either just using Limits as a nod to cinema or a self-reflective look at his own film. The characters speak vaguely and tend to drone on about the irrelevant. Though the plot seems to go nowhere, the visual and audible aspects of the film should keep those interested in art and cinematography interested. His shots are all very painterly, so much that a couple scenes had me second-guessing if we are looking at a portrait or the “real deal”. The music is well selected as well. Jarmusch has an ear for what works and what doesn’t. Much of it fits the pace of the film. He blends both droning reverb-ed guitars and vocals with psychedelic rock jams (his soundtrack for Limits does not include Tom Waits). The music seems to help aid in the dreamlike qualities of the film.

Limits is artsy. It’s extremely slow in terms of action or plot but if you are interested in picture then there’s something here for you. If you watch Limits, don’t think too hard, it’ll probably just confuse you more. Instead, enjoy it for its imagery. The closest other Jarmusch picture to Limits would be Coffee and Cigarettes, with lots of cameos and coffee table conversations about nothing. While not satisfied nor disappointed, I would rate Limits 3 ½ stars out of 5. - [DVD]

Crime/Drama/Thriller

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 11/17/09

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3 – Reviewed by Jeremy

blogadmin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:12:11 +0000

Tony Scott’s Pelham remake left me both entertained at times and hanging my head, shaking it back and forth in anger with some of the acting holes and employment of hollow characters.

John Travolta plays the angry-with-the-government New Yorker whose means for holding up a train full of hostages are never justified. Sure, he seems to rant about the corruption of city officials but when the script reads, “*explicit* get my *explicit* money to me in Ten *explicit* minutes, *explicit*”, you begin to lose interest in what has to be said. I could simply describe the plot without spoilage in one run-on sentence; John Travolta gets on a train, demands money, kills some people, and swears a lot.

Denzel Washington’s character is a little better. He’s given much more of a fleshed-out character. Having said that, I still think he could have and has done better (see Malcolm X).

Scott’s use of cinematic techniques works well. The editing and slick dolly/crane shots work well to keep the action and pace of the movie in check. This was a relief to me since the acting falls short.

So all in all, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 isn’t bad. Its acting is sloppy but Tony Scott does seem to have his way in turning the camera into a tool for storytelling, especially in regards to the flashy, action-oriented type. If you have the option, go with the original. It’s not paced like a modern Hollywood action movie but the acting melds the characters with the plot and it plays out with much more suspense than this fast-paced “adrenaline rush”. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Crime/Drama/Thriller

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 11/3/09