Reviews by Charis

The Dark Knight review

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 13 August 2008 11:19 (A review of The Dark Knight)

If we're focusing on the script alone, then The Dark Knight is a little more than a touch overrated. Certain story lines are either not explained or simply forgotten, and while there is a sequel involved, it left little to be called a movie.

However, if we're looking at the acting, then kudos to Christopher Nolan for choosing an excellent cast. Maggie Gyllenhaal shines wonders over Katie Holmes, adopting a stronger personality and fierce character (although I was still disappointed by how little the women in this film do, especially Rachel). Heath Ledger managed to bring this drawn-out movie its life, but he isn't seen nearly enough as he should have been in the film.

Christian Bale's Batman voice is enough to make anyone cringe, turning a supposed-to-be vicious seeming hero into a sound that is too forced to be taken seriously. And personally, the shallow explanations for how The Joker received his scars were painful to listen to and his choice in being a villain should have been explained more thoroughly or just deleted entirely.

As cynical as I sound about this movie, the camera work paired with its soundtrack made it a worth while two and a half hours, and Heath Ledger's acting gave it an excellent touch. While it isn't for anyone looking for a realistic, deep storyline, it is an interestingly dark take on Batman.

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Comedic drama is flawless in "Sideways"

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 13 August 2008 11:01 (A review of Sideways)

Sideways is one of those rare movies that is perfectly realistic yet hilarious - in fact, it may be so hilarious because of its realism and its way of having easily relatable characters.

Miles is lovable and ridiculously flawed, as is Jack, the films two main characters who are friends from college. This odd pairing sets off most of the films jokes: Miles being an analytical man suffering through a divorce (albeit two years ago) and depression, Jack a man of "instinct" and an actor. Jack is the reason they take a wine-tasting trip through California - though he is a soon to be married man who wants to have one last fling before tying the knot. Unfortunately, Jack and Miles have very different ideas for how the trip will pan out.

Alexander Payne delivers a thoughtful movie filled with both a figurative and literal exploration of being "sideways". Paul Giamatti plays a morose gentleman going through a life crisis without flaw, and Thomas Hayden Church is equally flawless. I recommend this to anyone looking for a delightful comedy, or perhaps something a little bit deeper.

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Magnolia review

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 10 August 2008 07:48 (A review of Magnolia)

Magnolia is a brilliant script paired with superb acting. Each character's personal story could stand alone, and each actor brings their best to the table: William H. Macy, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and John C. Reilly to name a few. This film is thought provoking and insightful - a film to watch multiple times over to understand its weight, and something that gives you a different feel each time you come back to it.

Paul Thomas Anderson delivers his personal best, surpassing his Boogie Nights and Sydney scripts. Magnolia expresses the wide berth of talent that PT Anderson has, and gave way to the excellent movies Punch Drunk Love and There Will Be Blood.

Despite its length, Magnolia's exploration of different conflicts is mesmorizing and never falls to boredom.

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