IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KIM GENTES MOVIE REVIEWS
The appearance of a movie in this review journal does not mean that the movie is endorsed by Kim. He writes reviews of movies that he saw that he recommends people avoid as well as movies that he considers worth seeing. Aside from just critical approval regarding the film, some movies may not be suitable for you or your family. You must make that kind of determination on your own, and stay true to your own convictions on what is appropriate to see. Some movies are well made, but have offensive or difficult subject matter that is questionable to many viewers. Again, the reviews listed here should not be your only filter for whether or not a film is appropriate for you and and your family.
Additionally, Kim has his own view on what movies are and why he thinks they are a worthwhile aspect of current culture to be investigated. You certainly don't have to agree with Kim on his viewpoints of movies, and he would be surprised if you did.
Kim's thoughts on movies -
Movies are the modern art "experience" of our culture. They are transmitted in many forms, on screens in theatres, DVDs, television and even computers. They are the merge of classical theatrical acting and modern day technical set and experience creation (effects). The reason I enjoy and watch lots of movies is that they not only entertain, they communicate the nuances of our society. Of course, some have nothing to do with culture, its just greedy corporations trying to produce profits. I am a guy, and as such am not the ideal audience for romantic comedies or 'chick fliks'. However I am also a husband, and domestic bliss (as well as common sense) compels me to at least review them...occasionally. For the most part, you will find I like (and therefor review a lot of ) action, drama, science fiction, suspense and similarly themed movies.
Entries in ellen burstyn (2)
Interstellar (2014)
Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:17PM 
Interstellar - Christopher NolanTravel to where no man has gone before.. or has he?
| Overall Grade: | A- |
| Story: | B+ |
| Acting: | A- |
| Direction: | A |
| Visuals: | A+ |
Summary: Every story we tell, will always come back to the original one- where did we come from and where are we going to end up?
Full Review: For true modern sci-fi (not the 50s/60s comic/horror kind), everything begins and ends with 2001: A Space Odyssey. And every attempt at modern philosophical inquiry through the lens of science fiction has thus been held up to the standard that Kubrik brought us in his 1968 epic film. Interstellar is the latest film to reach out of our realm and try to grapple with the real questions of humanity- our origins, our struggles and our destiny.
Like recent touchpoint sci-fi contenders Terrence Malik's The Tree of Life, Josh Trank's Chronicle, and the Alien prequel Prometheus, Interstellar maps its path to deeper truth by unlocking some of the universe's secrets. At least that is what Christopher Nolan seems to be trying to portray as he unravels quantum physics in a bid to make his film plausible. Much of what is presented in the film is based on the premise of solving many current impossibilities regarding interstellar travel, and the writers try to achieve this by having humans contacted by a superior life form that has learned to exist and manipulate 5 dimensions. The mishmash of scientific jargon centered around relativity is less effective than I was hoping for. While the film employs a real scientific basis in its research (via theoretical physicist, Kip Thorne), aside from a few excellent graphical representations of worm holes and blackholes/neutron stars sucking in light from other cellestial objects, only a few keywords are echoed in the script. I suppose this is unavoidable, as a more indepth treatment in the film would have droned on enough to make most viewers fall into boredom (and, in any case, Thorne collects this information in an ebook spinoff The Science of Interstellar: Thorne/Nolan). That aside, little else in the film fails to lift itself out of earth's orbit. The direction is essentially focused, with Nolan undertaking the task of visualizing both a bleak earth homeworld and a transcendent star system as an explorable destination.
But the framework of the movie is not the science fiction. Overall, the weakest part of the movie is the relational story between a father and daughter. It is kept terse with the intention of it being powerful- daughter is head strong; dad is explorer type. Dad flies off in spaceship to save the world. Girl is mad at dad. This plot feels thinner than you'd hope for, given the backdrop of human survival, but its theme is re-echoed no less than 4 times throughout the movie in various ways. The relational fabric of people's perceived connection seems to constantly get in the way of saving the human race. It is an interesting approach and one that goes juxtaposition to Kubrick's 2001, which aims to pit humanity against the glorification of his own progress- machine.
I absolutely loved the imagery of the film. Top notch. The acting is also excellent. And while the story portends its conclusion several times it feels forgivable since humanity lies in the balance. The core story line of the movie is essential, but, in this reviewers opinion, childish. Despite this, this film crosses over the line of being gadgetry and tech sizzle into the philosophical questions we have long asked. It does not, however, answer any of these questions with the majestic power of 2001 or the raw focus of Tree of Life. In fact, Interstellar doesn't actually answer any questions about origins or destiny, except to keep alive the viceral reality that we are powerfully, humanly and wonderfully flawed. And it is at this point that Nolan seems to make the film triumph in ways that make it a strong addition to the modern science fiction art form.
Do not wait to see this film on DVD or Netflix. See it on the big screen. 169 minutes of absolute bliss to the eyes and ears. One of the best films of the year.
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1xes458
Review by Kim Gentes
Lovely, Still (2008)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 12:24AM 
Indie triumph.
| Overall Grade: | A |
| Story: | A+ |
| Acting: | A+ |
| Direction: | A |
| Visuals: | B |
Directed by Nik Fackler, Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn play a couple in love, him for the first time, and for most of the film the charm of their growing relationship is warm and endearing, even if some scenes lean to the stereotypical. Yet, while the humor and circumstance may be easy to spot coming, it never feels cliche. This isn’t because of the gently rolling and simple script, it is because of the elegant acumen of these two leads. Both are perfect, and leave nothing to chance. Voice and nuanced motion become the impeccable reality that everyone believes.
My family and I sat and watched this gem of a movie unfold, and were charmed into a wonderful evening. At times, the supporting work of Adam Scott (supporting roles in Step Brothers and Knocked Up) and his portrayal of a store manager makes the film feel oddly offbeat, but in a whimsical way (think Napoleon Dynamite meets Grumpy Old Men). The story is never riveting, but always enjoyable.
But eventually, tiny holes in the story begin to open into portals of pain. By the end of the film, the tragedy of illness affronts characters, story and viewer. And this becomes the point- to bring a solid wall of ice across the warm glow of the romantic sunset of a couple’s life. Without placing a spoiler in this review, understand that this painful twist will abruptly end the romantic story of this film.
The movie may seem contrived, especially in the last 20 minutes, but I can’t judge it that way. The experience it portrays cannot truly be understood without living it, I suspect. Perhaps this is a good portrayal, perhaps not. But the writer and director make an attempt to put their plot on the screen. It is well worth our time, well worth our consideration. Perhaps life won’t look exactly like this script, but this film is worth our effort to listen and watch.
Warm, endearing, thoughtful, shocking, tragic, human. Watch it.
Amazon DVD Link Lovely, Still
Review by Kim Gentes
DVD, ellen burstyn, lovely still, martin landau, movie, netflix, review in A-Movie, Movie Review