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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 martin landau (1)

Lovely, Still (2008)

DateWednesday, October 22, 2008 at 12:24AM

Indie triumph.

Overall Grade: A
Story: A+
Acting: A+
Direction: A
Visuals: B

 

I watch a lot of a movies. From action to drama, to scifi to romance, thrillers and indie films.  Today, I watched one of the best indie movies I have ever seen.  Normally, I don’t venture out for an indie unless it has some compelling oddity, such as Momento or Primer (both vastly far afield from the tenor of “Lovely, Still”.  Perusing the vaults of online Netflix, I came to Lovely, Still and thought it might be an interesting view.

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

 

AuthorKim Gentes | CommentPost a Comment |
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