As You Like It (2006)

An overwrought adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale of love and mistaken identity from director Kenneth Branagh set in feudal Japan with a bunch of British people.  Not his best work.

Feast of Love (2007)

Incredibly irritating romantic dramedy with a nice ensemble cast with Morgan Freeman and his ‘God’ personality.

Kick-Ass (2010)

After only fifteen minutes, I wanted my ass kicked for wasting a rental.  I'm not offended by gratuitous language or brutality.  I am offended by a pointless movie plot centered around a uninspired idiot and Nicolas Cage.

I'm Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix (2010)

Joaquin Phoenix has succeeded in being even more obnoxious that ever before.  I've always had a soft spot for this jerk because of his role in one of my favourite films of all times: Gladiator.  As Commodus, he was perfectly cold and calculating.  Brilliant performances in Walk the Line, Two Lovers and Return to Paradise lends me to defend his ‘obnoxious’ title.  But after this self-absorbed mess-terpiece, Joaquin is on his own.


Whether I’m Still Here is a calculated hoax or an exercise in narcissism, that’s for the viewer to decide.  As I see it, narcissism doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Countdown to Zero (2009)

I don’t know how you can watch a documentary of this magnitude and not come away affected in some manner. Although you must temper fear with logic—you must take head to the facts presented here. The danger of nuclear war being used by the unstable political leaders is a viable threat.

Countdown to Zero explores the growing list of countries that have and continue to grow their nuclear armaments. The documentary weights the potential for ‘rogue’ weapons and the hope for global attitude change and disarmament. Peppered with insights from world leaders and policy experts, the film is certainly thought provoking.

As I see it, Countdown to Zero stares directly into the crystal ball and while it doesn’t examine the potential fall-out of said disaster, it does question the world’s seemingly disinterest in who has what and why. Since the first bomb was dropped in 1945, ‘experts’ worldwide have questioned the morality and inherent danger with the medium. This documentary doesn't delve into that either.  It's purpose, I think, it simple to begin dialogue among citizens of this world.

LennonNYC (2010)

LennonNYC is a look at John Lennon at his happiest, I think, living in NYC and raising his son. John finally hits his stride in the mid-70s, coming to terms with his tumultuous early years of Beatlemania and his departure from England. Arriving in NYC, John faces deportation and harassment at the hands of the fearful Nixon administration (see The U.S. vs. John Lennon) for his activism, but he is happy. You can see that in the historical footage provided here. It’s as if John has become comfortable in being John Lennon.

This documentary contains great footage of studio sessions, personal home video, cameo concert appearances, media coverage and incredibly personal interviews by the likes of Dick Cavett, Elton John, and Yoko One. The film feels personal. The viewer sees John at vulnerable times when his early solo works aren’t well received by critics and his ‘Lost Weekend’ in L.A. Footage and interview highlights from his son Sean are precious.

As I see it, LennonNYC is a must see for fans of the icon.  It is Lennon at his happiest.  It's comforting to know that this troubled genius found peace before death.

Lennon Naked (2010)

Christopher Eccleston (28 Days Later, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) stars as the enigmatic and de facto leader of The Beatles in this BBC biopic, which examines some of the more complicated relationships of Lennon’s life. Set in the late 1960s—at the height of Beatlemania, Lennon overwhelmed by the demands of fame and seemingly melts down. In his confusion he lashes out in bitterness towards those closest to him. He discovers Yoko, divorces Cynthia and his band mates.

Lennon Naked takes artistic license at times—I’m sure to evoke a more sentimental tone, but the viewer can’t help but take away how innocently troubled he was. This film’s major focus it the pained, troubled, frightened Lennon and highlights just how alone he was at what should be remembered as his most triumphant times.

As I see it, Eccleston gives a laboured performance heavy on the acerbic and self-absorbed. Lennon Naked is a one-sided view of a multi-faceted icon. Fans with a critical eye can appreciate what the film tries to do.

The September Issue (2008)

The inspiration behind The Devil Wears Prada comes to life in this revealing documentary. Iconic fashionista and Vogue editor Anna Wintour is profiled here in The September Issue. The September issue of Vogue is the pinnacle of the fashion print industry. The demanding 9-month long creative process is shown here following the influential director and her creative director Grace Coddington as they attend fashion week abroad, lead insane staff meetings, and endless photo shoots.

The September Issue pulls back the veil ever so slightly on the illusive Wintour The so-called Ice Queen allows the camera untold intimacy as the viewer learns what drives the demanding perfectionist.  Behind that severe haircut and smileless demeanor is an enviable focused business woman. It is captivating to see how she works among the industry—her name causes designer and stylist alike to tremble with fear. Tempering Wintour is Coddington—an experience no-nonsense creative woman who will fight to end to get her creative vision to print. Personalities clash, but in the end only one woman will win.

As I see it, The September Issue is a fascinating look at the fashion industry.  If you are even remotely interested in the industry you will not be disappointed here.

No Impact Man: A Documentary (2009)

I can’t help but feel the intentions of writer Colin Beavan were sincere, but this documentary is nothing by a whiny video diary from Colin and his wife, Michelle.

The experiment: A yearlong crusade to make little to no net impact on the environment. His intentions are noble. Eating local, organically grown food, shopping intelligently to generate no trash except for compost, and using no carbon-fueled transportation. The crusade soon becomes a war for body and mind for the entire family. And by the fifth day of hearing Michelle want coffee or a chocolate bar or lugging packages, etc… you, the viewer, are disheartened.

The film is admirable, but as I see it, No Impact Man misses the mark. A balance could have been struck here and a better documentary could have been created.

Man on the Moon (2000)

Jim Carrey stars as Andy Kaufman in the biopic that I found obnoxious—not because Carrey is awful. I just have no appreciation for the source material.

Good Hair (2009)

I don’t know the true impetus for wanting to see Chris Rock’s documentary about hair. But I was intrigued enough to queue it up.

Rock visits beauty salons, conventions, science labs, and even other countries to examine the industry that is a black woman’s hair. So much of a woman’s identity can be found in her relationship with her hair—no matter her skin color. The focus here is the extraordinary measure that black woman take to obtain the luxurious locks found on European women.

In an interview with Salt-n-Pepa, we discover the reason behind Pepa’s unlikely hair-do of the 80s—the result of a relaxer accident. Yikes! You can’t help but come away from Rock’s and others honest observations on the ridiculousness behind it all.

As I see it, Good Hair is an interesting social commentary and speaks to a true obsession with humor and candor. Ultimately, good hair is in the eye of the beholder—or rather the scalp of the wearer.

Cold Souls (2008)

Paul Giamatti stars as himself—as an actor who is so overwhelmed by anxiety—he has his soul removed and placed into cold storage. Then is gets lost.  So Paul has some serious soul-searching to do.  Literally.

This existential dark comedy is heavy on irony. You’re either going to like this movie and appreciate Paul’s execution. Or you are going to hate it—just like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. You know who you are.

As I see it, Cold Souls lacked the whimsy and emotion of Eternal Sunshine.  Giamatti is good here, but just not interesting enough for me.