The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)

Every now and then a film comes along that is more pretentious than even I can stand. I shall defend 2001: A Space Odyssey to the death as there is method to Kubrick's maddening classic. This movie, The Man Who Fell to Earth, I will not.

David Bowie stars as Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien, who comes to Earth in search of water for his own planet. Infinitely smart, Newton employs patent lawyer Oliver Farnsworth (Buck Henry) and turgid genius Nathan Bryce (Rip Torn) to execute his numerous start-up companies all with the intent of funneling money towards his return trip home. That is where the story ends and the frail, enigmatic Newton becomes enraptured of human vices.

The Man Who Fell to Earth is guilty of unending pretension that wastes quality cinematography and intriguing concepts on opiate fiends. I daresay how else could you enjoy this vapid psychedelic mess without the assistance of illicit drugs?!

The film is a series of poorly executed edits that unsuccessfully meld the alien and the human. Studded with numerous sexual encounters that needlessly assault the senses and overwhelmingly odd chain of events, this film is dumbfounding.

David Bowie is brilliantly weird and upsetting as the eccentric Newton. His features suit the role perfectly. Equally weird, but not in the brilliant way is his whiny drawling mistress Mary-Lou (Candy Clark). I'd rather bleed from the ears whilst listening to Michael Bolton and Kenny G duet than endure her again.

As I see it, The Man Who Fell to Earth is a disjointed, tedious and self-important film. Billed as a sci-fi cult classic, the film falls flat unlike Bowie's oft-engorged member found here.

J4T: 0 stars

The Proposal (2009)

Assistant-eating, man-hating, bitter book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is in danger of being deported to her native Canada due to her visa status. Upon news of this eminent disaster, Tate finagles her long-suffering assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her in efforts to thwart the impending deportment. Can you guess the rest?

The Proposal from director Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses, Step Up) is a fresh, yet predictable romantic comedy that heralds the return of Sandra Bullock. Only Betty White threatens to steal the show.

Casting is what makes the tired story new. Sandra Bullock is an All-American doll despite the vicious woman she tries to portray. Bullock isn't convincing enough, but puts on a good show. Ryan Reynolds {who has come along way since Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place} is equally adorable. He, too, phones in a solid performance. The onscreen chemistry is nice. Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen pop-up as Andrew's parents providing moral support for us, but the real joy is Betty White. As white-haired Grandma Annie, she provides the most cornball of comedic elements. The tribal ritual is hysterical nonsense.

The Proposal trades one beautiful setting, New York City, for another: Sitka, Alaska. With all this beauty, the movie is great to watch despite odd edits and underdeveloped could've-been-more-interesting sub-plots.

As I see it, The Proposal is a fun, serviceable summer romance. Welcome back, Sandra Bullock! I hope to see more.

J4T: 3 stars

The Godfather (1972)

One more item to check off the 'things to do before I die' list. The Godfather heralded as cinematic masterpiece, found on AFI's and everyone else's Top Everything List. It's loved, hated, copied, spoofed, derided, but ultimately celebrated. I suppose the final push for viewing this one was finishing up Steven Spielberg's five recoms.

In truth, I knew only of The Godfather from various pop culture references but dismissed watching it because it was a 'gangster' movie. Oh, and the endless hype of being the 'best movie...ever...'

With Francis Ford Coppola at the helm, The Godfather is a masterful production. The writing, direction, casting, score... it all blends seamlessly to create a world of family, greed, deception, murder, loyalty and revenge. It's a film of beautiful contrast worthy of distinction.

Marlon Brando is exceptional as Don Corleone--a pitch-perfect benefactor with equal tenderness and icy brutality. A young James Caan and Robert Duvall are fascinating, but Al Pacino is simply riveting. As the youngest Corleone son, the only one not in the family business, baby-faced Pacino is spot-on. Imbuing the son with tempered innocence and hopeful determination his evolution from student to Don is remarkable. Pacino grows subtly; his face more grim and hardened as the film progresses. It's an interesting character study.

The conscience and unconscious intricacies of the film are overwhelming. Plots weave in and out; each character seemingly at the center of the viewer's world. Death comes swiftly, without regret. Family is first. Respect is demanded, trust earned.

The film is visually arresting. The production is dark and lavish. From pinstripes to suicide doors, the execution of every detail is top-notch. With cinematography that makes the most of each frame, Coppola speaks volumes in a whisper. The balance between heavy-handed Coppola and the screenplay from Mario Puzo is brilliant.

As I see it, The Godfather is an investment clocking in at nearly three hours. Still with untold extravagance, the film delivers eloquent storytelling in masterful form.

J4T: 4 stars

Two Lovers (2008)

Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) is recovering from a jilted engagement that has left him suicidal and despondent. With the help of his parents (Isabella Rossellini and Mono Moshonov), Leonard is slowly coping. Enter Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) the beautiful, reasonable daughter of his father's business partner. As their relationship begins to blossoms, Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow) moves in across the hall. Leonard is fascinated by both women for entirely different reasons. Sandra is the safe choice. Beautiful, but self-destructive Michelle is the exciting one.

Two Lovers from writer/director James Gray is a beautiful, yet bleak romance set in Brooklyn that explores wants and needs on two levels. It's a startling mature film that is unafraid.

The cast is superb. Joaquin Phoenix nails another weighty role. This time as scarred man, depressed and conflicted. Leonard is perfectly nuanced thanks to Phoenix' unrelenting sadness. As the two lovers, Shaw and Paltrow stand in extreme contrast, but shine wonderfully in their respective roles. As Sandra, Shaw is compassionate and equally fascinated by Leonard. Quickly falling for him, she is the safe, solid choice in this small Jewish community. Paltrow parlays a beautiful turn as an object of desire into a multi-faceted mess. The mistress of a high dealing lawyer, Michelle is equally glamorous and dangerous. Leonard quickly becomes infatuated. For once, Paltrow is simply mesmerizing.

Leonard is a fascinating character study. Watching him juggle to very different women with no malice toward either is riveting thanks to Phoenix. Under Gray's direction, Phoenix is allowed to pace the film as Leonard needs ultimately building to a simple paradox: do you choose the one you love or the one who loves you?

Two Lovers is studded with remarkable performances. A gentle melancholy and authentic setting further cements this unconventional love triangle as refreshingly real. As I see it, Two Lovers is a wonderfully tempered romantic drama that is content to be grounded and revel in normalcy.

Just for Tom: 3 stars

Rocky Top Tennessee

Day four: K'ville. People are obnoxious and rude. This melting pot of East Hill natives, posh outsiders, students, and God knows who else... I don't claim to 'get' this town, but for being such an active area for commerce in the Vol state..um.. I'm not feeling it. Still, the shopping is great. The hotel is luxurious. I really don't have to leave here.

Sidebar: Cable television is fascinating. Do I really need to know about extreme bathrooms and where to find them?! No. But I watch it anyway. As I do extreme restaurants {Modern Toilet is a bathroom themed restaurant chain in Asia}, trauma in the E.R., bits of Underworld Evolution {immediately queued}, Van Helsing, a Bond movie marathon on USA and Iron Chef America {love it}. Seriously, my brain is melting... gotta go..

Evening in K'ville finds me shopping online at the Oakley website. It's too easy to spend money there. While I'm stilling sporting my original purchase of 11 years ago...still hit the site for the latest in fashion. Might not sport, but I can wear it.

Made the mistake of checking the Firm inbox. Bad choice. That'll ruin a good mood.