Lost in Translation (2003)

Two Americans who have become passive players in their own destiny rediscover themselves in Japan. Bob Harris, a has-been actor, relegated to shrilling whiskey in Japan has been on auto-pilot for years. Bob is struggling with the realization he's no longer relevant. Young newly-wed Charlotte (Scarlett Johannson) has been abandoned by her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi). The two unlikely tourist find comfort in each other's company, if only for a few days.

Lost in Translation is an understated gem from writer/director Sofia Coppola. This gently nuanced film owes much of it's flavor to stunning performances by Murray and Johannson.
Murray, played against type, is a forlorn shell of what was. Time has passed. He is old and inadequate in his world. Murray plays an exceptionally sad man well. In contrast, but equally fascinating, is Johannson. Her Charlotte is a listless, philosophy major who's been demoralized by her circumstances.

Set amid the yin/yang of modern, industrial Japan and the history of the country, Lost in Translation reflects our characters on an subliminal level. Companionship for these two begins on a basic level--the ability to communicate. Surrounded by an assault of the senses and yet lost in translation, the two are destined for each other despite the barriers.

Lost in Translation is undeniably arty with exquisite cinematography that contrasts the aforementioned parts of the city. Combined with an unusual indie soundtrack, the film does have an odd vibe. But Coppola justifies her end result beautifully.

As I see it, Lost in Translation is a pitch-perfect contemporary drama. The film delivers to those willing to be still.

Reality TV (2009)

Ah, summer! The heat, the plans, the long days and cool nights, the reality TV. It doesn't get in any better. Amid endless re-runs of my favorites shows, I find respite in Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, and Project Runway.

Big Brother never fails to disappoint. Season 11 with it's lame and quickly axed twist {high school cliques}, doesn't quite have the personalities of Evil Dick or Janelle this year. Sadly, Mr. Ego--'Roid head himself, Jesse, finagled a spot on the show. Love to hate 'em all. Lippy Chima, Master Gamer/Mongoloid Ronnie, Scary Fairy Lydia, Airy Jordan, and Obnoxious Russell-none of them are weirdly interesting, but I still watch. 'Cause it's fun.

Gordon Ramsey, you don-KEY! God, I love you. But I love imitating you more. Your no-nonsense, in your face attitude coupled with a distinctly British demeanor makes this American quake. Lord of the Pass, you take no sh!t from anyone, but dish it out beautifully. Your vernacular is equally delightful. On your tongue, nouns become barbs of disgust. Cows are insulted by the morons on Hell's Kitchen.

The lawsuit is over. Project Runway is back on Lifetime in the fall. In the meantime, catch up with Season 5 on DVD. Tim Gunn, wish you were my fairy godfather. I'd always look good. The tan-orexic Blayne is eclipsed only by the leathery Stella. Since when did mousy mean couture?! When Pam, er, Leanne showed up. It's runway-licious.

Take your time, fall. Don't hurry. With television like this Fringe can wait.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)

Inspired by the Hasbro line of toys from the 80s comes G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Lucky for us, the franchise is in the perfect hands of director Steven Sommers. The movie is perfect summer fare. When kept in perspective it's a blast.

The ensemble cast of Tatum Channing, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, Christopher Eccleston, Ray Park, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt won't win any Oscars for the performances here, but they will win the adoration of a generation. The film strikes the perfect balance of action and camp to create an adventure fantasy worth seeing.

The Rise of Cobra sets the tone for building a franchise with limitless possibilities. Sommers wisely weaves back stories for the players: Duke (Channing), Snake Eyes (Parks), Baroness (Miller), Destro (Eccleston) and Zartan. The movies could go anywhere from here.

Back to the task at hand. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra follows an elite paramilitary group that sets out to stop a rogue military organization determined to bring the world to it's knees. The film rolls out like a non-stop action sequence with corny one-liners {hearkening to the original cartoon series}, awesome weaponry, and a dash of romance.

Snake Eyes is easily the most complex of our American Heroes. The fully clad ninja and his vow of silence speaks boldly. His action sequences, a la, Ray Parks are a highlight. Equally fascinating is Sienna Miller as Baroness. Almost unrecognizable, her average execution of dialogue works. Surprisingly Marlon Wayans wasn't the killjoy I expected. Instead of sucking the air out of the room, he complimented the wooden Channing beautifully.

*SPOILER AHEAD* It's unfortunate that McCullen/Destro's evolution begins so late in the film. You knew it was going to happen; I was so psyched for the moment that upon it's delivery I was spent. Now I really have something to look forward to. Christopher Eccleston (The Others, 28 Days Later) plays the hybrid villain well with an accent that is laughably over-the-top. *SPOILER END*

Brendan Fraser cameos in The Pit sequences as Duke and RipCord are initiated in the Joes. What a riot! These sequences alone really set the tone of the film.

As I see it, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is exactly what I wanted. It's pitch-perfect entertainment that I unabashedly enjoyed. Check reality at the door; embrace your childhood and enjoy!

J4T: 4 stars

Bonus Feature: Book

The proudly naked {in}famous sole survivor of the CBS reality series Survivor is best known for his outlandishly cocky behavior that took him all the way. In his book 101 Survival Secrets: How to Make $1,000,000, Lose 100 Pounds, and Just Plain Live Happily, Rich Hatch shares everything he didn't have time for on the island.

His blunt take on life is shockingly honest, occasionally obvious and I like it. Hatch has no tolerance for excuses. After a quick chapter filled with back story {and plenty of excuse-building events}, Hatch challenges the reader to get down to self-examination with his brash 'suck it up' attitude.

The novelty of the book was certainly the catalyst for purchase. But surprisingly, the book is a cohesive read that manages to move beyond the kitch. Rich actually has something worth listening too.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

This film is an exercise in tedium. One that I failed miserably. It wasn't for lack of trying. As a fan of existential drama (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, anyone?}, I couldn't wait to see Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the leading role. Synecdoche, New York, directed by Charlie Kaufman, promised to be an existential drama of greatness. I don't think so..

Caden Coutard (Hoffman) is a theatre director who is given a McArthur Fellow grant. With seemingly unlimited resources thanks to the grant, Coutard sets out to write and direct the play of his life--turns out it's quite autobigraphical. In the midst of execution, Coutard must contend with the countless woman (Catherine Keener, Emiy Watson, Michelle Williams, Diane Wiest) who have influenced him.

I was sadly disappointed by the inane pretentiousness that filled the screen. It was ridiculous. Hoffman plays a sad-sack of a man who, we the viewer, meet at 40. As his life and play spiral out of control, so does this film.

Twice over the weekend, I tried to interact with this film. No luck. As I see it, Synecdoche, New York goes down as another of the critic favorites, but not one of mine.