The Searchers (1956)

When Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) loses his entire family at the hands of Comanche Indians, Ethan begins the search for his only surviving niece, Debbie (Natalie Wood). Don't ask me what else happens...he eventually finds her, but by then Debbie is one of them. Emote, emote, roll eyes, and scene.

Continuing my journey through Spielberg's rentals, I wondered what he's thinking with this selection. Often hailed as a masterpiece, The Searchers is a beautiful film with great cinematography. Technicolor is amazing! But...and this is a big one... the story doesn't hold up.

John Wayne is perfectly cantankerous as Uncle Ethan, but this is not his best performance. The myriad of supporting characters with similar subplots compete with Wayne's Ethan. Everything is diluted {sometimes non-sensical} and that causes the film to be insufferable long and disinteresting.

As I see it, this movie is lost on me. The Searchers is an essential classic in the western genre if you mind Speilberg and other industry greats. I, however, respectfully disagree and submit that the 'character studies' that are so often heralded are actually Bonanza rejects.

Last of the Dogmen (1995)

Big game tracker and unconvincing alcoholic Lewis Gates (Tom Berenger) is hired by town sheriff Deegan (Kurtwood Smith) to track down escaped convicts in the Montana wilderness. When he discovers the bodies and an arrow shaft, he enlists the help of Native American anthropologist Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey). Together they uncover the truth behind a centuries old Cheyenne tribe and the legend of the Dogmen.

Last of the Dogmen is a melodramatic piece that best belongs on television. Despite the best efforts of Berenger, Smith, and Hershey, the film blows. No wonder director Tab Murphy has no other films to his name.

The story aims for depth of character but everything here is so half-assed and predictable--it quickly becomes rote. It's the C-listers version of Jeremiah Johnson with Robert Redford. {Now, THAT was a good movie.}

I truly can't decide what's worse. The overbearing score, the dog and inane character development, or the utter lack of cohesive story. There are attempts at interesting subplots, but nothing is more than face value.

As I see it, Last of the Dogmen is unfulfilling--a waste of time. This investment doesn't yield good returns. Avoid.

Just for Tom: No stars

This Film is Not Yet Rated (2006)

This eye-opening documentary explores the ultra-secretive Motion Picture Association of America and its blatant duplicity in the way it rates films. Kirby Dick helms this investigation of the last vestige of censorship in America. While one should expect bias, his questioning of inconsistent practices by the MPAA leads to incredible revelations and even more mind-boggling questions.

Let's be honest. Does anyone actually use the ratings systems in place to determine whether or not to see a film? I don't. It's recoms through friends, review by other critics, the Internet and other media. That being said, I've often wondered by a movie like the mainstream Sin City with its non-stop beheadings and dismembermentsrates an 'R' while more art house/independent film like Lust, Caution gets 'slapped' with an NC-17.

The hypocrisy of it all is exposed through interviews with directors (Kevin James, John Waters, Darren Aronofsky, Trey Parker) actors, critics, and other industry execs. With snarky humor and tenacity, Dick sets out to get answers to his relevant questions

It's shocking to uncover the homo/heterophobia that prevails. Comparing the European and American expressions of sex is interesting and ultimately serves to expose the overt censorship of the MPAA. Violence, language, sex, race...Dick spends time on each exposing the untold double standard and the conflict of interest that fast tracks some and kills others.

As I see it, This Film is Not Yet Rated is an interesting and underrated documentary. Cinephiles and the ACLU alike should be up in arms. Censorship is alive and thriving!

Just for Tom: 3 stars

Partly Cloudy (2009)

For those that don't know... storks deliver infants of all sorts and {new to me} apparently clouds make them. That is the premise of Pixar's new animated short found on the front end of Up.

Partly Cloudy, with its effects only sounds, is cute and clever. We have a myriad of happy 'births' across the clouds with beaming storks all too happy to deliver. The partnership between cloud and stork is one of happiness and joy. One dark and lonely cloud, it seems, is responsible for the making of any number of particularly dangerous infants. Baby eels, rams, porcupines, sharks, and alligators makes one stork's job extremely hazardous.

As I see it, Partly Cloudy is an enjoyable short with the perfect blend of humor and sweetness that makes a great addition to the canon of Pixar.

Just for Tom: 2½ stars

Up (2009)

Widowed curmudgeon Carl Fredrickson has dreamed of traveling the world. When his beloved wife Ellie died, Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) all but gave up the dream that he shared with her. Fate lures him into an unbelievable adventure as Carl sets out to realize Ellie's wish. As he floats away, Carl discovers an annoying 8-year old Wilderness Explorer, Russell, has tagged along in an effort to help old people.

Pixar's latest offering, Up, is a tender, but thrilling story of love and rough terrain. It's heartwarming story that allows Pixar genius to shine through.

The story is endearing--had me weeping in the theatre in the first five minutes--and despite themes of death, loss, obsession, and disappointment, the film celebrates all the good. Christopher Plummer is the voice of baddie and fellow explorer, Charles Muntz.   Muntz, the character is a huge letdown.  He is disappointing as is his army of talking dogs. Doug--the good dog--is the Jar-Jar Binks of the film.

Pixar is known for the souls in their movies and Up is imbued with the best.  It joins the ranks of WALL*E, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles for its spirit.
Visually, Up is beautiful to behold--the balloons especially. Their jewel tones are so vivid and life-like. Watch closely and you see how smartly they are utilized--physically and symbolically. Subtle homages to pop culture makes for a great treasure hunt.

As I see it, Up is technically perfect. All elements of effective animation are here. It's the weak story and lack of character development that are HUGE disappointments. Up isn't an entire waste of time--it's pretty to look at, but ultimately, the film is overinflated.


Postscript 12.26.09  Perhaps one of the truest stories of the year, the crew at Pixar has successfully created a film that appeals to all ages and culls the best elements of ever movie genre.  It has the depth of the finest dramas, the humor of the oddest indies, the silliness of the classic children's movies, the technicality of the most intricate sci-fi.  I was wrong.  But... I still think that Muntz and Doug are the films weakest points.  They still irritate me.