Hugely Entertaining Film
593486
The plot of the story is simple, a group of upper class men play a game of inviting "idiots" to dinner and the person who brought the biggest idiot wins.  Nice huh?  Now you might not think this movie is a comedy but it is and a pretty funny one too.  I didn't think I would like it but it make me chuckle.  The main character finds an "idiot" taxman and invites him over for a drink before the "dinner game" but an earlier back injury acts up and gets stuck with the idiot in his home.  As we watch the karma payback unfold, the results are hugely entertaining.  A classic comedy that stands up to repeated viewings.  The actors comedic timing are perfect and the script witty.  You can't help but like this lighthearted film.
3760674
For sheer originality, it's hard to beat "Being John Malkovich" as the most outrageously entertaining comedy of 1999.  The central gimmick of Charlie Kaufmann's original screenplay is now widely known--a low-spirited  puppeteer (John Cusack) discovers a portal leading into the brain of the  actor John Malkovich (played by none other than Malkovich himself).  It may  sound unworkable on paper, but the approach to the storytelling is unique  and offbeat enough to overcome the most obvious hurdles.
Director Spike  Jonze proves himself a true cinematic visionary.  Rather than highlighting  his story with bright, vivid colors, Jonze adopts a restrained, subtle  visual style that that perfectly suits the film's sly, warped identity.  "Malkovich" is not an in-your-face comedy, and Jonze's wise choice of  murky, underlit camera angles make it clear that all attention belongs on  the actors, and on Kaufmann's script.
Jonze is just as adept at getting  great performances out of his cast.  Catherine Keener deservedly won an  Oscar nomination for her bitchy Maxine, but Cameron Diaz matches her,  moment for moment, in a much less showy and obvious role.  Cusack is  note-perfect as the squinting puppeteer, and Malkovich, proving himself the  best sport in Hollywood by starring in a film that so unabashedly makes fun  of his image, gives a brilliant, perfectly timed comic performance.
From  its odd premise the story builds and builds, tossing in one oddball twist  after
another with admirable energy.  "Being John Malkovich" tweaks its  off-the-wall plot for maximum comic effect; what's surprising is the  effectiveness with which it subtly eases in a few thought-provoking  questions.  Even more surprising is the way "Being John Malkovich" examines  each of its characters with considerable compassion, when it would be so  easy to treat them with contempt.  Sure, it's nonsense--only a truly  demented farce could find poignancy in a lesbian relationship involving  Malkovich as an unwitting sexual go-between--but the film embraces these  perverse notions with deadpan conviction.
Roger Ebert named "Being John  Malkovich" the best film of 1999.  It wasn't a bad choice, by any  means--the film damn well deserved a Best Picture nomination--but it's hard  to ignore the flaws that emerge in the construction toward the very end.  The film is successful only so long as it avoids attempting to explain its  premise; once "Malkovich" tries to take itself seriously, it derails faster  than a speeding train.  Kaufmann throws in a lousy subplot involving  geriatrics staging a hostile midnight takeover of Malkovich's brain, as  well as a chase scene through Malkovich's subconscious that, though clever,  borders on the excessive.  The last half hour or so is no less entertaining  than what came before it, but it's also surprisingly out of place in a film  that thrives by being subtle, not by flaunting its inventions.  Ebert  called the movie "endlessly inventive," and that's as much a handicap as it  is a compliment.  Here is a movie so drunk on its own cleverness that it  doesn't know when to stop; it takes several risks, most of which pay off,  but it also takes one risk too many.  The result?  Almost the best film of  1999.
2571794
I haven't seen this film in decades, and I got it manufactured on demand here at Amazon. The quality ot the transfer for this 1972 film is astoundingly excellent; though a lot of the credit would have to go to the original cinematographer of the film, Douglas Slocombe who lensed it (and got an Oscar nomination for it.) The film looks superb in it's widescreen format. A lot of talent is behind this film starting with George Cukor's sure handed Direction. Anthony Powell's Oscar winning costumes just amaze you throughout. But, it is Maggie Smith who's the star here and she carries the entire film, effortlessly. She's a woman you'd love to travel on The Orient Express to Istanbul with as Alec McCowen does here with her. It's a genuinely FUN film and you won't be disappointed with this from Amazon. You won't see it on Netflix or in the stores as of this writing on New Years Eve, Dec. 31,2011
4563284
The film speaks for itself; It's a Rocket ride right from the start of the discovery of the board game. The Extras explain the link to JUMANJI, and no its not made to be a sequel.

It is clearly done on a lower budget, but the director shows that the marriage of practical FX and CGI works superbly. For a film that revolves very much around an essentially  single set, with additions, this is fun. You can get to see  how Stan Winston Studios did such a great job. And the extras, including the commentary all exude enthusiasm for the film craft.

Do not expect a JUMANJI clone, but DO expect all of the craft that the Van Allsburg imagination has created. There is an interview with Allsburg that just shows beautifully how he has created so many different worlds.

The Audio is carefully crafted; the visuals are great, and the fun is immense.

ENJOY
4674152
One of my favorite films of the last 20 years. Funny, sad, wildly brave
visually. This is brash, bold filmmaking, featuring amazing use of
music - both period songs and score.

Somehow this manages uses the world of porn film-making to examine
families, American politics in the 70s and 80s and all sorts of serious
themes while also being a flat out blast to watch. It was criticized a
bit on release for plagiarizing Scorsese, especially 'Goodfellas', but
to me this is homage in the best sense. Taking great work done by
others and building on it to create something new. Indeed, the
excitement I had on first seeing it reminded me of my first falling in
love with Scorsese's kinetic work as a young film fan many years ago.

The Blu-Ray looks terrific (although the DVD transfer was nothing to sneeze at),
and the extras are everything extras should be - fun, interesting,
informative.  A film well worth owning.
2933935
Young Irishman Kenny decides to follow in the footsteps of his best mate Byron, who left to make his fortune in the big city -- London.  He finds Byron shacked up in an abandoned building, but worse, he learns that his best mates been earning his money not in some blue-collar trade but as a hustler at the local gay bar.  In spite of this, Kenny decides to stay on with his mate and soon finds himself drawn Byron's life, as his money quickly runs out.
But things take an unusual turn when words spreads that The Queen has been murdered.  Stories abound about a hidden trove of cash tucked away in the gigantic bed she shared with her lover, Golders Green, an Orthodox Jew.  Determined to find the money, they set off around London in search of Golders' house, leaving a trail of accidental deaths, a desparate dwarf, and Kenny discovering the truth about himself.
Writer/Director Ky Mo Lab's first film is irreverant, ballsy, campy and just plain fun.  The dialogue is sharp and funny, and delivered incredibly well by all the actors.  Glen Mulhern and Brendan Mackey are wonderful as the duo of Kenny and Byron.  They come across as genuine friends, willing to help one another out in a pinch.  The featured actors are equally fine, including Vas Blackwood, Steven Berkoff, Michael Praed, and Karen Sharman.  But, Raymond Griffiths almost steals the entire movie as The Desparate Dwarf who only wants someone to have sex with him.
The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it even more enjoyable.  A great film that will have you laughing out loud.
4912065
The twist is that the characters actually behave in ways that make sense! The dialog is genuine, the acting is terrific, and you never have those moments of wanting to roll your eyes and the insane actions of the characters. There are many, laugh-out-loud moments, and many more chuckle-out loud lines. Very little man-bashing (or woman-bashing) even while showing the characters working through some very typically male and female relationship issues. Caution: this is not for kids, or even teens. Some very explicit sexual situations.

It is hard to believe this is an independent movie. Only the opening credits seemed at all low budget, and even then the soundtrack was great. The writer/director and his crew must have a great deal of experience, and the actors were top-notch. I saw this at the theater and was really surprised by the quality, and how much it made me think about relationships while being completely entertained. The inner dialog of the main male and female character provide amazing insight into the male and female mind, and also provide the vast majority of the laughs in this movie.

Interesting method of distribution: the writer/director came to the showings throughout the country, much like an author's book signing. He answers questions for the audience and seems committed to independent film-making.
1675989
I almost missed this film. The poster and stills from the film do not do it justice.

This movie is billed as a dark comedy, however while a number of moments were quite funny, I found it to be a more serious affair. Very character-based, with Henry Rollins doing a fantastic job showing the most minute increments of character development, which is enormously consistent with his character.

Without saying too much---and believe me, you definitely do NOT want to read a spoiler!---Rollins plays a mysterious loner whose only mild pleasures in life are eating at a diner and playing Bingo. In addition to the diner, he has other, less savory appetites that he tries to control with varying degrees of success.

His life is upended when he receives a call from an old lover telling asking him to look for their missing daughter. At first, it seems as though he is completely indifferent to his daughter's well-being, but gradually, he establishes a rudimentary interpersonal connection with her.

He's also forming a connection with a waitress at the diner at which he eats. She clearly has a crush on him, but again he doesn't seem interested.  She's not deterred.

This was a wonderful gem of a film, and I'm so glad I took the time to see it. Like I said, it looked awful from the poster and photos, but man, what a great film. It's one-of-a-kind, something to be treasured.

From what I hear, Rollins is in talks to make a mini series continuation of the story. I have mixed feelings about that. Television is not my favorite medium, and I fear what they may do to this character. However, it's also exciting to hear that more may be coming!
1060217
I rented this movie and fell in love with it long before ever discovering it was based on The Taming of the Shrew.  Rather than rehash the storyline as so many reviewers are inclined to do, I will tell you that this movie is the best teen flick I've seen since Sixteen Candles, and that's saying something.  I never stopped laughing.  With a great cast of young actors, particularly Julia Stiles as major teed-off rebel Kat Stratford, sexy Aussie Heath Ledger as her very Michael Hutchence-like persuer Phil Verona, and Joseph Gordon Levitt (formerly Tommy of Third Rock From the Sun), you get good, solid performances and superb writing with clever one-liners and plenty of chemistry-driven interaction in each scene to warrant learning the dialog without trying.  This movie is witty and so much fun that I always recommend it to anyone and everyone that hasn't seen it yet.  Get a hold of this for the sheer enjoyment, because it's a total laugh riot.  The music isn't entirely my thing but, by the end, I even started kind of likeing Letters to Cleo.  Destined for classic status if it isn't already.
3532552
This is simply put...an excellent film.  It is well made, creatively conceived, smartly constructed and directed, and quite wry, witty, and amusing.  It is NOT a film for everyone.  The story line is perhaps too dark or edgy for some people's tastes, I would imagine.  The story is about a convict who hooks up and marry an officer; since they can't have any children of their own, they wind up taking a dark turn and stealing an infant from someone who just had 5 babies at once.  That's the story, no spoilers there.  The story progresses absurdly, and many would find it ridiculous, unreal, and just not much to it.  To anyone who likes HOW a film is made, though, it is a spectacular film.  To people who like films that make you FEEL and THINK a bit, it is a curious film that will delight.  To people who like DARK stories that tell something beyond the surface, they, too, should like this film.  VERY funny story.  GREAT characters portrayed.  VERY entertaining, AND a real pleasure to watch!  The brothers who directed this film have sustained themselves creatively speaking over many fine films, and this one should NOT let any Cohen Bothers fans down!  There is so much more beyond the superficial premise of the story that touches on humanity's core, if you look a bit.  Enjoy!
750259
Simply put, this is one of the greatest laid back fun movies I've watched recently. It has great characters and dialog, plus the stop-motion and cinematography are breathtaking (make sure you see it on blu-Ray). The only small downside might be the plot, which is a bit generic, but it follows the story from the book. As to how much a child will enjoy this, I do not know, it has some heavy adult themes in it. The comedy is very offbeat, as always in Wes Anderson's films. I don't normally do reviews on here, but I was so amazed by this movie, that I just had to write something and hope it brings more attention to it. I didn't think it was the best movie of 2009, either. It was just a very, very fun, charming watch.
4535781
I bought this on a whim, really. I had very little knowledge of Leigh Bowery, only tidbits I picked up from other artists who were inspired by him. Watching this movie is at turns absolutely hilarious, diabolical, grotesquely fascinating, uplifting, and  sad, but ultimately hugely entertaining. No need for me to go into details about the man here, it's the documentary that's in question. It is very well done. Lots of video and film from the era, new interviews with his associates, and the bonus features are incredible, almost an entire movie's worth alone. For anyone with a passing interest in fashion, performance art, or the club scene of the Eighties and early Ninties, this is  required viewing. Leigh Bowery lived his life as Art. This documentary is an informative and entertaining testament to that. Recommended very highly.
3142087
This is an utterly British film (in social norms, manners and language) that will impress you with it's sheer originality. For some portion of the film I felt a more appropriate title to be "Uncomfortable Moments", due to the slightest edge of humor in several scenes, though there are enough bleak ones to warrant. Many people might find this film too slow, or like me; it may move you to rapt attention, boredom, annoyance, a giggle, concern, rooting for a character, and a certain kind of discomfort that leaves you shifting in your seat. Afterward you may feel compelled to have a long conversation with another human being, just to reassure that it is indeed possible, and you may certainly entertain some quiet reflection. Once I realized what this film was doing I quickly imagined how the scene would play a time or two; just to ease the feeling that each character's desire which passed unmet, left me as frustrated as those on screen. With no traditional soundtrack to speak of I found each musical moment from the characters rather uplifting in it's honesty, in a film that emphasizes how words often convey but the slightest hint of what was meant to be said. Though Bleak Moments may not be for everyone, for those it moves, it could be quite amazing. If nothing else this is a film for film's sake; and I can only imagine that it must have had an influence on the whole Dogma 95 crew for it's starkly honest portrayal of everyday life. Any aspiring director who admires the slice of life genre or any aspiring actor who wants to see superb performances of tragically real characters that pull you to the edge of your seat, and needle you to bury your face in your hands; needs to see this.
1353689
When this movie first came out, I passed on it, mistakenly believing it to be a football film. Was I ever wrong! It is a terrific black comedy, with wonderful performances by Matthew Perry, the ever cool Bruce Willis, Michael Clarke Duncan, and a break out performance by Amanda Peet. Quite frankly, the movie is just plain hilarious, and a little gem of a film which one could happily see again and again, as I already have, and laugh each and every time.

Matthew Perry is wonderful as the hapless everyman, a dentist who finds himself living in Canada with his witchy French-Canadian wife who is, decidedly, not in love with him. His shrewish wife, played by Rosanna Arquette with a French accent which is over the top and laughable, wants to have her husband bumped off for insurance money.

As luck would have it, a notorious Chicago based hit man, with a mob contract out on his own life, just happens to move in next door to the unhappily married duo. This hit man, coolly played to perfection by Bruce Willis, meets his neighbor, Matthew, who also happens to be from Chicago. Bruce looks familiar to Matthew who ultimately recognizes him for who he is. While initially unnerved by Bruce, they somehow hit it off.

Matthew, however, foolishly tells his wife that he believes the neighbor to be a hit man with a price on his head, and the games begin. She sends Matthew to Chicago to have him give up their neighbor, the hit man, for the contract money. Matthew goes, mainly to appease her, as he really has no intention of giving up his new found friend.

Meanwhile, no sooner does he leave, than she herself goes to the neighbor to give her husband up in hopes that he will get rid of her husband for her. In the interim, Matthew is met in Chicago by Michael Clarke Duncan who takes him to the mob boss who wants to bump off Bruce. There, Matthew meets Bruce's wife, with whom he becomes smitten. What transpires next compels Matthew to return to Canada, where he gets the surprise of his life. This all sets in motion a series of events which will have the viewer howling with laughter.

Needless to say, there are numerous unexpected twists and turns in this movie, all of which contribute to its success as a black comedy. This film is, undoubtedly, one of the best in this genre. Michael Clarke Duncan, who also happens to play a hit man, gives an ingratiating performance as Bruce Willis' buddy. Amanda Peet is absolutely hilarious as a hit man wanna be. I do not want, however, to give away any more of the plot. Suffice to say, watch this film. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you will be too busy, laughing up a storm. Enjoy!
916005
Riveting, great effects, brilliant, fast-paced movie
4796722
Saw this at a film fest and not only did I love it, but the audience could not get enough of it.  The writer-director, Gregg Bishop, is a talent to watch.  Very reminiscent of early Spielberg, Zemeckis, Rodriguez...

Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy. It's a ton of fun.
3222642
This film has not made it onto the shelves of our personal library.  It seems to reside near the television where it gets popped into the player about once a month.  There is much to recommend this film--the exotic location and the outstanding cast for a start.  Dev Patel is outrageous, funny, thoughtful, conflicted and delivers an outstanding performance.  Like Moonstruck, Bread and Tulips, Tortilla Soup, Love Actually, Strictly Ballroom, Barefoot in the Park, Sunday in New York, etc., this is a film that is full of likeable characters and is both poignant and visually stunning.  It is rumored that there is a sequel.