Genre: Drama/Biography
Director: Floria Sigismondi
Screenplay: Floria Sigismondi (Based on the memoir by Cherie Currie)
Starring: Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning
Adapted from Cherie Currie’s memoir, this is the story of the mid 70’s all girl rock band, The Runaways. Being the first of its kind, the idea of an all female group was offensive and laughed off, if not dismissed by their rock peers. What made the band even more radical was the fact that they were all barely adults.
Guitar player, Joan Jett, approaches record producer, Kim Fowley, with her plan of starting an all girl rock band. He helps her find a few more girls that can play instruments and thus group is created. There just seems to be one more thing missing for Fowley. The girls need something to give them that edge. Enter Cherie Currie. With her vocals and rocker glam look, The Runaways become a force and create enough of a following to get a record deal, jumping into the world of fame.
Life for a teenager in the mid 70’s had its challenges, whether it was with easily obtainable alcohol and drugs or sexual experimentation. For the The Runaways, these temptations were only magnified with their new found celebrity status, forcing crumbling holes within the band and especially in the young Cherie Currie.
This is a bio-pic, so there isn’t a deep and mysterious storyline. Not everyone may have known the story of The Runaways and their trials as a band, but because at least one person does, the substance that will make this kind of film a success falls directly in the hands of the actors. Their challenge to create something that was real into something believable for the audience cannot be done by just any actor. Bad acting in a film like this will kill it instantly. There is no contest with this picture that the actors, Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, not only held their own, but were Joan Jett and Cherie Currie.
Dakota Fanning was recognized for her acting skills as a young child, a talent that she has been cultivating with every picture. Her portrayal as Cherie Currie is so convincing that at times, I would forget it was her. What was even more shocking for me was when I did realize it was her, and my internal morals would flare up. I would judge her for playing such a shocking part at her age. I quickly remembered that Cherie Currie was the same age, and this was actually her life. I do not believe that there are any reward nominations hinted at or confirmed for her role in this film, but I would not be surprised if she is honored with a few.
I can only hope that after seeing Kristen Stewart play Joan Jett some of her integrity as an actor will return. She has been criticized for her performances in the Twilight series, and I, myself, have been one of them. The difference between most of her critics and I is that I know she is a very capable actress and will most likely become an outstanding actress of our generation. This is bold, but she has the films to prove her presence. They have just been shadowed by the hype of the Twilight series. Is she deserving of any kind of award nomination for this part? Yes, but I feel as only a supporting part. It would not surprise me if she does or does not get nominated, because even though Joan Jett was showcased in this film, Cherie Currie was the main focus.
It really is an wonderful film that I feel will not disappoint. The film stands out as much as the band it portrays. The acting is moving, if not compelling. Being that it is based on a rock band, the soundtrack does not disappoint, either, using influential music from the era, the band, and Joan Jett’s. A nice little twist to the soundtrack and one that adds to their acting chops is that Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart provide their own vocals, making the film feel more authentic. I feel bold enough to say that even if The Runaways music is not your cup of tea, you will still enjoy the journey that created the rock band.
I give this film 4 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: Accidental Husband
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Screenplay: Nikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg
Starring: Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace
After being set up, Mikael is facing ruin and a prison sentence for writing a supposed fraudulent story exposing the seedier side of an elite Swedish business man. Before he has to serve his time, he is contacted by a retired business man asking for Mikael’s help in solving the murder of the business man’s long lost niece, Harriet. He meets Lisbeth, the girl who had been hired to investigate his integrity and has continued to keep tabs on him, after she discovers a clue that had yet to be figured out by anyone over the years. Her rough looks and attitude are abrasive at first, but together Mikael and Lisbeth form a bond and work to solve the mystery before it gets them killed.
This film is based on the Stieg Larsson novel of the same title. Due to the novel’s popularity around the world, this Swedish import found its way to America. I will admit that I am pretty biased about this film based on the fact that it is Swedish. Being that I’m half Swedish, this is where I get my blonde attributes. That’s pretty much all I can claim. I am not exactly what they call proficient when it comes to the language. I would like to be, but that’s about as progressive as I’ve become with that dream. As interesting as that has probably been for you all, I should get back to the film.
Since this was a foreign film, I personally prefer to watch them with subtitles as opposed to a dubbed option. I find dubbing a little distracting and sometimes inadequate. With subtitles, you can still judge the actor’s themselves as opposed just their actions and some other actor trying to portray the character vocally. It is rare when you find the harmony between the two with a dubbed film.
The story line was very compelling in this film as it followed both Mikael and Lisbeth. The main mystery was the murder of Harriet, but the main characters had their own personal mysteries. Mikael had just come from a scandal that put his integrity into question. The details of the story are revealed gradually throughout the movie leaving the audience to question his “white hat.” We find out that Lisbeth is on probation and that her stability is problematic at best. Little is revealed about the reason she is in this situation. Knowing that this is the first of a three part series, some of the mystery about Lisbeth is not completely revealed, which cultivates interest for the sequel, The Girl Who Played With Fire. The mixture of the three keeps the audience captivated right until the very thrilling end.
I would normally comment about the actors’ performances, but being that this is a foreign film, I am not familiar with these actors. I can only judge them based on this film. Each actor was believable without flaw with their respective characters. They both came off as seasoned. Even without familiarity, it is easy to tell new actors or bad actors. This was never a problem with this film. Though this is a story driven movie and it is strong, the story could not be executed smoothly without the performance of the actors.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is definitely worth checking out, whether or not you’ve read the novel. The success of both the novel and film versions has inspired an upcoming English remake starring Daniel Craig as Mikael. Saying that this is popular seems to be an understatement, but it is not fueled by hype. The film will entertain you, make you think, and leave you guessing.
I give this film 3 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: The Runaways
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Screenplay: Nikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg
Starring: Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace
After being set up, Mikael is facing ruin and a prison sentence for writing a supposed fraudulent story exposing the seedier side of an elite Swedish business man. Before he has to serve his time, he is contacted by a retired business man asking for Mikael’s help in solving the murder of the business man’s long lost niece, Harriet. He meets Lisbeth, the girl who had been hired to investigate his integrity and has continued to keep tabs on him, after she discovers a clue that had yet to be figured out by anyone over the years. Her rough looks and attitude are abrasive at first, but together Mikael and Lisbeth form a bond and work to solve the mystery before it gets them killed.
This film is based on the Stieg Larsson novel of the same title. Due to the novel’s popularity around the world, this Swedish import found its way to America. I will admit that I am pretty biased about this film based on the fact that it is Swedish. Being that I’m half Swedish, this is where I get my blonde attributes. That’s pretty much all I can claim. I am not exactly what they call proficient when it comes to the language. I would like to be, but that’s about as progressive as I’ve become with that dream. As interesting as that has probably been for you all, I should get back to the film.
Since this was a foreign film, I personally prefer to watch them with subtitles as opposed to a dubbed option. I find dubbing a little distracting and sometimes inadequate. With subtitles, you can still judge the actor’s themselves as opposed just their actions and some other actor trying to portray the character vocally. It is rare when you find the harmony between the two with a dubbed film.
The story line was very compelling in this film as it followed both Mikael and Lisbeth. The main mystery was the murder of Harriet, but the main characters had their own personal mysteries. Mikael had just come from a scandal that put his integrity into question. The details of the story are revealed gradually throughout the movie leaving the audience to question his “white hat.” We find out that Lisbeth is on probation and that her stability is problematic at best. Little is revealed about the reason she is in this situation. Knowing that this is the first of a three part series, some of the mystery about Lisbeth is not completely revealed, which cultivates interest for the sequel, The Girl Who Played With Fire. The mixture of the three keeps the audience captivated right until the very thrilling end.
I would normally comment about the actors’ performances, but being that this is a foreign film, I am not familiar with these actors. I can only judge them based on this film. Each actor was believable without flaw with their respective characters. They both came off as seasoned. Even without familiarity, it is easy to tell new actors or bad actors. This was never a problem with this film. Though this is a story driven movie and it is strong, the story could not be executed smoothly without the performance of the actors.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is definitely worth checking out, whether or not you’ve read the novel. The success of both the novel and film versions has inspired an upcoming English remake starring Daniel Craig as Mikael. Saying that this is popular seems to be an understatement, but it is not fueled by hype. The film will entertain you, make you think, and leave you guessing.
I give this film 3 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: The Runaways
Accepted
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Genre: Comedy
Director: Steve Pink
Screenplay: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, and Mark Perez
Starring: Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively, and Lewis Black
Slacker, Bartleby, discovers that he has not been accepted to any of the colleges or universities that he has applied for. Because his parents place such a high credence in a college, he turns to his talents in fraud and scamming for a solution and creates his own college. His scam quickly becomes more than he bargained for as other students get accepted to his fake college and show up for their first semester. Hilarity ensues as he tries to worm his way out of the mess he created.
For a comedy that relies on its quick dialogue and story, it makes for a very entertaining film. It is the perfect film if you want to watch something that will make you laugh and not force you to concentrate too much, just the right way to relax after a long day. The ending is even surprisingly significant and rounds out the story, leaving you somewhat educated about humanity and people.
Justin Long plays the lovable smart-ass, Bartleby. This wasn’t stretch for him. Though, he has been known to play emotional characters, there is yet to be many examples of this. This particular type-casting has been working for him, and I will admit that it is usually why I’m drawn to his films. As much as I do enjoy these films, I do look forward to him venturing into more challenging roles.
This being Jonah Hill’s first major role in a major motion picture, we see him take the traditional role of the funny and fat friend to a different level. Normally, this role is created solely for us to laugh at, while the character sticks to the usual “fart” jokes or hilarious clumsiness. In this film, Jonah Hill’s character uses sarcasm to not only make fun of himself, but also as a defense from the other characters that try to belittle him. He has since made a career of playing this role, and has only recently started to dabble with a more challenging character in film. I honestly do not know what to expect after seeing him in these specific roles for so long, but I feel that it will definitely be interesting.
This is a film from my own personal collection. I do not necessarily advocate buying this movie, because I, myself, own it. If you feel it’s entertaining enough to watch it again, then feel free to. I ended up purchasing it, because it was part of a bargain sale, a reason I have most of my movies. I definitely feel that the film should be given a chance, whether as a rental or finding it on TV.
I give this film 3 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Director: Steve Pink
Screenplay: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, and Mark Perez
Starring: Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively, and Lewis Black
Slacker, Bartleby, discovers that he has not been accepted to any of the colleges or universities that he has applied for. Because his parents place such a high credence in a college, he turns to his talents in fraud and scamming for a solution and creates his own college. His scam quickly becomes more than he bargained for as other students get accepted to his fake college and show up for their first semester. Hilarity ensues as he tries to worm his way out of the mess he created.
For a comedy that relies on its quick dialogue and story, it makes for a very entertaining film. It is the perfect film if you want to watch something that will make you laugh and not force you to concentrate too much, just the right way to relax after a long day. The ending is even surprisingly significant and rounds out the story, leaving you somewhat educated about humanity and people.
Justin Long plays the lovable smart-ass, Bartleby. This wasn’t stretch for him. Though, he has been known to play emotional characters, there is yet to be many examples of this. This particular type-casting has been working for him, and I will admit that it is usually why I’m drawn to his films. As much as I do enjoy these films, I do look forward to him venturing into more challenging roles.
This being Jonah Hill’s first major role in a major motion picture, we see him take the traditional role of the funny and fat friend to a different level. Normally, this role is created solely for us to laugh at, while the character sticks to the usual “fart” jokes or hilarious clumsiness. In this film, Jonah Hill’s character uses sarcasm to not only make fun of himself, but also as a defense from the other characters that try to belittle him. He has since made a career of playing this role, and has only recently started to dabble with a more challenging character in film. I honestly do not know what to expect after seeing him in these specific roles for so long, but I feel that it will definitely be interesting.
This is a film from my own personal collection. I do not necessarily advocate buying this movie, because I, myself, own it. If you feel it’s entertaining enough to watch it again, then feel free to. I ended up purchasing it, because it was part of a bargain sale, a reason I have most of my movies. I definitely feel that the film should be given a chance, whether as a rental or finding it on TV.
I give this film 3 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
About A Boy
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Directed: Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz
Screenplay: Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, and Paul Weitz
Starring: Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Weisz
Since this film is based on the novel by Nick Hornby, I would like to explain my feelings concerning film adaptations of novels. I personally like to watch the film version first before I read the novel if I can help it. I am not usually disappointed with either version in this order. Some people prefer the opposite way, but when I read the novel first, I end up becoming highly more critical of the film. I try to keep this my policy, but I am human. If I get involved with a series I really like, I tend not to have the patience to wait. Lol!
My first attraction to this film was the fact that it was British made and starred Hugh Grant, and this is also the very reason I purchased it. I tend to gravitate toward the British shows, because I enjoy the dry humor so much. Hugh Grant never disappoints in this area. What I originally thought was going to be funny narrative of Hugh Grant’s character during bachelorhood, turned out having an endearing story filled with just as charming, if not eccentric, characters as well.
The story follows Will and Marcus as they both go through the trials of growing up. Will is a self-proclaimed bachelor living off the royalties of his deceased one-hit wonder father and happy to do so. He spends his days watching game shows, spending money, and plotting his next female conquest. His newest plan finds him impersonating a single parent, believing that he can find plenty of women looking for fun and not attachment. It is through one of these exploits that he finds himself suddenly involved in Marcus’s life and not by choice either.
Marcus’s dramatic and eccentric mother’s usual antics are enough to embarrass him as he tries to survive school and the trials of being a normal teenager, but her latest self-absorbed stunt threatens to rip his world apart completely. Fearing for his mother’s sanity and the remnants of his happiness, Marcus comes up with a plan to find his mother a boyfriend. Since he hasn’t really met an adult male besides his own father and Will, he places his hopes on Will and forces him with a little blackmail to date his mother.
What actually develops between Marcus and Will is a relationship that pushes the other to accept themselves as they are and move on with life. In Will’s case, this means becoming the matured man, willing to let others in, whom he should have become at least ten years earlier. For Marcus, he finally becomes one with his awkwardness and learns how to have fun. At the beginning, Marcus is the mature adult, putting his mother’s happiness before his own, and Will’s the child, not being able to see beyond his own indulgence. This story is their journey of finding their rightful roles in life and creating a bond with the other that was unlikely in the beginning, but turned out to be exactly what each of them needed.
Being that the novel is fantastic, the only way that they could have hoped to recreate the charm into film is with the cast that they chose. This is a story driven film, and in order to achieve this in film the actors chosen become the tools in which to propel it forward. Bad acting can easily put a story driven film through cardiac arrest before it has even seen the silver screen leading it straight to the dreaded video store path.
Hugh Grant was perfect for the role as Will. His acting is usually limited to comedy, but it is an area in which he shines. Normally, his serious moments are always overlapped by immediate comedic relief. But Hugh Grant can do drama and has the resume to prove it, which gave him the perfect chops to present Will’s character perfectly.
Nicholas Hoult handled the mantle of his first major film part quite well, delivering an engaging and believable performance. I have seen him gradually take on more and more film roles since About A Boy, and he has gotten stronger. It is clear from this film that he would have such a career ahead of him.
The last actor to pull you into this film is none other than the famed chameleon actor, Toni Collette, which she proves undoubtedly on her recent television series, The United States of Tara, as a women with a multiple personality disorder. Toni Collette has played many varied characters that spread across a spectrum that at times you do not realize the actor you are watching is her right away. This is just raw talent that few actors have. This film is no different. She once again throws herself into the character of Fiona, Marcus’s mother. Her characters neurotic tendencies allowed Toni Collette to portray a woman that allowed you to sympathize, empathize, laugh with, and laugh at without one awkward turn.
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot to add about Rachel Weisz. She was not terrible in this film, just that her character did not offer her much to work with beyond delivering the lines. Her character was important, but only as a device for Will’s character.
Over all, this is a wonderful movie that not only will make you laugh, but make you feel good. I would also like to make a tiny notice to the soundtrack that was written and performed by Badly Drawn Boy. It adds its own character, and I highly recommend to those who find this type of music appealing. Just be warned that it is score as well as music.
I give this film 4 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: Accepted
Directed: Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz
Screenplay: Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, and Paul Weitz
Starring: Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Weisz
Since this film is based on the novel by Nick Hornby, I would like to explain my feelings concerning film adaptations of novels. I personally like to watch the film version first before I read the novel if I can help it. I am not usually disappointed with either version in this order. Some people prefer the opposite way, but when I read the novel first, I end up becoming highly more critical of the film. I try to keep this my policy, but I am human. If I get involved with a series I really like, I tend not to have the patience to wait. Lol!
My first attraction to this film was the fact that it was British made and starred Hugh Grant, and this is also the very reason I purchased it. I tend to gravitate toward the British shows, because I enjoy the dry humor so much. Hugh Grant never disappoints in this area. What I originally thought was going to be funny narrative of Hugh Grant’s character during bachelorhood, turned out having an endearing story filled with just as charming, if not eccentric, characters as well.
The story follows Will and Marcus as they both go through the trials of growing up. Will is a self-proclaimed bachelor living off the royalties of his deceased one-hit wonder father and happy to do so. He spends his days watching game shows, spending money, and plotting his next female conquest. His newest plan finds him impersonating a single parent, believing that he can find plenty of women looking for fun and not attachment. It is through one of these exploits that he finds himself suddenly involved in Marcus’s life and not by choice either.
Marcus’s dramatic and eccentric mother’s usual antics are enough to embarrass him as he tries to survive school and the trials of being a normal teenager, but her latest self-absorbed stunt threatens to rip his world apart completely. Fearing for his mother’s sanity and the remnants of his happiness, Marcus comes up with a plan to find his mother a boyfriend. Since he hasn’t really met an adult male besides his own father and Will, he places his hopes on Will and forces him with a little blackmail to date his mother.
What actually develops between Marcus and Will is a relationship that pushes the other to accept themselves as they are and move on with life. In Will’s case, this means becoming the matured man, willing to let others in, whom he should have become at least ten years earlier. For Marcus, he finally becomes one with his awkwardness and learns how to have fun. At the beginning, Marcus is the mature adult, putting his mother’s happiness before his own, and Will’s the child, not being able to see beyond his own indulgence. This story is their journey of finding their rightful roles in life and creating a bond with the other that was unlikely in the beginning, but turned out to be exactly what each of them needed.
Being that the novel is fantastic, the only way that they could have hoped to recreate the charm into film is with the cast that they chose. This is a story driven film, and in order to achieve this in film the actors chosen become the tools in which to propel it forward. Bad acting can easily put a story driven film through cardiac arrest before it has even seen the silver screen leading it straight to the dreaded video store path.
Hugh Grant was perfect for the role as Will. His acting is usually limited to comedy, but it is an area in which he shines. Normally, his serious moments are always overlapped by immediate comedic relief. But Hugh Grant can do drama and has the resume to prove it, which gave him the perfect chops to present Will’s character perfectly.
Nicholas Hoult handled the mantle of his first major film part quite well, delivering an engaging and believable performance. I have seen him gradually take on more and more film roles since About A Boy, and he has gotten stronger. It is clear from this film that he would have such a career ahead of him.
The last actor to pull you into this film is none other than the famed chameleon actor, Toni Collette, which she proves undoubtedly on her recent television series, The United States of Tara, as a women with a multiple personality disorder. Toni Collette has played many varied characters that spread across a spectrum that at times you do not realize the actor you are watching is her right away. This is just raw talent that few actors have. This film is no different. She once again throws herself into the character of Fiona, Marcus’s mother. Her characters neurotic tendencies allowed Toni Collette to portray a woman that allowed you to sympathize, empathize, laugh with, and laugh at without one awkward turn.
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot to add about Rachel Weisz. She was not terrible in this film, just that her character did not offer her much to work with beyond delivering the lines. Her character was important, but only as a device for Will’s character.
Over all, this is a wonderful movie that not only will make you laugh, but make you feel good. I would also like to make a tiny notice to the soundtrack that was written and performed by Badly Drawn Boy. It adds its own character, and I highly recommend to those who find this type of music appealing. Just be warned that it is score as well as music.
I give this film 4 Buttery Kernels.
Coming Soon: Accepted
A Little More Information
Monday, July 19, 2010
Just to keep this site moving, I am going to start reviewing my film collection. My collection is getting close to 500, and it is still growing. Yes, I do realize that I have a problem. Lol! Also, I should mention that I do have some anal-retentive issues when it comes to my movies. I keep them if alphabetical order. This will be very apparent, as I go through my reviews. Don’t be afraid to laugh about that. It is okay to make fun of me. For the reviews of the films in my personal collection, I thought that I will also add why I own them. This is an important reason to me, because not all movies should be purchased. There are even some movies that will take 2 hours of your life that you will never get back. Keeping with this spirit, I will also let you know where a new film measures up in this way. I'll let you know whether you should stay away, go see immediately, buy, or just rent.
I will be leaving this site open for anyone to leave a comment if they like, regardless if they are affiliated with Blogger. I will rate my films through Buttery Kernels. Yes, it is rather cheesy, but since I wanted to be different from the regular Stars rating system, this is was the only representation I could find that was not currently being used. It will be used like the standard system: 1 to 5 Buttery Kernels, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. I hoping that you will have as much as I and thanks for visiting Blondie’s Flick Find.
Coming Soon: About A Boy
I will be leaving this site open for anyone to leave a comment if they like, regardless if they are affiliated with Blogger. I will rate my films through Buttery Kernels. Yes, it is rather cheesy, but since I wanted to be different from the regular Stars rating system, this is was the only representation I could find that was not currently being used. It will be used like the standard system: 1 to 5 Buttery Kernels, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. I hoping that you will have as much as I and thanks for visiting Blondie’s Flick Find.
Coming Soon: About A Boy
Welcome!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I am still in the process of getting this blog up and running smoothly. My intent is to start making film reviews. I have a varied opinion, so please feel free to comment. Just to get the ball rolling, I am going to start by reviewing my film collection and other films that I see along the way. My goal is to keep up with the new releases and share my expectations for the weekends upcoming films. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope that you will enjoy and laugh a little.
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