Babies :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

Babies :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

The Cove

This is the heartbreaking, yet at times heartwarming, journey through a cove in Taji, Japan where the unbelievably cruel act of the annual slaughter of dolphins takes place. Ric O'Barry, the trainer of the dolphin, Kathy, that appeared on the popular TV show Flipper. When Kathy died from depression in his arm, he decided he would try and stop the capture of dolphins for entertainment, which he feels he has created. And the mental, and physical, abuse that comes with captivity.
He rounds up a team of people that are willing to try and stop this horrific act at all cost. The Cove is off limits...but of coarse that does not matter to them. It is hardly any chance of getting into it, it is blocked by rails, steep slopes/mountains, fences, and even electric fences. They maneuver around all of these challenges though, they are extremely brave, talented, determined, and passionate activists.
These are the type of people who deserved to be looked up to, and I certainly do. The film crew, oh my god the film crew, they are willing to risk it all, along with everyone else. Could you imagine what it would be like to follow these people around, having to go through almost all of the same things, carrying a film camera on your shoulder? How brave!
This film is disturbing, depressing (and I mean "I wanna kill myself" depressing), and there is a possibility that you may lose all possible hope in humanity. But don't, I am not saying you will not cry, or the images on the screen will not snap your heart in half, I am simply saying there is hope. There is hope because of the people who are willing to risk it all, the very people that you are watching on the TV screen.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

This film is a glimpse inside the imagination of a middle aged man, played by Mathieu Amalric, who has had a stroke. A look at his reality. The film is directed, by Julian Schnabel, and written, by Ronald Harwood, as a steady stream of conciseness and images, therefor I am going to write this movie review as an ongoing thought. This is not going to be edited*, for the reason I just explained.

Images, beautiful images, drifting in and out of life, of reality...his reality, humor and grief, sadness, disappointment, through the known and unknown, dreams and nightmares, life and death, the life he didn't want- doesn't want, memories, human, inhuman, alienation, humiliation, longing, peace, disgrace, beauty, understanding, misunderstanding, distraction, denial, unwilling, constant, fear, love, acceptance, sympathy, existence, nothing and everything, home, thought, departure, lose, process, something more, split, passage, release, resurrection, darkness, light, journey...

His reality.

*spelling was edited
**based on a true story

Antichrist :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

Antichrist :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

Ponyo

One of Hayao Miyazaki's most charming films, along with My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service. Ponyo is a goldfish child who "falls in love" with a little boy, named Sosuke, they go on a heartfelt journey to try and keep her from turning back into a fish.
Obviously Miyazaki's imagination is endlessly extraordinary. He is capable of creating the most captivating stories and characters over and over. The characters in this movie are realistic, especially Lisa, Sosuke's mother, voiced by Tina Fey. Mothers can relate to her. The film has a pleasant, warm feel to it. The comedy is whimsical and down-to-earth.
If I had to choose only one word to describe this film it would be fun. My whole family enjoyed seeing this movie. If you need something to do go see this movie just for the heck of it. I guarantee that you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.


P.S. If you enjoyed this movie then you should watch these films from Studio Ghibli as well: Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro (1988), and The Cat Returns

Bruno

Bruno, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, is a gay Austrian fashion reporter who will do anything for fame. Sacha Baron Cohen puts him self in real life situations with real life people that are often quite awkward. Anything goes.
Let me just give you a little advice up front, be prepared. This movie is not for the squeamish. Seriously, do NOT go see the movie if you are not prepared for what it is going to dish out. You will either be laughing your ass off or staring at the screen with your mouth wide open in disgust and shock. I was frequently both through out.
It is supposed to expose how anti-homosexual America is. Sometimes it is right on, but other times it is off and offensive to the gay community. But there are mixed feelings through out the gay community.
The R rating is there for a very good reason. I am not trying to give anything away but there is anal sex, blow jobs, swingers, and a great amount of in your face, close-up, "private parts."
Either you should definitely go see this movie or you should steer very clear of it. It is up to you.