Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Groundhog Day (Special Edition) (1993) Review

Groundhog Day (Special Edition) (1993)
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I'm going to forego a review of the movie. Let others do that. Here's my input on the bonus stuff:
What's good:
"The weight of time" documentary - What makes this documentary somewhat unique, is that it allows the screenwriter some screen time to convey what his vision of the movie would have been. It's a gutsy move that Ramis allowed this on his film, since the original concept of Groundhog Day was far darker than the final product. It's an interesting watch, although it would have been nicer if Bill Murray made an appearance in the documentary.
Director's commentary: Ramis' approach is to tell small anecdotes about minor characters, how people were cast, how the scenes were filmed, etc. It's interesting and entertaining in its own right. He doesn't just drone on and on like many directors do. I think his acting and comedy background helps make him be more interesting, personable, and accessable for viewers to listen to.
What's lousy:
I'm probably alone on this, but the animated menus are annoying, silly, and slow. You have to wait for the animation to get going before you're allowed to make your choice. It'd be forgivable if there were any easter eggs hidden, but I know of none. So, it's just annoying.

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Do you ever have deja vu? Didn't you just ask me that? Bill Murray is at his wry, wisecracking bestin this riotous romantic comedy about a weatherman caught in a personal time warp on the worst day of his life. Teamed with a relentlessly cheerful producer (Andie MacDowell) and a smart-aleck cameraman (Chris Elliott), TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. But on his way out of town, Phil is caught in a giant blizzard, which he failed to predict, and finds himself stuck in small-town hell. Just when thingscouldn't get worse, they get worse; Phil wakes the next morning to find it's Groundhog Day all overagain... and again... and again.

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Leaves of Grass (2009) Review

Leaves of Grass (2009)
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Leaves of Grass isn't a movie that you can easily categorize. While it doesn't offer up laughs every few minutes, it's still a clever comedy in the vein of a Coen Brothers film. But you also can't quite call it a black comedy completely in the spirit of Burn After Reading or Fargo. It's equal parts crime drama, humor, romance and philosophy.
The film revolves around the intertwining lives of two identical twins, played by the incredibly talented Edward Norton. Ivy League philosophy professor Bill Kincaid is lured back to his Oklahoma hometown as part of a scheme cooked up by Mary Jane growing brother Brady. The first half hour of the film moves slowly but quickly gains momentum when the two siblings eventually cross paths.
The best part of this movie is easily watching Norton put on brilliant performances as both brothers. The supporting cast is top-notch as well, especially director Tim Blake Nelson in the role of Bolger, Brady's partner in crime. Nelson slips into the role effortlessly, which is no surprise considering he himself is a real-life Okie (a Jewish one at that, which influences a subplot of the movie). My only gripe with casting was Richard Dreyfuss as Jewish gangster Pug Rothbaum, with Dreyfuss giving one of the most bizarre attempts at a Southern accent in film.
I enjoyed the cinematography, Jeff Danna's work on the score, and the infusion of philosophy into the film. As a Southerner, I appreciated the fact that Brady's accent was no reflection on his intelligence. While not as well-read as his sibling, he still gets the occasional profound message across. The only real complaint I have about the film are the jarring scenes of violence. Considering it's not entirely a dark comedy, scenes that involved murders seemed extremely out of place in this movie.
Overall, watching Edward Norton effectively tackle two completely different roles was a real treat. If you enjoy a good drama or comedy that makes you think, definitely check this one out.

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LEAVES OF GRASS - DVD Movie

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Shift Review

The Shift
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In the last 8 to 9 years Dr. Dyer's message has changed significantly. He went from self help psychology to spiritual transformation. I got a little lost. I tend to be a pragmatist..."give me proof" type person. His story was a bit above my head. This film is very much a narrative of what he's been trying to get through. It helps connect the dots. It was also very nicely done, well acted, very nice scenery.
It's a very good film and I recommend it.
In 2000 I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Dyer at a seminar he was putting on at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. I doubt he'd remember who I am, there were hundreds of us. He stayed and talked to anyone and everyone that wanted to talk to him. It was hours! He is one of the most peaceful people that I have ever encountered. I can say that he practice what he preaches, he is in service of others. I think I get it now,...Dr. Dyer...It took 9 years...but I get it. Namaste! Thanks for the lovely film.

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Originally produced under the title, Ambition to Meaning.In this compelling film, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer explores the spiritual journey from ambition to meaning. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life by parents and society - which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation - are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back. Through the intertwined stories of an overachieving businessman, a mother of two seeking her own expression in the world, and a director trying to make a name for himself, this entertaining film not only inspires, but also teaches us how to create a life of meaning and purpose.

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