Cam Reviews "Crazy Heart"

Well, I've had enough time to think about this movie. I think we watched "Crazy Heart" almost three weeks ago. "Crazy Heart" is the story of country singing star Bad Blake. Bad is past his prime. He's 54 years old and knows no other life than country music. He's broke and alcoholic.

Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake. He does more than that. He becomes Bad Blake. There are some roles in movies that for one reason or another, are so incredibly believable, that you forget you are watching a movie. You are watching a real person go through real experiences. Everything Bridges does in this role, is Bad Blake.  He struggles, he smiles, he falls in love. We are held at a distance from Bad. Just as he holds all others from getting too close. His protege is the new country star, and it doesn't sit too well with Bad. He has fallen from grace and now must watch from the bowling alleys and dive bars of the world that his old Suburban can drag him to.

I'm not a huge country music fan, but I appreciate good country music. There is plenty of good old fashioned country music with heart in this film. Songs that mean something, were written with heart and not pop-tarts.

"Crazy Heart" made me laugh, cry, and reflect. But I did not judge. It was too immersive. That's how it's done.

Cam Reviews "Let the Right One In"

This is the second Swedish film we've watched in the last couple of weeks.  I like foreign films for their fresh insight and alternative methods of film making.

"Let the Right One In" is a vampire story.  It's based on the novel "Låt den rätte komma in" by John Ajvide Lindqvist.  It is far from typical.  The story is about a little girl who moves into an apartment building next to a boy of the same "age".  The girl lives with a man who takes care of her, the boy, Oskar, is a tormented quiet youth with dreams of revenge.  This little girl, Eli, is a vampire.  They become friends and look out for each other.


The film focuses on the challenges faced by both of them in their unique situations.  It is for the most part a study of outsiders who find each other.  The story is excellent and the director lets it do its job.  It does not turn into a vampire gore-fest, ample screen time is given to emotions, conversations, and thoughts shared by the protagonists.  Really getting to know each child's experience is fascinating.


The acting by Kare Hedebrant (Oskar), and Lina Leandersson (Eli) is subtle, quiet, and reflective, like the sparse winter nighttime landscapes in which they find themselves.  This really is an excellent film with some fantastic cinematic moments that remain in the mind.  Great young actors, fresh storyline, and a very competent director make for an entertaining night in.  With the doors locked.

Nicole Reviews "Let the Right One In"

Let's get one thing out of the way. Any film with killing in it (when I perceive that it's just for the sake of killing) grosses me out. The more brutal the killing, the more grossed out I become. I don't know if I can ever completely love a film that has nonsensical killing in it.

So yet another Swedish film to add to the mix. "Let the Right One In" (Låt den rätte komma in) takes the romanticized idea of vampir-ism and thrusts it into the context of twelve year old saga.


Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is a tormented middle school student that is brutally and ruthlessly teased by three of his classmates. He meets his neighbour Eli (Lina Leandersson) and they are drawn to one another through their mutual peculiarity and curiousity. The two quickly become friends, much to the despise of Eli's caregiver. The friendship blossoms but in the midst of their childhood innocence certain events play out that are anything but innocent. Eli's oddities and tendencines are at the centre of this and it's the source of the murder and mayhem that surround them.

The cinematography in "Let the Right One In" is nothing short of extraordinary. Each frame is a work of art. For a film that is set almost entirely at night one begins to see the play on light and colour, but it's the choices of angle for each shot that impressed me most. Viewpoints are behind a person that's speaking, reflections in windows and mirrors. A true work of art. The cinematography lent an element of sophistication to this film that makes you forget you're watching two children.

The creepy tidbits are what hook you though. Quick and jerky movements delivered at unpredicatable moments. Shock factor was ample and certainly amped up as the movie progressed. As the film moves it becomes creepier (I'm using the word creepy a lot because it's the only appropriate word), this is heightened by one of the most eerie conclusions I have witnessed. If you watch only one part of this film it's the end you've got to see.

In the end it is a film worth watching. If you don't get turned off by blood and whatnot you will probably think this is a pretty good movie. If you love blood and whatnot you will probably think this is a great movie. It is certainly more than the killing that happens in it, but that's what's at the heart of the film nonetheless.

With all successful international films Americans do a remake. Coming soon to a theater near you "Let Me In", and from what I can see in the trailer; it looks very similar.

Buy the Film

Cam Reviews "Kick-Ass"

I'd never read the Kick-Ass comic.  My only knowledge of the story came from the movie trailers I had seen.  I was kind of expecting a family film.  The characters seemed fun and innocent, with a penchant for doing good.

My expectation held for the first half hour, until seven people with at least ties to a drug dealer were sliced and diced.  Whoa.  It's that type of movie.

I actually really liked this movie.  I liked the set design, I thought the editing was tight.  The story moved quickly through multiple story lines, but still felt congruous and complete.  The acting was quite competent, creating believable characters.

The only aspect of this film that kept me from "loving it" was struggling with the light-hearted characters and their ultra-violent behaviours.  I can handle criminals being ruthless, but sometimes the good guys should be good.

That being said, if I had read the story first, and been a fan, I think I would have loved this movie.  It's very well executed.

Nicole Reviews "Kick-Ass"

I don't read comic books so I shouldn't have had any expectations for this film. For some reason I figured it would be a fun movie with a good moral, but to me that wasn't the case. One would be led to think this with a summary of this nature...

"Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan. One day he makes the simple decision to become a super-hero even though he has no powers or training."

Each time an event occurred where my expectations were bashed I flinched and was shocked into a state of disbelief. This film is violent (there might be a theme of disdain for violence here on my behalf). Super heroes DO NOT kill people.

I'm sure anyone that has read "Kick-Ass" the comic would have known better and done a better job evaluating the authenticity of this adaptation. They might also have the super-ability to see past the viciousness.

Technically speaking this movie did nothing wrong. It was clever, funny with an acceptable amount of crudeness, and packed with action; executed by very talented stunt people nonetheless. The story, correction "stories", were too busy. Characters motives were built up and not seen through; the only sense I could make of this is that it is being left open to a sequel.

Was I entertained? Sure. But this movie is made for boys and comic book fans. I am not at all close to identifying with either of those demographics. For me, Kick-Ass, did not Kick-Ass.

Cam Reviews "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

Woody Allen makes movies. He has written and directed 40+ feature length films. That's a lot. He has experience. It seems he is very focussed on character driven dialogue in his films. The conversations always seem natural and at length. Scenes will extend several minutes with just conversation between characters. And more often than not, it is the essence of these conversations that make his films. Real conversations, real arguments, really interesting.

I've always been a fan of great dialogue in movies, maybe because I feel that it is an area of my life that I wish I was better in. Conversing, confidently, with aplomb, is enviable. Few writers and directors truly tackle fantastic challenging dialogue in the films that I've seen. It requires a great deal of faith on behalf of the director/writer that the actor can pull it off and make the audience believe, in the character, in the situation.

Maybe some of the scenarios in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" aren't the most likely to occur in most of our lives, but a lot of them are. I found several instances portrayed to be exactly what relationships are like, why we get into certain situations, and why we remain in them past their expiry date.

For humour, scenery, love, and heartbreak, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" touches on a few beautiful but difficult human experiences. It's entertaining, skillful, and engaging. If I had to make a romantic comedy, this would be it. It helps to have two of the most beautiful leading ladies available in one film, as well as one of the top two actors living today (Javier Bardem, Daniel Day Lewis being the other). This was the second time we watched this film, and it's lost none of it's luster.

Nicole Reviews "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

This was our second viewing of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Cam insisted. If you watch it I'm sure you'll see why. (We'll probably even get late fees from the video store on this one.)

The twists and turns and 'drama' that make love interesting and complicated are what propel this film. The characters' differences and similarities are what make this film so rich.

Anything written and directed by Woody Allen is going to be quirky (loved "Small Time Crooks"); this film, however, seemed to go beyond quirky and into the realm of compelling, even sexy.

An otherwise simple story is made vibrant by the small things that summed it up. A very ordinary narrator that created an extraordinary vibe. A gorgeous Spanish backdrop sparkling with beautiful buildings, people, and culture.They drank so much wine in this movie I think I was even getting a little drunk.

Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina, (Scarlett Johansson) American friends, spend a summer in Barcelona and each fall for the same artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). The girls have very different personalities so Allen plays a lot on the "no matter how different women seem they all seem to want the same thing" thing. Juan Antonio's eccentric and passionate ex-wife Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz) makes a reappearance in his life and adds yet a little more spice to the plot.

The dialogue in this movie is exceptional. I found the conversations between Maria Elena and Juan Antonio particularly well delivered and very comical. They're such eccentric characters you can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of their arguments. Fights like theirs are impossible between two English speaking people; we're way too frigid for that.

There might have been a little something something missing in the characters Vicky and Cristina; I believe this something something may have been alleviated by a female presence in either the writing or the directing. Other than this I found the movie to be entertaining and enjoyable and would suggest checking it out. It's a romantic comedy that went through the meat grinder.

Buy "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

Cam Reviews "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is an entertaining movie. It has all the sex, violence, and plot twists that keep the viewer engaged. The actors are all competent. There are no gaping holes in the storyline. It does every thing well. It's a Swedish blockbuster.

A brilliant bisexual computer hacker with a chip on her shoulder "teams up" with an investigative reporter who has his own scores to settle. Decades old, the mystery of a missing girl still haunts a wealthy industrialist uncle. Cue the hacker/reporter team.

Watching "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" was easy, all the actors were new to me, no preconceived notions clouded the viewing experience.

I don't have really anything negative to say about the movie, it does nothing poorly, but does nothing in a fantastic/mesmerizing way either. For a bowl of popcorn and chill out evening with a crowd of friends, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" would be sure to entertain the masses and leave everyone satisfied that they did not just waste two hours on druck. This truly is a film for the mature masses, the sex is graphic, as is the violence, so the only warning would be to the light-hearted, take heed "some offensive material."

Nicole Reviews "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

I'd just like to start off by sharing a thought. Watching movies critically is so different than watching them for sheer entertainment. Criticizing and forming opinion beyond I liked it/I didn't like it is very personal and requires some reflection. Hopefully my tastes are similar to someone else's so that my opinions will be of use.


I didn't read Stieg Larsson's book "Girl with the dragon tattoo", so going into the movie I was ready for some surprises and open to seeing what all the buzz was about.

You've gotta love it when a woman refuses to be a victim. In a thriller/suspense that seems to carry the theme of women and how they are perceived so differently from varying men; a chick that's super bad ass is a breath of fresh air. "The Girl with the dragon tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor)" can certainly scream 'I am woman hear my roar'.


This Swedish film set in Sweden (2009) plays host to two main characters, each with their own complicated pasts. The young woman Lisbeth, Noomi Rapace, has a disturbing past of crime, while the middle-aged journalist Michael, Michael Nyqvist, has been framed for a crime and is just days away from a jail sentence he is required to serve.


In this time they are brought together by unique circumstances and work together to solve a murder crime, a case that is decades old.


The strongest point of this movie was the character development. You get to know these characters so well and there's nothing predictable about them, they're rich in personality, integrity and intelligence. The acting is beautifully executed in both the leading and supporting roles.


My only criticism would be that this movie can be very violent at times. There were points in the movie that I literally couldn't watch because they were so disturbing.


All in all, good movie. Darkness, mystery, crime, suspense, story. A solid job technically as well, great mood set by lighting, music & set. However, don't be afraid to put the blanket over your eyes and ask "Is that part over yet?"


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Cam Reviews "A Single Man"

Here it is. My first post. A better movie for my first critique would be hard to ask for.

I've become a bit of a design buff of late. Reading architecture, fashion, and interior design blogs, magazines, and newspaper articles. Embracing my inner gay male you could say.

"A Single Man" is pure eye candy. A beautiful mid-century modern home for the main setting. Impeccable fashion, (it helps when the director is the former head of Gucci) and a subtle refined soundtrack that really adds to the feel of this film. (I had to buy "Your Rocky Spine" by the Great Lake Swimmers after watching) Most impressive though, is Colin Firth's performance. I don't remember the words that he said. I remember the way his eyes moved, the postures that he held, the pauses in his step. A brilliant performance, I've found a whole new respect for Mr. Firth.

I can hardly wait for Tom Ford's next film. In his debut, he has crafted a piece of art. It's watching movies like this that make me remember that film is art. A lot of popular fare now a days, makes me hinge the other way. There was no extraneous filler needed to make this feature length, it is a tight, engaging, emotional exploration of a gay man in the early 60's who has lost his true love.

I'm glad I've begun to embrace my inner gay man. I would not have wanted to miss this.

Nicole Reviews "A Single Man"

Cam rented this movie; he rents most of them. I usually come into it late in the game when I sit on the futon and say "what are we watching?". My impressions afterward last as long as his though.

During the earliest scenes in the movie I was unsure if our protagonist was even Colin Firth (I know, super lame). It was my first instinct that it might be, but a few angles and a toned down accent made me second guess that it was Ewan McGregor. I forgot to guess who I was watching after a bit and got really into it.

I'm a "Mad Men" fan, but I was surprised to hear that the "Mad Men" designers were consulted on for this film. As much as I enjoy the show it seems superficial at times; trying too hard to force the notion of an alternate decade. "A Single Man" had an element of sophistication and authenticity that dove into the subculture at the heart of it. I completely credit the vision of designer "Tom Ford" who directed the film and wrote the screenplay. To see the product of his creativity in a refined and beautiful way made me truly understand how limitless creativity is. What a gifted man Tom Ford is. The viewer is swept away to another place through a plethora of costume, lighting, acting, dialogue, flashback and most importantly, story.

Great performances by all actors all around. Julianne Moore plays her typical woman-scorned role with vigor and a very wicked London accent. Dreamboat Matthew Goode plays the handsome Jim (nice work... being handsome); he makes the men and women swoon.

Some great one liners were delivered. One of my favourites is when the neighbours' little girl Jennifer says to George "Daddy says you're a little light in your loafers" ahhh the 60s.

I totally recommend checking out this stylish and sophisticated Oscar-worthy film. Lotsa big stars from me.

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we should start a blog

So we're sitting at breakfast this morning and the conversation went something like this.

"Have we seen 'the child (l'enfant)?" Cam says
"Yeah, that's the one where the guy acts like a kid and he has a kid and I think him and his girlfriend wrestle a lot and desert their adult responsibilites"

...Cam checks IMDB and sees photo of  Jérémie Renier
"Right...that guy"

-silence while we drink coffee and let the dog sit at the kitchen table with us-

Cam pipes up again "'The Dreamer's" is a French film right?
I correct him "no, it's set in France but they speak mostly English"
...Cam checks IMDB and watches a trailer for the film in which all characters are conversing in English.

I conclude "You know, we should document what we watch. If for nothing else then at least for us to refer to and remember our own thoughts and reflections about these movies, and our friends are always asking what they should watch, this would be a great way for them to see what we enjoyed."

"OK, you get the blog set up and we'll do that"

"Consider it done"

So here we are with our movie blog. Let's Get Critical.