Google Street View – Pixar Animation Studios
Google has added a street level view to Google Maps...
So, I walked along the Golden Gate Bridge and soon arrived at the Pearly Gates of Pixar!
Emily Mortimer
Tonight I happened to watch two films with Emily Mortimer. I've had a crush on her since Dear Frankie (2004).
Redbelt
Redbelt was written and directed by David Mamet, so I was very excited to check it out. He is the executive producer of The Unit, so it was not surprising to see a lot of cast members from the show appearing in this film. As usual, Chiwetel Ejiofor was brilliant. Tim Allen was a pleasant surprise, especially after having just watched Galaxy Quest on the weekend!
I liked this film, but it was not until I discovered the literary idea of an "objective correlative" (thanks to a user review at IMDB!) that I think I might love this film. It definitely deserves a second viewing.
(4/5)
Transsiberian
The second Emily Mortimer film of the evening was Transsiberian. Woody Harrelson, Ben Kingsley. WOW. Go watch this movie.
(5/5)
Kidulthood
All I had heard about this was that it was the British version of "Kids". I guess if you were hard pressed to fit this film onto a shelf, it would sit well with films like Kids, Havoc, Thirteen, Brick, Go, etc. It's well done, and as its name suggests, it's another movie about youth growing up too fast in the real world of sex, drugs and violence.This one was fairly tame by comparison.
I often wonder what the motivation for creating these films is. Are they targeting youth, trying to deter them from engaging in illegal activities? Are they warning parents to communicate the dangers of the real world to their children before it's too late? Or, are they just meant to entertain those of us that grew up playing it "safe", giving us a taste of the danger, and allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief?
(3/5)
Nim's Island
I wasn't expecting the whole agoraphobic writer bit, I just assumed this was a fantasy film. The effects and animation were well done. A good family film.
(4/5)
Freeway
A darker side of Reese Witherspoon, and Keifer Sutherland.
Also has Dan Hedaya, one of my favourite actors:
- "Dem tings, on the pillow!" - For Love or Money
- "My hands are tied!" - A Life Less Ordinary
(4/5)
Galaxy Quest
It had been awhile since I'd seen this, it's such a good movie. Tony Shalhoub ("Monk") is so great in this, I have to make it a point to see more of this work. I also had no idea that Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) was in this.
(5/5)
The Golden Compass
I still think Transformers should have had the Oscar, but this was very good. I want to watch this film again!
(4.5/5)