Match Point

Match Point (Woody Allen, 2005)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Drama, Class, Complex Relationships, Suspense, Psychological

I'm truly impressed by every Woody Allen film I've seen. Match Point certainly isn't my favorite but it caught me totally by surprise. It is a dark film with lots of brooding and tension, which fits Allen's style, but the pacing and narrative is so different than his other films. I was most captivated by the narrative thread of luck and chance- some are born with a silver spoon, others work tirelessly to get to the top. Some are destined to fail, others are destined to win.

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The Wind Journeys

The Wind Journeys (Ciro Guerra, 2009)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / ?

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Colombia, Journey, Travel, Amazing Scenery, Music, Coming of Age, Magic

This was a treat for the eyes, ears, and intellect. The backdrop of an ever-changing, diverse landscape was enchanting, especially over the fascinating rituals and musical traditions. The pace is slow so that you are forced to absorb every detail of the scene and every nuance of the words and expressions. Dueling accordions (yes, you read that correctly), dueling men with machetes, dueling minds and wants and duties. This film reminds us of how much conflict and desire there is in our world.

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Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom (Wes Anderson, 2012)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Coming of Age, Adventure, Comedy, Young Romance, Quirky, Whimsical

Another absolute gem from Wes Anderson. There is never a dull moment with this film- it is colorful, entrancing, hilarious, bizarre, gorgeous, and witty. Basically, all my favorite things. Fantastic performances, music, and visuals. Anderson knows exactly how to take the simple premise of "guy and girl run away to be together" and make it totally complex, full of memorable side-tracks and details.

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Late October Challenge: The Fugitive

The Fugitive (Andrew Davis, 1993)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Action, Thriller, Mystery, Detective, Chase

I'm surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this film- I'm usually not a blockbuster/action film fan. Perhaps its the play between Harrison Ford's quiet obsessiveness and Tommy Lee Jones' impatient wit. The mystery part of the film is also fairly good, partly due to the quick pace of the film.

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Monsieur Lazhar

Monsieur Lazhar (Philippe Falardeau, 2011)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Teaching, Suicide, Grief, Cultural Difference

A moving piece about how important friendship and stability is, for children and adults. Sometimes we forget that children can help adults cope, too. Monsieur Lazhar is quiet, subtle, and a reminder that we all deal with tragedy in different ways but what is most important is kindness and respect.

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