Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Taika Waititi, 2016)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Adventure, Comedy, Coming of Age, Father/Son relationship

Serious topics and complex relationships tackled in a light-hearted way--I like that in a film. This is a fun, off-beat adventure story with beautiful New Zealand scenery and great acting performances. 

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Oscar Dash 2017: The Nominations

Here we go, again! It's Oscar Dash 2017!

Well, this year I'm way behind (only seen one of the best picture nominees!) just like last year. I guess other things become priority to fall/winter movie-going. But I will try to see as many as possible, as in the past, before the ceremony. And then I'll continue after, too, so you'll have my review for each one. Don't forget to watch the big celebration on February 26. Here are the nominees for best picture:

Arrival


Fences


Hacksaw Ridge


Hell or High Water


Hidden Figures


La La Land


Lion


Manchester by the Sea


Moonlight


Click here to see pictures and all the other nominations!

The Garden of Words

The Garden of Words (Makoto Shinkai, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Animation, Drama, Complex Relationships, Romance

Beautiful, sensory animation! The sounds and colors made this short story a treat to watch, but the narrative felt a little trite at times. I wanted more pause, reflection, and quiet at the end, to match the mood of the majority of the film. The overly dramatic climax at the end felt forced and out of place.

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Taking Woodstock

Taking Woodstock (Ang Lee, 2009)

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

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

1960s, Music, Based on Real Events, Complex Relationships

What a fun film about the most legendary and well known music festival. I liked that this story didn't focus on the music or musicians, but the throngs of spirited, inspired, free-thinking, young people. That's what the festival was truly about, anyway, right? Funny lines, great visual moments, complex personalities and relationships, and homages to the Woodstock documentary. Plus excellent acting by all involved, especially Imelda Staunton. Enjoyable!

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Happy 2017!

Well, another year of blogging over. Again, I watched nearly 50 new films. It's hard to say which one was my favorite but The Big Short may be the winner.


While I didn't watch all of Hitchcock's films, I did definitely watch more classic musicals and courtroom dramas. And I've got three new broad film goals for 2017:

1. See more movies in the theater. There are so many sci-fi and fantasy films coming out that look entertaining and fun visual experiences. It seems that 2016 was the year for escapism and not so much complex, emotional stories, and maybe 2017 will also be that way. Film seems to be influenced by the social and political climate. But we need all kinds of movies--both instructive, difficult, and immersive!

2. Watch more silent films, especially any Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin classics I still haven't seen.

3. Re-watch favorites. I have so many favorites that I've decided to watch at least two each month, along with new stuff and new shows.