twenty52

25 Words or Less (more or less)

Punch Drunk Love Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in 2002, this is a movie where Adam Sandler actually trys to play a character, Barry Egan, instead of a comedian. I say “try,” because he gives us a believable person--a dork with a dead end job who is painfully shy. We can feel sorry for him, but never really care for him. I had a problem understanding why Emily Watson, as Barry’s love interest, had any interest, let alone “love” interest at all. Barry presented as neurotic and weird, using surprising fits of rage to express all that he keeps in, but I never really saw him as loveable. I think this movie is trying to say something about life, love, and disappointment, but it never got it together to really get a point across. Very innovative on a cinematography/technique level, however. I did watch it twice, and I gave it 3 stars.
	Welcome to the Dollhouse This 1996 indie hit by Todd Solondz cemented Solondz's reputation as a quirky, painfully realistic, and sardonic film maker. The movie tells the story of Dawn Weiner's (Heather Matarazzo) painful junior high life. The portrayal is very truthful and sarcastic at the same time. For those of us who were not in the popular crowd in high school, the identification with Dawn is strong and the sorrow sharp when her fantasies collide with reality. Great score and cinematography. I think everyone who has experienced adolescence can relate to this movie, but they may not like it.
Palindromes This 2005 film by writer-director Todd Solondz dares to take on the abortion issue with incredible poise and even-handedness. Solondz alllows the audience to experience all sides. We empathize with Aviva's desire to have a child, but we understand her mother's (played stunningly by Ellen Barkin) concern that she not 'burden' herself with a baby at such a young age. We love Mamma Sunshine, but her husband and his cronies are planning to kill a doctor who performs abortions. Solondz has many actresses play the main character of Aviva, and the plot takes off from the funeral of Dawn from Solondz's Welcome to the Dollhouse (see above). The actresses, in all shapes, ages, and sizes succeed in playing Aviva's character the same, all portraying Aviva's innocent, simple and (some might say DNA influenced) enduring wish to have a baby. I give this movie four stars, but people who like movies all tied up and explained for them will hate it.
	The Wedding Date Debra Messing stars in this total chick flick directed by Clare Kilner. It is a kind of reverse Pretty Lady with Dermot "You don't have to tell me to like," Mulroney as the high priced hooker, er, I mean 'escort' and Debra Messing as the rich guy, er, I mean 'loser who can't find a date.' There really isn't any chemistry between the two, and the plot is only mildly interesting, but there are some cute bits. According to my rating scheme, I should give it three stars because I watched it twice, but that was only for Mulroney's cute bits.