Puntabulous

Imaginary Heroes and The Fall – Reviews

Netflix #44 – Imaginary Heroes – Suggested by ScottieC

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The moment years in the making! Not since that fateful day when baby Jesus crawled out of the primordial ooze has a moment so changed the face of human history. That’s right folks. I’ve watched a movie recommended to me by ScottieC. No, not Angels in America. It’s just so gosh darn long! But Imaginary Heroes. And it was really good too! It’s the story of a disfunctional (aren’t they all?) family dealing with the suicide of one of their sons/brothers. Signourney Weaver and Jeff Daniels play the parents of Emile Hirsch, Michelle Williams, and someone else who’s unfamous, which doesn’t matter because, you know, BANG! Anyway, the acting as I’m sure you could already tell was all fantastic. I think this is actually the first movie I’ve ever seen with Emile having such a large role and I was really impressed. I’m gonna have to see Into the Wild at some point now. At times the movie could be a bit melodramatic, which I think is a natural effect of someone directing from a script that they’ve written themselves. Garden State anyone? It doesn’t allow for a filter between what’s on the page and what we’re seeing on screen. I think you need another set of eyes to have the same investment to balance out the writing and the directing. But that’s just my personal opinion. Overall the movie left some interesting suprises for the end, which were pretty great and would probably add to a better second viewing experience. Thanks ScottieC!

Netflix #45 – The Fall – The Infamous Dr. Para

Oh I’m sorry, were you expecting the same fanfare Dr. Para? Because you’re not getting it. I’ve already reviewed one of your recommendations and I only did it for ScottieC because he kept crying that I never watched any of his recommendations. And here at Puntabulous we like to reward whiny cry babies. Just kidding ScottieC! Moving along, this movie was the epitome of style over substance. It was beautiful to watch and some of the shots and transitions were just incredible. But the story just left a lot to be desired. Lee Pace (WOO!) plays a stuntman in the 1920′s who’s paralyzed and in the hospital where he befriends a little girl and tells her fantastical (totally a word) stories in order to get her to steal drugs for him. Both stories are woven throughout the movie, and while both were fascinating, Lee’s character would adjust points in his story to fit what he needed in real life, so the character representations were constantly shifting, making it difficult to follow. And the last 20 minutes consisted of the poor little girl (played by an adorable little girl who was incredible) crying her eyes out, which is just a terrible, terrible thing to watch. Seriously, I’m pretty sure it was 20 minutes of constant, heartbreaking crying. And no, I’m not giving anything away by saying she was crying. There are loads of reasons why she could be crying, and I promise it’s not the one you’re thinking of. All in all, while gorgeous to look at, it didn’t have a good enough story like Pan’s Labyrinth to sustain itself, so I’d recommend watching that instead. But if you’re curious, it’s worth a look.

Keep your recommendations coming!

MOVIES, REVIEWS | Craig | October 7, 2008 5:21 am

43 Comments

By DWQ Online, October 7, 2008 @ 6:17 am

Wait- you’ve never watched Angels in America? OMG. It’s the best freaking movie EVER! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. Watch it today. It’s the fasted 6 hours of your life.
By Burner, October 7, 2008 @ 6:22 am

Into the Wild is an amazing movie…highly recommend it.
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 6:51 am

Never saw any of those. The second one sounds waay depressing. I did go to Religulous and Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist on the weekend. But that’s about it for me.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 7:29 am

Tam: I’ve heard that “Religulous” would be more accurately named “Ridiculous.” What was your assessment of it?

Dying to see “Nick & Norah.” Well, okay, not *dying*. Maybe just floundering in a malaise…

I’m considering skipping the presidential debate tonight and renting “The Happening” instead. Is that a bad thing?
By Craig, October 7, 2008 @ 7:47 am

DWQ: Sorry! I don’t have HBO or Showtime so I never saw it when it aired, and I just never got around to seeing it.

Burner: Gotta see it.

Tam: How was Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist? I couln’t tell if it would be cute and fun, or pretentious.

Dave S: How could you not watch the debate? This is THE! MOST! IMPORTANT! ELECTION! HUMANITY! WILL! EVER! FACE! Even if the world is invaded by aliens, and we have to hold an election to see if we want them to be our supreme overlords or not, that would pale in comparison to this election. Besides, I heard The Happening sucked big time.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 7:54 am

Studio 35 — our neighborhood theater (actually, I think it’s the *last* neighborhood theatre left in Columbus) — is ditching showing their typical double feature tonight and showing the debate on the big screen instead. I’m considering going to that. Especially if “The Happening” sucked so bad. After all, if HUMANITY! is in jeopardy, it’s the least I can do…
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 8:16 am

Religulous: If you are a die hard believer you’ll likely find it insulting and atrocious, if your’re a heathen non-believer you’ll find it completely skewed and hilarious. I personally thought it was really funny. Its got a serious message at its root, but it is complete spin and the subjects are chosen to support that spin. If you can just accept that and not take it as the ultimate truth its a good time. It was the first time in …. ages(?) that I’ve been in a theatre that was full (small theatre but full all the same). Guess it was pretty popular up here.

Nick and Norah: It was cute. My 13 year old really liked it. What does that say? LOL Not pretentious I don’t think, some funny stuff (a Yugo car in and of itself is fodder for many laughs), lots of music, typical teen angst, the characters are mostly likeable, the guys in the band are pretty funny. Not like I’ll be buying it on DVD but it was worth $9.50.
By David, October 7, 2008 @ 8:47 am

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys is another great film featuring Emile Hirsch. It also stars Jodi Foster ( as a one-legged nun!) and Vincent D’Onofrio.

Yes, a movie recommendation from me! The “End of Times” may now commence.
By David from Brazil, October 7, 2008 @ 8:56 am

Dave S. , if you actually give a crap about the election and have half a brain, with some functioning cells, then you’re already way ahead of the curve of the average voter. So don’t worry, go watch a movie. It’s the dimwitted herd that votes like they’re choosing a sandwich at McDonalds that worry me.
By David from Brazil, October 7, 2008 @ 8:59 am

Oh, and to stay on topic: The Happening is kinda average. I mean, on the one hand you have that hunky piece of man called Mark Whalberg (yummy), on the other hand he stays in full clothes the entire time and tries to act smart. What the heck?
By john, October 7, 2008 @ 9:09 am

Craig: I haven’t seen either of the movies you mentioned and I think you’ve seen everything I’ve recommended, so fail for me.

Dave S.: The Happening can wait. I didn’t think it was as bad as everyone said, but it wasn’t great. I was disappointed by Whalberg, he’s a pretty good actor, but it was not his best. I blame Sham-a-lam-a-ding-dong’s directing and writing.

Tam: Thanks for the review, I’m seeing Religulous tonight.
By Bernd, October 7, 2008 @ 9:26 am

I saw Imaginery when it was in theaters when dinosaurs roamed the earth and the fact that I only recognized it when C listed the cast, should tell you how much of an impression it left on me. I only remember Signourney Weaver getting busted for trying to buy pot and a goofy (gay?) friend of the Emile Hirsch character.

I was tempted to see Nick & Norah this weekend, because it’s supposedly a ‘NEW BREAKTHROUGH FOR GAY VISIBILITY’ but would never have been able to convince the bf and couldn’t get my ass in gear alone.
By ScottieC, October 7, 2008 @ 9:27 am

Yaaaay!! Squeeky wheel gets the grease! (easy Polt) Thanks for the colourful balloons Craiggers. I’d like to thank NetFlix for making this happen and.. I’m just so unprepared.. I didn’t think I would win.

*ahem*

Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed Imaginary Heroes. That was the first time I took notice of Emile Hirsch as well. Made me think that I would love Into the Wild. Yeah. Into the Wild made me fall asleep several times. To be fair, I was on an airplane at the time, but I found it very dry.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 9:31 am

The thing with Religulous — from the few people that I know who’ve seen it — is that it’s poor documentary-making. It seems to pander to people that will already agree with it rather than effectively convincing contrary people to it’s worldview. It’s an “Aren’t I clever?” entertainment piece instead of anything substantive. It’s kinda like a cross between “Supersize Me” and “Borat.” Just hold the fries, and, no, I wouldn’t like a bathing suit with that…
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 9:41 am

Scottie C: You’re hilarious.
By Hayden, October 7, 2008 @ 9:48 am

To get ready for Mickey Rourke winning the Oscar for best actor this year in The Wrestler Craig needs to see some Mickey Rourke. I suggest Barfly, Angel Heart, Pope of Greenwich Village, Rumble Fish, Diner and Sin City (small part). Does anyone have some thoughts? BarFly is one of my favorite movies but then again I love bars….
By Craig, October 7, 2008 @ 9:51 am

You’re welcome ScottieC. I thought you deserved a bit of fanfare for finally getting your pick this week
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 9:52 am

Dave: Completely what you said. Its entertainment for those who think similarly (so we can laugh at and mock those who think differently ). Its not going to change anyone’s mind I don’t think, but its amusing which is why I go to movies.

And Bill Maher in the Borat suit? Scary.

It reminds me of some comedy pieces that one of our comedians used to do with Americans, showing them to be completely ignorant about Canada. (saying we should stop the polar bear hunt in Toronto, or congratulating us on getting electricity) Funny as hell but you knew he interviewed 1000 people and only picked out the 10 idiots for the sketch. Religulous was the same concept.
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 9:54 am

Bernd: “NEW BREAKTHROUGH FOR GAY VISIBILITY” Really? I guess since 3 of the 7 main characters are gay? *shrug* Hadn’t heard that but if that’s what the “experts” say I won’t disagree. I did read that the vast majority of the audience was under 21 although my attendance skewed that severely, otherwise it might have been under 19.
By ScottieC, October 7, 2008 @ 9:58 am

Dave: Thanks

Craig: I’m a pig. When I read your last comment, I thought you wrote “finally getting your PRICK”. Whoa. Coffee time.

Tam: “Talking to Americans” (by Rick Mercer) was a great segment. YouTube it peoples!
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 10:03 am

ScottieC: Good to see you again. I love “Talking to Americans”. Totally artificial but funny. I was thinking about you the other day since I’m coming to your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks and poof, here you are.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 10:04 am

Scottie *finally* got his prick! I remember when I first got mine. Man, all the embarassment in the gym shower before that day…
By ScottieC, October 7, 2008 @ 10:08 am

Tam: Even if you don’t see me on the comments, I’m always reading… lurking in the background. What’s bringing you to the big smoke?

Dave: You and I mean two different things entirely. Hehehe…
By Tam, October 7, 2008 @ 10:14 am

Scottie: A day of meetings. Nothing very exciting. Fly in – Fly out. The life of a jet setter.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 10:21 am

Scottie: Really? I don’t understand what different thing you could’ve possibly meant.
By Craig, October 7, 2008 @ 10:23 am

I got my first prick in the doctor’s office. Clearly I’m referring to vaccinations, you perverts.
By ScottieC, October 7, 2008 @ 10:25 am

Tam: Sounds fabulous if you ask me.

Dave S: Heh

Craig: My mother would have been so proud if I got my first prick in the doctor’s office lol.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 10:27 am

Whoever wrote “By the pricking of my thumbs…” clearly had a finger fetish.
By Dave S., October 7, 2008 @ 10:27 am

Oh, man, that was bad. Sorry. Scrub that from your brain…
By Nicky, October 7, 2008 @ 10:42 am

So is anyone else looking forward to Revolutionary Road, with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio as much as I am?!?!?!?!?!?!
As soon as I’m done watching it, I’m pretty sure it will become a recommendation, like every other Kate Winslet movie…
By Bernd, October 7, 2008 @ 10:57 am

Tam: The gay visibility thing was more that the main male character is absolutly not afraid of being perceived as gay, helps his gay friends meet guys and such. To an oldtimer like me (42) that’s a breakthrough for a Hollywood movie.

Thanks to all who convinced me that I can wait for Religolous on TV.
By The Infamous Dr. Para, October 7, 2008 @ 12:41 pm

I’ll agree, the story lacked but it was pretty to look at, and I’m not only referring to Lee Pace (who I’ve loved since Soldier’s Girl.) Ironically, the little girl drove me a bit nuts, but I guess even though I desire a story and some vague depth to motivate me to watch, the overall look and easy on the eyes Pace made the movie decent for me.

Nick and Norah’s was horrid, and by horrid I don’t mean like The Love Guru (shudder) but eh, a little bit better than The Happening (which I’ve been quoted as saying, what the fuck, the movie is called The Happening and nothing happened!) Given, if I had never see The Love Guru or Fat Girls it would still be in my top 3 worst movies ever list.

As for suggestions, I really haven’t touched upon anything decent lately, though I did ravage both seasons of Dexter (Amazing, season 2 is near flawless) though I have Shortbus, a “copy” of Pineapple Express and Lie With Me sitting next to my Rock Band drum kit waiting to be watched. So I’ll save my OMG rent this for the next installment of reviews.

As always, have a good one sir.

Btw, I don’t expect fanfare, I’m an evil scientist after all .
By Nicky, October 7, 2008 @ 1:32 pm

Dr. Para – I liked Shortbus, loved Pineapple Express and thought Lie With Me was pretty boring/tried way too hard.
I guess you like nudity? lol
By Michelle M., October 7, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

Hayden – “To all my friends!”
By Andy McEntee, October 7, 2008 @ 2:07 pm

Craig: We own Angels in America. You can watch it when you come visit. Have you ever seen “Life as a House”? I don’t usually get into those really melodramatic dysfunctional family drama movies, but I love this one. It’s the only Hayden Christensen movie I’ve ever liked. I would highly recommend it.
By Craig, October 7, 2008 @ 2:14 pm

Dr. Para you evil bastard: I’ve seen Shortbus and it’s definitely worth seeing.

Andy: Sounds like a plan. I’ve seen Life as a House and remember liking it. Hayden can actually be a pretty good actor when he’s being directed well.
By Hayden, October 7, 2008 @ 2:25 pm

Michelle M.: i just need a little fuel….
By Ryan R., October 7, 2008 @ 4:29 pm

Dr. Para: I recently watched the first two seasons of Dexter, and I definitely second your recommendation. The first season’s finale left me completely emotionally drained.
By digkv, October 7, 2008 @ 5:03 pm

Hey Craig, I just finished watching the move “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” and I have to say that it was wonderful and it’s a movie that I’m sure you’ll like. It stars the wonderfully entertaining Amy Adams and of the delightful Lee Pace; it’s a really cute, small movie.
By The Infamous Dr. Para, October 7, 2008 @ 5:49 pm

digkv: Lol, I suggested that in the last review .

Nicky: My friend is in from Iraq and was like, you gotta see Lie With Me, it’s weird … so I took that one as a suggestion.

Craig: Yeah, I’ve been meaning to do Shortbus for a while now … and yet somehow we just rented You Don’t Mess With The Zohan (friend’s pick) and The Ruins (my pick). I always wondered why nothing gets watched here and it’s finally vaguely dawning on me … limitless distractions!

I take comfort in the fact though that if I’m not vaguely amused, I have a new subject for my “experiments.” /evil cackle
By Craig, October 7, 2008 @ 8:00 pm

Dr. Para: Avatars are blocked at work. Was yours always so creeeeeepy?
By john, October 7, 2008 @ 10:56 pm

Dave S. & Tam: Just got back from Religulous and the review you posted hit the nail on the head. Funny movie, bad documentary. I wanted Maher to be more neutral instead of sarcastic with his interviews.
By Steven, October 8, 2008 @ 4:12 am

See last post for my movie suggestions for Halloween!