Lymelife

[3/5 stars] Most certainly does not put the fun in dysfuntional, but that’s part of its strength. The casting is odd, but oddly perfect, with everyone turning in exceptional, complex performances. There is a feeling of unease, of unpredictability, throughout the film. I felt cold just watching it. However, one thing you won’t feel is hopelessness for the characters. It’s a solid, believable film.

Posted by Lee Gabel - Mar 9, 02:27 AM.

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Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

[3.5/5 stars] Fun movie, good friends, good music, bursting with youthful energy. What else do you need? Recurring bits that are actually funny helps. Smart dialogue. Lots of laugh out loud moments. It is clear that the friends in the film really care about one another. It didn’t feel superficial and it left me feeling nostalgic for my own youth, but not in a envious, “wish I had done that different” kind of way. Here’s to all nighters with good friends.

Posted by Lee Gabel - Mar 8, 12:08 AM.

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Awake

[2.5/5 stars] Explaining the premise, the hook, and showing how the movie ends in the first two minutes can backfire in a big way. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. In this case, it works, sort of. What we’re left with is a reasonably suspenseful movie peppered with meaningless flashbacks, some mercifully short embarrassing voice-over and shameful portrayals of very complex medical procedures. The twist that comes next is cleverly disguised, but it only leaves one outcome for the movie and you can smell it a mile away. Critics panned this, but it’s not quite that bad.

Posted by Lee Gabel - Mar 7, 01:56 AM.

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The Champ

[3.5/5 stars] A solid, emotionally compelling story backed by equally strong performances. John Voight plays Billy Flynn masterfully and the debut performance of Ricky Schroder as his son is honest and heartbreaking. Although a little melodramatic at times, the final sequence had me in tears. Over thirty years later, the themes and subject matter (gambling, single parenthood, alcohol abuse, depression) is still as important today as it was then. It is a shame Hollywood doesn’t make more films like this today.

Posted by Lee Gabel - Mar 6, 02:26 AM.

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Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

[4/5 stars] A brilliant portrait of resilience and absolute belief in ones self, and in others, to overcome a teenager’s worst nightmare. At times, very hard to watch due to the mental and physical abuse. The film has a level of authenticity and rawness that is missing from most of today’s cinematic offerings. But what really sets this film on a different level are the performances. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as an uncanny ability to capture not only our hearts and sympathies, but the characters she interacts with as well. Mo’Nique’s portrayal of Precious’ mother is frighteningly real, a true monster. The rest of the cast is peppered with a few familiar faces playing real characters. This is a very strong film that tells one story very well.

Posted by Lee Gabel - Mar 4, 12:27 AM.

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Mini Movie Review Archives

Beginning in June 2007, for every movie I watched, I wrote a review in approximately 100 words or less. I have certainly seen more movies than this, perhaps thousands. My goal was to try and encapsulate my raw, visceral feelings immediately after watching the film. Some films deserved more than 100 words, most decidedly less. Yes, I am a movie fanatic and have no life. ;)