• 31Dec 09

  SaintL's Top Films of 2009

  Video Enjoy

  • Posted Dec 31, 2009 4:25 pm GMT
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• 27Dec 09

  Up In The Air Review

  

  I found it very hard to write up a review for this film. It just feels like something that should be discussed instead of written about. There is just so much to say but I did my best so bare with me because I definitely didn't say everything I wanted.

  "Up In The Air" is a bleak, tragic, touching but real film that tackles the economy, the society we live in, family, commitment and love with a perfect blend of drama and comedy driven be excellent dialogue as well as fantastic and charismatic performances.

  The acting was some of the best of the year. The performance by Clooney perfectly utilized his acting ability as well as his charisma and humor. He also brought a lot of emotion to his character and this role was just meant to be played by him. The supporting performances by Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga were fantastic. I was surprised by the fact that they were able to stand their ground on screen with Clooney with out being overshadowed by him. This has a lot to do with the chemistry between the three. Their conversations and exchanges were funny, sad and felt very natural. Personally I think Anna Kendrick deserves to win best supporting actress. Her performance was so emotional yet funny and one of the films best moments had to be a hilarious short crying outburst she has. No other supporting actress performances have wowed me as much as the one from Kendrick, someone I have never seen before. The writing was smart and funny. It managed to say so much, hit upon so many topics and makes you laugh and sometimes cry. One of the most entertaining parts of the film to me was just the conversations between characters. This is one aspect of films that if done right can really boost how much I enjoy the film and it is definitely one of many reasons I loved "Up In The Air" so much.

  

  Another thing to mention is the direction, cinematography and editing. All of which made the film look great and well paced. I really loved the views from the air which were a cool little way of giving us a different view of America and one that the main character has seen many times. You could almost say that it is a comparison of the life he leads, being so distant and detached from others.

  The ending came at somewhat of a surprised to me. I really didn't think the film would take the risk it did, and as bleak as it was it still felt real and appropriate. We see a change in all characters, but not the ones that we would have expected. I also really loved the whole story with his family. It was sad to see the relationship they had, but there development in so little time and the change we see between them was really touching and didn't feel forced. I must also mention the awesome reference to "Amelie".

  

  What makes this film so important or deserving to be remembered is the fact that it is a perfect snap shot of the society we live in today. No matter how bleak or depressing the economic topics may be they are a reflection of the world at the time of the films making. When people look back and watch this film in years to come they will have a glimpse of the economic downturn and the effect it had on millions of families. With that it is also an interesting look at the life many of us have come to lead. The jobs we have, the technology we use have left many emotionally distant from those around them including their families. Love, marriage and friendship are not the same as they used to be and the film tackles all these issues with intelligence and wit.

  

  One thing that happened that I didn't expect was when I left the theater, no matter how bleak the film felt, or the emotional impact it had on me I still wished I could turn around and go see it again. It just did everything right, was extremely entertaining and a film of our time. It deserves all the praise and more and this will not come as a surprised to any of you but at the moment it really is my favorite film of the year. Go figure right? But what can I say, often you just know before you see a film that you will love it. Not only was that the case for this film, but it actually turned out better than I thought it would be. Will everyone love the film? No, but I think it would be very hard to not find some sort of enjoyment from the film. 10/10

  • Posted Dec 27, 2009 11:34 am GMT
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• 25Dec 09

  Merry Christmas Everyone!

  "So this is Christmas
  And what have you done
  Another year over
  And a new one just begun
  And so this is Christmas
  I hope you have fun
  The near and the dear one
  The old and the young"

  I hope everyone is having or had a great Christmas. Thought I would make a blog and tell you what I got this year.

  

  

  

  I have seen both Le Samourai and Wild Strawberries but they were two films I really wanted to own. As for The Decalouge I have heard nothing but really great things and I can not wait to watch it.

  

  This is my firstiPod ever. On the back I had engraved "For relaxing times...make it Suntory time"

  

  I was in desperate need for a new phone.

  I also got a Barnes and Noble gift card and an Amazon.com one as well, which will probably go towards more films

  My brother got The Beatles Rock Band. We played it for about an hour and it is so fun.

  So overall my Christmas went well. I saw Avatar yesterday, and the review can be found below this blog. I have plans to see Up In The Air Saturday.

  Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone.

  • Posted Dec 25, 2009 12:12 pm GMT
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