Movies, Movies, Movies

Things We Lost in the Fire

Interesting story about a recent widow who befriends her late husband's best friend after years of resenting their friendship. Benicio Del Toro (who plays the husband's best friend) is incredible in this movie. I felt that he captured the stunned, life-shaking aspects of grief beautifully. 

My only problem: I didn't find Halle Berry's portrayal of a grieving wife to be believable. 

Rating: Recommended. 

Into the Wild

A true story of a twenty-something bucking the system and working to find himself and the meaning of life through wild adventure. Beautifully filmed in natural America, this story is full of awesome scenery, entertaining characters, and reflective internal dialogue. I must mention that much of the music in this movie is done by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam (who is a resident saint in the Cunningham household). 

My only problem: This movie is really heavy. Watch it when it sun is out.

Rating: Highly Recommended. 

Across the Universe

A love story set in the political and social unrest of 

the 1960s. The cinematography is incredible in this movie! It is awesomely creative. Even the music (mostly Beatles songs) are creatively reshaped and placed throughout the movie.

My only problem: I am a literal realist, so watching such a creative, abstract movie is really hard for me. I am too connected to "figuring it out". 

Rating: Recommended.

Michael Clayton

A smart story of a large law firm caught in the middle of an environmental scandal involving hundreds of people and billions of dollars. The story is fast and smart. The former E.R. star, was convincing and sharp throughout the film.

My only problem: Loads of dialogue in this one. Watch it with the subtitles on... it will help!

Rating: Recommended. Watch it with my brother if you can, because apparently aside from being a giant, he is also very good at explaining complicated movies.

On another note, I must mention that we also tried to watch Rendition this weekend. It was so bad, we stopped it after the first twenty minutes. Rating: Not Recommended.