Paradise Now...For Who?

Paradise Now (2005) PG-13

This one could be considered "controversial" to some...you've been warned. This is a flick about two young Palastinians who are "picked" to be suicide bombers. It follows these two young men on the night before they are supposed to pull off the bombings and the various feelings they have being with their family, girlfriends, etc. The flick tries to humanize the bombers who are just a product of their upbringings. It was an interesting watch.I thought the end fizzled out a bit, but it did keep you wondering...what's going to happen next.

Huh Huh Huh...The Chinese Seamstress Said Balzac

Balzac And The Little Chinese Seamstress (2002) Rating: NR

A Chinese flick based on the director's autobiography, it takes place in a remote village where people were sent to be "re-educated" and cleansed of non Communist influences during the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China. A young man and his friend, meet the village's young seamstress and end up spending time together. At one point in the flick they come across "banned" books such as Balzac and other various non Communist authors. They go to a little area they dubbed the "book grotto" where they read the banned books and eventually teach the seamstress to read. And of course, what would a flick like this be without the love triangle...he loves her, she loves him, and he loves her too. Sadly there was no nudity though. Towards the end they show the boys now grown up, reuniting and we find out what happened to the other characters we meet throughout the flick...what happened to the seamstress? Well I guess you'll just have to watch for yourself won't you? I think it's worth seeing (despite the lack of nudity).

The Diary Of Goebbels

The Goebbels Experiment (2005) Rating: NR

So I may have mentioned before that I find WWII stuff fascinating. I want to make it clear that I don't approve of the Nazi's, hate, or anything of that nature. That being said, this was a documentary with Kenneth Branagh reading excerpts from the diaries of Joseph Goebbels the head of Nazi propaganda during WWII sprinkled in with various clips of him giving speeches and other WWII footage. It was an interesting watch, but to be honest, at times it got a bit dull. There is only so much one can do with reading a diary. From a historical view, of course, it was great. But entertainment value, not so much. So depending on your taste, I would recommend it if you're looking for a good historical documentary.

Pictures Of Petite Lili

La Petite Lili (2003) Rating: NR

I had high hopes for this flick for two reasons. First, it is directed by the guy who directed The Swimming Pool (yeah you remember that movie don't you...wink wink) and second, it starts with a good lookin' blond girl taking her dress off (complete with pubes...yeah you know you like that too). After that, there was no more nudity. The story itself is ok, but not enough to be great, or terrible. Just somewhere in the middle. The story is about a guy who lives in a small town in France. His dream is to direct films with "meaning"...you know the type...what do they call them...oh yeah...douche bags. After a screening of the flick (starring the naked blond) goes poorly, he becomes a moody douche bag and mopes around for the rest of the flick. The girl ends up talking with a famous director who happens to be there, with the douche bag's mother who is an actress. The young girl and director end up falling for each other and he promises to make her a star. That's pretty much all that really happens, other than the basic drama that comes with living in a small town in France. If you're into that sorta thing, check it out, otherwise you're not missing much if you choose to skip it.

He'll Never Be The Last In Line Again!!!!

So the final posting of this week isn't a review. It's in honor of one of the greatest singers of all time, who sadly passed away yesterday. What I say here can't even begin to describe what he meant to so many people, myself included. So instead of rambling on and doing the same thing a billion and some people have already done...I figured I would share this video with you all. So get your ass to the back of the line and STAND UP AND SHOUT!!!

Mmmm...French Chocolate!

Merci Pour Le Chocolat (2000) Rating: NR

A french film (bet you had no idea), about a young lady who finds out there was confusion the day she was born, and was almost given to the wrong family. She ends up going to meet the man who may, or may not, be her father who happens to be a famous pianist. She herself is a pianist, which makes her even more suspicious. When she meets the family she finds out that the pianist's first wife (and her possible mother) was killed in an accident years ago. He is now married to another woman who is the head of a chocolate factory. As time goes on and she spends more time with the family she comes to the conclusion that the mother is trying to poison their son (the child that the girl was confused with at the hospital). I won't give any more away, but it really becomes a suspenseful "what's going to happen" type of flick. I enjoyed it. Sadly though, there was no nudity.

This Isle Is Filled Of Asian's And Killing!

The Isle (2001) Rating: NR

So finally, my return to Asian cinema. After my last experience (Visitor Q), I was, to say the least, shaken up, and rather hesitant to watch this one. That being said, this was a pretty good flick about a dude who goes to a fishing resort ran by a woman (you know they have the little fishing huts scattered around). We soon find out that he is there not to fish, but to kill himself. But as time goes on, the guy and girl end up having a love/hate type of relationship. One moment they're fucking, the next moment they are yelling at each other. Oh yeah, there are moments of nudity. We also find out that because the area is so remote she kills various fishermen. I really enjoyed this one, and there was only one moment where I said WHAT THE FUCK, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? No, I won't say what it was that got that reaction, I'd rather you go see it and find out for yourself.