Critically acclaimed

I don’t know why I put my life into the hands of movie critics. In the last two weeks, I watch six films that averaged two stars among critics. There are only four critics/sources that I trust: Christian Science Monitor, The Associated Press, Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly and the AV Club at The Onion. Sometimes, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone has it dead on, but it’s rare.

Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School: This is such a cute film to watch. It’s like Fight Club but with dancing and melancholy. Some of the Scripps Howard critics were a bit unfair to this gem. It’s worth renting.
Junebug: This was very overrated. Granted, I went to college in Winston-Salem and have known the area in which it was filmed for eight years. However, I was disappointed that a Salem native would portray the area in such an ugly matter. Outside critics can see how this is a portrait of a region and get lost in it, but I can’t see things the way they’re presented.
Aeon Flux: I should have just stayed with the fond memories I had to the cartoon series. This adaptation had it all wrong.
The Matador: Severely overrated as well. Peter Rainer of CSM was right about this being a lame buddy flick.
Snakes on a Plane: Given that it is a bad movie, it’s a great popcorn, afternoon-getaway-from-the-heat flick. I was glad to have something to do while it is so hot.
Cache: This one sticks to the bone. I was haunted by the plot and by the characters. If you do see this, forget the literary format of American storytelling and embrace a new way of seeing.

permalink | | | 08/30/2006

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