Thursday, September 22, 2011

Laura Sees Movies: Drive



I know I should have posted this earlier in the week but I've been terribly lazy.

Drive is phenomenal. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It feels timeless as if you are finally getting around to seeing a movie you've always known was great. Classic.

I rushed out to see it last weekend due to trusted buzz and this outstanding review by Roger Ebert whose words rang in my head as I watched the film.

Extremely quiet, extremely violent, and extremely simple, this movie is perfectly executed. A story that leaves you wanting more yet provides all you require to be entirely captivated. Nothing is given away and all of our emotions are earned. Well done.

Drive will be remembered as one of this years most unique and refreshing movies. Finally!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Laura Sees Movies: Our Idiot Brother



Isn't Paul Rudd charming? Gosh he's doing so well these days. I am so happy for him. Honestly, I think he seems super nice.

Anyways, Our Idiot Brother is a pretty decent flick. I enjoyed it thoroughly and although it does not exactly paint it's female characters in an attractive light, it ultimately has a payoff that is worth the huff and puff.

The opening is set up perfectly with our protagonist selling weed to a uniformed officer. The scene is written so well and executed so perfectly, it's 100% believable and you immediately know that our hero, Ted, is a great guy who's only fault is that he has faith in people.

More of a statement on the world than upon the 'idiot' this movie is about how much we all forget how nice our lives actually are, how we take our families for granted, and how we make fun of the honest people who truly enjoy the simple things.

Ted is loyal, sweet, and fiercely honest. His sisters are not. His sisters, however, do not seem to be 'idiots' by society's standards and therefore thrive where Ted fails. It's an interesting movie about interesting people who seem real.

The only sore spot is how much they bothered to 'lesbian up' Rashida Jones with costumes for her role as Zooey Deschanel's girlfriend. Her entire 'look' just felt a bit pushed to me, but I suppose I'll let it slide.

Additionally, I must mention Kathryn Hahn's appearance as Ted's ex. Hilarious and steals every scene she is in, I cannot wait for her new sitcom to hit my TV, she is currently my favorite working actress.

A summer sleeper worth seeing, Our Idiot Brother is quite nice.