Netflixing

We've watched a few films lately that were good but not of the "see this film" quality. From time to time, when I see a film that I think is just so great that you have to see it, I post a "see this film" item. Click here if you are curious. Anyhow, I thought I'd take a moment to mention a couple of films that were definitely worth watching and enjoyable, but just not five stars in my opinion. Here they are:

The Visitor - I fully expected to be wowed by this film and maybe that was the problem -- my expectations were set too high. There were two aspects of the film that disappointed: a kind of schmaltzy triteness that coats the relationship between the two main male characters, and the lack of dimension given to the female characters. Still, I'd give this film a 4/5 rating.


Man on Wire - Again, fully expected to be wowed by this film because of the uniqueness of the story and because I naturally tend to love a well-made documentary. Well, it was interesting. And, the scene at the end when Philippe Petit is actually walking on a wire strung between the two towers of the World Trade Center was amazing. I suppose the main weakness of the film was a lack of interest in Petit. After he accomplishes his dangerous and illegal performance with the help of a team of people and lots of stress for everyone involved, he demonstrates no gratitude. He just seems to be a thrill seeking narcissist. Again, the uniqueness of the story and the peek back at the 70s in New York made this a worthwhile film despite the choppy chronology. I was more than ready for the film to reach its climax (4/5 rating).

Burn After Reading - For the most part, I'm a fan of the Cohen Brothers. I really liked "Blood Simple," "Raising Arizona" and "Fargo" and I loved "No Country for Old Men." But let's face it, if this film didn't have the Cohen Brothers behind it, it would not have seen the light of day. This film stands as an example of groupthink in filmmaking.

Brad Pitt made me laugh out loud but he would have had the same impact in a Saturday Night Live skit playing the same character. I hope the brothers have gotten this self-indulgence out of their system and get back to making the type of films that have given them so much Hollywood power (3/5 rating).

Seen any good films lately?