stratsz28
Joined May 2004
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Reviews17
stratsz28's rating
A gripping, dialogue-driven film about the struggles of two Iranian families, A Separation stands out as one of the best films I've seen in at least two or three years.
At the onset of the film, we have a family being driven apart by the wife's desire to fulfill the family's dream of moving to the United States while her husband wishes to remain in Iran to care for his senile father. However, we are soon spellbound by an enticing, complex story of interpersonal conflicts, legal wranglings, and just a dash of mystery.
Indeed, this is an Iranian film but not necessarily a film about Iran. The themes and questions here are universal, and the storytelling and dialogue transcend culture. That said, Iran provides a unique social milieu for the story to develop, and the setting plays a significant part in the plot itself.
There is nothing terribly novel here. In fact, we are faced with age- old questions: What really is the truth? How do you define justice? What sets A Separation apart is how palpable the conflict feels. Like a friend torn between two quarreling mates, you will find yourself constantly pulled in different directions.
The movie is flawless. It is superbly acted, written tightly, and expertly directed. I would gladly watch this again.
At the onset of the film, we have a family being driven apart by the wife's desire to fulfill the family's dream of moving to the United States while her husband wishes to remain in Iran to care for his senile father. However, we are soon spellbound by an enticing, complex story of interpersonal conflicts, legal wranglings, and just a dash of mystery.
Indeed, this is an Iranian film but not necessarily a film about Iran. The themes and questions here are universal, and the storytelling and dialogue transcend culture. That said, Iran provides a unique social milieu for the story to develop, and the setting plays a significant part in the plot itself.
There is nothing terribly novel here. In fact, we are faced with age- old questions: What really is the truth? How do you define justice? What sets A Separation apart is how palpable the conflict feels. Like a friend torn between two quarreling mates, you will find yourself constantly pulled in different directions.
The movie is flawless. It is superbly acted, written tightly, and expertly directed. I would gladly watch this again.
Much of the nostalgia for Twin Peaks no doubt lies in its more memorable aspects: an eclectic array of characters, a spellbinding plot (at times), and a memorable score. Though I did not watch the show in its original airing, I can safely say that this oft-discussed series is and was clearly overrated.
As others have said, the first dozen or so episodes are the stuff of TV lore. Agent Cooper -- the unquestionable magnet character -- leads an excellent cast through an intriguing murder-mystery plot in a sleepy lumber town. I loved the surreal aspects of the show, the mix of deception and intuition, and the black humor that peppered the initial episodes.
In the early part of the second season, some of the jokes and quirks wear thin. Nonetheless, the underlying plot of finding Laura Palmer's murderer chugs along. Though more distractions arise, there are still plenty of elements to enjoy.
Then Laura Palmer's murderer is ultimately discovered...
Unfortunately, at that point, the series undergoes a serious shift from absurdly entertaining to simply absurd. The episodes feel piece-mealed and reflect an inconsistent direction by the writers and multiple directors and producers. The side stories become nonstories. James makes you want to puke, Ben Horne makes you want to scream, and everything that you loved about the show disappears.
We have some redemption in the final handful of episodes. And believe you me, there is a definite turning point at which you will breathe a sigh of relief as the show returns to form culminating in a thrilling and bizarre finale. In the end though, it's too little too late. And no effort by the writers or directors can make you forget the horrendous drivel that permeated the middle of the second season.
Am I glad I watched the series? Yes. Much of its praise is well earned. Do I regret the seven or eight hours of lost time accounted for by the middle of the second season? Yes, I do.
The series is rightfully praised overall. For those wondering what the fuss is about, I'd probably watch just the first dozen episodes and call it quits when Laura Palmer's murderer is revealed. It's mostly downhill from there. If you want the full Twin Peaks experience, you have to watch to the end. But be prepared for some pretty lame television in late season two.
As others have said, the first dozen or so episodes are the stuff of TV lore. Agent Cooper -- the unquestionable magnet character -- leads an excellent cast through an intriguing murder-mystery plot in a sleepy lumber town. I loved the surreal aspects of the show, the mix of deception and intuition, and the black humor that peppered the initial episodes.
In the early part of the second season, some of the jokes and quirks wear thin. Nonetheless, the underlying plot of finding Laura Palmer's murderer chugs along. Though more distractions arise, there are still plenty of elements to enjoy.
Then Laura Palmer's murderer is ultimately discovered...
Unfortunately, at that point, the series undergoes a serious shift from absurdly entertaining to simply absurd. The episodes feel piece-mealed and reflect an inconsistent direction by the writers and multiple directors and producers. The side stories become nonstories. James makes you want to puke, Ben Horne makes you want to scream, and everything that you loved about the show disappears.
We have some redemption in the final handful of episodes. And believe you me, there is a definite turning point at which you will breathe a sigh of relief as the show returns to form culminating in a thrilling and bizarre finale. In the end though, it's too little too late. And no effort by the writers or directors can make you forget the horrendous drivel that permeated the middle of the second season.
Am I glad I watched the series? Yes. Much of its praise is well earned. Do I regret the seven or eight hours of lost time accounted for by the middle of the second season? Yes, I do.
The series is rightfully praised overall. For those wondering what the fuss is about, I'd probably watch just the first dozen episodes and call it quits when Laura Palmer's murderer is revealed. It's mostly downhill from there. If you want the full Twin Peaks experience, you have to watch to the end. But be prepared for some pretty lame television in late season two.
"Heavyweights" is a mid-90's Disney film about a fat camp taken over by the villainous fatboy-turned-success Tony Perkis. While the premise is not so novel, the execution is great and keeps you pretty entertained throughout.
Some of the humor is dated, very 90's-specific. However, there is plenty of timeless, cross-generational humor, and Ben Stiller is absolutely at the top of his game. He would reprise this role many times again in his career: the guy with low self-esteem who becomes an overcompensating jerk. Tom McGowan, who plays a Camp Hope lifer, also plays a solid role and draws many laughs.
Sure, it's another Disney story about underdog kids who end up conquering the odds... or something like that. But Stiller and McGowan are great, and the kids do a pretty admirable too. It's not a must-see movie, but you also won't feel like you wasted your time for having watched it.
Some of the humor is dated, very 90's-specific. However, there is plenty of timeless, cross-generational humor, and Ben Stiller is absolutely at the top of his game. He would reprise this role many times again in his career: the guy with low self-esteem who becomes an overcompensating jerk. Tom McGowan, who plays a Camp Hope lifer, also plays a solid role and draws many laughs.
Sure, it's another Disney story about underdog kids who end up conquering the odds... or something like that. But Stiller and McGowan are great, and the kids do a pretty admirable too. It's not a must-see movie, but you also won't feel like you wasted your time for having watched it.