Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Big Bad Wolves (2013); Fruitvale Station (2013); Thanks for Sharing (2012)

Big Bad Wolves (2013)

A series of brutal murders puts the lives of three men on a collision course: The father of the latest victim now out for revenge, a vigilante police detective operating outside the boundaries of law, and the main suspect in the killings - a religious studies teacher arrested and released due to a police blunder. 

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From the collection of and watched with mon amour.
This was a creepy movie. It wasn't until we watched the Making Of and they said 'comedy' that I could stop and remember, there were plenty of humorous moments in the film. Often, they were the relief one needed from being tense and holding one's breath, squirming at the torture on the screen. This was an excellent film. It kept me guessing.

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Fruitvale Station (2013)

The purportedly true story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008.

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Rented from the library, watched with my beau.

This film had me bawling my eyes out. Check out all the nominations and awards that this film gained. It was really powerful and didn't get enough action in theaters, as far as I'm concerned. The subject matter is heavy, to be sure, but it needs to be seen. The great thing about this movie is that it grants access to a world/lifestyle/character with whom we may not associate comfortably in our daily lives, but this film highlights the underlying humanity that we need to keep in mind when we interact with strangers. We are quick to judge and to assert ourselves over others, but it's damaging to ourselves and our society. Throughout the film, you know what is going to happen because we see real footage at the start of the feature. So the rest of the film connects you with the man so you too feel an overwhelming sense of loss right alongside his family and friends. They show some real footage at the end too. Heartbreaking film that is definitely worth a watch.
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Thanks for Sharing (2012)

A romantic comedy that brings together three disparate characters who are learning to face a challenging and often confusing world as they struggle together against a common demon: sex addiction.

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Rented from the library. Watched sola. 

I wouldn't say this is a rom-com, as the synopsis states. It's more of a drama with funny parts. I can't say for sure how anyone in rehabilitation would feel about this movie, but I'm sure there are varying opinions amongst that crowd. I feel that the film did a good job of getting us to relate to the characters and see how sex addiction is a struggle that is often misunderstood. And we want so badly for the characters to succeed that it hits us if they don't. Like Paltrow's character says "It's hard for me to see you that way" it's hard to see the characters like that, but the filmmakers don't spare us and keep it pretty. It's a big step to admit one needs help and I applaud those who take that important first step. As far as the film, I think it did a pretty good job of showing the imperfections, the triggers, the difficulties, the friendships etc. I would love to hear from anyone with more experience with these programs. Or anyone with an opinion, really. ;)


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So... how do you like it when I cover fewer movies at a time? Helps me too ;)

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