That Was Then. This Is Now.

As a movie watcher, films that appeal to me have dramatically evolved in recent years. There was a time when you couldn’t have paid me to sit down and watch most Oscar-type films. As for independent films, I pretty much stayed away from them. My filmmaker brother would have to twist my arm to get me to watch an independent film in the old days. I was all about the big budget, summer blockbuster films for the most part. While my film tastes had already started transitioning from so many blockbusters, I would say Spider-Man 2 was a pivotal shift in my film viewing experiences.

Spider-Man 2 was a blockbuster film, but it was something different. It actually had a good story and good acting, which was far more interesting to me than the action and special effects. From Spider-Man 2 onward, I started measuring other blockbusters against it. If Spider-Man 2 could deliver an action film that was Oscar-worthy (in my opinion and other film critics), then others could do the same. Is it unfair to hold other blockbusters up to the greatness of Spider-Man 2? Yes, it is. Nevertheless, I started to expect more from blockbusters. When I didn’t get what I wanted, I started viewing fewer blockbusters and checked out the independent/Oscar-type films. (more…)

Warning: This review contains spoilers. Since it’s been a number of years since I wrote a movie review, it’s going to take me some practice not to be so spoilerish. Thanks.

Director David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac) is one of my favorite directors. His movies are the epitome of perfection and passion for filmmaking, which seems to be rare in mainstream Hollywood these days. Fincher has the ability to drive the actors in his films to reach down deep and pull out performances that often leave you awed and amazed. He also has the ability to make a good story great with his vision as a director. So, as soon as I saw the teaser trailer (best…trailer…ever) for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and realized that Fincher was attached, I was determined to see this film opening day. I was ready to be awed and amazed again.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film centers around the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who is born as an elderly infant (with some of the symptoms of old age) that ages backwards while everyone else ages forward. This theme remains a central plot point throughout the remainder of the film, and it’s relatively easy to figure out the ending. However, it’s all about the journey and life experiences of Benjamin Button, and what an interesting journey it is. (more…)