Weekend Movies

I didn't go outside much this weekend, instead I sat in cool air conditioned theaters. Here are my brief thoughts on what I saw this weekend.

Inglourious Basterds
This may be Tarantino's best work. It is definitely one of my favorites by him. I reserve saying it's my #1 because it is so new and I'm still so hyped on it that I can't judge it critically against Pulp Fiction until I've calmed down and can watch it again. For a movie that clocks in at 2 hours and 45 minutes, I was never bored. I was actually a little disappointed when it ended, because it was just so good and I wanted to keep on watching. The dfilm looks like an older film, but with better technology used in its making. The cinematography is beautiful, each shot looking like it's from another era. That's what I love about his films and pastiche style of directing, the films feel timeless.

To learn more about Basterds box office success ($37.5 million weekend!), check out this article from Mashable talking about the film and the "Twitter Effect".

Also, here's a great article from Popwatch about Tarantino's influence on hollywood an films.

The Hurt Locker
I spent nearly the duration of this film with my heart pumping in a state of constant distress for the lives of the main characters. It was a thoroughly engrossing film, but I was ultimately dissatisfied with the film because of the ending. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but the ending was both depressing and disappointing.

Ponyo
This was so cute and just magical. The animation is beautiful. Watching all the disney trailers before it just highlighted the contrast between American animation and Asian animation styles. It was pure magic and gave me the warm-fuzzies. I loved the movie, but again it's not one that needs to be seen in theaters.

District 9
It's sad that it's refreshing to see a summer action film with an actual plot and meaning behind it. This should be the norm, people! This is a monumental film that goes back to sci-fi roots by being an allegory for real world issues. This film had depth and heart, and was able to stay well under a $100 million budget. This just shows that you don't need massive amounts of money to make a great film, you need a well thought out storyline that connects with an audience. Another one of my favorites from this year.

What did you guys think of these films, if you've seen them?

(image courtesy of The Weinstein Company)