Day: November 28, 2019

The Art of Self-Defense is Dark, Amusing

The review:

Riley Sterns directs Jesse Eisenberg* in The Art of Self-Defense a dark comedy that feels more intellectually funny than viscerally funny. While that first sentences feels like damning the film with faint praise, it was an enjoyable film experience and I especially enjoyed Alessandro Nivola’s** straight-faced Sensei whom I couldn’t quite get a bead on. This was one of those films that felt removed enough from the world I couldn’t fully settle in, but its artificial environment and subtle commentary and humor were well done.

The verdict: Good

Cost: $1.25 via Redbox
Where watched: at home

Consider also watching:

Further sentences:

*Eisenberg was excellent as always; I don’t think I’ve ever not liked one of his performances.
**I also caught another excellent performance of his this year. He was Rabbi Dovid Kuperman in Sebastían Lelio’s Disobedience.

Questions:

  • What is your favorite dark comedy?
  • Has Jesse Eisenberg ever not been the tense and introverted character?

Favorite IMDB trivia item:

Writer and director Riley Stearns trains and teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Other reviews:

All movies watched on Netflix May 2019–Present

Recommended

Good

Skip

Zombieland: the Zombie Nerd Angle

The review:

Ruben Fleischer does us all a good service with Zombieland; he gives us the zombie invasion from the point of view of a nerd.* After adding in a tough guy and two grifters, we have an assembled cast of not-very-likable people, but together they make for an amusing and enjoyable film.** I didn’t love the amount of blood and guts due to the zombies, but other than that this was a fresh take on a well-trod*** subject.****

The verdict: Recommended

Cost: Netflix monthly fee $8.99
Where watched: at home

Consider also watching:

Further sentences:

*Complete with awkward encounters and a very savvy list of rules for survival.
**Post movie discussion: Con artists. Terrible to encounter in real life, yet often come off as charming in films.
***Even in 2009
****It also has an unforgettable sequence with a famous actor that is not to be missed.

Questions:

  • Of the four main characters, which would you prefer to spend the zombie apocolypse with?
  • Con artists. Why so good in movies?

Favorite IMDB trivia item:

Contrary to popular belief, the supermarket scene was not filmed at an actual supermarket. A movie set was built from scratch to look like a real supermarket, and some of the merchandise is fake. For example, the stuff behind the glass refrigerator doors is just printed on paper. According to the producers, it was cheaper than buying out a supermarket and paying them for broken merchandise.

Other reviews:

On Second Viewing, Five Feet Apart Upgrades to Recommended

The review:

Truth: a combo of slight obsession* and Redbox discount meant I watched this film a second time this year. But it got me mentally plotting out an essay about quality films that people discount because 1)they feature young female characters 2)they’re about love 3)they are made for teenage girls.** I’m here to say this is a quality flick and if you are looking for good acting, all the feelings, and an institutional setting transformed into something magical, do not miss Five Feet Apart.

The verdict: Recommended (upgraded from Good in March)

Cost: $1.25
Where watched: at home

Consider also watching:

Further sentences:

*Channing Tatum has disappeared. In his absence, there is a thing for skinny, not-age-appropriate, curly dark-haired actors. Namely Timothee Chalemet and Cole Sprouse. I’ve caught nearly all the Chalemet, which leaves me with Sprouse, and Riverdale. I first watched this film when I didn’t know Cole Sprouse was a thing, and I wanted to re-evaulate.
**I will never get around to writing this essay; this review is standing in for it.

Questions:

  • What’s your favorite movie that everyone says isn’t worth bothering with?
  • Is Haley Lu Richardson just getting started, or are we at peak Haley Lu?
  • Moises Arias. Tell me what you think is his best role?

Favorite IMDB trivia item:

Both Cole Sprouse and Moises Arias are former Disney Channel stars and have also worked together in Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana (2009) and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Day Care (2006).

Other reviews: