Where the Wild Things Are

ALMOST WORTH IT: (Spike Jonze) It's the children's book come to life, but this go-round also aged and matured, almost cynical and sadly jaded. Yes, the imagination and wonderment that made the picture book is deeply explored in the film, but to a stronger point of melancholy nostalgia, rather than mystical escapism. If you're not familiar, the story is about Max, a little boy with few friends and lots of creative imagination. Always striving for attention from his family, he's used to finding ways to entertain himself despite the neglect - sending him on a journey to a land far, far away from everything. He washes up on the shore of a shattered forest, inhabited by a group of giant creatures of all shapes and personalities, who we can tell are suffering from emotional and physical unhappiness within their circle. Claiming to be king, the creatures rejoice in a leader who can bring light back into their community and as a result, vow to do whatever the new king says. Max delights in the new responsibility, which grants him acceptance, friendship and respect all at the same time. It's during his stay on the wild island that Max realizes what life is all about, particularly when your imagination can no longer solve all your problems. Sure, you can find joy by letting go and just having fun, but the reality is that there is more to life. It's about building and growing relationships with the people you love. It's about compromise and sacrificing things for the betterment of society. It's also a reminder that not everyone is happy all the time, and keeping your own spirit in perspective helps you help others.

The film tells that story well. The morale is candid and clear and the chemistry between a slew of phenomenal voices (Keener, Gandolfini, O'Hare, Whitaker and Paul Dano) and an intelligent script was entertaining, and in my opinion, the life force behind its success. The film is definitely not for children. It's filled with dark humor and sardonic thematics. It also covers heavy topics, leaving your heart and mind slightly downtrodden and oddly unsettled. I can't say that I am glad I saw it, or that you're missing out if you don't. It didn't leave an impression, other than a slight frown and lost hope. The storybook created a fantastic sense of imagination, both supporting flagrant make-believe and inspiring individuals to hold onto their innocence. The film, however, borders on belittling that theme - reminding us grown-ups that life is happening and that it mostly sucks, no matter where you "go" to escape it. Bottom line, this film was a literal bummer!

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

WORTH-IT: (Terry Gilliam) For anyone who doesn't know, Gilliam's twisted, fantastical, devilish Imaginarium was the late Heath Ledger's last acting gig. He passed before filming was complete, leaving Gilliam with his tall tale unfinished--and no lead. He and co-writer Charles McKeown sat back down to re-work round 2, bringing in Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to split Ledger's character. Although hard to imagine how one could simply substitute faces and expect it to work was questionable in my mind, but the duo did it, and flawlessly no less. Depp's appearance even gave me goosebumps (yes, this might be a little based in bias)- he does a fantastic job and leaves shoes too big for either of the other Ledgers to fill. And though I won't spoil how he does it, their creativity amazed me. No one would know an actor died halfway through the story.

To give you a little background, the imaginarium is a magical world completely fabricated from literally, your wildest dreams. One simply steps through the mirror and basks in every one of their fantasies come true. Its a journey of rediscovery and liberation, helping save souls and clean up bad eggs. Yes, the lines are fuzzy and not a lot makes sense, but we've come to expect that with Mr. Gilliam, haven't we? So, we're going with it.

The selling point for this film is the candy land carnival brought to life on screen. Bright colors, cartoon people and chocolate rivers making it a big top of entertainment wrapped up in two hours. The nonsense matters little, really... at least not to the general public. In my opinion, it doesn't have to. Life is nonsense often, dreams certainly don't make sense, and ultimately it's the what-ifs and the fantasies that make the journey so interesting. See this film to laugh out loud and exercise your imagination, while challenging your youth and spirit. We will surely miss Heath Ledger, as this script added to a short set of films just beginning to explore the depth of talent the young man had.

Avatar

PHENOMENAL: (James Cameron) Everyone should see this film. Everyone. Aside from the fact that it is an epic tree-hugging love story comparable to Ferngully on steroids (thanks for that Reed), this film is a landmark in American cinema. In 1939, The Wizard of Oz was the first movie to hit theatres in color. Well, if you'd been around then (or maybe you were) to say you saw it, wouldn't you choose to have had that hand in history? So, for that monumental reason, everyone should see this film. With that out of the way, potential audiences, rest easy... This movie is phenomenal. And not just by Film Reviews by Jenni standards... Avatar is bonafide adjective worthy of my favorite vocabulary word. Writer/Director/(Genius) James Cameron introduces us to a futuristic U.S. colony hovering over a newly discovered planet of energy-rich flora and fauna that would improve life on Earth. The problem is that the inhabitants are hostile and the U.S. military are impatient. A small group of scientists aboard the Earth ship are out to befriend the people of this new planet, despite the orders of the military. By creating avatars of themselves, they can approach the people on the new planet (giant, blue-skinned, agile creatures), learning and interacting firsthand. Longstory short, the military arm of Earth's colony doesn't care about relationships or this planet's eco-system, out only for the natural resources and preparing for war if it doesn't happen soon. Are you seeing Ferngully? From here, its 3 hours of beautiful colors, textures, sounds and emotions all working together for the utmost cinematic experience thanks to the masterful hands of Cameron's crew. The fact that this film is in 3D makes your forget the movie theatre chair, never once acknowledging that its in 3D... (No roller coaster rides or flying objects). You're pretty much just inside the screen. So much so, that once the film is over, you almost believe in the blue people, or if not that severe, its like waking up from dream and shaking yourself back into what you know should be reality. The film is clever. Its emotional and fast-paced. No storyline is sacrificed for special effects and the acting shines, despite animation. I can't say enough about Avatar. Its the most mesmerizing piece of creativity I've seen on a movie screen, ever. Don't miss out.

Synechdoche, NY

WORTH-IT: (Charlie Kaufman) A plethora of good acting and bad karma, Kaufman's writing and directing the candy shop of a story, Synecdoche, NY is everything you ever expected of Kaufman, just more pitiful. It is meant only for his truest fans. Philip Seymour-Hoffman stars as Caden Cotard, the depression-wrought playwright recently given a grant to produce the play of a lifetime. Except he fears his lifetime is shortly ending, using this chance to prove his self-worth. Thus begins a 30+ year production of a title-less onslaught of the woes and heartache within each person in NYC Cotard calls his play. Cotard aims to reveal a starring role and leading story amongst each of his characters, along the way uncovering painful truths about himself. Kaufman spares no unspoken in his script, touching on everything from green poop to suicide to narcissistic hypochondria. Grimy personalities merge with unique stories, equalizing a world of otherwise opposing icons of Michelle Williams' starlet Claire Keen and Catherine Keener's hippie mom, Adele Lack. Kaufman forces ugly truths of stardom to emerge out of previously adored characters and tragic sacrifices. It's messed up. But, it's actually Kaufman exposing the world for what it hides (according to him). Suck it up as he drags your emotion and sensibility through an infinitely burning house and an endless-acreage warehouse for over 30 years, through numerous deaths, through reality and back, to the very bottom of the pit where Hoffman's character sits, left to see himself, isolated in the things in life that confuse, hurt, and surprise. Nothing makes sense until the end--and it's even questionable then--but the common thread holding it all together regains strength here, making everything add up, clear up and look a more and more like a reflection. Expect Kaufman's usual hyperbole, but look for his literal nudge.

The Fall

MUST-SEE: (Tarsem Singh) In a hospital outside of Los Angeles in the 1920s, an injured and heart-broken stuntman named Roy (Lee Pace) and an innocent five-year-old Spanish field-worker named Alexandria (Cantinca Untaru) meet amidst the injured and together embark upon one of the most beautiful and fantastic love-stories ever told. Alexandria, barely speaking English and stuck with her healing arm in the air, finds Roy, curious and anxious for company, in the quiet and otherwise empty adult ward. The two make introductions before he begins a story of five bandits (including Charles Darwin) who trek across country to each's unique avengeance. It's unique, original, and strangely hypnotic, but captures Alexandria's attention immediately. Using the suspense of the story, it eventually becomes Roy's bribe to get morphine to numb the pain not only after a tragic fall left him paralyzed, but also from a broken heart. Without his true love or a career left, he yearns for death, moping about what's left of his life, intertwining his tragedy into a story of morbid heroic hope for Alexandria. And she doesn't for one day give him peace to let his own thoughts marinate, resulting in stories that dawdle on the line between fiction and reality. What was once seeming affection for the little girl (who never spoke a word of English before taking this role, equalling adorable) becomes a greedy and cold-hearted attempt to feed his pain and end his life. His storyline strangely mirrors his life, or maybe his nightmares, taking Alexandria on a roller coaster through his emotions. Only as he moves towards death, she adores him more, fighting to keep him happy and alive, ignorant to the fact that what he asks her for is what is killing him. Even when Roy sees the error of his ways (Alexandria gets injured stealing pills) he still can't drag himself out of the misery, even if only for her sake... and the struggle between the two is breathtaking, gut-wrenching, and most of all, beautiful. Beauty is actually the most prominent feature of The Fall. Whether through color, film speed, rhythm or motif, the imagination brought to life on screen is one that goes beyond what words are able to describe. It's most literally eye candy, substituting a concrete plot or timeline for a mystifying cine-scope that not only steals your focus, but also grips your heart in tune for these unknown, yet genuinely phenomenal characters.

Twilight

WORTH-IT (for the book lovers): (Catherine Hardwicke) To be fair, I have to admit that this review is biased because I am a Twilighter. But don't take that as me thinking the movie was awesome. I did love having my obsession illustrated on film, but I also struggled with its potential to stand alone. The first half was choppy and shallow, jumping from scene to scene quickly as to cover up the poorly avoided overacting, or maybe the incredibly awkward writing that made co-stars Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart look like facial expressions are their forte. It is hard though, to take such an emotionally gratifying book and put the same underlying intensity on screen without the baggage of droning narration. (or not, i.e. No Country for Old Men, Diving Bell, There Will Be Blood, anything Jane Austen...) But where they missed the mark was in the sacrificed depth in scene for quantity of book-correlated events. It pleased me as a reader to see everything addressed. (I can now finish out the series with less of an imagination). But anyone out of the novel-loop is strained, robbed of emotionally-inevitable sentimentality or the ability to identify with and believe in the characters. And, as a film-fanatic, I recognized just that. It lacked a unifying motif and instead offered unbelievable exchanges in dialogue that took us on a roller coaster of happenstance, taking the reality out of Author Stephenie Meyer's pages and making it a ridiculous on-screen display of love-struck teenage fantasy. This does nothing in the defense of those of us who (at 24+) have jumped on the Teen Vamp Train. Bottom line: Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) needs a new face, Rosalie (Nikki Reed) should have been played by a real blonde, Elizabeth Reaser (as Esme) will never do it for me after ruining "Ava/Rebecca" on Grey's Anatomy, and Bella Swan's Stewart might want to heed those Disney kids talent, and substitute a little genuine emotion for her constant efforts to be the miffed, disturbed, troubled, etc. young actress. No harm done from Pattinson; he mastered Edward's velvety voice, bears the strong jaw well, and stole my heart right there alongside every other swooning 14-year-old. How could it have been better? Either screen-writer, Melissa Rosenberg, or Hardwicke should decide who this movie is for: the fanatics or the masses? If for the fanatics, it should have gone deeper, lasted longer and resisted watering it down for someone less vamp-crazed. Edward's skin should have radiated crystals! Bella should have been more careful! Charlie should have had more lines! If for the masses, skip the high school jibe, simplify the plot to play up emotion, eradicate narration, and give us some real vampire violence. (That one fight scene is awesome!) Hopefully take 2 finds a director-elect that can round out the shortcomings, find a few replacements and truly scare us into believing Bella's real-life nightmare. Obviously, I can't recommend this to non-Twilighters yet . But if you don the label, enjoy putting faces to names (except avoid Jacob's). I know nothing can deter you from finishing the series or seeing the next film. We're just happy to know what Edward really looks like!

Night at the Museum

WORTH-IT: (Shawn Levy) Usually Ben Stiller promises a laughable comedy when he appears as the face of a trailer. And when you add other faces, like Owen Wilson and Robin Williams, the comedy becomes more convincing. And finally, with surprise cameos from classics Mickey Rooney and Dick van Dyke, you know the film cannot fail. Night at the Museum is an entertaining, eye popping movie, created to visually please and mentally satisfy a curiosity of imagination many of us left behind at the age of 12. The same adventure that one thought would derive from spending the night in a department store comes to life in a bigger way at the Museum of Natural History. Ben Stiller, a financially desperate single dad, takes on the competitive job as the museum's nightgaurd. Warned by veteran gaurds, Van Dyke and Rooney, Stiller straps on his keys and falshlight, blowing off their aged opinions. But, much to his disbelief, a mysetrious change works its way through the museum's exhibitions. What starts as the disappearance of the T-Rex skeleton quickly turns into an all-out resurrection of historical icons. Faced with now the even bigger job of keeping order among centuries of quarreling civilizations, Stiller must brush up on history, impress his son, and maintain his job all before the sun rises and the hallways revealing nothing of the mystery beneath the museum's glass. Seeing this film is well worth the Saturday/Sunday morning hours it takes to watch. The combination of humor is flawless, the script witty and fresh, and the characters unbelievably charismatic. The tone easily appeals to a wide audience, as the animals and adventures reflect children's dreams and adults' fond memories. Don't skip out on this flick. Without a doubt, you'll laugh and appreciate the wild adventure awaiting you afert the sun goes down.

The Golden Compass

WORTH-IT: The Golden Compass stars two of today's Aussie stars (Kidman and Craig) alongside raging ice Bears, Western Sky Fliers (Sam Elliot), mischievous children, magical witches, and an authoritative Monastery. The bottom-line here is that there is probably even more going on in this movie, but that is all I can remember. It is the first installment of an infamous trilogy, based on the anti-religion novels of Phillip Pullman. At base-level, it is simple that, a first installment. The entire film is a build up for what we don't know is going to happen. It's two hours of introducing characters, proving character's strength, and loosely brushing over the suggestion that organized religion is going to take over our souls. The Golden Compass is worth going to see though, first and foremost because of the havoc Pullman's motive has caused, but ultimately, because this film's special effects and eye popping visual stimulation are phenomenal. Never has a bear spoke with such frightful sincerity. Never has a witch seemed more enchanting. The storyline, although incomplete, offers a substantial amount of entertainment... enough to make me say I enjoyed the movie. And, I will say in defense for screen writers, the film has the ability to stand apart from the religious antics the book doses. Without the knowledge of Pullman's works, or the inability to separate fictional entertainment from everyday politics, this film can simply be taken as entertaining eye candy. Enjoy. I'll see the next.

Enchanted: A Happy Ending

MUST-SEE: Right off the bat, I know some of you are rolling your eyes or scoffing at the rating I give Enchanted. But heed my words and slow your tendencies to disregard, because this hilarious and perfectly over-the-top SPOOF on some of everyone's favorite Disney fairy tales is beyond any expectation I could have had. The story is the journey of an animated fair maiden (Amy Adams) destined to marry her sing-song prince (on the morning after they met), but instead is pushed into a well that lands her in the real New York City, by the evil stepmother (a sultry Susan Sarandon). Landing under the care of Robert (McDreamy) and his daughter, she barely misses a beat of Cinderella as she transitions into a world not meant for happy endings. Above all, the humor prevails. McDreamy faces Adams's constant urge to break out into song, her instinct to make a new dress out of his curtains each day, and her ability to summon all walks of life through the window of his apartment to help cook and clean. The screen is filled with laughter, ruffles and a spunky chipmunk that please the eyes of children, but the wit and satirical take on Disney makes this one a happy ending for adults too. Expect to finally be given a reason to laugh out loud at Cinderella's naivete, scoff at Snow White's furry following, and appreciate the outlandish plot for being a stretch beyond reality's boundary. It's funny, it's pretty, and might even make you want to sing your way out of the theater.

Stardust: Stellar Work

MUST SEE: Again, I find myself underestimating a film. What I thought would be a feminine fantasy lost for credibility was overturned into a fantastic and smart-wit film composed of phenomenal characters and intriguing plot. It has been a long time since such a successful movie was made. (Think Wizard of Oz meets Harry Potter). Combine light-hearted comedy with endearing characters and a quaint love story and you have Stardust, the best fantasy film since my pre-teen years. Bottom-line should be that this is just a solid film, a great story, and an entertaining two hours. It's the kind of story you never want to see end, the type of characters you feel like you know, and the genre of humor that keeps you chuckling long after the jokes been had. And don't think this is a chick-flick, or a kid's movie. The theatre was packed with viewers of both genders, and from age 12 to 82. All can laugh and appreciate the same jokes and feel the same emotion, and with an unforgettable dance performance by Robert DeNiro as Captain Shakespeare, can all leave overjoyed to have spent money and time on such a flick. DO your mind a favor and treat yourself to this film. It won't disappoint! At least, you'll laugh and your eyes can feast upon it's magic. Let yourself loose from the world as you know it, and travel beyond the wall into a fantastic realm of witches, lightening pirates, stars and more.

Big Fish: Big Hit

MUST-SEE: This is another film I put off seeing. Thankfully, a series of recent recommendations encouraged me to watch it this past weekend. It was fabulous. Talk about eye-candy: this film was a canvas of bright colors, illustrious texture, and people in all shapes and sizes. A traditional fantasy-film, this movie brought to mind clips of Alice in Wonderland, Gulliver's Travels, and the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Great acting done by MacGregor, Bonham-Carter, Lohman, Finney, and Lange. This film made me laugh, think, and cry. It's a mystery, a fantasy, and a family-values film all-in-one. It clinches the epitomes of each genre, and meshes them so accordingly, it deserves a category all its own. The film's trickling momentum reflects the slow realization the son comes to about the man his father was claiming to be. Although at times predictable, the unwinding is so entertaining, and touching, that although you may have expected what happens, you are delighted in seeing it enacted. For those who have seen the film, you'll agree that this mood is an intentional act of the director and writer. As the final scene is expected by our narrator, when told, as a detailed story, enriched with elements of fantasy and nostalgia, it evokes feelings that no expectation could have prepared us for. It tantalizes the eyes, comforts the heart, and pleases the mind to such an extent, I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it, and hope it holds its uniqueness in a place where an appreciation for fantasy and imagination can reign.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

WORTH-IT (Verbinski): The third installment of Disney's favorite franchise has been getting a lot of heat. Whether they complain it is too long, claim it was too confusing, or insist the ending was awful, everyone is finding something wrong with it. My suggestion is to get over that Part 3 wasn't the perfect ending you envisioned. First of all, you didn't write it, you didn't direct it, so basically, it isn't your movie to disapprove. Aside from those assumptions, I think Pirates 3 was a solid next chapter. Yes, the ending is foggy. Verbinski is quoted as saying they are leaving the ending open for a fourth, but not binding themselves to it. If we could all take a step back to early Disney movies... you'll remember that almost every one finished up with a happily ever after that we could re-visit for life. (Remember Aladdin 2, Little Mermaid 2, ETC.?) Fortunately, all the fantasy tales provide just that, a tale. NOT a lifetime time line. So, embrace Pirates 3 for what it leaves to our imagination, and appreciate that they MIGHT revisit Jack and friends come several years, to compensate the growing curiosity you were left with at world's end. 3 offers great humor, stronger characters, more digitalized wonder, and a special appearance by Keith Richards himself (the vision of Cap'n Jack). It's a long movie, rounding out at 3 hours, and it's a delicate weave of pirate code, myth, and water. But, it comes together in the end. Everything makes sense, and you spend many moments wanting to cheer on different guys. You never know who to trust, never know who to hate, and in the end, are left wanting more. So, take your thinking cap, and keep your eyes wide open. It's a vision of digital candy and an earful of witty one-liners, all thrown in with intricate story lines. Have fun with it!

Shrek the Third: Third Time's a Charmer

WORTH-IT: This third installment was a complete joy to watch. I loved the storyline, but despite the plot, the script is hilarious. The story doesn't even have to be good, because the humor overrides anything sub-par. And the humor is complex and diverse. It covers several senses of humor (dry, tongue-in-cheek, satirical...) and requires an appreciation for every one. I laughed out loud for the majority of the movie. The introduction of every fairy tale character ever creates a nostalgic trip back for viewers of all ages, and, as every good family-friendly comedy should, it appeals on two levels:one for kids and one for adults. I loved it. It keeps the stage open for a Shrek 4 and entices audiences to keep coming. I'll see the fourth. And the fifth. And so on.