Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Tree of Life; The Help, A Good Life

Yes, I did promise more movie reviews.  So, here goes Jane.
I went to see The Tree of Life with the ladies.   Interesting film.  Mostly enjoyable with an interesting slant and point of view.  Brad and Sean were very good.  What didn't make sense and, I think, ruined it for most people was the long "creation of the universe" sequence that interrupted the film near the beginning and went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.......
Quite frankly, I prefer the evolution of the universe as done in 15 seconds at the beginning of "Big Bang Theory".  It works for me. 

Otherwise, there were some interesting moments and a story to be heard.  But we were distracted.....by that long interlude that didn't make sense.  Some of the items that we discussed after the movie were why didn't the parents seem to age.  Perhaps told through a child's eye.  But the whole film was tainted by that long, boring evolution of the universe which ruined the film for me.

The Help:  First I have to tell you that I read the book and loved it.  Also, it is the type of book I like.  The author and the director of the film are good friends so this ensured a good translation of the book onto film.  Which it was.  I should note that the book was written in a manner that it would easily "morph" onto film without losing the story.  Actually, it had some great moments that were great on film.  The best of the film were the actresses.  All well chosen for their roles.  I do have hopes that this may be nominated for Oscar.  Probably will all considered.

A Good Year:  This film I rented from Netflix on recommendation.  It turns out that it is based on a book by Peter Mayle who wrote several books that I have enjoyed starting with A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence.  It stars Russell Crowe who is not a favorite actor of mine but easily performs this role and perhaps sways me back into admiring his skills.  Overall, a very enjoyable film.  Basic plot is a high-powered investment banker inherits his uncle's vineyard in Provence and learns a different way of life.  A few different characters roam through the movie.  I liked it a lot.