If you haven't seen it

by Mr. Blunderson

Today I'm finally getting around to clearing out my draft queue and found a bunch of reviews I've never finished. As I rule, I've found that if I don't finish a review on the second or third pass it's never going to get done. Here are a few mini reviews of films I have seen over the last six months that I wholeheartedly endorse.

Big Nothing

This ditty caught my eye because it starred Simon Pegg who is by far one of the funniest individuals working in the industry today. If you don't mind his American accent and the fact that David Schwimmer is also starring, this is a fairly decent caper of the "heist gone oh so wrong" variety. It's not fall on the floor funny but it has it's moments, develops it's characters, and stands firm on a darkly comic quirky path from start to finish.

Superbad

Perhaps one of the best comedies of the year, I dragged my feet on this review because I didn't want to gush. I loved Superbad. A movie doesn't have to be obscene to be funny but when it's done right (as is the case here) it certainly doesn't hurt. My only beef is that it drags a bit when the boys get hung up at the wrong party. If you haven't seen this movie you are lame. DVD comes out in a couple of weeks.

Zodiac

The only thing worse than the fact that this movie was ignored at the box office is the fact that it will likely be forgotten come awards season. Zodiac is David Fincher's magnum opus. The Man KNOWS how to use a camera. He knows how to build tension. Fincher is genius here by giving us a front row seat to the madness and obsession on the other side of the coin. This is a very long movie but it is time well spent. The visuals will knock you on your ass, and the performances (especially from Mark Ruffalo and Jake Gyllenhaal) are superb.

Stranger than Fiction

Will Ferrell brings a lot of depth and sweetness to his role in this subdued comedy. Funny as hell and off the beaten path, this is another example of strong performances and vital characters. Emma Thompson is outstanding and Dustin Hoffman does what he has to do. This is a lot like a Charlie Kaufman script only more accessible, and certainly a great way to spend a few hours.