Movie #81 Catfish (2010)

Subjective reality.

This was a major theme in the movies of 2010.  There is I'm Still Here (review to come), Exit Through the Gift Shop, Inception, The Social Network, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, ect.  Catfish is a documentary that has undergone a lot of scrutiny.  There are those people that believe that this documentary was totally staged.  Then there are those that believe that it is 100% natural.  Then there are those of us like me that couldn't care less, we just want to be entertained.  If I find out that Catfish is scripted will I feel cheated?  No.  Catfish had my stomach literally in knots about 2/3 the way through.  I was twisting and wrenching on my couch.  I was yelling at the TV and telling my dog "CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?!?"

I guess I should tell you what it is about.  Catfish is about a 20 something photographer that receives a painting of one of his photos.  The painting was sent by an eight year old girl.  She asks for permission to make more painting of his photos and they begin an online friendship.  During the course of this friendship they friend each other on Facebook and he (Nev) meets her whole family.  Nev then begins a cyber, long distance relationship with the 19 year old sister of the little girl.  Things progress and a few months later they are pretty serious.

Then there starts to be some cracks in the family structure and online profiles.  At first it is little things then some major inconsistencies and flat out lies are exposed.  What started out as a doc about an eight year old painter then evolved into a doc on modern romance, now starts to take on a creepy and deceitful mood.  They film makers decide to visit the farm and small town where the family lives and surprise them and hopefully get to the bottom of all their questions.

What happens next I won't spoil, but oh my god I was freaked out.  Then when the nerves calmed down and the big reveal happens I was stunned.  Then another reveal , and another and so on.

Hoax or not Catfish blew my socks off.  I give Catfish a 4/5 stars and recommend highly you watch it.  I would watch it with another person, because you are going to want to talk about it and you want want to spoil it for anyone.  Check out one of the best trailers of the year at the Trailer Park to see for yourself.

Movie #23 Easy A

In my opinion the teen sex comedy in recent years has really gone down hill . There are a few exceptions to that rule of course.  "Juno", while not exactly fitting into this sub genre, was a tremendous achievement.  It managed to reinforce that today's youth (in all their self imposed existential angst) really isn't that different from the generation that bore them.  It also was refreshing to see a bright, confident all be it snarky teen female lead in a movie.  Compared to cookie cutter stereotypes that are repetitively trotted out in film after film.  You know what I am talking about.  "The Cheerleader", "the book nerd", "the rebel", "the best friend".  The documentary "American Teen" embraced these pigeon-holed conventions and exploited their high school experiance for all to see.
I am glad to say that Easy A continues more along the path that Juno blazed.  The story is loosely a modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter.  Emma Stone gives a electric performance as Olive.  The whip smart high school student who becomes the subject of all the school gossip.  The word 'round the campfire is that she s sleeping with everyone and even doing so for money.  A rumor that she inadvertently starts and at first thrives on the recognition she receives.  Once she becomes aware of the negative impact these fabrications are having on her life and the lives of those she cares about, she attempts to set the record straight.

At first I had my concerns for this film.  Much like Juno, it open with some dialogue that fall totally flat (honest to blog).  Fortunately it rights the ship and delivers a wonderful story with some rapid paced, intellectual/witty banter.  Which Emma Stone and the majority of her co-stars handle wonderfully.  Stanley Tucci and Patriaia Clarkson play Emma's parents and they are among my leaders for supporting performances for the year.  The family dynamic in this film is so captivating and real.  This has been a good year for non-traditional families representing new family values.  Both this film and the wonderful The Kids are Alright are front runners in this movement. Other notable performances come from Thomas Haden Church and Alyson Michalka as a favorite teacher and best friend respectively.

This movie is not without its faults.  It does get a little to "cutesie" and to steal a line from the movie "It's not as smart as it thinks it is".  It is sharp, but occasionally it crosses the line.  I felt a little patronized watching a few scenes.

I would be remiss if I didn't further comment on Mrs Emma Stone.  She lights up the screen.  She is by no means the typical Hollywood beauty.  With her blazon red hair, petite stature and informed smile but she commands the screen with every word, glance and movement.  Her self awareness and self assurance projects itself.  I couldn't help but to be lured in.  I first noticed her in last years Zombieland.  I noticed both her beauty and acting chops.  I am glad she has found a role that better allows her to stretch her wings.

This is a sex comedy, a genus as old as ancient roman times.  And this movie pulls off something that most sex comedies don't.  There isn't any sex.  not even any nudity.  At a few points in the movie, Olive comments on how she wishes her life were like a John Huges film.  I don't know if "Easy A" will be remembered with the passion that the Huges fans have for his films, but it is a movie I won't soon forget.  I give "Easy A" a 3.5/5 stars.  For more information check out the link below for the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNbPnqyvItk