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Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-16 00:28:33 +0000

Stunning film. Easily the best desert cinematography I can remember, and it'll get Oscar nominations for editing, sound and sound editing. Politically neutral to Iraq in '90/'91. Good acting: Jamie Foxx continues to impress with character range; Gyllenhaal is primping for a Tom Hanks 'everyman' career; Sarsgaard will no doubt be a perenial "Best supporting actor" contender; and a break out performance by some kid named Brian Geraghty as "Fergus". Tons of misogyny and gay bashing, but it is about Marines with nods to 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Full Metal Jacket' (they're not inventing the wheel here). But it has great sound work and enough originality sprinkled with mild violence (the main character never fires his gun in combat) to be fully entertaining. A contender in 2005, not as good as 'Crash', but a solid (B+).

Posted by lrf on 2005-11-16 07:33:46 +0000

jarhead is awesome

Posted by rladew on 2005-11-16 12:27:10 +0000

the last desert film I really liked was the Clooney/Wahlberg /I ce Cube 'Three Kings' I am looking forward to seeing Jarhead. Anyone here read the book? Is that any good? _______________________________

Posted by Miriam on 2005-11-16 16:23:44 +0000

Haven't read it yet, but heard from a friend in NYC that it was great. He won't send it to me, but I'm headed to the bookstore any day now to pick it up.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-16 16:41:28 +0000

I just remembered rladew's critical points of 'Crash', and now I'm thinking 'Jarhead' might be the better film. What movie have I liked better this year? 'Sin City'? 'Batman Begins'? Anything even remotely in the 'drama' genre? Will I like 'Brokenback Mountain'?

Posted by frame609 on 2005-11-16 16:45:06 +0000

Mmmmmm, gay cowboys.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-16 16:55:10 +0000

Directed by Ang Lee... Pretty much unfuckwithable.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-16 17:14:05 +0000

OK, I liked 'History of Violence' better. Wow, that took me like 20 minutes..

Posted by rladew on 2005-11-16 17:35:38 +0000

I will sheepishly admit to seeing "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" Last week. bottom line: liked the gritty streetscapes reminiscent of Sheridan's other film 'In the Name of the Father' in the Irish ghetto that Daniel Day Lewis was in. -liked Terence Howard's costarring turn. Howard is a powerhouse here, as he was in 'Ray' and 'Hustle and Flow' -liked the 80's footage of .50 cent and his mother. -didn't like .50's "grinning" mannerism (I think the Glob said the same thing): .50 has a goofy grin on his face learning he's going to be a father, threatening other baddies, while rapping, etc. etc. Definitely had that rocky (1) or 8 Mile type of feel to it. I'd reccomend it if you liked any of the abovbe films or if you like Jim Sheridan / Terence Howard... _______________________________

Posted by rladew on 2005-11-16 18:01:32 +0000

Howard was also a TV producer in 'Crash' (ahem) and a cop in 'Four Brothers' _______________________________

Posted by Miriam on 2005-11-16 23:09:45 +0000

How could you like that better?! Jarhead wins, hands down.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-17 05:49:08 +0000

Possible Spoiler Alert! I loved 'History of Violence'. I've seen 'Jarhead' once, and 'History of Violence' once, and I want to see 'History of Violence' again acres more. It's so good... just for the whole Gansta-cum-Rocky story to it. Not that the film has some crazy mysterious plot twist, but seriously, did you see that coming?!? William Hurt? What the fuck?! He is introduced 75 minutes (yep, seven-five minutes) into the thing, and I almost feel a superhero style rivalry being created; Miramax could make two more features with it. But then Viggo just ends it. Perfect. Blah, blah, blah... 'Taxi Driver'.

Posted by Miriam on 2005-11-17 17:37:47 +0000

I almost feel a superhero style rivalry being created Dude, it was based on a comic. That's why you felt that way.

Posted by dawnbixtler on 2005-11-17 17:50:29 +0000

Yeah, I guess, but there is no "super human strength" or "mutant powers", just good visual story telling.

Posted by Miriam on 2005-11-17 18:21:08 +0000

True. Honestly, I loved "History of Violence" also. The shooting scenes were the best. Pretty tough sex scene (in a good way) on the stairs, too. Definitely rivalled some of the sex scenes in that Richard Gere/Diane Lane movie a couple of years ago.

Posted by rladew on 2005-12-12 16:57:18 +0000

Boston Film Critics name 'Brokeback Mountain' film of 2005. You guys gettin ready for the onslaught of obnoxious 'best of 2005' lists? I know I am :)