Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 25 > Entry
Movies worth kicking to the curb
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe it’s me (which would certainly be a first) but this fall is definitely having its fill of ridiculously overacted, dull, inert movies.
Reese Witherspoon, you know what I’m talking about. Your “Rendition” is a plodding bore. Feel lucky that after your Lifetime-worthy breakdown scene in front of Meryl Streep that the Academy hasn’t asked you to return your Oscar.
New this weekend is “Reservation Road” with a host of actors I respect — Joaquin Phoenix (pictured below), Jennifer Connelly, Mark Ruffalo and Mira Sorvino. Folks, don’t get too excited. It’s about child death, grief, depression, obsession, revenge. And lots of typing on a computer, which we all know makes for breathlessly invigorating viewing.
Here are other movies I really don’t like — “Things We Lost in the Fire,” “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “30 Days of Night,” “The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising,” “The Hunting Party” and “Trade.”
Worst of all is “The Darjeeling Limited,” a train wreck of storyless self-indulgence by a filmmaker (his name is Wes Anderson) who has lost any sense of inspired artistry.
…AND NOW THE GOOD FILMS
But of course there are a few movies worth seeing, movies worthy of your hard-earned $10, movies that will recharge your brain. Wonderful movies like “Lars and the Real Girl,” “Gone Baby Gone,” “Michael Clayton” and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” And laugh-out-loud funny movies like “Why Did I Get Married?”
Which films do you think this fall are particularly bad? And what films are you recommending friends, co-workers and others to go see?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Alan Smithee
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By Mike
October 25, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
“Michael Clayton” is the best thing I’ve seen lately, with “Gone Baby Gone” a close second. “Into the Wild” and “In the Valley of Elah” were also quite good. The worst so far was the abysmal “30 Days of Night”, although “Saw IV” may overtake it this weekend. The fall movie I most wanted to see was “The Assasination of Jesse James…”, but the studio seemed determined not to let me see it. It played in only one theater (Atlantic Station) within 40 miles of me, and I have no intention of going there. I’ve never been there but have a feeling it’s something like Phipps, where the unitiated must leave a trail of breadcrumbs from their car to the theater to have any hope of getting back home.
By Reiux
October 26, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
We too suffer from a strong commercial influence for what movies are shown east of town in the Conyers area. I have been passing on Tyler Perry works, perhaps because my preconditioning towards comedians like Berle, Hope, and Lemmon has prejudiced me towards Mr. Perry’s previous works. I shall give “…Married” a try based on your esteemed recommendation.
As an aside, I appreciate your honest opinion on “Rendition”. I was concerned that my other source of movie info out of Chicago might be a bit biased due to his political disposition. The 9th place in tickets sales last weekend has certainly justified your review. I eagerly await your thoughts on “Lions for Lambs”.
By Misa
October 26, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
I thought “The Heartbreak Kid” with Ben Stiller was one of the most awful movies ever made. It was painful to watch and not funny at all. The only good thing about it was the actress Michelle Monaghan, who is a natural.
By triantorn
November 5, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Thank you for the advice, i really apreciate it.
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