Twitchy Says...

Film Critic, Indie Filmmaker, General Film/Art/Life Discussion

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Published by Benjamin 'Twitchy' Strack under on Friday, April 25, 2008
Story - 1.9
Believable characters throughout. Story seems like a feasible science fiction. Story mixed with excellent flashbacks and depth.
Cinematography - 1.9
Beautiful epic views throughout. Great early mix of traditional cinematography and digital effects.
Acting - 1.9
For those of you who come down on Jodi Foster, I feel that this should be your counterpoint example. She shows a brilliant range of emotion throughout. All supporting actors fully understand their distinct parts to the whole of the film, and provide great support for the entire story.
Overall Effect - 3.5
The story is beautiful and a true inspiration to any science fiction fan as to realistic first contact. The greatest downfall of the film is the slow pacing throughout. Certain moments and sequences drag on and can leave the film with a 'tired' feeling.

Total Score:
9.2 out of 10

Recommended if looking for: Science Fiction, Plausible Futures, Astronomy, Philosophical Adventures

Stardust

Published by Benjamin 'Twitchy' Strack under on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Story - 2.0
One of the most creative and original stories I've seen in years. Maybe not 100% original content, but an original way of telling it, and no real obvious rip-offs.
Cinematography - 2.0
Beautiful shots throughout. Special effects shots aren't just thrown in, but are made to have the same camera aesthetic as the rest of the film. 'Shine' shots add a wonderful feeling to all shots of Yvaine (Claire Danes).
Acting - 2.0
Primary actors were relatively unknown, or not easily placeable. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro both played supporting characters and both played well outside their tradition acting roles. This allowed their appearances to remain refreshing. Each of dozens of supporting characters performed perfect minor roles adding great feeling and depth.
Overall Effect - 3.8
The film is a great combination of small-budget film making with the assistance of some big-budget effects. Still, some corners were cut with effects, and some of the more simple effects weren't as high quality as they could have been.

Total Score:
9.8 out of 10

Recommended if looking for: Fantasy, Love story, Action.

Across the Universe

Published by Benjamin 'Twitchy' Strack under on Saturday, April 12, 2008
Story - 1.8
The story is well-thought out, considering its aesthetic need to weave the story around the Beatles music. The end cuts out without even a complete reunion of the love interests, and leaves you wanting more than you should.
Cinematography - 2
Distinct artistic styling throughout. Intense lighting and color setups. Great mixture of independant film tricks and bigger budget effects.
Acting - 1.9
Refreshing to see a quality cast without known actors. Bono tends to be annoying and distracting.
Overall Effect - 3.7
Music is amazingly written, but much of the singing feels cheated by an overuse of auto-tune. Songs and singers interweave beautifully through much of the movie.
Beautiful way of telling the story. Amazing makeup. The 'stoned' sections of the movie distract from the overall product some.

Total Score:
9.4 out of 10

Recommended if looking for: Music, Beatles, Love story.