30 Days Recap : August 2013

In general, I really loved this year’s August. Plenty of work to be done outside blogging, but the results are also great. First half of the month I almost totally abandoned this blog, took a week off and the other half I could catch up with the movies I wanted to see. Which is a big relief, because I thought I almost posted this month’s recap with none mini reviews! But August also great in terms of movie watching. Saw two movies with perfect score, one quite inspiring and a couple great cinematic experience.

Top 3 in August 2013

I can’t quite decide what’s the best from this month, one romantic movie I anticipated and has exceeded my expectation, Before Midnight (2013) or a solid documentary about one big tragedy in my country, The Act of Killing (2013). Two of them definitely succeeded to get my biggest attention this month. But below them, there’s a sweet flick that inspired me, Stranger Than Fiction (2006). Of course, seeing Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot (1959) was delightful and Side Effects (2013) was very thrilling. Review for The Act of Killing (2013) and Stranger Than Fiction (2006) soon.

Lovelace (2013)

Lovelace (2013) is a sexless film about a porn star, where Amanda Seyfried delivers much sympathy for being Linda Boreman or Linda Lovelace. Though I never saw Deep Throat and knowing Linda Lovelace before this movie, I did feel odd how they fast forwarded the time where the movie got famous and went directly to Linda was settling with a new family after having a domestic violence with her first husband. Though Seyfriend gave a strong performance, there should have been a deeper psychology layer (about her pain and frustration).

Movie Score : 3 Stars

Drinking Buddies (2013)

There’s a saying that every couple is different. But sometimes, all you can do is see the good/bad symptoms and their chemistry together. When two couples (one girl and guy works together and are drinking buddies) things get a little mixed up. One kisses another boyfriend/girlfriend, the other are best friends but too close they are in a gray area. While I love the cast (tomboyish and outgoing Olivia Wilde, funny and kind Jake Johnson, cute Anna Kendrick and serious Ron Livingston) and their chemistry (their flowing conversations and long talks), there’s nothing really new about it. This is a good movie though when you want something light and fun about relationships. Olivia Wilde is the main attention, pretty good as an independent, pretty but cool gal, the only girl working in her office. Nothing new with Anna Kendrick, just keep wondering why she’s stuck with these rom coms when she can do more.

Movie Score : 3 Stars

The Big Wedding (2013)

Maybe it’s a good thing that in a movie, there’s only one leading actress and actor, others are just supporting. The Big Wedding have a great and well-known cast; Robert De Niro, Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, Topher Grace and Amanda Seyfried. And let’s not forget, Robin Williams as the Priest (second time as one after License to Wed), only appear very few scenes, unfortunately. The main problem is, though in big families, they have much kids and therefore larger chaos. And with the tension in weddings, there bound to be heated conflicts, like it or not. So The Big Wedding, as sweet and heartwarming at times, felt like a big mess and every conflict felt screaming from any direction. Their performances were great, but as a whole movie, it didn’t blend very good. I did wish there’s more charismatic actor to play Alejandro than Ben Barnes. The plot was formulaic and predictable, but I did love the setting and Katherine Heigl gave the most solid performance.

Movie Score : 2 Stars

Side Effects (2013)

Truth to be told, I almost avoid this movie if not because of recommendation of many people. And, it did made me think twice to just drink medicines. But it’s more complicated than that. A great thriller is the one who couldn’t make you guess the plot or the ending, and Side Effects did that. Excellent performance by Rooney Mara and such a solid thriller, a must watch.

Movie Score : 4 Stars

Short Movies :

Super Rope Solution (2013) – Auke De Vries

Always love a sketchy-look animation. This one funnily satirize today’s consumptions on products, ads and technology. Movie Score : 4 Stars

The Man Who Was Afraid of Falling (2011) – Joseph Wallace

Adorable, sympathetic and sweet. But perhaps it’s too simple and more urgency. Movie Score : 3,5 Stars

Omelette (2013) – Madeline Sharafian

A movie about how much a cat loves his master. Pretty sweet and adorable, I wish more short movies like this were made. Recommended for you pet furry lovers. Movie Score : 4 Stars

The Elaborate End of Robert Ebb (2012) – Clément Bolla, François-Xavier Goby, Matthieu Landour

A story about one security wants to leave the night early to watch movies about monster with his girl, only he ends up being a ‘monster’ himself. The irony is there, quite hilarious, with a little unexplainable sci-fi and horror. Though not a fan of the creepy ending. I love the cinematography, props, costume and oldies setting. Movie Score : 3,5 Stars

Rewatch : Amelie (2001) & The Black Swan (2010)

Saw Amelie (2001) a long time ago and was nice to revisited it, love the colors and the sweet story. Black Swan (2011) was definitely inspiring.

Other posts you might’ve missed :

Fashionably Colorful : Heathers (1988)

Top 6 Movies About Forgiveness

Soundtrack Pick : Take This Waltz (2011)

10 Lesson Learned from : Black Swan (2011)

Review : Before Midnight (2013)

Obstruction #3 : Lovelace (2013)

Inspired By #6 : My Neighbor Totoro & Links

Memorable Movie Moments #7 : Elevator

Classic Review : Some Like It Hot (1959)

 ******************