Animated Films

These are a couple animated films that were shown in my film class last week.


Don Hertzfeldt's Billy's Balloon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rag-RGSYq6I

Pretty priceless. 
I'd like to say I've seen Billy's Balloon before, but there were definitely moments where my jaw dropped open, if only because the film was daring to cross the boundary of violence to merge with children and their innocence.



Quay Brothers' Street of Crocodiles: Part 1 and Part 2

Sure, it seems creepy at first glance, but I thought it was amazing. There was a bunch of snickering and horrified laughter during the screening of this in my film class... Don't people understand that there's more to life than cliched, stereotypical ideas that ooze unrealistic joy and happiness? I like to think that there's a darker, more real side to all of us that is willing to confront the unpleasant.

Review: Ninja Assassin

Why do screenplays like this get produced?

That's the recurring question I keep going back to in the aftermath of watching Ninja Assassin (2009).

The idea for the story is interesting enough. Not superbly original, but what IS nowadays? I do wonder often if there is a limit to creativity...and hence the frequent headlines of plagiarism..but that's a different topic.

For once, I don't believe that Bi (Rain) was at fault for the movie's failure. Sure, it's perplexing as to why his English is still sub-par, especially when his younger version of his character (Lee Chang Sun or Joon) displays a better proficiency. 

The problem stems mostly from the script. The lines said on screen, we've heard them all before, and it's not helping that this time, they're being said with heavy accents. Alot of the dialogue, I feel, should have been spread out and placed throughout the narrative in a more conscious manner. Or...some of it could be cut out altogether. I'm trying to imagine how the film would've looked minus the dialogue...and I think it would've been a whole lot better. The thoughtless words of dialogue actually detract from the film's value by emphasizing, and even creating, gag-worthy corny-ness that elicits mocking laughs and weary groans from viewers.

On the upside, I'm glad to see that Bi is not to blame for the film's awfulness (which would not be surprising, if we recall how Speed Racer (2008) went down). Maybe South Koreans aren't a complete disgrace when trying to go international in their film and music careers.

For those who love a good show of bloody gore and flailing limbs, perhaps this film will hit the spot for you. Then again, the impact of the digital effects seem to be unsure of being realistic or intentionally fake (think Wanted from 2008). 

Do I want my money back? No, apparently being able to get some Korean eye-candy keeps me from feeling that way.

However, I am now more ready than ever to get to Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Here's to Thanksgiving..not yet

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, they say.
This year will be the first time, I think, that I will not be spending it at home.


Apparently, the family members back in NYC don't have plans to share a meal together.
Nice to know everyone's getting along.
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