Screen Queen-Some Of What I'm watching This Month

Little Miss Sunshine

Starring: , Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Steve Carell

This film shouldn’t work but somehow it does. Despite thoroughly un-likeable characters, a heroin taking grandfather, suicidal gay uncle and sullen and silent son. This dysfunctional family headed by Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear slowly worm their way into your affections as they head off on a disastrous road trip to enter their talent-less chubby daughter in a child beauty pageant. The whole cast are a brilliant ensemble but Toni Collette as the put upon mother gives deserves special mention, delivering the best performances of her career.

Along the way mayhem death and disaster are thrown in their direction only for them to triumph and really bond as a family. This is definitely one of the best comedies I’ve seen in along time with a truly funny and warm script, without the usual Hollywood schmaltz that normally comes with it.

Highly recommended.

An Inconvenient Truth

Starring: Al Gore

Al Gore does for global warming, what Michael Moore did for 9/11 in this fascinating documentary examining the real implications of our continuing abuse of the environment. A documentary/slide show performed by a losing politician might not sound like good viewing but the information is riveting and Gore’s passion and delivery makes you wonder how on earth he lost the presidency to George W Bush. Gore has been presenting this “slide show” for years, to people all over the world and now his charismatic delivery now captured on film will ensure it is seen by millions. In the same way that Michael more changed global perceptions about 9/11, An Inconvenient Truth has the ability to shock people into taking action to save their planet. Al Gore may end up having done more for the environment than he ever could have done in The White House.

A must see documentary.

Brick

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emilie De Ravin

I watched this film on a recommendation but was slightly disappointed. Don’t get me wrong it’s a clever and stylish movie with a great script and I loved the idea of taking a teen mystery and giving it the look sound and feel of real noir thriller. My disappointment came because it just wasn’t as good as Mysterious Skin which also starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was the main reason for my seeing this movie. As with Mysterious Skin, young Joseph completely dominates every scene he’s in. This charismatic young actor I predict is going to be a very big star indeed. I just dint think this was a vehicle worthy of his talents. I’m probably being too harsh, had I seen it before Mysterious Skin I’d have probably loved it! Judge for yourself just don’t expect it to rival Mysterious Skin.

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