Adventureland

Greg Mottola, 2009

3/5

Adventureland is the often traveled late-teen/early 20's love story. The film is set in the 1980's, although the only feature that seems to remind you of that is the soundtrack (Lou Reed, The Cure, Bowie, Falco) that is very forced. Jesse Eisenberg is Jesse Eisenberg like he is in EVERY other film. I don't have a huge problem with that (I guess I don't in any of his films) - he satisfies me in his role as James Brennan. James is awkward,   tense & insecure. James is hard-up for cash and works at the local theme park "Adventureland". Adventureland is run by Bobby & Paulette, played by Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Any fans of them will feel satisfied with their quirky comedic roles. Kristen Stewart is impressive in her role as Em Lewin. Kristen Stewart is perfect at playing the introverted, conflicted and mysterious love interest. I hope she is picky with her future acting roles, now that shes had a nice pay-day from those AWFUL Twilight films. She has a natural ability that seems quite evident. Memorable shot in the film: Bumper car scene (my favorite scene in the film). Although flawed, repetitive, and predictable - Adventureland is endearing, entertaining and funny.

Mansome

Morgan Spurlock, 2012

3/5

Mansome is the sixth film by Morgan Spurlock. It is original, interesting, and humorous. It is an original concept, questioning the effect of popular culture/media and the concept of what makes a man a "man". It is a casual study on sexuality, attraction and ego. I really enjoyed Will Arnett & Jason Bateman's role in between the various sections of the film where they would parody the male sexuality as they got facials, pedicures, massages. Its an entertaining film that doesn't contain a lot of depth, but held my attention for the 82 minute run-time.

Party Monster

Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, 2003

2/5

Party Monster is not a good film. I feel bad just coming out and saying that, because there are some REALLY great shots in this film (ie. Church party with Angel, Rat on the couch) that make me want more from these directors. But that's about all there is. Seth Green is distractedly bad, early on, in the film - although he did settle in as the film went on. Macaulay Culkin gave it his best, but in the end even he seemed like he was trying too hard. This film is supposed to be an accurate portrayal of the club scene in New York City in the early 90's. The one asp[ect that seemed to be authentic was how annoying the club kids actually were. The highs will consist of blacklit, neon visuals and the thump of house music but you will be left with a long come-down that is messy, scattered, and rambling.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

David Gelb, 2011

5/5

I tried and can't come up with any justification for not calling this a perfect documentary. Beautiful images of sushi that will make you crave it as you watch. You could have easily convinced me to hand over the $300 for one of Jiro's masterpiece 15 piece meals. Jiro is a man who lives to work, not works to live. He has spent his entire life perfecting his sushi craft. He is a man who is so committed to mastering his skill he rarely takes a day off and at 85, has absolutely no plans to retire. The end-result is a one month backlog of customers who cannot wait to have Jiro coldly stare at them from the other side of the bar while they indulge in whats likely the best sushi in the world. The classical music that constantly played in the background so perfectly augmented the Japanese landscape.