Lost in Translation is directed by Sofia Coppola daughter of famous director Francis Ford Coppola. Lost in Translation stars Bill Murray as an actor in mid-life crisis and the beautiful Scarlett Johansson as a neglected wife just out of graduating from university.

Bob Harris (Murray) is an actor who is endorsing a Japanese whiskey product for a big sum of money. He currently is at the stage of his life where his marriage is “meh”, his children are okay without him and he doesn’t seem to have much going well in his life. Charlotte is trying to find her meaning in life as she just graduated from school, is married.

The movie is set in Tokyo, Japan where Bob and Charlotte seem somewhat lost in both the language and culture of Japan. Unable to speak Japanese, they have a hard time communicating with anyone and understanding what one is saying. In addition to being literally lost in translation, both Bob and Charlotte are lost in their transitions (or translations) to a different type of lifestyle.

Bob and Charlotte meet by chance in a bar where they form a strong relationship where they share experiences together while touring and experiencing Tokyo. Their relationship is both one of need yet very special and important.

This movie does a wonderful job in capturing the Japanese culture. Incredibly artistic with beautiful backdrops and you can now mark Japan as a destination I must visit. The acting was great in this movie, as they had to switch numerous times between the somber and depressing mood to one of happiness and joy like when Bob and Charlotte were together. This movie also has really deep and significant meanings that really make you think about life. One possible downside that people may look at this movie is that there is not much to the plot but I think that was the point of the movie. Nothing is supposed to happen, as our lives are not filled with drama like in the movies. It gave this movie a more realistic feel. Sometimes our lives are filled with a defining relationship rather then “things” happening and I liked how this movie was different. I really enjoyed this movie. I give this movie 5 out of 5.

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http://www.allansworld.info/2007/07/lost-in-translation-2003-review.html

Groundhog Day is based on the Fredrich Nietzsche’s “Gay Science” in which Nietzsche described a person living a thousands lives repeatedly.

In this movie Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a depressed self-centered weatherman who has to cover the story of Groundhog day. He basically has a rough day and is forced the relive that day over and over.

This movie is both funny yet meaningful. What would you do if you could live without consequence and do whatever you please without time or money being a factor? Phil Connors has fun with that fact and starts taking advantage of people. Eventually Phil becomes bored with nothing to do and is actually fond of his producer Rita who he has secretly liked for some time. Ultimately, Phil learns to improve and become a better person during his time on Groundhog day.

This movie was funny, had a great ending and was just perfect on all levels. I give it a 5 out of 5. One of the better movies I’ve seen.

Orginal Post:

http://www.allansworld.info/2007/07/groundhog-day-1993-review.html

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Pitch is a movie directed by Spencer Rice and Kenneth Hotz. These guys are more known as the guys on Kenny vs Spenny. It’s a documentary where Spenny and Kenny are attempting to sell a real Mafia comedy script to both production companies and actors. They try to call all the celebrities and attempt a “gonzo-style” way of pitching their script randomly to all the producers and directors willing to listen.

This is an indie film that may be hard to find. Here is Pitch’s IMDB profile. I doubt that you will find this film other then on Kenny Hotz’s personal website where he streams his seldomly known movies including Pitch.

I liked this movie. It showed Kenny and Spenny literally as friends that don’t annoy each other. The movie itself showed the difficulties of getting anywhere in the Film Industry. There were some special guests on the show that they interviewed or people who didn’t even speak to them. It showed some issues that people face when getting their foot in the door which is almost impossible. Issues such as overselling a script, hiring an agent, production companies telling you to find the actors first, actors telling you to find a production company. It really showed the difficulties and was great for an indie film.

This film gets 3.5 out 5 from me.

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http://www.allansworld.info/2007/07/pitch-1997-review.html

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I got the idea of seeing this movie due to rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and my friend Ztrain said the movie Shaolin Soccer was awesome and referred to this movie. This movie includes the same director/actor Stephen Chow.

This movie is supposed to be funny with elements of Kung Fu. The plot revolves around a homeless man wanting to be part of a gang.

I found this movie not to be really funny as I felt it was more strange and was in the “wtf” area rather then laughing. Some stuff was just purely random and I found it extremely stupid at times. There were a few things here and there that was good such as some of the fight scenes but overall it was a big disappointment to me. I give it a 2 out of 5.

I don’t know much about the Kung Fu genre though I used to be a big fan but I just couldn’t get myself to like this movie.

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http://www.allansworld.info/2007/07/kung-fu-hustle-2004-review.html

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I really like Kevin Smith especially after seeing the two Clerks movies. I’ve been recommended Mallrats but a few friends and I have seen other bloggers mention the movies so I finally decided to go watch it.

The movie stars Jason Lee and Shannon Doherty to name a few. The plot is simple as two friends who get dumped by their girlfriends on the same day decide to just hang out in a mall and they attempted to win their girlfriend’s back.

This movie had it moments in the script. I really like Kevin Smith’s randomness which emulates real life like how it’s done in Tarantino’s best films. It was overall a great film but sometimes a little bit too sappy and predictable in the end that kind of left it on a downer for me.

The script is awesome, plot wasn’t so great but good enough to get a 3.5 out of 5. Hopefully I can see what Kevin Smith does next because I am now a big fan.
Original Post:http://www.allansworld.info/2007/07/mallrats-1995-review.html

Run Lola Run stars Franka Potente from the Bourne Identity and I was given the idea of watching it after hearing about it after checking her career biography and hearing about the movie. Being ranked #177 on IMDB’s top 250 list didn’t hurt either.

This movie is set and it’s language is in German with Lola having to find a way to save her boyfriend from robbing a supermarket by somehow coming up with 100,000 dollars or Deutschmarks. If she does something wrong she has to learn from her mistakes but also changes the fate of the others she runs into.

To me the plot isn’t that strong but the great thing about this movie it that it doesn’t have to be. The direction and techniques used in this film is one of a kind and it really brings out what could have easily been a mediocre film but it’s such a great artistic piece of work in my opinion and I give a lot of recognition to Tom Tykwer. I almost want to see Perfume: The Story of a Murderer despite poor reviews because I was impressed by Run Lola Run. This movie gets 4.75 out of 5 as it isn’t a favourite and the plot isn’t that great but an excellent artistic film.

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