The Sisterhood of the Traveling Wall-E
This Week's DVD Releases / The Pajiba Staff
Encounters at the End of the World: Ranylt was disappointed in a documentary from one of her favorite filmmakers, Werner Herzog. An environmental doc, Ranylt describes End of the World as such: “The lessons many of the personalities in Encounters at the End of the World share with viewers is a popular one: ecosystems are fragile and the human race is doomed. But don’t be fooled. Herzog may dignify his latest doc with climate-change epaulettes, but his real interest is in the people who live at McMurdo and other research stations on the vast ice. It just so happens that many of Antarctica’s residents are scientists funded to study zoology and glaciology — their environmentalist focus is a natural and (no question) important one. But the alarm expressed by some of the scientists is thematically incidental; Herzog’s real investigation is into the mindset of (mostly) privileged middle- and upper-classers who abandoned convenience to live in what he describes as “an ugly mining town” grimed by muddy snow and bulldozers and “a bleak, Motel 6 drabness.” Herzog can appreciate the virgin sublimity of the landscape, but he spends an equal amount of time lamenting the disagreeableness of McMurdo, its hardship and isolation, and the effects it has on inhabitants who may or may not have arrived in Antarctica already a little cocked.”
Mister Lonely: Prisco had a few words for Harmony Korine, director of Mister Lonely: “Harmony Korine is the reason why it’s impossible to get people to watch art house films. Short of “having to read the foreigner talk” that keeps most of the great unwashed from breaking free from the safe neon embrace of the multiplex, the second greatest fear is the supposed narcissistic “artistry” of trolls like Harmony Korine. Navel-gazing platitudes exchanged by disaffected protagonists tumbling through a plot both as incoherently disorganized and sloppily jumbled as a Spears family reunion at Waffle House. Hipsters revere Korine because he’s both incomprehensible and unpleasant to watch, so it must be too cool for us regular peons to understand or appreciate.”
Priceless: Subtitle Alert. Daniel was a fan, writing, “There’s an undercurrent of longing in Pierre Salvadori’s Priceless (Hors de Prix) that keeps it from becoming a sex farce or a stereotypical slapstick about mistaken identities and that manages to elevate it above the rest of the romantic comedy field. It’s not that the film uses the convoluted love story at its center to examine the human condition; if anything, the script from Salvadori and co-writer Benoit Graffin often finds excuses to skirt past the darker parts of the heart and wind up somewhere lighter and easier to watch. But it’s got a curious layer of grittiness underneath that lends some heft to the romance even as the film itself coasts along and, along with Salvadori’s refusal to get dragged down into the kind of hackneyed plot turns a film like this would almost seem to welcome, Priceless winds up being enjoyable and sweet even as it turns to realistic portrayals of longing and confusion for inspiration. The major story points and the ending are predictable, but never quite in the way you’d expect.”
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2: Agent Bedhead didn’t think much of Sisterhood 2, writing “This sequel to the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants film, which I recently caught on DVD, is far less bearable than its mildly charming predecessor. Based upon the novels by Ann Brashares, the films’ shtick is that a quartet of female BFFs find a pair of magical jeans that fit all four of them. The girls firmly believe that the symbolism of these pants outweighs any of the things that ordinary groups of friends normally covet, like, say, friendship bracelets or vials of blood. Quite simply, these pants were fated to hold the four girls together as group. Somehow, this concept worked, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants became a moderately successful sleeper film. Then, the misguided sequel, in which screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler attempts to sew three Brashares novels together, inevitably arrived. Now, three years later, the girls are at separate universities and still merrily FedEx-ing those damn pants to each other. Naturally, the magical pants still fit each of them, despite varying heights and vastly different body type. The sequel, however, is much more of a “chick flick” than the original film, and, as a female and by default, I am supposed to love this film. Admittedly, there’s nothing overtly wrong with this film, and, you’d think that I could identify with the whole coming-of-age, college-educated, boy-crazy female thing. If only this sequel wasn’t woven together in such a vacuously condescending manner.”
Wall-E: Recession got you down? Really want to own Wall-E anyway? I saw in the Sunday circular that at CVS, if you buy $20 worth of soda — which is already on sale, six 12 packs for $20 — then you get $10 off of Wall-E, which retails at $19.99. How awesome is that? And who wouldn’t want to own Wall-E? Dan loved it. So will you. He writes, “As if Pixar didn’t have enough to be proud of already, their latest CG-animated film, WALL-E, is their greatest achievement yet in terms of pure storytelling. It has all the things that are now expected to come with the Pixar brand — likeable characters, engaging stories, and an unshakeable feeling of warmth and hope — but it’s also phenomenal in the way inanimate objects are imbued with personality, physicality, and genuine souls. The animation firm first started to break ground with a short about a Luxo lamp come to life, and that same sense of breathing life into everyday objects, or at least objects that shouldn’t be able to move, gives WALL-E a refreshing and almost pioneering feeling, as if the animators dared themselves to see just how much they could convey onscreen without dialogue. And as is often the case with a Pixar movie, the filmmakers have surpassed their goal, creating a film full of humor and character that can be enjoyed by children but whose emotional complexities and heartbreak will only truly resonate with adults in the audience.”
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Comments
I'm thinking of starting the Wall-E backlash, RIGHT HERE ..RIGHT NOW!
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 18, 2008 8:55 AM
Three 12-packs for $20 is a sale price?
Damn, guess I've got it good, huh? Is the gas still $2.75 or somethin there....wherever there is? Are we talking Maine?
I still haven't seen "Wall-E" and I've kinda drifted back into my "so it's about a nonverbal robot rolling around a junkyard? Yeah that doesn't sound like fun" disinterest that the first trailer instilled in me.
Yes yes yes, I'll get around to it, don't yell. Just musing on what happens to unseen movies in one's mind when there's no real story or character known beforehand (see also the "Cars" teaser I first saw on the Incredibles dvd. "Wow....a movie about cars.......what's after that one?").
Damnit -- I meant six for $20. And gas is $2.05, thank you very much.
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 9:20 AM
Six for $20 is much better, thank you for scaring us.
Gas was $1.87 here, when I noticed it last night. It's the only positive thing I'm seeing about this recession.
Posted by: Snath at November 18, 2008 9:44 AM
Ahhhh, I know the north is more expensive but you really had me worried there.
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 9:46 AM
In a completely unrelated note, anyone here play a lot of video games, like me? Man I love me some vidja games. I got the demo for Left 4 Dead the other day, and I've been playing the shit out of that. I keep imagining I'm hearing the horn upswell that signals the horde's arrival, and that's how I know I'm a nerd.
Posted by: Snath at November 18, 2008 9:49 AM
Jay, you really must watch Wall-E. It's just a sweet movie that I now have two really fun memories tied to (a first date in LA and a really nice night at "movie on the lawn," here on campus). I won't ruin your musings about the potential "non-characters" that you're working through in your lil' ol' noggin, but it's definitely worth a look-see.
Also, I saw want to see Priceless, it's ridiculous. So happy to hear it's out on DVD, finally. Maybe I can watch it this Thanksgiving break when my current agony of graduating early takes a temporary hiatus.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 10:09 AM
I thought WALL-E was mediocre as did my kids. The story line wasn't even that great. However, when my middle one exhibits her lazy-ass tendencies, I always offer her a hoverchair and lunch in a cup.
I guess if nothing else, WALL-E gave me ammonition with which to ridicule my children.
Posted by: wsapnin at November 18, 2008 10:14 AM
Woo hoo, Priceless is finally out, wasn't it in theatres for like four days in 2006? Top of the queue, forget Torchwood!
Posted by: Anne (in Reno) at November 18, 2008 10:21 AM
*waves*
Inquiry for the Management...
Am I the only one who has to click the "Comments" link to get to this weeks DVD releases? When I click the image or the link it takes me to the Hellboy week post...
/squeaky wheel
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 10:25 AM
I'm still in support of the "Landowned" links.
Really, keep using that.
But is it a better story than my "Amelie" blind date, Kayanne? Hmmmm.
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 10:35 AM
Oooooh! You had a blind date that featured Amelie. Please share... Like tout de suite!
I'll show you mine if you show me yours.
Woah, is there anyway to make that seem uncreepy?
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 10:40 AM
I'm so excited for this week - Netflix told me that they mailed Wall*E to me. Yesterday I got the book Julie recommended, "Heart-Shaped Box". Gas is $1.83 a gallon. We got our first real snow of the season last night and it's pretty and I don't hate it yet. Oh and I get to take a day off tomorrow and do almost nothing allllll day!
Ok, so this was only vaguely related to the subject, it's just so rare that I'm happy on a Tuesday morning. Sorry, please go back to doing whatever you were doing.
Posted by: Lainey at November 18, 2008 10:57 AM
When I click the image or the link it takes me to the Hellboy week post...
/squeaky wheel
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 10:25 AM
-----------------------------------------------
Zeee misdirecting linkzz are of no conzern...to you...keep reading zee Pajiba!
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 18, 2008 11:11 AM
As we're talking about gas prices, this is my prediction:
If you believe the bumper stickers, that gas was $1.50 when Bush came into office, I see it coming full circle with gas being $1.50 in January when Obama takes office. The way gas prices keep tumbling in my neck of the woods (1.82 at the Quikstop), I can see this happening.
Of course, the difference is back in 2001 we had an economic surplus and China hadn't started using a shit ton of petroleum like they are now.
Posted by: Jim at November 18, 2008 11:24 AM
Harmony Korrine can shove a dead ferret up his ass. That guy's a douche. Hipsters who think he's awesome are idiots. Gummo. Gummo. Gummo. Gummo. Piece of shit film. Gummo.
Posted by: Skitz at November 18, 2008 11:24 AM
Jim you don't think the gas prices dropping has to do with the small global recession?
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 12:03 PM
It's memorable in that it was laughably bad, DOA at dinner beforehand, and involving the most ridiculously romantic movie I'd seen in years (which I'd seen once before alone). After a while I just enjoyed it, like having an out of body experience watching a black comedy.
And people wonder why I don't "date". HA!
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 12:05 PM
Wall-E made me cry 3 times when I saw it... and I NEVER cry... I am a stone-cold hearted BEOTCH... its' so beautiful and touching... it will tug at your heart-strings then yank them out of the dark recesses of your blackened soul until you are weeping with the sheer joy of seeing a little animated robot come to life in front of your eyes...
Posted by: Tammers at November 18, 2008 12:29 PM
Awww, I feel for ya Jay. I've experienced a few DOA dates, but I'm happy to hear you were at least placated by the fact that you had an awesome movie to watch.
Did she at least go dutch?
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 12:30 PM
Um. Isn't WALL-E at least partially about what happens in a dystopian future to the sort of people who drink six 12-packs of soda for their $20? It's like the marketers realized "Well shit, this movie's telling people not to drink our sugar water! Let's give them half off an assload of soda, then they'll buy it..."
Ah well, if the kids are going to be all sugared up sitting in front of the TV, they might as well be watching a movie about what happens to people who get all sugared up and sit in front of the TV.
Sigh.
Posted by: Doc at November 18, 2008 12:36 PM
I didn't catch the Mister Lonely review? Harmony Korine tends to make execrable movies. So hipster is went out his ass and back into his mouth to vomit out...! Hahahah!
Posted by: ph at November 18, 2008 12:45 PM
I think we dutched. I was just sad that there was no camera to do a take to.
Thus: "Amelie" happens in unhappy situations. Not good for me to be around it. Walking out of the theater the first time, realizing I'd once again gone to a date movie alone, another freeze frame shrug at the end of the sitcom was needed there.
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 1:21 PM
Awww, Jay I'm totally miffed that Amelie was put into a bad light for you. It's such a precious little piece of film. It makes me happy every time I watch it.
Although for single kid going to the movie awkwardness... I went to a date movie alone on a Monday night thinking nobody would be there (and I needed a break from classes). I was the only one in the theater until a couple went into the back and started making out.
It actually just made me laugh. So, while you're life sitcom may contain adorable Jim Halpert shrugs, mine is more filled with TGIF hijinks. ... Does anyone win in that scenario?
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 4:00 PM
Does anyone win in that scenario?
You still can, if you agree to view your own life as a comedy.
It is, you know.
I'd say....29 times out of 30?....I go alone, whatever it is I'm seeing, so the odds run toward a buzzkill eventually. This is mostly solved by early showings. It's not likely that both people in the date get most Fridays off like me, nor would they schedule the date for 11 a.m. on any day even if they could. And there is peace and a perfect seat for me.
But the real trouble with that movie is trying to listening to the heavily accented director's commentary while simultaneously being distracted by subtitles. Not recommended. Just watch the overwhelming adorable and weep....WEEP!...for how cute your life isn't.
Although I am a fatalistic optimist, the Sagittarian thing's a good buoy, so I never stay bitter and resigned for too long.
Posted by: Jay at November 18, 2008 4:43 PM
Although I am a fatalistic optimist, the Sagittarian thing's a good buoy, so I never stay bitter and resigned for too long.
That's awesome! And yes, I too have WEPT for how cute my life isn't.
Going during a Friday afternoon is a nice idea, I don't have class so it's feasible for me. But right now my life is OWNED by trying to get all my crap done so I can graduate (early, bitches).
Watching movies alone is definitely nice though. Sometimes you go to a movie with someone and you don't know what his/her movie watching style is. That can be totally obnoxious.
Posted by: Kayanne at November 18, 2008 6:28 PM
I loved Wall*E so much I actually squealed in delight like a six year old when I walked out of the theatre and saw the theatre's cardboard maquette of the titular lil' robot. Then I forgot about Wall*E for a little while....but when the ads for the DVD started coming on, every time I see his sad little eyes my heart leaps a little in joy.
I don't want the soda though...
Posted by: JenK at November 18, 2008 9:27 PM
YOU FORGOT TROPIC THUNDER.
Posted by: MikeTheG at November 20, 2008 12:22 AM
