Adam, the one a little stranger.

Aww Adam...another advanced screening thanks to a friend! Love it. I read some reviews from people who saw this movie a while ago...a few were written by people who personally suffer from Asperger's. The ones I read were pretty consistent in saying the film painted the truest picture of Asperger's. If any of you don't know, the disorder is basically high-functioning autism...or in other words, social autism. They are unable to perceive human emotions other than their own...basically they can absorb and understand any literal reality but no nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expressions, etc.
I enjoyed every last minute of this movie up until the end. It was amazing...original and all around lovely. It is such a hopeful and inspiring story...
Given that this director/writer (Max Mayer) has only directed a few episodes of the West Wing and Alias and a few not-so-critically acclaimed films in the 90s, I think he really showed his true talent in this movie. Hugh Dancy plays the role of Adam perfectly. Adam's beauty and uniqueness is written all over every scene. Rose Byrne plays Adam's love interest, Beth. She also does a phenominal job. There is kind of a side-by-side storyline going on throughout involving Beth's father (Peter Gallager) and his career. At first when I watched it, I didn't think it was absolutely necessary...and still I'm not sure it is but I do appreciate the fact that it is a part of the story. But I don't think it contributes well to the ending. In my opinion, this movie ends with a stupid twist...nothing more, nothing less. Everything, and I mean everything...including the situation with her father, and her mother's advice...everything points to a different, more satisfying ending. I don't think I'll ever be sure of why they chose to make it the way they did.
I, unfortunately have to dock it a letter just because of that.
I give it a solid B. Don't get me wrong though, the movie is fantastic and worth seeing.
Best song from the movie:
Can't Go Back Now - The Weepies
Plastic Flowers - The Hiders
When You Find Me - Joshua Radin

Suggestions welcome.
351 to go.

Napoleon...not so Dynamite.

This week looks promising. I got a decent amount of shifts at work, a friend of mine got screening tickets for Adam (hopefully another great from Fox Searchlight), and I was informed by another friend that there is a John Hughes marathon happening this week at a local theater. I'm pretty stoked honestly...Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science. Starts at 2:50 guys!
Sometimes I wonder how certain movies appeal to people. I wonder what was running through the heads of the directors, production companies, not to mention the writers who thought up these genius screenplays. Napoleon Dynamite defines this category of film.
I just read the summary on IMDb.com...I laughed after the first line.
"Napoleon Dynamite, a lovable, unpopular high school age guy who just wants to fit in."
Hahaha. Okay...first of all, he's not lovable, he's annoying. Its not funny that he draws "ligers". Its not funny that he has some random Mexican friend running for president. Its not funny that he has the weirdest brother on the face of the planet. Its not funny that his mom pronounces the ll's in quesadillas. Stupidity and outrageousness does not add up to comedy necessarily and I think people were a little confused about that when this movie came out.
John Heder is about as talented an actor as our "lovable" buddy Jonah Hill. Give me a break.
There has never been a bigger waste of film reel. It's ok Fox, we all make mistakes.
F. Big fat F. Like, zero percent.
Best song of the movie: There were good songs in it?

Suggestions, as long as they're not as ridiculous as this movie, are welcome, as always.
358 to go.