Friday, April 12, 2013

A couple of mini movie reviews - Zero Dark Thirty/Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


Zero Dark Thirty a 5 out of 10 on the JWO scale –
I really just don’t understand the popularity of this movie. If people think this is Academy Award material, either we have sunk to a new low in movie making or I am really out of touch.   If you take out the context that this related to Bin Laden, this was just a slow, boring, poorly filmed assassination caper movie.  Of course you cannot ignore the context, it was a major part of our psyche for the last 12 years. But my point is that doesn’t make it a good movie. Perhaps the movie gives closure to some people who want a visual as to what happened. I didn’t need that. I like Jessica Chastain as an actress, but her range was limited here, with equal bouts of pouting and anger.  There was such a build up about the torture at the beginning of the movie.  I have seen harsher depictions of violence on Saturday morning cartoons.  So what redeeming qualities does the movie have.  It shows how morals are transient in our society.  It also shows how the single-mindedness and commitment to something can lead to success but also can leave you empty.  Sort of like how I felt after watching this movie  gave me 2 hours of emptiness in my life.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. – an 8 out of 10 on the JWO scale
Just a delightful movie (although slightly predictable). The story has adventure, dreams of a better life,  relationships and second chances.  Some older people choose to move to India to retire/visit and it explores their stories.  What I liked so much about this movie is the message that the most important thing in a relationship is honestly sharing your thoughts and feelings with another. We so often imagine what others are thinking, that we imagine the negative. Only by opening up to others will we experience growth and deepening relationships.  There are many layers to this movie that deal with class and love, but ultimately for me it is about honesty. And there was also some great scenery of India.