Babel, Little Children, Night At The Museum, Stranger Than Fiction

Some new stuff. Finally. A little late, but here I go...

BABEL. I was hesitant to go see this because I got the impression that this would be one of those very long and emotionally-draining flicks. Sure, it was lengthy, but I'm just glad that I didn't leave the theater totally depressed. I made sure though to start my movie marathon with this one (I would see 3 more movies afterwards on just the one day), just in case. It was "the shot heard 'round the world", as two Moroccan children play with a rifle and accidentally shoot an American Tourist (Cate Blanchett). And just like Crash, Babel is a film that shows how everything and everyone is connected. Well, at least the father of a deaf-mute girl (Rinko Kikuchi) in Japan who used to own the aforementioned gun, the American tourist couple (Brad Pitt and Blanchett), their nanny living illegally in the 'States, and, of course, the Moroccan children who deliver the fateful shot. A chunk of self-righteousness is sprayed onto this movie, and it might leave you with a bitter aftertaste. The film has gotten plenty of poor reviews, but it's not really that bad. But then, it's not that impressive either. So-so.

LITTLE CHILDREN. I've always somehow gotten the impression that suburban life (in America anyway) is strange; sometimes quirky; boring; bored housewives who talk about house husbands, and puts down anyone that is different from their click. Little Children is a favorite with the critics, but it's not exactly something I'm going to rave about because, frankly, I was a bit bored. Kate Winslet, as an unhappy wife and mother who starts an affair with stay-at-home dad Patrick Wilson, is superb though. Then again, is she ever not good? ...the narration is another thing that put me off about this movie. Not my cup of tea. Although the ending was quite satisfying.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a down-and-out dreamer whose imaginative ideas never paid off (he invented the clicker, as opposed to the clapper), finds himself in desperate need of a job. That job turns out to be night watchman at the Natural Museum of History where, at night, the exhibits come to life. Night... is one of those family-friendly movies, so there are moments that will make adults cringe. But, nevertheless, it still manages to be something that they'll be able to sit through. And it's never a simple thing to make a wholesome movie that both the young ones and young once can enjoy. It's fun and funny enough.

STRANGER THAN FICTION. I love the typical or usual popcorn movies like the next fella, but I also love and find it refreshing to see very original movies (e.g. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind was one of the best and most original movies that I've seen). And this is one of those said original films. The concept is pretty high brow, as an IRS agent -Will Ferrell- (eventually) discovers that the (female) voice in his head is an eccentric novelist (a terrific Emma Thompson) who is writing the rest of his life and plans to kill him in her latest novel. The movie isn't perfect, as it does falter. For one thing, the film makers don't have us convinced that Ferrell's character might die, so we don't get the raw energy of a man trying to save his life. But still, this is a breath of fresh air so to speak, something different to go see in cinemas.

'Nuff said.