21/50: The Village

If I may paint a picture. There is a movie that involves a small group of people that appear to be from the late 1800's-early 1900's. But, they are actually from the present day, but are living in hiding for reason's that we, the audience, have no idea why.

Plus, there appears to be some sort of creature that is living in the woods near these people, that if disturbed could reek havoc on the small group.

Does this movie sound interesting? I think it does. Now, lets say that the director is M. Night Shyamalan. Your idea of the movie changes, doesn't it?

Again, I had heard a ton of horrible things heading into watching The Village. So perhaps, my expectations were so low that anything would be an improvement to my thoughts. However, I really came away enjoying the film.

I can't really explain much about the plot besides what I already have because I don't want to give too much away. Let's just say that what transpires actually made a little sense to me.

Also, I came away with so much more respect for Bryce Dallas Howard. She had a small role as Gwen Stacy in Spiderman 3 and played Victoria in Eclipse. But, other than that, she hasn't really been in much.

She really killed it as the blind Ivy Walker, daughter of one of the leaders in the group, Edward (William Hurt).

For years the group has needed to stay out of the woods due to the creatures and not head to 'The Towns", but when Ivy's love interest, Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) is stabbed and they need medicine to save him - Edward grants Ivy permission to head to "The Towns" to help save him.

Howard was the best part of the film, and like I said, I really came away with a great deal of respect for her after seeing this - especially having to play a blind woman.

So, I enjoyed this film. I know it is probably taboo and I will get reamed for liking this film, but I honestly did. A lot of that may have to do with Howard's performance, and the fact that I looked at this film, not as a Shyamalan film, but just as a film.

Grade:

11/50: Walk the Line

I got this movie a long time ago, probably when it first came out on DVD. But, for some reason I didn't get a chance to watch. My wife, however, did watch it and absolutely loved it. So, she has been telling me that I should watch it - and I finally did.

Walk the Line is the biographical story of Johnny Cash starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character. I must admit that I was not really a fan of Cash's music, so I really had no interest in his story. But, after watching the film, I do like a lot of his songs.

Anyway, the film starts out about 3/4 of the way through as Cash is sitting back stage about to head out and play his famous Folsom Prison concert. Then, the flashback occurs and we start out seeing how Cash's childhood was like and how he got his start.

The film has it all, and everything that you would expect from a music star's life. If you can think it, it most likely happened in Cash's life.

All-in-all Walk the Line is a love story. Most of the film is Cash pursuing his love for June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), most of the time with Cash is married already. So, despite the feelings that June may feel for Cash, there is always something in the way of them getting together.

Witherspoon took home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Lead Role for her portrayal of Carter while Phoenix was also nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role for his performance as Cash.

I came away very pleased, more knowledgeable of Cash's life and actually far more interested in Cash and his music. In fact, I am now the owner of the Walk the Line soundtrack.

Terrific film and I have to give my wife some props for telling (read nagging) me to watch it.

Grade: