Well I think this certainly seals the deal that Affleck is far better on the other end of the camera.  This movie was his directorial debut and it’s certainly a intense movie without exhausting you.

It gave me the same feeling in terms of pacing and seriousness of the content as Mystic River.  As usual I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you get a chance check this movie out.

Casted in the main role is actually his brother Casey, who does a relatively good job in this role. Ultimately the story really drives this flick and Amy Ryan does an absolutely amazing job portraying a drugged up single mother.

I’ve always enjoyed Ryan Gosling’s performances and he’s probably one of the most underrated actors around. I don’t know if it ever made it to syndication in the US, but the majority of Canadians will probably remember him on the show Breaker High.

Anyways in this movie he plays the role of a drug addicted teacher at an inner city school in the Bronx. He probably does one of the most realistic portrayals of a *that* amazing teacher that every student has had. Unlike other movies where the teachers just get portrayed in such a cheesey manner or acted out that way at least. His habits get discovered by a student of his and from there an akward friendship/relationship begins. Each character having their flaws and each with very pivotal circumstances arising. Trust me just go see it, it’s very good. It’s about people, choices, chances, and change.
Only thing I’m not liking right now is how all the critics always over-praise a movie to the point that you expect the film to be some sort of super film that not only blows your socks off but does your laundry and folds your socks as well. Gosling’s performance already has critics pegging it as Oscar worthy, but dont’ get totally distracted by that because Shareeka Epps does an amazing job too.

Here’s the trailer:

It can almost be described as rebel or guerilla art in its purest form. If you have the time check out this documentary that delves into the whole ethos behind it all. You’ll get a taste of how hip hop, breaking, and graffiti influenced some of the art coming from New York and the East coast versus the “rebellious” nature of punk, surfing, skatboarding and the legendary Dogtown pops through from the West coast.

On the same note check out a couple of other art collections I enjoy with the same creative tone. It’s raw art unrefined and undefined.

Check this idea out. You check into a hotel room or you have full control of an office boardroom. This really doesn’t matter. You take down what artwork is already there (or whiteboard, photograph, mirror, etc) and in its place you create some art directly on the wall. You then replace and cover it back up with what was originally there. Until the next person comes along and discovers the wonderful creation behind it.

This art (or vandalism depending on how you look at it) movement is mostly found in hotel rooms. It was started primarily by people who spend a lot of time on the road and in hotels — rock bands. One of the main guys is Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. Here’s what he had to say:

Basically, it’s like a box of Cracker Jacks. You get a secret toy surprise. We have a set of patterns and each art piece is kind of a stepped up rendition in the duration we spend in a room. We spend a lot of time in museums and hotel rooms while touring. That’s our inspiration.

You can see some of the work Secret Wall Tattoos.

This next one is an online art gallery. It features quite a bit of contemporary art. The gallery’s own mission is unique in itself making it accessible for all.

Check out the Vintage Vandals gallery which is interesting to see how each artist rethinks or reinvents an old art piece.

The Wurst Gallery

Enjoy! Feel free to comment and let me know of other similar art projects.

It’s her debut in this competition with her 3rd feature “Marie Antoinette” which will be a stylized depiction of this famous queen. From the previews I’ve seen it has a pseudo Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo & Juliet” feel to it. Baz Lurhmann also happens to be a director who’s work I quite admire, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy Marie Antoinette. I think Sofia Coppola is definitely more talented behind the camera than in front it’d be nice to see this film take it home.

Then theres Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s contribution “Babel”. It’s another multiple storyline occuring in multiple locations film which should be good coming from the same director that brough “21 Grams”.

Another one to watch for is Shanghai born Ye Lou’s piece “Summer Palace”. It mixes romance with politics and has drawn quite a controversy from it’s own country of origin. It’ll certainly draw more if it wins this year. The film was completely funded with French money even. It’s story follows the love between two university students set against Tiananmen Square and also the fall of the Berlin wall. So you can just imagine.

I’m sure it’ll be completely fair judgement, but hey a few of China’s exports are on the jury this year. Presiding is Wong Kar Wai himself possibly the greatest creator of romance movies, as well as Zi Yi Zhang the youngest person ever to be on the jury.

If you can’t wait for this one to come out check out Ye Lou’s “Suzhao River”. It’s got a very Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” feel to it, including that classic Hitchcock colour to the flick.

Too bad Darren Aronofsky’s film “The Fountain” wasn’t picked for Cannes this year. Apparently they offered a non-competing spot for it to be shown, but it was more an all or nothing kind of affair for them.

speaking of best of’s the polls are finally complete at the good ol imdb.

so here it is the best of 2004 movies

Best Picture (English Language): Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Actor: Jim Carrey – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Actress: Kate Winslet – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Supporting Actor: David Carradine – Kill Bill Vol 2
Best Supporting Actress: Natalie Portman – Closer
Best Director: Martin Scorsese – The Aviator
Best Foreign Film (non-english film): The Passion Of The Christ
Funniest Movie: Napoleon Dynamite
Scariest Movie: The Grudge
Best Action Movie: Spider Man 2
Best Family Movie: The Incredibles
Best Independent Film: Garden State
Best Popcorn (Entertaining) Movie: Spider Man 2
Best Documentary: Fahrenheit 9/11
Best Animated Feature: The Incredibles

Close second for a few categories included and movies you should check out in addition to the above: Finding Neverland, Kill Bill Vol 2, Closer, Shrek 2, Sideways

anyways just thought i’d share the list of decent movies to watch… i love movies haha