Brick (2005)

A teen movie playing at cinema noir?  Donnie Darko playing at detective?  What saves this film for me is that, despite the dark subject matter, it has the occasional moment that reminds you that these are, after all, kids.  This is an interesting film to watch immediately after having seen The Breakfast Club, I will say that.  Rian Johnson is a bleak director, yeesh.

Final Thought:  I'm left unsure of what to say after this film.  You use half of your attention to translate their language, and the other half to keep track of the plot, so by the end of it you're a bit tired.

Up Next:  Brotherhood Of The Wolf (2001)

500 Days Of Summer

I made The Bassist come with me to see this film at the cinema.  He didn't like it.  At all.  I've watched a couple of times since, and each time I end up wondering whether I like it as well.

I think my main issue is that I can't get past the fact that I find the character of Summer incredibly unlikeable.  I know that you're not supposed to warm to her a great deal, as she does our hero wrong, but I get stuck wondering why he's so infatuated with her in the first place.  This film is tagged as a romantic comedy but I don't think that's accurate.  You're watching someone allow himself to be toyed with and I get so frustrated that he just takes it.
But then I think, that happens.  People have toxic relationships where they are used, all the while thinking that everything will work out if they are patient.  Often friends are stuck in a position just like those in this film - waiting for someone they care about to finally understand that they need to get out of an unfair situation.  So I guess this film is realistic in that way.  The trouble is that it was advertised as a romantic comedy, when it really isn't in the traditional sense.

While watching it, I wondered why I'd bought it, to be honest.  My discomfort with the film is pretty solidly focused on the fact that I can't stand Summer, and I reckon the creator intended me to feel that way to a degree.  
Apart from that character, I find the film interesting.  I like the way it is put together and I like the little touches like the dance number and the French film dream sequence and Expectations vs Reality.  So, if you can put aside any frustrations with Summer, which I really, really try to do... 

Final Thought:  The saving grace for this film for me is Tom's sister.  She's blunt and honest and more mature than anyone else in the film.  Is that possibly a deliberate comment on the rest of the characters?

Up Next:  The Abyss (1989) (Special Edition)