HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT: Psycho

"Hit me with your best shot" is back this week with the Hitchcock classic “Psycho”. Again, I somehow managed to miss this one (forgive me, I’m young). Thanks to this series, I’ve been enlightened to this excellent film. The whole film was so dark (black and white was so perfect for this) and ominous thanks to the cinematography and the music. In the film, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the run, carrying $40,000 of stolen money. She takes a wrong turn and ends up at the Bates Motel and once you meet the manager Norman (Anthony Perkins), you know something’s not right. Hence, my favourite shot features this incredibly fascinating character. I'm surprised Perkins didn't get more Oscar attention.

Click below for my favourite shot...

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Before Night Falls

“Before Night Falls” is an insightful film by the truly visionary director Julian Schnabel. His artist’s background really comes across in this film as some of the camera work is absolutely breathtaking. Schnabel really captures the essence of Cuban life in this film. The film tells the story of the famous gay Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas, who came under heavy persecution during the tumultuous revolutionary years under Castro. In this breakout role for Javier Bardem, he gives another painfully good performance (much like his work in “The Sea Inside”). In addition, there are some wonderfully unexpected cameos from Sean Penn and Johnny Depp. This film is pure art.

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT: A Streetcar Named Desire

“Hit me with your best shot” is part of a series on Nathaniel Rogers' cool blog “The Film Experience” where readers take screenshots of their favourite images from the selected films. This week, that film was “A Streetcar Named Desire”. It’s quite an old film (older than my parents!) and I thought I wouldn’t relate to it. It was quite good however. The script was well-written and beautifully delivered. Viven Liegh was suitably overdramatic as the Southern Belle past her prime, while Brando totally commanded the screen with his presence. It’s easy to see why he became such a film icon.

Click below for my favourite shot...

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Band's Visit

"The Band's Visit" is a delightful little film about an Egyptian police band that gets stranded in a remote town in Israel. As the band overnights with the locals, they learn more about each other, leading to some really humourous moments. The script is witty and really created some intriguing characters, particularly those of the band leader and Dina, who offers them a place to stay.

A ROTTEN TOMATO: Margot At The Wedding

This movie was painfully bad. The script was terrible, filled with completely unbelievable dialogue and situations. Throughout the film, I kept saying to myself, "Who does that?!" or "Who says that?!". Seriously, there was one scene where the sisters are arguing with each other and one says, "I will take your bowels out"! The best part of this film was when it finally ended. I rented this film because Nicole Kidman was in it, but it just goes to show that even great actors can't elevate a horrendous screenplay.

COMING SOON: The Conspirator

Just realized I haven't posted any new trailers in a while. This one looks quite promising. It's a courtroom drama about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and features one of the most random (but impressive nevertheless) ensemble casts ever assembled. Seriously, how did Justin Long (Accepted), Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) and Jonathan Groff (Glee) end up in a movie with Evan Rachel Wood (The Wrestler), James McAvoy (Atonement) and Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton)?! Hits theatres on April 15th.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Jerusalema

"Jerusalema" is the unflinching chronicle of the rise of a crime lord in post-apartheid South Africa. As a person living in South Africa, I can vouch for its authenticity. Well worth a look.

A ROTTEN TOMATO: I Heart Huckabees

Epic fail! "I Heart Huckabees" is a bizarre film about a bunch of wackos. I lost interest before it was even halfway through. Such a waste of a decent cast (no less than 6 Oscar nominees!).

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Unstoppable

"Unstoppable" is a surprisingly good action thriller. Denzel is definitely in his "wheelhouse" as the courageous guy-next-door. The second half is particularly tense and thrilling. I admit, it's extremely formulaic, but thoroughly enjoyable.