Hey all. It's part two of the back to school series. My Can't Hardly Wait review will have to wait. I'm going to be gone all day tomorrow (literally) and so I won't have a chance to post until Friday evening. So, enjoy the break and I'll see you all soon.
Rushmore
Review by Jon Waterman
****
Max Fischer already knows the meaning of life. All you have to do is find something you love and stick with it for as long as possible. His love is his school. That’s why he participates in dozens of extracurricular activities. Then he meets the new teacher. His love becomes an actual person. Max has a harder time manipulating this aspect of his life and having competition doesn’t make his job any easier.
One of the main elements to pop out is the music. The choice of songs mixed with the fantastic score by Mark Mothersbaugh hit the emotional points right on the head. If any fault could be found in this area, it would be that they’re too prominent too often. The songs almost take over by grabbing your attention with the first few chords before they settle into the background. I would say the music makes the movie, but that’s not true. Instead, it’s easier to say that if you don’t like the music, you may not enjoy the film as much.
What makes the movie is a combination of the music, the acting and the script and the visuals. Without a doubt, this is the best performance given by Bill Murray. Newcomer Jason Schwartzman (Max Fischer) knocks his first acting attempt out of the park and quickly shows that he belongs in the business. He doesn’t exactly look fifteen, but he’s probably the best for the role. Brian Cox (Dr. Nelson Guggenheim) is always a quality actor. This time is no exception. But Murray steals the show. What makes him so good to watch is knowing where he came from. Any time a comedic actor steps into a more serious role and does it believably, that actor should be commended. I’d like to see Bob-O Deniro give a quality comedic performance.
Director Wes Anderson wrote (along with Owen Wilson) an intelligent and darkly funny script. The humor is there to be laughed at, but one must have the right mindset to enjoy it. You must be willing to look for satirical, subtle jokes, because the overt prat falls and fart gags just won’t be found. Every character in the film serves a purpose and is used effectively. It’s an eclectic mix of unusual people, but its done without going overboard. The dialogue is taut, precise and the back and forth banter is nothing short of amazing.
There was so much thought put into the film. From the incredible locations to the script to the cinematography by Robert Yeoman, everything falls into place very nicely. The film isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like it, then it’s just another film you’ve seen, but if you do like the film, then you’ll probably want to watch it several times and put it in your regular rotation. I’ve found it enjoyable all the way through, every time I’ve seen it.
Rushmore
Review by Jon Waterman
****
Max Fischer already knows the meaning of life. All you have to do is find something you love and stick with it for as long as possible. His love is his school. That’s why he participates in dozens of extracurricular activities. Then he meets the new teacher. His love becomes an actual person. Max has a harder time manipulating this aspect of his life and having competition doesn’t make his job any easier.
One of the main elements to pop out is the music. The choice of songs mixed with the fantastic score by Mark Mothersbaugh hit the emotional points right on the head. If any fault could be found in this area, it would be that they’re too prominent too often. The songs almost take over by grabbing your attention with the first few chords before they settle into the background. I would say the music makes the movie, but that’s not true. Instead, it’s easier to say that if you don’t like the music, you may not enjoy the film as much.
What makes the movie is a combination of the music, the acting and the script and the visuals. Without a doubt, this is the best performance given by Bill Murray. Newcomer Jason Schwartzman (Max Fischer) knocks his first acting attempt out of the park and quickly shows that he belongs in the business. He doesn’t exactly look fifteen, but he’s probably the best for the role. Brian Cox (Dr. Nelson Guggenheim) is always a quality actor. This time is no exception. But Murray steals the show. What makes him so good to watch is knowing where he came from. Any time a comedic actor steps into a more serious role and does it believably, that actor should be commended. I’d like to see Bob-O Deniro give a quality comedic performance.
Director Wes Anderson wrote (along with Owen Wilson) an intelligent and darkly funny script. The humor is there to be laughed at, but one must have the right mindset to enjoy it. You must be willing to look for satirical, subtle jokes, because the overt prat falls and fart gags just won’t be found. Every character in the film serves a purpose and is used effectively. It’s an eclectic mix of unusual people, but its done without going overboard. The dialogue is taut, precise and the back and forth banter is nothing short of amazing.
There was so much thought put into the film. From the incredible locations to the script to the cinematography by Robert Yeoman, everything falls into place very nicely. The film isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like it, then it’s just another film you’ve seen, but if you do like the film, then you’ll probably want to watch it several times and put it in your regular rotation. I’ve found it enjoyable all the way through, every time I’ve seen it.
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