The Movie List 2008: 2008-08-17

#207 - Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Directed by Woody Allen
2008 Romantic Comedy/Drama
Rated PG-13

**** 1/2

I have been waiting and waiting for Woody Allen to make another film that was more than just good. The closest I think he's come since his last great film, Crimes and Misdemeanors, was with 2005's Match Point. And I think with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, he has done it. Great dialogue, great acting, beautiful cinematography (due much in part to the beauty of Spain) and a wonderful Spanish guitar score all add to the warm feeling this film gives you. Though I must say Scarlett Johansson looks completely out of her league with Bardem, Cruz and even relative newcomer Rebecca Hall, whose wonderful collection of facial expressions absolutely make her performance.

#206 - American Teen

Directed by Nanette Burstein
2008 Documentary
Rated PG-13

****

Start counting down the days until this movie blows the hell up, Juno-style. People have accused Burstein of as little as reshooting certain things and as much as literally scripting entire parts of the film. But to me, all of that is irrelevant. I found this film absolutely captivating, particularly Hannah's story (who I now love, by the way). It's definitely not The Hills: Cornfield Edition.

#205 - Brideshead Revisited

Directed by Julian Jarrold
2008 Period Drama
Rated PG-13

*** 1/2

Considering I went in expecting the stuffiest English drama ever made, I was pleasantly surprised. Wraps you in with the intriguing story (thanks mostly to Waugh) and the backwards storytelling and never lets up until the slightly abrupt and cluttered ending. Good performances all around, particularly from Emma Thompson and Ben Whishaw.