1. SIGNS
Just watched 'Signs'. Wept. Loved it.
I'm never getting away from faith. I doubt that I will ever get religious (too many things about organized church make me puke, and too many fanatical believers make me favor my reason and logic over the feeling of security amid the great universe) - but not feeling part of a greater whole is beyond me.
Some reviewers on Netflix say that it's absurd that the point is that God arranged the alien invasion; I instead wonder how they can take it to heart in such a way - how can they see God as some singular entity that purposefully acts on an individual's behalf? That's rather silly.
I like this movie because:
- some grand acting, really; even Mel Gibson (I've had an aversion to him since he started directing, but truly, he's pretty good); the children are lovely too;
- some pretty funny moments - which you don't expect in what is mostly a horror/adventure/drama, I guess?
- the concept of things being 'meant to be' - not preordained, but still 'no coincidences'; I never think deeply enough to believe this or not (I'd mostly likely not), but the approach is very close to 'taking life as it comes'; while perhaps something isn't quite 'always supposed to happen', it definitely is what it is.
- the actual presence of aliens; I mean, these being crop circles and this being a movie that deals with religion, I was completely counting on the viewer never finding out where aliens exist or not. I thought the main character would get his faith back because of the potential of their existence. Not at all, in fact - this approached faith as a life view - are you an optimist or not? Do you believe things come together properly despite whatever may happen, or is each of alone and doomed? Do you hate life for what it's brought to you, or do you accept and make do? In this case, God is life, and life is the person, so really, it's how at peace are you with yourself?
- As food for thought, for non-religious people like myself, this film suggests - see if YOU can notice the pattern of cause and effect in life's occurances; see if you can look at the brighter side of it.
2. MARS ATTACKS
First time watched it a decade ago, back in Russia - hated it. Remembered it as some stupidity about weird Martians that pointlessly kill people. It felt overdone, unrealistic, cheap.
Rewatched it today because people think it brilliant.
And fortunately, it is.
Great cast - I was so pleased to see many actors that I really like (until about 4 years ago, I recognized actors by face, but could never pay enough attention to associate names - now I'm better :)).
And everything a social commentary, and exaggerated only slightly and just perfectly, and all the little stories interesting.
All in all - gosh, does growing up twist one's brain.
Can't complain though.
3. QUEEN OF THE DAMNED
I read Interview with the Vampire earlier this year (actually last year now) and enjoyed it very mildly. Not sure why the characters or the writing didn't hook me; maybe should have paid better attention. My sister loved it and ended up reading the whole series.
I only watched the movie adaptation (which was also entertaining, but in very rare a film can I tolerate Tom Cruise without wanting to carve up his weird so typically American face; a blonde Lestat on Cruise? Who thought of that? Pitt also doesn't fit vampires very well. Not sure blonde people can generally pull it off - this is likely why Twilight is gayer than it could be); and now, eagerly (because I haven't read any other of Anne Rice's books, and apparently, this film is book 3-4 loosely rolled into one) consumed Queen of the Damned.
What can I say. Lestat makes this movie. Without the actor playing him, without the charisma, it would have been flat.
Also, there's this Jesse girl, who grew up with Vampires and wants to return to them, wants to be with her 'mother' forever - now, this is far more believable reason to want to drink blood by murdering humans, amongst other perks then Eternal Love (pfft, Twilight);
Overall, I wished that the motives behind each character were more explored; Lestat's especially - he's not delved into deep enough.
But the prevalent theme is loud and clear - what's eternity when you have to hide, when you're alone. And so when the last scene shows Jesse and Lestat walking hand in hand through time you like that it isn't love per say, but that it's companionship.
Oh, and the Queen of course is gorgeous.
So despite clear faults, I'd watch it again for the pretty people, the views, and the kicks.
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