Review of Edmond (2006) by Kelly W — 06 Aug 2007

Ratatouille is overrated, but is still good. It's definitely up there with the best of the Pixar films. The difference is that it's good in a different way that my personal favorite Pixar, "Finding Nemo," is good. Finding Nemo is hilarious. I cried from laughter when I saw it. But it also follows a formula to a 'T' and still feels the need to insert the "just-for-kids" moments. "Ratatouille" spares us those kids moments, and skips over the inscessant humor, and gives us a lightweight but engaging story. There are moments where the action is a little unnecessary, where the dialogue is a little forced, and where I still see the "kids movie" formulas peeking through the seams, but generally this is probably the most skilfully crafted Pixar film ever created. I'm hoping it doesn't get nominated for best picture, but I can't imagine another animated film stealing this one away from the "best animated picture" category.

And by the way, go Peter O'Toole.

Edmond, Edmond, Edmond... what to say about this... interesting film. I really don't know what to give it, honestly, so I'm going to give it a 6 because I didn't dislike it. I don't know that I liked it, but I didn't dislike it. It's contrived, overblown, and Mamet's dialogue is, although sometimes very true, is also often very, very overdone and overdramatic. Some parts were done well, however. "Maybe we're the animals," and the killing scenes were both well-done. Mamet, although his stuff really isn't the best in this movie, is always so great at creating brilliant lines, even if in the context of mindless, impossible, droning philosophy as they are in this movie. William H. Macy, however, does do a good job, and although the plot is a blur, the sequencing is interesting albiet dysfunctional. If this is purely critic talking, it's probably 4, maybe 5. But the entertainment part of it pays off a little.

Look for "The Devil's Playground" and "Little Children" coming up, hopefully along with "Waitress" and maaaybe "A Mighty Heart," along with some others from my list.