Review of Last Life in the Universe (2003) by Ben W — 02 Jan 2005

[b]Last Life in the Universe[/b]: This is a wonderful piece of film from the east about loneliness, depression, and friendship. We follow Kinji while he's in a strange time in his life---he's a librarian "neat-nik" whose past catches up with him. He then meets Noi whose a mess around the house and had just suffered terrible heartbreak from her sister getting killed. The two bond through their tragedies, each one helping the other in their lives. Though I'm not as bold to make this statement, my brother said the style was near-Lost-In-Translation, in the way that it's just a film following this guy around and discovering himself during an odd time. It's pacing is slow, yet you find yourself mesmerized by it. It's definitely worth a viddy if ever the opportunity arises.

[b]Meet the Fockers[/b]: This follow-up to the wonderful [i]Meet the Parents[/i] fails miserably where its predecessor succeeded. It recycles the gags and jokes to an unfunny point-of-no-return. The film plays like a hour and a half of bad self-writing sitcom humor made for the masses. When the film is over, you feel like you've wasted not only your 8 bucks, but also an hour and a half of your life. Remember---you'll never get that back. This movie insulted my intelligence, and it [i]should[/i] insult yours as well, so save your money and go pick up the original, instead.

[b]Kinsey[/b]: A formula biopic with a more controversial twist. Now, I'm not saying that formula biopics are all the same, but the set-up is. This one takes a more uncomfortable backdrop where the characters openly discuss sexual behaviors and show pictures and films of it as well. Don't see it with your parents, trust me on this one. If you're choosing between Ray and Kinsey, go check out this one, for you'll find that the overall feeling you get is a much more educated and interesting one.

[b]A Christmas Story[/b]: A pure Christmas classic. My favorite scenes include the (more obvious choice) poll-licking sequence and the flashback scene where our protagonist goes blind. Witty humor mixed with the joy of Christmas as a child makes this a sure-fire loveable Christmas hit.