Review of The Brandon Teena Story (1998) by Rachel M — 06 Dec 2004

[b]The Brandon Teena Story[/b], ***[b] - [/b]An excellent documentary exploring the same material as the 1999 film [i]Boys Don't Cry[/i]. This documentary is more brutal in its depiction of the transgendered Brandon than Kimberly Pierce's film. It touches upon the unethical actions of the policemen and some more of the backstories.

[b]Christmas Vacation[/b], **1/2 - I went to see this in Hadley, MA at their Friday Rewind series (the first Friday of every month they play an older, cult-like film). I was a little disappointed, but seeing a 1989 film in the theater with a bunch of annoying college kids was pretty fun. Haha - why were they ALWAYS laughing?

[b]Sideways[/b], **** - I will talk about my second viewing of this after [i]Closer[/i].

[b]Closer[/b], 1/2* - The worst film of the year (at least in terms of ambition). Natalie Portman was my favorite actress. WAS is the key word. The acting is awful, but the worst part is undoubtedly the screenplay. Just wretched. A lot of people will walk away from this film confused, many finding it "brilliant." It sucks. It is nothing short of embarassing and pretentious. PLEASE don't waste your time! I spent 104 minutes laughing at Mike Nichols, so I had a good time. But I can't stress how truly awful this MOVIE is.

PLEASE SEE [b][i]SIDEWAYS[/i][/b]!!! It is less of a movie than an actual representation of people and relationships. It is TRULY remarkable. Screw [i]Lost in Translation[/i] and other personal films. This is the one...

[b]Taxi Driver[/b], ***1/2 - I am going to start catching up on my Scorsese. Robert Deniro was excellent in this film, as was the direction. I was reminded of Roman Polanski throughout much of it (but maybe that's just because Megan was whipsering it in my ear the whole time).

My weekend was extraordinary. Best time of my life. I may write about it later on. Don't forget to buy [i]The Bourne Supremacy[/i] on DVD this Tuesday and go see [i]Ocean's 12[/i] on Friday. Support Matt Damon (they should have a ribbon for that).