Done in 60 seconds: films over the last month

Here's a quick blast through some films I've seen at the cinema over the last month or so (prior to the inception of this here bloggy thing).

'It's Kind of a
Shite Story' 

It's Kind of a Funny Story (Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck) 

trailer

One of the most lethargic narratives I've experienced in a long time, making 1hr 40 mins seem like 4 hours. I witnessed three people check their watches 35 mins in (one of whom was my friend). Never a good sign, really. 

I mean I hate giving up-and-coming Brit actors the stink-eye, but newbie Keir Gilchirst just doesn't cut the mustard for a lead role. This isn't down to performance alone. In general, the characters are poorly developed and downright forgettable. Certainly, the presence of Zach Galifiankis (The Hangover, Due Date, Up in the Air) motivated me to see the film, but his character (Bobby) is a tedious, semi-funny dude with piss-poor dialogue. 

To add insult to injury, the film ends with a feeble nod to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (mental hospital + comedy, see what they did there?) replacing Chief with some Ethiopian dude, which ignited a few disapproving sighs from a worn-out audience. It was a cringeworthy moment, which gave me a screen-beamer. I don't enjoy screen-beamers.

It's marketed as angsty, but it ain't got no angst. It's marketed as comedy, but it ain't funny. I'm told the book is ace, but that ain't no consolation. Turns out it's kind of a shite story. Don't waste your green. The only positive thing to emerge from this cinema visit was a random meeting with Kevin from Eggheads. 

filmdocta prescribes 1 star(and that's generous) 

Somewhere (Sofia Coppola) 

trailer

'Coppola should focus less on becoming an auteur and more on the enjoyability of her work'

A self-conscious satirization of Hollywood's shallow star system, Coppola's latest installment is definitely more Virgin Suicides/Lost in Translation, than Marie Antoinette, which is quite surprising given the glitzy subject matter.


Somewhere tells the story of Hollywood actor Jonny Marco (Stephen Dorff) and his relationship with his daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning) who is dumped on him by her mother. It's trademark Coppola; unspoken dialogue, listless characters, themes of alienation, scenes of daily minutiae, and lots and lots of silence. Even the opulence of Chateau Marmont - where the film is mostly set - is muted. It certainly proves Coppola is back in her comfort zone, but it feels more like old ground, and quite frankly I'm a tad bored.

Sure, it's tender. Sure, it's subtle. And credit for an awesome soundtrack (signature track is Strokes - I'll Try Anything Once). But I need more than a very droll, subtle catharsis following a very droll, subtle journey. It's one of those films everyone says they liked, but didn't. Coppola should focus less on becoming an auteur and more on the enjoyability of her work. Ooooh catty! 

filmdocta prescribes 2 stars