Fish Tank

The movies available right now are slim pickings at best. I went to an art-house theater to see this one. Fish Tank is an honest real look at a girl, who was raised in poverty, in London and how her judgment affects her thinking - and how her thinking affected her actions. Right about the time you’re asking “Why do I care about any of this?” things get interesting. It is interesting to see her thought processes or complete lack of. What she thinks, she does. She has no filters. Many times I found myself saying “What is she doing?” “oh no, don’t” “no,”, I was pulling for her. There is typical “film” male behavior but I do think the film is more about how her life has affected her thinking or her actions and how she reacts in situations. While the film was slow in places, it does seem bitterly honest, which is sad but refreshing. While honest, let me say it is not pretty. Real life is messy. I would see this film if you want to see something different, not typical “Hollywood” film but an honest look at life. You won’t see anyone you have seen before as all of the actors are new and have not been in anything else. Actress Andrea Arnold wrote and directed this film along with the preproduction remake of Wuthering Heights to be released in 2011. I would not let anyone under 16 see this film, while at 41 (at least till April 1st) this seemed creepy and sad. The film is better than what is out there but there is VERY little out there. But know, it’s hard to see and it’s not pretty.

DVD Pairing Suggestion: Maria Full of Grace (2004) Ghost Writer

While Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor are both in this political thriller, to me, it was not that thrilling. While it does have an unexpected ending, I am not sure how I made it to the end. While it was suspenseful - I found it cold, slow and found that I had unanswered questions. It was directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Harris. I do hope the book was better than the film.

One of the most unexpected moments was to see James Belushi (as it is not his typical film) and to see him with a bald, clean shaven head. If you just want to go to the movies this might be a pick for you. I might have gone to the park instead. There is one sex scene (no skin but implied) so I would take those 16 and older if I was going.

At least get some candy or popcorn to make this film more enjoyable and that’s a sad statement. I am just indifferent.

DVD Pairing Suggestion: Transsiberian (2008)