My Film Reviews

Here's some of my picks for movies to rent from the video shop...

 Peaceful Warrior

Written by: Kevin Bernhardt (screenplay), Dan Millman (novel)
Directed by: Victor Salva
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart

This film is one of the most spiritual experiences I have had all year. The premise behind the film is that there is never nothing happening, and that when we pay attention to life, and live in the moment, we notice miracles and wonders, and are in tune with ourselves in the most precious and vivid way.

Scott Mechlowicz plays Dan Millman, a college athlete, who has a chance encounter of a supernatural kind with an old man, whom he laters dubs Socrates. This leads him on an uncomfortable, introspective journey into his own heart and life, where he is eventually transformed.

In a particularly poignant and emotional scene, Socrates sends Dan, out to sit on top of an old car, by the garage Socrates owns, and tells him not to come talk to him, not to move off the car, until he has a significant, original thought worth sharing. This made me think of how much we talk in life, but how little we actually say, and how listening to the silence within us, is where our most powerful answers are found.

This is not a movie about a superhero, but a journey into the supernatural, that resides in all of us, and shows us our truest potential.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Garden State

Written & Directed by Zach Braff
Starring: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Ian Holm, Peter Sarsgaard

The first thing I loved about this movie was the music...Coldplay, The Shins (a band I had previously not heard of) and other great tunes.  It perfectly set the scene for an unforgettable movie that will long live on in my mind.

Zach Braff plays the character of Andrew Largeman, a guy who returns to his small-town-home to attend his mother's funeral. He is reluctant to be there due to ongoing conflict with his father, but what started as something he dreaded turns into the best time of his life when he meets Sam (Natalie Portman) unexpectedly. Sam is outgoing, a compulsive liar, a little bit dysfunctional, and also the person that opens Andrew's eyes to the beauty of everyday life.

As you would expect from a Sundance Film Festival film, it is quirky. The story is multi-layered: it weaves many aspects together with creativity and charm, and skilfully reveals the vulnerabilities of each character, and ultimately the vulnerability and fragility of the viewer. If you want a completely original and diverting yet feel-good film this is it.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10

When Harry Met Sally

Written by Nora Ephron
Directed by Rob Reiner
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan

Because of my prejudice towards pre-1990's movies, I was expecting to hate When Harry Met Sally. However, since it's such a cult classic, I figured I should give it a go. And it surprised me.

The relationship of Harry (Crystal) and Sally (Ryan) initially is tumoltuous, filled with annoyance and disdain, as they drive from Chicago to New York at the end of the college, as strangers to each other. They fiercely debate sex, love and other life issues, and hassle each other's weaknesses.

Twelve years later, with some of the caustic edges of their personalities smoothed, they meet up and decide to have coffee and become friends. Trust comes gradually, and as their respective relationships break up they are there for each other. Comfort and solace eventually leads to sex, which is an ill-fated decision which threatens to tear their friendship apart.

I won't ruin the ending, but this movie is an endearing example of what can happen when people let go of their own fiercely-guarded opinions, search for common ground, and treat each other with respect. It's certainly not the best romantic comedy I have seen but I'm glad I watched it, because I now get the line "I'll have what she's having!" which is a special treat contained within the best scene of the film when Sally demonstrates in the middle of a crowded restaurant, how women fake orgasms.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Readers: what movies have you recently rented that you would recommend?

Fitness cults and other adventures

Part of my journey of self improvement, has been attempting to improve my fitness levels. This decision has had several motivating factors: the fact that according to my BMI, I fall into the 'obese' category, and the knowledge that exercise gives endorphins, which is a good way to keep my depressive episodes in check.

I'm not particularly fit, but I have always been able to walk for hours, but in the last few months, this form of exercise has become disinteresting and dull to me. So, I have turned my attention to other things.

Running was something I briefly considered, but I don't think my body is particularly well suited to it, and after reading Kerre Woodham's "Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner", I realised how expensive running is, and how much of a toll it takes on the body. With my long standing history of back injuries this would not benefit me I feel. (Let me digress for one second here to say that I highly recommend Kerre Woodham's book for any aspiring runners, and also "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by the amazing Japanese writer Murakami.)

So after ruling out running, I tried Bikram Yoga. People have been raving about it, and personally I wanted to see what all the fuss is about. My experience of it was disastrous...I found it to be some sort of weird exercise cult. Never mind the heat and the humidity, which is enough to put anyone off, the people were uptight, abrasive and condescending, and the staff stressed so many times that I must not leave the room, I was afraid they had put locks on the doors.

Fortunately, my journey did not end there, and I moved on to find exercise love! ZUMBA! When I first saw the hideous American ads on TV for it, I felt quite sure I would never try, let alone enjoy Zumba. But it is fantastic! Because I'm so ridiculously unco-ordinated, I don't get half the moves right, but despite this I'm laughing, smiling and having a great time. Best of all, it works up a considerable sweat. It has become my natural anti-depressant. Who knew exercise could be so fun!

So I think I've decided to become Jewish...

...I just think they have a much better concept of God (particularly progressive Jews). They understand that God is a God of celebration and have festivals for everything. Yesterday (Monday) was the beginning of the Tree Planting festival. In two weeks time it's the festival of Queen Esther, and the synagogue in Dunedin is holding a dress-up party where you come as a character from the story.

And to be honest as a kid growing up I loved God but was always very wary of this Jesus part, and that's stuck with me throughout the years. I just haven't felt the love for him that I have of Yahweh.

Of course people don't just convert overnight so I'm going to mull over this for a while to come, but in case you're interested this is what I'm thinking.