Motion for a Judgment as a Matter of Taste: June 2014

How It Works

I love movies, but I hate most movie reviews. I hate them for two reasons: First, they always begin with a 3-5 paragraph in-depth description of the film. I don't want to know the entire plot, I want to know if it's good! I may say generally what the movie involves but that's it. Second, most movie reviews are unclear. I've read countless reviews that left me with absolutely no indication as to whether or not I should even see the film. Not here. I developed three methods to rate television and movies:

1. Just your average 10 point scale.
10 is obviously the best and 1 is the worst. Although, Something Borrowed might make below a 1 if I ever get around to reviewing it. I consider myself quite harsh, so if you see anything above a 9, it's probably in my top ten of all time.

2. What's it Worth?
I will tell you if I think it's worth paying for and worth the 2 (and ever more increasingly 3) hours of your time. I also make an educated guess as to whether or not you can multitask during the film.

3. The (not-yet) Patented Clairometer
In honor of my college friend Claire, I developed this rating system in order to display how "appropriate" the film is. It is designed to tell you a more detailed rating system. I find this helpful. Sometimes you want to know ahead of time so you're not stuck watching Black Swan in an empty theater with your mom. The range between PG-13 and R is more vast than the plot holes in a Michael Bay movie. I hope to combat this. The scale shows photos and descriptions of a few well-known women in film and television. The rating is the farthest woman to the left of the scale who would approve of the film. For example, June Cleaver would not approve of Tequila Sunrise. The woman who would is probably Mathilda.

THE CLAIROMETER:

Thursday, June 12, 2014

It's About Time for a Good Rom Com

About Time (2013)
Written and Directed by: Richard Curtis
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Billy Nighy, Lydia Wilson

My Rating: 8.0
Worth: cost of rental, undivided attention
Clairometer: Mathilda

"Oh goody, Rachel McAdams with another time traveling lover.""Man that trailer looks cheesy." "Yet another movie relying solely on Rachel McAdams' perfect face and adorable personality." These were my thoughts when I saw advertisements for About Time. But I was happily disproved when I went against my better judgement and watched it. I should've known with Richard Curtis behind the scenes. Forgive me Working Title. I'll never doubt you again.

"It's very bad for a girl to be too pretty. It stops her from developing a sense of humor. Or a personality." - Tim's mum

About Time is filled with vibrant characters and the most beautiful settings outside of a constructed Nancy Meyers set. You wish you had Tim's sister, uncle, mum and dad. You wish you grew up in Tim's house. The character development is perfect, not lacking, but not excessive. The lines are unpredictable but fit the overall theme. Domhnall Gleeson is delightful in an untraditional but not unreasonably quirky way.

"And so he told me his secret formula for happiness... part one of the two part plan was that I should just get on with ordinary life - living it day by day - like anyone else."

About Time is about a time-traveling father and son who use this power to harness the true meaning of life.

"But then came part two of dad's plan. He told me to live every day again almost exactly the same. the first time with all the tensions and worries that stop us noticing how sweet the world can be but the second time noticing."

Keep in mind, this is a romantic comedy. There are obviously time travel plot holes. Even JJ Abrams can't fix his, so why would Richard Curtis be able to? Just ignore them and admire Rachel McAdams easy going demeanor, laugh at Billy Nighy's artfully humorous comments and learn to love each moment the way Tim does. The film leaves you with a new appreciation for ordinary.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

What I'm Watching This Month

Derek (2012 - present)
Created and Written by: Ricky Gervais
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Kerry Godliman, David Earl
Where to watch: Netflix

My Rating: 9.1
Worth: a Netflix subscription, and 30 minutes of undivided attention
Clairometer: Mrs. Doubtfire

The cliche "It made me laugh it made me cry" is necessary to describe Derek. Every episode literally makes me laugh and makes me cry. Apparently the now cliched use of literally is necessary as well. Derek is heartfelt, funny and like nothing I've ever seen. We all knew Ricky Gervais was a mean comic genius, but who knew he could be a kind comic genius. Derek shows his acting chops and his ability to put his plethora of random animal facts to good use (insert any Daily Show interview clip here).

The show is about a man who lives in a nursing home. Derek is mentally retarded and loves everyone. Anyone who has ever watch Gervais host the Golden Globes would rightfully be weary of him portraying a mentally retarded man surrounded by the elderly. But rest assured neither of these facts are ever the punchline. The delicate situation is ripe for political incorrectness but is not. It's lovely. Watch it. Laugh. Cry. Then call your grandma and tell her you love her.

P.S. Season (series) 2 has just been added!