I Sell the Dead (2008, U.S.)

Of all the bizarre movies, I've ever seen, this one might take the cake. Even considering the other most recent (Kill Your Darlings). It's about a graverobber (adorable Dominic Monaghan) who is about to be executed for his crimes, and he's telling his story to a priest (who is played by Ron Perlman, not a very priestly guy). At first it seems like a sad story about a kid with a tough life, but then he and his mentor start digging up vampires and zombies and goodness knows what else. Meanwhile they have an ongoing competition with a rival graverobbing gang.

Basically, there wasn't much of a plot. They just go around robbing graves, which is often quite eventful, but when it's over, it's over. There's not much forward motion, just repetitiveness.

Even Dominic Monaghan wasn't enough to balance this lack of eventfulness. He was his adorable charismatic self, but not to the level you'd expect. The one thing that really stood out in this film was the score, which was eerie but whimsical—one Danny Elfman would be proud of. It reminded me of the Edward Scissorhands score, but landing more on the eerie side rather than the whimsical one. It fit the tone perfectly.

Still, I was underwhelmed.

Rating: 2.5

Pushing Tin (1999, U.S.)

Today I watched another one of those "Why have you not seen this yet?" movies. I mean, a flick with both Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie? I know I love my actors, but I really love my actresses. Especially those two. It was quite interesting to watch them both before they were big stars, playing characters that are so unlike the ones they play these days. Really reinforced my belief that they're two of the greatest actresses ever. Of course, the two of them together could not detract from the horror that is Billy Bob Thorton. I mean, he's not a terrible actor (though I don't think he's great), but looking at him just gives me a funny feeling. Like I need to go take a shower, or perhaps vomit. There's no explanation, that's just the way it is. John Cusack's good though.

Anyway, as to the film. I didn't expect to fall in love with it, and I didn't. It was okay, pretty entertaining, but it wasn't the movie of the century. The whole air traffic control world was quite fascinating, and I liked that they chose such an unusual career to demonstrate the effects of stress and overwork. They could have just as easily done surgeons or army generals or something similar, but it wouldn't have been as interesting. Or as personal, I don't think. I liked that the families were all very "Mr. and Mrs. Average and their children Bobby and Suzie."

Also, it was thought-provoking. Always a good quality in a movie, I think. What does stress make people do, and how do we cope? Good stuff.

Rating: 3.0