How are you?
// Pretty good considering, haven't had to watch any of your crappy films lately.
// Oh, thanks.
// You ever take a project just for the paycheck?
I did.
I had to.
// Right, because at least it lead to your critically acclaimed roles, right?
// Yeah, it did.
// So, what's with all these books - you opening up "Mork And Mindy's Home Library" or something?
// Do you like books?
// Eh, I'm more of a movie I guy, you know?
// Good for you.
What do you think about 'em?
// Well, if you hold tight for a bit, I'll tell you - because this is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, the only movie review show that can deliver a convincing
Boston accent.
I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Tonight we'll be visiting the capital of Massachusetts to review review some picture set in-and-around
Beantown.
Let's begin with "Good Will Hunting".
Released during Oscar season of 1997, this Gus Van Sant drama film not only scored itself
nine nominations, it also made $225 million against its modest $10 million dollar budget.
In the role that'd make him a household name, Matt Damon stars as the title character: a
math prodigy who is wasting his life away living in South Boston, and working a janitor.
The involved plot involves his quarrelsome relationship with his court-ordered therapist,
dealing with his townie friend Ben Affleck, his budding romantic involvement with Minnie
Driver, and studying under a renowned MIT professor.
The infinitely versatile Robin Williams is positively brilliant as the physiatrist, who
challenges and battles Damon with long emotional, soul-searching monologues in an Oscar-winning
turn.
Their adversarial contention begets a loving friendship, and his the absolute bedrock of
this 126-minute picture's story.
The original screenplay by Damon and Affleck famously won the two young boys from Boston
an Academy Award - and rightly so: the dialogue and writing here is nearly unparalleled...
one of the all-time best scripts, with Van Sant doing a fantastic job bringing it all
to life, framed by extremely lengthy close-ups, and beautiful repetition and imagery.
Perfectly paced, this movie flows effortlessly from one long sequence to the next, each one
showcasing the magnificent acting talent of the tight-nit cast, and highlighting another
dramatic moment from each of them, especially an overwhelmingly powerful exchange where
Williams repeatedly reassures Damon that his troubled past is "not his fault".
The R-rated movie is also wickedly funny - particularly if you're from the Boston area, and can relate
to the antics and camaraderie between Damon, Affleck, and their Southie buddies, like in
a marvelous scene where they confront a Harvard student at a bar, hilariously schooling him
in front of a potential female conquest.
Or, when Affleck serves up sophisticated sounding malapropisms to trick an interviewing board
into believing he's Will, the math genius.
Danny Elfman's mellow score winds in and out of the picture beautifully, occasionally accompanied
by some wonderful acoustic ballads from singer-songwriter Elliot Smith.
Taken from afar, the over-arching plot here rarely surprises... but the small moments
littered throughout is what makes this experience so rewarding and powerful.
An examination of trust, compassion, and finding your true purpose in life - this is a relatable
and enjoyable film that resonates with me the more I watch, and the older I get.
"Good Will Hunting", is a "Refreshing emotional and uplifting experience."
Now let's hear your thoughts from the YouTube comments.
Our scores for "Good Will Hunting"... a double NINE.
Although most held-off on the top score, we all agreed the acting and writing in this
picture was phenomenal, with both of us rating this picture an AWESOME.
For tonight's poll question, since this is a Boston-themed episode after all: what's
your favorite Boston-themed movie?
Leave your response as a comment below.
Next up tonight, "Mystic River".
Directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, this R-rated crime drama was nominated for
six Oscars, and managed to quintupple its $30 million dollar budget after its October
2003 release.
The 138-minute story follows the lives of three men from East Boston who reunited years
after a childhood tragedy when one of them losses his daughter.
Blending family drama, portraits of middle-class life in the city, and an intriguing murder-mystery
- this is a slow and deliberate picture that takes its time setting up all the pieces.
The outstanding cast is anchored by a trio of tremendous performances from Sean Penn,
Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon.
In fact, this is the first picture since 1959's "Ben Hur" to have both the lead, and supporting
actor win an Academy Award - for Penn and Robbins, respectively.
The two play off each other so masterfully, in incredibly focused scenes... they're often
difficult-to-watch, especially when the two turn on each other, in an accusatory fight.
Still grieving, Penn poignantly remarks on his daughter's death, "The death part you
do alone, but I could have helped her with the dying."
Other times however, I found Penn's delivery to be a bit over-the-top and unrealistic,
even requesting that an oxygen tank be available off-set between his charged takes.
Thankfully, the picture is flanked by much more nuanced and subtle performances from
Laura Linney, Laurence Fishburne, Emmy Rossum, and Marcia Gay Harden.
Eastwood's static and purposeful framing of each drawn-out scene allows for this all-star
cast to truly shine, and indeed, it's the dialogue and performances that really propel
the narrative, based on Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name.
A compelling look at human nature, evil habits, and tragic "what-if" scenarios, the seriousness
of each scene is underscored by a droning and minimalist score from Eastwood himself.
For those looking for an uncomfortable and brooding drama with top-caliber acting, you
could do worse than re-watching this film a couple times.
Opening with an intriguing prologue, but still rife with missteps, missed opportunities,
and plot deficiencies, "Mystic River", is a "Melodramatic mystery with exaggerated characters."
I'll score this a SEVEN.
Although impressive on an initial viewing, upon further examination, there's simply not
as much here beyond a violent and troubled exterior - I thought it was COOL.
Earlier this week I shared my thoughts on the highly anticipated "The Fault In Our Stars"
trailer, which you can watch over at The Movie Night Archive channel.
When you're there, make sure to subscribe for other trailer commentaries, and an organized
collection of every review I've produced.
Finally tonight, let's discuss "The Town."
A taut crime thriller from actor/direction Ben Affleck, this 124-minute feature managed
to earn four times its $37-million dollar budget when it was released in September of
2010.
Affleck and Jeremy Renner star as bank robbers from Charlestown, Massachusetts - who we're
introduced to by way of a carefully planned and well-executed heist, in a very entertaining
and thrilling opening sequence.
Ben is feels right at home, both literally and figuratively - and does a great job on
both sides of the camera.
Meanwhile, Renner's overly-combative persona scored him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting
Actor.
As FBI agent Jon Hamm attempts to track down the culprits, Affleck accidentally falls in
love with Rebecca Hall, one of the robbery victims who is often portrayed as weak and
gullible, while Renner gets anxious looking for their next big score.
The exquisitely beautiful Blake Lively has a smaller role as an ex-girlfriend, but shows
a surprising amount of dramatic depth with her character.
Although some of the developments are a bit too neat and convenient, a fair amount of
the dialogue is authentically Boston.
Containing a number of violent shootout scenes, the action in this film is tense and hectic,
culminating with a harrowing standoff inside the bowel's of Fenway Park.
Steadfast on avoiding prison time, ex-con Renner stoically warns before the final job,
"If we get jammed up... we're holding court on the street."
Affleck's use of strong depth of field in long-shots, coupled with hand-held sequences
in other areas manages to feel appropriate in each environment.
Functioning almost like an R-rated love letter to Boston's criminal underworld, this film
doesn't quite glamorize the immoral actions of its protagonists, but successfully convinces
you they're at least worth rooting for.
Seldom used, the score from Harry Gregson-Williams and David Buckley is a modern and subtle one...
adding just enough noise and bass to the already tense atmosphere.
Although the pacing is bit clunkier in the extended-DVD version, this is another otherwise
quick film with lots great action sequences perfectly spaced out at the beginning, middle,
and end of the film.
Focusing on themes of defiance, betrayal, and starting over - this isn't award-winning
art, but it's a capable thriller that folks from Boston will definitely enjoy over and
over again.
"The Town", "Gritty and exciting, but hardly ambitious."
Here are some of your reviews from the YouTube comments.
An EIGHT and a SEVEN for "The Town"... although the originality of the plot was critized by
many, you enjoyed the action and performances, rating this a GREAT.
A fun and quasi-emotional picture if you're not too critical, I thought this was a COOL
movie.
Finally tonight, let's read reviews for films currently playing in theaters with your Tweet
Critiques.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag.
The Winter Olympics kick off next week in Sochi Russia, and to commemorate the occasional,
we'll be watching some of the only movies that have a cursory connection to them!
"Downhill Racer", a 1969 drama starring Robert Redfort, 1993 comedy, "Cool Runnings" with
John Candy, and "Blades Of Glory" starring Jon Heder and Will Ferrell.
Once you've seen these films, share your opinions by voting in the polls below, or by leaving
a comment review.
If you'd like to watch more Movie Night reviews, check out the "related videos" on the right,
or click SUBSCRIBE to be notified of all new content, and be sure to follow me on Twitter,
Facebook, or Google+ for updates between episodes.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thank you for watching and listening.
Until next time, have a good Movie Night!