Spring Break
The most underrated films of '08
Just in time for summer! Start catching up
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Focus
"The Wackness"
It is really great to see a movie that actually explores the culture of the '90s. Considering many of us are products of that decade, this film should be interesting for all of us. It is your typical coming of age comedy a la "Garden State" and "Adventureland" that focuses on a teenage pot dealer by the name of Luke who simply (or not so simply) has problems with life. The movie shines with some surprising performances and an extremely unique script with respect to dialogue. Josh Peck portrays Luke and throws down a memorable performance but he is definitely trumped by Ben Kingsley's quirky character. With a unique title, unique characters and a not-so-unique plot, "The Wackness" is certainly worth anyone's time.
"Stop-Loss"
Imagine coming home after serving your country in Iraq for a long time. You have just been awarded the Purple Heart for your bravery and all you want to do is just put the battles behind you. Then just when you are settling in, you are stop-lossed. That means you are forced to do another involuntary tour of duty. This was the case in the film "Stop-Loss" for Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) and company. The film explores life after war for soldiers and what happens when love for your country conflicts with feelings of betrayal. Performances by Phillippe, Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are great and make this film one of the most profound films of the year.
"Vicky Christina Barcelona"
Woody Allen never gets enough credit for his directing skills. He has done great films like "Hollywood Ending" and "Match Point." He adds "Vicky Christina Barcelona" to his resume of great films. The premise is simple: two girls spend a summer in Spain and encounter a painter and his crazy ex-wife. What ensues is both tragic and hilarious. Penelope Cruz gives a very amusing, yet convincing performance as the crazy ex-wife while Scarlett Johansson never lets up as the adventurous Christina. Cruz won the Oscar for a reason and the film deserves as much credit as the performances do.
It is really great to see a movie that actually explores the culture of the '90s. Considering many of us are products of that decade, this film should be interesting for all of us. It is your typical coming of age comedy a la "Garden State" and "Adventureland" that focuses on a teenage pot dealer by the name of Luke who simply (or not so simply) has problems with life. The movie shines with some surprising performances and an extremely unique script with respect to dialogue. Josh Peck portrays Luke and throws down a memorable performance but he is definitely trumped by Ben Kingsley's quirky character. With a unique title, unique characters and a not-so-unique plot, "The Wackness" is certainly worth anyone's time.
"Stop-Loss"
Imagine coming home after serving your country in Iraq for a long time. You have just been awarded the Purple Heart for your bravery and all you want to do is just put the battles behind you. Then just when you are settling in, you are stop-lossed. That means you are forced to do another involuntary tour of duty. This was the case in the film "Stop-Loss" for Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) and company. The film explores life after war for soldiers and what happens when love for your country conflicts with feelings of betrayal. Performances by Phillippe, Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are great and make this film one of the most profound films of the year.
"Vicky Christina Barcelona"
Woody Allen never gets enough credit for his directing skills. He has done great films like "Hollywood Ending" and "Match Point." He adds "Vicky Christina Barcelona" to his resume of great films. The premise is simple: two girls spend a summer in Spain and encounter a painter and his crazy ex-wife. What ensues is both tragic and hilarious. Penelope Cruz gives a very amusing, yet convincing performance as the crazy ex-wife while Scarlett Johansson never lets up as the adventurous Christina. Cruz won the Oscar for a reason and the film deserves as much credit as the performances do.
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