Rating: Summary: hero movie Review: What a good movie. I laughed real laughs at the subtle humor, not the usual gross out crap seen everywhere today. I recommend this to those with an appreciation for brilliant humor.
Rating: Summary: This movie won't spoon-feed you Review: A cross between The Graduate and Francois Truffaut's classics, Rushmore is without doubt one of the sweetest most thoughtful movies in recent years. This movie won't come to you. If you expect an in-your-face comedy, you won't find it here. But Rushmore will reward you if you are willing to be observant and appreciate the subtilties of life.
Rating: Summary: Long live the geeks Review: The pride of being a geek is one that has not been well documented in any medium. Geeks are creatures that have been the object of ridicule for much too long and it is about time for a little revenge. Wait a second, hasn't that movie been made and it was called exactly that: "The revenge of the nerds"? 'Revenge' was not a comedy, it was a joke. Let's put it this way, geeks have never looked so good until now.Sure, Max Fischer is not your prototypical geek. If scoring well in the geometry test is a prerequisite to being a geek, Max would probably be one of the coolest kids on the block. However, his fastidiousness is unmistakable, this boy definitely claims membership to this distinguished circle. Falling in love with the English teacher is also another telling sign. Jason Schwartzman is incredible in this film, he restores so much dignity into being a geek that he should be honored as the geek of the year in the annual geek banquet. That would be a great addition to the extracurricural honors he has accumulated. Playing the grown-up version of Max is Bill Murray. Don't be mistaken, Murray plays an unrelated character altogether. However his demeanors suggest that he might be a past leader of his school's nerd society. It is a wonder that this pair is not father and son. Even Murray's character seems to think that. To him, his two punk children seem to be the biggest jokes God has played on him. When the two fall for the same woman, all hell breaks loose as the two try to upend each other. The film captures almost everything right. It falls under the comedy genre, however, the laughs are not intended to be on the expense of these nerds. To make matters worse, geeks are not supposed to be funny either, so where do you draw the laughs from? Worry not, the genius of Wes Anderson will carry the movie. His ability to transform this movie into an experience that is highly personal to a lot of people is amazing. I suspect it takes one to know one. Those who have gone through a similar experience as Max's will cringe and laugh nervously or perhaps thank the higher power that those days are behind them. Are they really? Murray's character indicates otherwise. He is a testament that geekiness in one never really goes away. For the first time, it feels good, proud almost, to be a geek. Rushmore will forever be a monument dedicated to the geekiness in everyone.
Rating: Summary: The Real Truth About Rushmore Review: For those who have reviewed this film and had given it a poor score, there is a distinct reason: They did not at all understand the humor. This type of film was never meant for the mass public, and those without quick wits are left in the dust. If you fancy yourself a witty character, then you'll find yourself loving this movie. The Criterion Collection is the only way to go at this time, as it provides many extras that complete the film.
Rating: Summary: Don't believe the hype Review: This movie has a lot going for it, including my all time favorite Bill Murray. But its not a Bill Murray movie. Its not even a slap your knee comedy. It gives you a wry smile every now and then, and a few smirks out of interesting scenes. Its a movie about a precosious(sic) kid and crush he has on Isabella and on the lonely man, Bill Murray. Its a story thats OK, but not as some say, great. If this was a drama special on TV, it would be great. But as a feature film that you sit down with refreshments and your family to watch excepting a hollywood produced film, well its just too small to please.
Rating: Summary: A Pile of Horse Dung Review: Alright, this is one of those random comedies. The humor is supposed to rest in strange, witty comments and actions. But I've seen funny random movies, and this does not do the trick. Max is basically just a jackass that runs around thinking he's brilliant. It just didn't strike home for me. I know that others disagree, but even if you do find this movie entertaining it is by no means a masterpiece.
Rating: Summary: Great Movie, overpriced DVD Review: First of all, the movie is great. Despite the often absurd aspects in its plot, it is a much more realistic portrayl of high school life than the dimly plotted Hollywood movies that are endemic to multiplexes these days. Intelligently written, well photographed and exceptionally well acted by leads Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman (in his first movie role, though he is the son of actress Talia Shire and nephew of Director Francis Ford Coppola). Every joke is delivered with just the right intonation of voice to carry a laugh and the all of the actors seem to possess a gift for nonverbal communication. Rushmore is not one of those joke every minute parody films such as Scary Movie, (which may be why some reviewers don't understand it), instead it is content to building up humor, sometimes with entire scenes leading to one deadpan joke at the end. Almost as if director Wes Anderson foresaw its probable rise into the realm of "Classic", Rushmore is refreshingly free of popculture references which date so many recent movies. Rushmore takes place in an indeterminate time and place intentionally, making it all the easier for us to relate protagonist Max Fischer's high school career to our own time spent there. The fact that a great movie is burned upon it is enough alone to earn this DVD 3 stars (at least by my system), but the DVD itself is another matter. The picture and sound transfer is perfect, as it always is with the Criterion Collection's DVDs, and the movie looks better than it did in the theater. It really showcases the techincal mastery of the crew on Rushmore to see this DVD. Considering that it was shot almost entirely on location, with many of the scenes taking place outdoors, its a techinical feat that the movie turned out so perfectly. However, I deduct a star for the DVD's steep price tag ... . If the extra features had amounted to much, maybe it would justify the price tag, but the extra features are basically a dull and uninsightful commentary by star Jason Schwartzman and writers Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson, and a making of documentary shot by Wes Anderson's much less talented brother. Other features are included, but they don't add up to much either. However, for the movie and picture quality alone, this is worth owning, though it wouldn't hurt if it came down in price a little.
Rating: Summary: I saved Latin, what did you ever do? Review: As I read the reviews of people that hated this movie I noctice that alot of them say "It wasn't funny". Sure the whole thing isn't funny, but I don't think it was ment to be much of a comedy. Its more of a drama than a comedy. It actualy does have many funny parts such as when Max and Mr. Blume seek revenge on eachother and Maxs play about war that has to be seen to beleive! Wes Anderson does a great job of directing. He has some wicked camera angles and does many things in one shot. Not may directors do things in one shot anymore. When I first saw the movie I didn't like how the editing was so choppy. But then when you watch it again you realize how great the choppiness is... I can't explain it. Aside from the great directing and the magnificent acting, the script is great as well. It was written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. Theese guys know how to write good dialogue. And who thought Owen Wilson (Star of Armageddon) could write? All and all, one of the greatest movies of the 90's.
Rating: Summary: Excellent film, Oustanding DVD! Review: The criterion collection is famous for making really great Dvd's and it doesn't dissapoint with this film. The artwork on the all throughout the package (including a really cool collector's map of all the significant places in the film) is excellent. The documentary in the special features is very amusing and at the same time very informative. The commentary by Wes Anderson & Owen Wilson are a fabulous touch and great to listen to throughout the feature. The transfer quality of the movie is also really good. If you're a fan of this film, then this disc is worth every penny. Cheers to the criterion collection!
Rating: Summary: A Classic. Review: This is one of my favorite movies of all time. No kidding. I think it will be hailed a classic in no time at all. What more is there to say?
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