Perspolis (2007)

Persepolis, an often banned book, has made its way to the big screen in a powerful way. The film carries all the artistic elements from the book. The viewer easily relates to our main character and we become completely engrossed in the movie.

Persepolis is autobiographical story of the author of the book, Marjane Satrapi. Chiara Mastroianni voices her as a girl living in Tehran during the turbulent 80's. Marjane quickly realizes what is going on around her and tries to participate in the revolution. Through this, she realizes the struggles in life and love.

The movie is flawless aside from one thing, the fact that they barely changed the graphic novel. Though it may be artistic and great, why make an animated movie out of an already drawn book? Still, it is very interesting and quite well done. I can't deny it.

Persepolis is gripping and powerful. The animation is great and a treat to watch. The stark black and white contrasts well with the few scenes in color. The movie's acting and message are excellent. Though not much work may have been done to adapt the graphic novel, it still winds up being great.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

The second smart comedy of 2008 is Tropic Thunder. Tropic Thunder is actually not smart at all, but it is a fine parody of war films such as Platoon and Apocalypse Now. Add some great acting and a clever script together and you get the nice surprise that Tropic Thunder is. Clever and stupid all at once, the movie is easily quotable and very fun.

The movie, as I have said before, is one long parody of the war film genre. It is about actors on the set of a movie who can't seem to work towards any progress in the movie. Among the many stars in the movie, there's Jack Black, Ben Stiller, and Robert Downey Jr. The director decides to get realistic war footage so he puts the actors in a climate the aren't used to: actual war. There are many cameos including Nick Nolte as a war veteran and Tom Cruise as a ruthless Hollywood agent.

Though even the credits seem like a joke, the movie was nearly completely made by actors. Ben Stiller does quadruple duty by acting, directing, producing, and writing the film. It's obvious that he wrote the script because it is so kooky and obnoxious (but also enjoyable) at times. What isn't quite as obvious is that movie star Justin Theroux also helped write the script. Also, the cast is quite good. Robert Downey Jr. is great as a black man and was nominated for an Oscar as a result of his performance. He won't win it, IMHO, because he is up against Heath Ledger.

Tropic Thunder is a comedy that should stick with American audiences for a while. The movie is offensive and never dull, typical characteristics of any Ben Stiller or Jack Black movie. Though I can't stand either actor, they are actually quite enjoyable. The rest of the cast isn't too shabby either. The fake trailers in the beginning are simply a nice finishing touch on an already golden movie.

Australia (2008)

Well, I was going to do a review of High Tension to continue yesterday's theme, but then...

There was Australia. There was that genre mixing, whirring epic that is beautiful in every single way. Leave it to Baz Luhrmann to make something boring into something new, appealing, and feeling antiquated in a good way. There haven't been movies like this one for a good 70 years.

The epic starts off as an adventure/western movie. After her husband who owns a cattle droving service in Australia asks her to come, Sarah (Nicole Kidman) leaves her rich mansion in England. Her husband dies and she takes over his industry with Drover (Hugh Jackman). Along the way, they meet a mixed Aborigine girl named Nullah and adopt her. The film changes genres every 45 minutes and eventually ends as a war movie in which the couple witnesses the effects of Pearl Harbor on Australia first hand.

Never before has a film been so beautiful. Every shot that Lurhmann makes is more beautiful than the last. Most of the film was shot on location so everything is very pleasing to the eye. Rich colors and smart shots all around, I'd say Baz Luhrmann has secured a nomination.

They don't make movies like this one anymore. Australia is based off the analogy of The Wizard of Oz which alone gives it its own flavor. Also, it reminds me a lot of The African Queen and definitely draws parallels to other classic films. Look no further than title credits' typeface to be reminded of old movies.

Australia is clever, witty, and emotional. Audiences in the theater I saw it in were clearly engaged, crying and laughing at certain scenes. I have never seen a movie in theaters that made me and the audience feel so engaged. Luhrmann needs to keep making movies. He's one of the only great directors around now.