Reviews
Observe and Report (2009)
Unbelievably horrible and distasteful
Observe and Report is the worst movie ever made. I say this without regret, remorse or trepidation. I have seen other contenders for the prize: Ishtar, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, The Cable Guy, Neighbors, every Adam Sandler film, Planet 9 from Outer Space, Eraserhead, etc. What sets Observe and Report below every other movie was the joy with which it glorified raping a drunk, vomiting, passed-out Ana Faris. The acting of Seth Rogen was also pathetic: does anyone really believe that he is a mentally challenged manic-depressive? If he was retarded, how did he fill out all of the police forms and set up an interview so easily? I didn't laugh once, except for the F-you scene with "Saddam Hussein," and I felt bad laughing that one time. Do not allow the makers of this movie to disgrace Hollywood again with their work.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Well-made but dull and implausible
Many reviewers are gushing about this movie, but I thought the movie was totally implausible and inconsistent. The premise is so bizarre and silly that it makes the love story impossible to appreciate. Furthermore, Brad Pitt is largely mute, which I don't equate with fine acting. Cate Blanchett is very cold and distant, not someone who would make an obvious love interest. Even Tilda Swinton was warmer than Cate Blanchett. The last half-hour is especially disappointing, since part of Benjamin's body ages normally (the brain), while other parts age in an inverted sense. I felt that the screenwriters were having a particularly bad time of it, trying to figure out an ending that was somehow consistent with the beginning. I predict that because Benjamin Button is very dull, and self-important, it will be nominated for best picture Oscar and will probably win (think Out of Africa, The English Patient or Chariots of Fire).