A few unknowns...

(January 31, 2008)

So in the past couple of weeks I've really been into netflixing movies I'd only seen previews for on other movies I netflixed. =)

Most of them are pretty "unknown."

I was pleasantly surprised by each one.

I've listed the movie information and my rating (out of five stars).

Movie: Kinky Boots

Plot: Charles Price may have grown up with his father in the family shoe business, but he never thought that he would take his father's place. Yet, the untimely death of his father places him in that position, only to learn that Price & Sons Shoes is failing. While in despair at his failed attempts to save the business, Charles has a chance encounter with the flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola. Her complaints about the inadequate footwear for her work combined with one of Charles' ex-employees, Lauren, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: make men's fetish footwear. Lola is convinced to be their footwear designer and the transition begins. Now this disparate lot must struggle at this unorthodox idea while dealing both the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town and the selfish manipulation of Charles' greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles' dream.

Life Tourist rating: * * * *

Life Tourist review: This movie was extremely heart-warming and wonderfully hilarious at the same time. A few parts are a bit slow...but during these slow bits...you really get a chance to study the characters and truly see into them. Made me want to put on a pair of boots. =)



Movie: Snow Cake

Plot: Alex Hughes, an ex-convict, is on a road trip to Winnipeg to see an old friend. Along the way, he meets the annoying, but vivacious, Vivienne Freeman who manages to bum a ride with him. Just as he begins to warm to this eccentric girl, Alex's vehicle is in a serious automobile accident that kills Vivienne. After his meeting with the police, Alex decides to speak with Vivienne's mother. Upon arrival at her home, Alex discovers that the mother, Linda, is a barely functional autistic who convinces him to stay long enough to take out the garbage the day after the funeral he agrees to arrange. In those few days, Alex discovers new friends and learns more about the uniqueness of Linda even as he struggles to come to terms with his own grief.

Life Tourist rating: * * * *

Life Tourist review: This movie amazed me. Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver star and I must say, I'm not a huge Sigourney fan...but she truly captured this character. The film is a little sad, a little happy, but mostly sweet. It's a collection of random moments with two characters you don't think mashup.



Movie: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Plot: In LA, while escaping from the police after an unsuccessful robbery, the small time thief Harry Lockhart is accidentally submitted to an audition for a role of detective in a movie, and invited to a party. He meets a private eye Gay Perry, who suggests he participate in an investigation to help develop his character. He also meets the gorgeous aspirant actress Harmony Faith Lane, and finds that she was a friend from his childhood for whom he had a crush. Harry and Perry get involved in an intricate murder case with many leads. With the support of Harmony, they find the sordid truth of the case.

Life Tourist rating: * * * *

Life Tourist review: This movie is so random you will laugh your arse off. First off, it stars Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer; two actors I don't typically rave about but paired together....wow. Magnificant duo. (No, I did not call them that just because Val Kilmers character happens to be gay and so I thought of the magnificently gay duo.) Downey Jr. pretty much plays himself in this movie. A guy who is mistaken for an actor but who really is just a fast-talking funny guy. Kilmer was astounding as a gay man. His character was fantastic! This movie has it all; a love story, guns, hollywood, peeing on a dead body, loss of a finger, suicide, a dog eating a finger, nudity...you name it. Don't let my review or the plot summary turn you off....really...this film is hilarious enough that I watched it again the next day.