Strange Stories

Movie Review: October Sky (1999)

Based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes. I borrowed this video from one of the English teachers at my high school who had shown it in a few of his classes. It's a good film for students as it encourages them to strive for more, to 'reach for the stars' as it were. Jake Gyllenhaal is good in the lead role as an inquisitive high school student not content to follow his father into the mines for the rest of his life. I was also impressed by Chris Sherman, famous for playing the Terminator geek in the American Pie series but here becomes a regular bookworm-type geek. 7.5/10

Movie Review: Mysterious Skin (2004)

I really knew nothing about this movie going into it but was very impressed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt steals the show as a handsome and charming boy who ends up as a male prostitute. He shares a connection with another boy, a former classmate, who is convinced that alien abductions are the cause of his mysterious memory loss. The truth is far more disturbing. 'Chloe' from 24 has a small role as another abductee. A depressing film, but still one worth watching. 8/10

Movie Review: Sideways (2004)

A hilarious look at two middle-aged men on a tour of California's vineyards. Paul Giamatti is the struggling writer always looking for the next great bottle of wine. Thomas Haden Church is his soon-to-be-married buddy who is looking for his next great lay. They meet up with a pair of great women who seem perfect for them. So of course they are going to screw things up and boy do they. Very funny and touching, this movie also features Lost's Mr. Friendly, M.C. Gainey, in a hilarious scene that ends with him running naked through the streets. Must be seen to be believed. 9/10

Movie Review: Garden State (2004)

Written by, directed, and starring Zach Braff. I've never seen the TV series Scrubs so this movie was my introduction to Mr. Braff. What a performance he puts on here. Braff plays Andrew, a mildly successful actor who returns to his hometown after many years for his mother's funeral. He encounters his father, a psychiatrist, who has had Braff on medication for years. Andrew reunites with several old friends and a beautiful newcomer played by Natalie Portman, a 'real character' herself. This results in a wonderful new state of mind for Andrew as he begins to fully experience life. Fantastic performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Ian Holm, plus a super hip soundtrack, help this little gem of a movie. 7.5/10

Movie Review: White Noise (2005)

I was intrigued by the trailers for this so-called horror film. What a flop. Michael Keaton plays a grieving father who is convinced his dead wife, and some scary others, are communicating with him via the white noise his TV and radio pick up. Completely unbelievable and idiotic, this was very disappointing. Amazingly enough a sequel was made. Some posters at IMDB complain that the sequel has little to do with the original but I think that should be its main selling point. 4/10