Dark City

Tali: Dark City is the sci-fi story of John Murdoch, as he tries to piece together the mysterious and fantastical events that lead to his memories being erased, and and the potential murdered he may have committed. There isn't a whole lot to say about this movie. I felt the entire time while watching that I was missing something. There are some attempts to make this a film-noir, but mostly this movie falls flat of baring any significance. It's weird as shit and definitely not worth the two hours.

Leo: In Dark City, John Murdoch struggles with memories of his past, with large key elements he cannot remember, in a dark world with no sun and run by creatures with telekinetic powers who seek to know what makes humans....human. The premise would be a little over done almost if it wasn't one of the first to use things like psychokinetic powers and altering a society’s mind. The storyline, in my opinion, was pretty solid because even though it has a very intense sci-fi feel it still remains grounded with the humanity expressed by the relationship between John Murdoch and his wife. The way the movie was done in terms of the information being revealed was impressive, especially considering the amount of unbelievable things that are revealed. Another interesting structural aspect to this movie was John's progression. Other than that, I tend to almost agree with Tali that it is kind of "flat" at some points, but towards the end it all comes together and there is no questioning that this movie is an incredible spectacle. 

Requiem for a Dream

Tali: Requiem for a Dream is a movie with drug use in it, but it is not just a movie about drugs. RfaD follows the intersecting of lives of several junkies (some self-admitted while others are in denial about their addiction) and their downward spiral in a claustrophobic hell. Although at times terrifying and even hard to watch, you CANNOT stop thinking about these characters and what will happen to them next. This film freaked the shit out of me but even over 24 hours after watching it I still cannot stop thinking about it. Darren Aronofsky is a phenomenal film maker and this movie is an excellent demonstration of his achievements in cinematography as well. Basically, you know a movie is fucked up when you have to watch an episode of Criminal Minds after to clear your head.

Leo: ^^ says it all. I recently re-watched this movie and thought....well....can I actually "recommend" this movie to anyone? It's one of the best, if not the best Darren Aronofsky movie because it delivers its message so well. It scares the fuck out of you. It makes you semi-depressed but semi-relieved that you are in a better situation then every single character in the movie. No matter what has happened to you, if you are reading this, you are NOT this fucked up. See it but have something like Rush Hour 2 or Pirates of the Caribbean to cheer you up after....or something. It's fucked.

Dog Day Afternoon

Tali: Dog Day Afternoon follows the (real-life) story of a bank heist in Brooklyn and the series of unfortunate events that follow. Specifically, if you think a bank robbery should take no time at all, imagine the hilarity and awkwardness and tension that amounts when the robbery is turned into a hostage situation/full blown circus and stretches out over the course of several hours. The twists and turns the storyline takes (as well as the character revelation and development) drive the story and make you watch to invest your time (as much time as possible) into the safe return of the hostages and the liberation of Sonny and Sal. Al Pacino is brilliant (as always) and special kudos goes to Chris Sarandon (who plays a doped up and terribly frightened pre-op Leon). Watch it and tell me if you found the same kind of humour in it that I did.

Leo: This was one of the most well-done "heist" movies I've seen mostly because it's actually realistic. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong and it throws some curve balls at you that you honestly would never think of. You would laugh if you weren't thinking "what the fuck ? ?                ? ? ? ?" every twist. Not that they were not believable, because it's a true story. Al Pacino is great, well, most of the acting was just great in this movie. All that needs to be said after seeing this movie is "wow". See it.

Adaptation

Tali: Adaptation follows the story of Charlie Kaufman, a wallflower and screen writer who is given the task of translating a book about orchids into a blockbuster hit. This movie reaffirmed three things I believe about all people: 1) everyone is fucked up; 2) everyone is secretly sad about something/cannot let go of some aspect of their past; 3) all anyone ever wants is to be loved. Brilliantly written and exceptionally executed, this film make me smiley and angry and I laughed and was near tears. Quite the emotional roller coaster but totally worth it. If you were into Being John Malkovich," I highly recommend Adaptation - this film isn't quite the mind fuck but is definitely interesting and is certainly unique. You also won't realize just how much you like flowers until you watch this!

Leo: Adaptation is Charlie Kaufman writing about Charlie Kaufman writing about Charlie Kaufman writing about some fucking flowers. It is very clever and funny and is definitely one of the most interesting and unique movies I have seen. If you've ever written or tried to write a script of any kind, you will appreciate this movie a lot more. You will know the feeling and how he actually isn't exaggerating any of the difficulties or feelings involved. You see some boobies too :)