These were the movies I watched on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010.
In an attempt to re-establish some sort of good standing here at Pop Bunker (because I don’t post often enough and everyone is starting to think I’m a flaky douche), I’m launching a new series called “Cinematic Blues” which will be my reviews of whatever movies I’ve watched on the date listed in the title header. Make sense?
A little background: I watch A LOT of movies. I will rent just about anything from NetFlix, and I buy a great deal as well. I don’t get to the theater more than once or twice a year however, so the movies I’m watching and reviewing may be well-worn material by the time I get to them.
Deal with it. 
Also, if you follow me on Twitter (and if you don’t it’s fine), some of what you read in the first few segments of this series will be repeating what I’ve already said there, only fleshed out for substance and what looks like deep thinking.
Director: Sebastian Gutierrez
Elwood Says: 3½ Electra Luxx Novelty Vaginas out of 5
This was a nice little independent film that chronicled a Day In The Life of 10 women whose paths criss-crossed in various ways.
“Women In Trouble” starts out with Carla Gugino & Adrianne Palicki dressed as a nun and a cowgirl, shooting a porno. Any movie where Tyra Collette tells Karen Sisco that she was “really looking forward to eating [her] pussy” is a good movie in my book.
Some of the connections between the “Women” is tenuous at best – flight attendant Marley Shelton has a quickie with rock star Josh Brolin in an airplane; Brolin’s character has a history with Gugino – but the story flows organically. Writer and director Gutierrez really found a voice for the characters, and the actresses gave these roles everything.
I liked that the story jumped right in to where these women were, and while there were resolutions by the end of the film, you were left with the feeling that there was more story to be told tomorrow.
Overall, “Women In Trouble” was charming and funny with a wonderful cast, good script, and honest performances.
Directors: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
Elwood Says: 4 Black Eskimo Pirates out of 5
Right out of the gate, we have Jennifer Garner talking about masturbating. Elwood’s fantasies are 2 for 2 at this point. 
“The Invention of Lying” is a surprisingly layered film. If everyone told the truth all the time, is the world a happier place? Are little white lies okay?
Mark Bellison (Gervais) discovers that one lie might benefit you, those lies will build and build into something you can’t control or escape from.
The movie gets in some nice digs at organized religion and blind faith, and does a really good job of showing both sides of the Rationalization of Life and the dangers of too many truths and lies.
Jennifer Garner isn’t at her best here, honestly. Louis CK is funny as always, and Rob Lowe channels the same douchebag he played in “Tommy Boy” for his role here.
“The Invention of Lying” ultimately shows that the lies we tell each other aren’t nearly as bad as the lies we tell ourselves. Funny, deep, and thoughtful.
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Elwood Says: 4½ Squealing Pigs out of 5
Let me start off by saying that the Blu-Ray transfer of “Let the Right One In” is stellar, and really highlights the wonderful cinematography. This is a well-crafted movie.
Oskar is a lonely boy, picked on at school, and is on the cusp of acting out some serious revenge fantasies when he meets Eli, the Vampire Next Door.
Eli is Oskar’s “age” but obviously has been in the world longer. Eli and Oskar bond and a friendship develops, particularly when Eli’s paternal support system fails.
Eli was probably the most realistic portrayal of a vampire that I’ve seen in some time. She was well aware of what she had to do to survive, didn’t necessarily like it, *refused* to convert Oskar, but defended him viciously.
“Let the Right One In” is a perfect blend of horror, coming-of-age angst, and first loves. Outstanding work.
Similar Posts:
- Cinematic Blues – 2/22/2010
- Cinematic Blues – Series Finale – July 11, 2011
- Cinematic Blues – 4/12/2010
- Cinematic Blues – August 3, 2010
- Cinematic Blues – 3/28/2010
- Cinematic Blues – 4/5/2010
- Cinematic Blues – July 13, 2010
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Elwood J. Blues is both an Editor and Author for Pop Bunker. From his listed residence at 1060 West Addison, Elwood spends a great deal of time and effort getting people addicted to comic books at 
Awesome! Two I’ve not seen that I’m not interested in and one of my favs of the last decade. I love Let the Right One In. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve been a bit skeptical about The Invention of Lying, but your glowing review makes me more curious. I like Ricky Gervais usually in small doses, so I’m apprehensive about seeing him for all that screentime though.
Gervais is uncharacteristically subtle in this role. PLENTY of other scenery chewers, though.
.-= Elwood´s last blog ..Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude =-.