Film Review: The Tree of Life (2011)

The phrase “They don’t make them like they used to anymore” is only partly true for this film as the description should actually be “They never make them like this, ever.”  Not since the late great Stanley Kubrick’s challenging science-fiction masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) has a film been so ambitious, provocative and frustrating.  Reclusive auteur director Terrence Malick’s latest, winner of the 2011’s Cannes Film Festival coveted “Palme d’Or” award, is virtually a modern day masterpiece; it features some of the most beautiful images ever to grace the silver screen that are matched by profound, poignant themes relating to religion, family/parenting, growing up, and the beginning and end times.  However, not everyone will like or even appreciate it.  Actually, probably only a minority of the movie-going public will enjoy this unconventional film as it abandons the basic story structure/narrative style and will seem pretentious or boring to many.  Yet, if viewers are willing to be patient, reflective and open to something truly original and overwhelmingly ambitious, they may find that it is full of meaning and deserves if not demands multiple viewings and much contemplation.  Besides, audiences likely will never witness such a gorgeously-shot film in their lifetime as this one (without the price of or need for 3D!).  Even if it is not the most entertaining or easiest to sit through and understand, The Tree of Life (2011) is probably 2011’s best film thus far due to its epic scope and aspirations, character and thematic depth, honest performances, and magnificent cinematography; it may even change your life, outlook on the world, or help to explain the nature of existence and answer other universal, timeless questions.  After all, it is the closest thing to cinematic poetry one will probably ever behold.

Monthly Watch List: May 2011

I know I’m about a week late on publishing this month’s watch list, but bear with me as I launch this new feature of The Modern Allegory.

Summer is nearly here and so are a few Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed films.  In these “Monthly Watch Lists” I have included a variety of movies to look for or be aware of, from the critically acclaimed limited releases to the big blockbusters and movies most people know about.  Obviously, some of my “Most (or) Highly Anticipated” films will find their way here, so be sure to note those ones.  Enjoy the month of May!

Top 10 Trailers of 2010

The following list of previews may be either teaser trailers or full-length theatrical trailers. To qualify, the preview had to have been initially released in 2010; the movie itself did not have to be released in 2010. Furthermore, the trailer does not necessarily have to represent the movie that well; it may be far better than the actual film. I chose and ranked the following previews based on a few different factors. For instance, the trailers should excite or intrigue viewers and possibly convince them to go see the film. Also, I took into account how well the trailers have been made, from their soundtracks to editing and so on. Whether or not the previews spoil the plot is a factor too. I tried to choose the top ten based on a combination of my favorite trailers and the best made ones. I provide more analysis for each of the top ten listed and give a few notes about certain honorable mentions.

At the end of the post, you can vote on which preview is your favorite of 2010.