Reel Movies: Rocket Science

Director: Jeffery Blitz

Writer: Jeffery Blitz

Starring: Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Vincent Piazza, Aaron Yoo

 

 Summary:

Rocket Science is the story of Hal Hefner (Thompson), a boy with a speech impediment that prevents him from doing simpler little tasks, like ordering pizza at his school cafeteria. Having been suffering this for years, Hal likes to be left alone and prefers not to say anything at all. It doesn't help much either that he has a violent older brother who torments him, his dad has just left his mom, and his mother's lover (who is also the father of Hal's best friend) has just moved in. But when Ginny Ryerson (Kendrick), the school's top debater is looking for a new partner, Hal is quick to say yes and Ginny makes inspires him to try his hardest to conquer his speech problem and be successful on the debate team. As it turns out, Ginny is using Hal for the wrong reasons, and Hal is then determined to get back at her.

Review:

    This movie is definitely one of my favorites. Reece Thompson does a wonderful job of portraying Hal. You can definitely relate to the anger and aggression that Hal builds up in himself do to his problem. You can really sympathize with him and that makes him so relatable and great to watch. Vincent Piazza, Anna Kendrick, and Aaron Yoo give great performances. This movie is very interesting and I absolutely recommend this to anyone. Its a different kind of heart warming tale. It makes you really think about the way other people live their lives and get through the obstacles of life, in addition to trying to over come the complications they were born with.

I give this 8/10.

-- D.

Reel Movies: Lars & the Real Girl

Director: Craig Gillespie

Writer: Nancy Oliver

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider

 

Summary:

    One of my favorite indie movies of 2007, Lars and a Real Girl, is definitely a must see for fans of the comedy/drama genre of films. The story follows the socially awkward Lars Lindstrom (Gosling), a man who enjoys being left alone because of the emotional pain he is hiding inside. His sister-in-law Karen (Mortimer) starts worrying about him and why he is no looking for a significant other, but her worrying drastically increases when he does find comfort in a women--a plastic women which he has ordered online. Ignoring the real purpose of the sex doll, Lars forms a bond with the doll; he even names her Bianca. As Lars becomes more attached to her, his brother (Schneider) and sister-in-law have to get the whole town to go along with his delusion. With the help of a therapist and the support of the town, Lars and his family get through this very awkward time in all of their lives. The movie wonderfully portrays how confusing and troubling times can bring a community closer together.

Review:

    Ryan Gosling definitely desires praise for portraying the puzzled yet lovable Lars. Its far cry from his breakout role in The Notebook, but I actually enjoyed him more in this film. There is a little bit of Lars in everyone. It's that emotional baggage inside that is holding us back from really living out our lives to the fullest. The film is truly beautiful, even with its strange tale. This movie is definitely one of those rare, bittersweet ones that makes you wonder if you should be sad or happy with the conclusion.  This is a must-see for independent film lovers who enjoy a good, quirky movie.

Overall, I give it a 7.5/10

-- D.