The Minority Report - "Lincoln" (2012)

The so-called “ploy” of Watching Paint Dry is that we have a college-aged perception on modern movies that come out. Our movie criticism is built on a few college-level courses in film, our unique majors which do not relate to films, and the countless number of other films that we have seen. That being said, Lincoln is a great movie. I do not recommend it if you are going on a date or in the mood for a high-flying adventure. The movie is definitely made for an older generation—its lack of visual stimuli (that is not to say it isn't pretty, because the cinematography is fantastic), for example. This movie was like watching an intriguing, down to Earth old man sit down in various places and tell stories. The intriguing aspect comes from the fact that the old man is President Lincoln in the heat of the debate over the 13th amendment.

I am not going to go over the synopsis of the film, because it is about Lincoln. We all should know the trials and tribulations of Lincoln. If not, go read some things. In fact, this movie is based on the novel Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Goodwin. So, if you know Lincoln and know the history, why should you go see this movie? It is truly the phenomenal acting and excellent writing that make this seem like you are seeing the president in a new light.

Daniel-Day Lewis is Lincoln in this film. There was not a doubt in my mind that this is how the president would be (having never met the man, I cannot fully answer confidently on how Lincoln would act, but still). The film is exceptional in the way it treats the story of the 13^th amendment, its viewing of how American was then, and the depiction of the emotional toll the Civil War had on Americans. This also showcased the emotional strain that leading the country in such a vital time had.

It is hard to not like Lincoln, as it would be almost anti-patriotic to dislike this movie. There are a few items I did not like. Gulliver McGrath’s (playing Lincoln’s youngest son) performance was serviceable, but not the greatest. The ending also did a strange reflection of Lincoln in a flame on his death bed (Spoilers?). Overall this movie is compelling because of the intriguing character of Lincoln and the excellent acting. We will be seeing this movie, not as paint on the wall, but instead winning awards when the season arrives.

By V-Dawg

PS. I am proud of myself for writing this review absent of any Lincoln being shot, hat, or tall jokes/puns. 

The Minority Report - "Super 8" (2011)

"If you talk about this, you and your parents will all die."
In all honesty, behind “Falling Skies,” the trailer for “Super 8” was probably the biggest letdown of the Superbowl commercials. It was one of those trailers that had a lot to hide and very little to show. I was intrigued, but not enough to follow up. Slowly, more bits of the story came together. As the date of release came closer, I became more interested. When the initial reviews came in, I was convinced I needed to see it. The thing that solidified the idea of watching the movie was the fake rendition of the movie on Funny or Die, which was hilarious. Ready? 3…2…1…“CLOVERFIELD”!!!

The movie introduces you to a young boy called Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) who has just lost his mother in a steel mill accident. The movie picks up 4 months after the accident. The year is early 1979, and Joe and his friends make movies on Super 8 mm film with an old camera. They are currently attempting to film a zombie flick for a film festival and they needed an extra actress. A girl called Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning) is used, and there is immediately a spark between them. During one of their scenes, they are filming in a train station when a train is approaching. For production value, they decide to film while it passes, only to be interrupted by its subsequent derailment and explosion at the hands of a car that hit it head-on purposefully. The kids scatter as the craziness occurs, but the camera keeps filming the entire event as it unfolds. Out of the wreckage come the kids and one mysterious piece of footage. Strange things begin happening around the small town, and it’s got something to do with what was on that train.

It was a surprise hit, to be sure, but J.J. Abrams hit the nail on the head with this one. The story is as mysterious as it is ambitious. It harks back to old Spielberg films in a refreshing way that allows you to enjoy it even though the story has been done before. The spirit behind the unknown and the childish inhibition embodied by the lead character are not soon forgettable, and I am sure that everyone can relate since we have all been young before. Overwhelming sadness and emotion can be dealt with and overcome through strife, and this movie truly teaches us that. It’s nothing new, but it is an excellent new take on an old style. The filming is superb and there is a ton of foreshadowing scattered about. It’s a new movie, but feels like an old ambitious film. Oh, and stay for the credits to experience something that you can’t miss. This movie is like watching paint dry on some old Super 8 mm film while it captures something truly out of this world.


By Kulguy