Gigantic
directed by: Matt Aselton
starring: Paul Dano, Zooey Deschanel, John Goodman, Ed Asner
rated: R for language, some sexual content and violence
This small independent film features some original characters and a creative premise, but the film’s title seems to mirror it’s fatal flaws: it’s gigantic proportions. Sure, it’s entertaining to see the cast of oddballs, but is there anyone who is real enough to be relatable? Or, can we stop trying to tackle every genre, and actually decide if it’s a comedy, drama, or thriller? Even a basic three-act plot is too much to ask for in this film. It wants to be taken seriously so much that you feel it simply doesn’t say or do anything. Smaller and simpler would have been a better choice.
Tyson
directed by: James Toback
starring: Mike Tyson
Rated: R for language including sexual references
The west’s obsession with celebrities can be as hate-fueled as it is joy-filled. No one understands this more than Mike Tyson, the boxing phenomenon turned hated animal. The recent documentary plots Tyson’s story from his own eyes, from his youth, to the fighter, to the controversial and hated figure. The film isn’t too extraordinary, but does seem to capture Tyson’s inner turmoil and jarred mind. However, it also finds the line of being compassionate without beautifying his flaws. It even seems to capture his hopelessness that, while moving, does feel like the end of an E-Hollywood True Story. It’s intriguing and emotional, but no different than that of a really good Barbara Walters’ interview.
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