Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

Director: Andrew Jarecki (his first movie, he co-founded Moviefone)
Stars: Arnold Friedman (a real person, its a documentary)
YesNoSoso: 2

Much in the style of Soupcons, Capturing the Friedmans is a documentary about a court case in which the details of a heinous crime are never really very clear. Jarecki wanted to make a documentary about David Friedman, the most sought after party clown in New York City, but instead found the court case revolving around David's father and brother, Arnold and Jesse respectively, the more interesting subject. The ups and downs, twists and turns of Capturing the Friedmans are so good and so profound that I would be remiss to include even the slightest hint to its subject matter. Just go see it and prepare for a wild, though admittedly depressing, ride.
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Used Cars (1980)

Director: Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Death Becomes Her)
Stars: Kurt Russell (Deathproof, Captain Ron)
Jack Warden (Dirty Work, The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing [I've never heard of it but look at that title!])
YesNoSoso: 2

I cannot believe that there was a movie this funny (with a semi-recognizable cast) that I'd never heard of. I didn't even know it was a Robert Zemeckis joint til the end credits. Kurt Russel plays a slimy, but lovable, used car dealer who needs ten grand to bribe his way into the State Senate. Obviously hijinks ensue. The humor is surprisingly crass and advanced for a movie this old and it contains all the attention to detail that Zemeckis' films are known for.
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Youth in Revolt (2009)

Director: Miguel Arteta (The Good Girl [which was alright], nothing else I've heard of except a TV episode here and there)
Stars: Michael Cera (Superbad, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist)
Portia Doubleday (nothing I've ever heard of)
YesNoSoso: 1

This movie was much more serious than I anticipated. Ray Liotta, Zack Galifianakis, Jean Smart, Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard and Justin Long
complete the ensemble cast in what could best be described as a dark comedy. Every scene with Francois Dillinger (Michael Cera's alter ego) was absolutely amazing and the dialog was surprisingly witty and quick. But the movie as a whole didn't pack a lot of laughs for my taste and I was never quite clear on the point of everything. Michael Cera plays a white trash loser trying to get laid. If that's the whole point of the movie then I guess I didn't miss it, but I'm not sure it warranted a whole movie.
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Doubt (2008)

Director: John Patrick Shanely (Joe vs. the Volcano is his only other movie)
Stars: Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Synedoche, NY, Patch Adams)
Meryl Streep (The Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Devil Wears Prada)
YesNoSoso: 2

In this age of Megan Fox's, Channing Tatum's and the Twilight losers its refreshing to see a movie that can subside solely on the amazing performances of four actors. Hoffman and Streep are their usual amazing selves (Streep's Brooklyn accent was particularly believable)and Amy Adams is solid but the best, or at least most heralded performance, comes from Viola Davis. Shanely adapts his own play in his first foray into directing since Joe vs. the Volcano and it is thankfully a much more successful turn (well at least artistically).
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Cold Souls (2009)

Director: Sophie Barthes (her first full length feature)
Stars: Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, Lady in the Water)
David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck, We are Marshall)
YesNoSoso: 1

I thought this movie was right in my wheelhouse, but I ended up just mildy enjoying it. Paul Giamatti plays himself in a quirky plot about removing and storing his soul. He gives a great performance, as does Strathairn, Emily Watson and Lauren Ambrose. Readers of YesNoSoso are well versed in my love of gimmicks but nothing in the movie really wowed me. I'm not trying discourage viewing, it is a solid YesNoSoso 1, but I won't be going back for seconds.
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Mystery Team (2009)

Director: Dan Eckman (his first full length feature)
Stars: Donald Glover ("Community", nothing else really)
Aubrey Plaza ("Parks and Recreation", Funny People [which was pretty good])
YesNoSoso: 2

I checked this movie out because I think "Community" is the funniest show on TV, and in particular the interaction between Troy and Abed. Donald Glover plays Troy and is a member of the comedy troupe Derrick Comedy along with D.C. Pierson and Dominic Dierkes. Mystery Team is Derrick Comedy's first full length feature and it was pretty darn good. My high expectations for this movie were mitigated by terrible looking previews. The end product was extremely good. Its pretty silly and probably not the type of comedy that will appeal to everyone, but I found it to be quite witty in its stupidity.
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