Predicting the unpredictable
Philip Seymour Hoffman stars in "Pirate Radio." Image from Wikimedia.
I am a pretty decisive person. For instance, when I saw the “Pirate Radio” trailer, I decided less than a minute in, “I definitely want to see that movie.” When I saw the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” trailer, I thought “I definitely do not want to see that movie.”
Based on that, I’d predict that “Pirate Radio” reviews would say the movie was great and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews would say that movie is lame. However, despite the fact that I made predictions about movies pretty much on a weekly basis, I am really bad at it. So, naturally, the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews are overwhelmingly favorable and “Pirate Radio” reviews are mediocre at best. Foiled again! Good thing I didn’t bet my cash till payday on it.
Not psychic but stubborn
Still, despite the fact that all of the critics think “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is indeed fantastic and “Pirate Radio” should get lost at sea, I’m going to see “Pirate Radio.” However, in order to help you choose the appropriate Sunday matinee for you and yours, here are some snippets from “Pirate Radio” reviews and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews written by professionals.
‘Pirate Radio’ reviews
Tom Long of the Detroit news called “Pirate Radio” an “amiable mess,” which still encourages me to see it, even though his overall review was negative. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone liked “Pirate Radio,” which is definitely a good sign for me. Travers says “The boat nearly sinks from character overload.” Sounds like my kind of movie!
The only thing that concerns me is the length of “Pirate Radio,” two hours and 15 minutes. This especially concerns me because Travers said “(Director Richard) Curtis brakes when you most want him to gun it.” So I am a little concerned that the movie will be too slow, especially because I prefer my couch to chilly theater seats.
‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ reviews
Even though “Fantastic Mr. Fox” got great reviews and it’s based on a book by the famous and popular Roald Dahl, it’s only opening in a few theaters this weekend. However, on Friday it’s expanding so keep an eye out if this sounds like your cup of tea.
More reasons I’m a bad film judge
In a lot of ways, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” sounds as though it should be my cup of tea. I loved Roald Dahl books when I was a kid. I’m a huge fan of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I am also a huge fan of director Wes Anderson. So what is it I have against “Fantastic Mr. Fox”? The animation? Yep, that’s it.
I think stop-motion animation — the latest, greatest, trendiest craze in filmmaking — is creepy. So there’s your full disclosure. I guess sometimes “decisive” really means “closed-minded.” Oh well, like Popeye says, I am what I am.
Check out the review at An Ocean of Noise. They slam Pirate Radio. Hilarious!