Searching (2018)

Searching (2018)

Sony Pictures Rising etc.

August 31, 2018

Mystery
DVD
B

One of the best contemporary mysteries I've ever seen, although not flawless.  (Messing sadly is not on Cho's level in this.)  It uses modern websites, apps, etc., to tell its story, without ever seeming gimmicky, and the title works on at least two levels, with Cho as the worried father searching on the Internet as he searches for his daughter.  That it is set in a modified version of a city I know well (San Jose, CA) adds to the feeling of heightened reality.  Aneesh Chaganty directed and co-wrote.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Columbia etc.

October 3, 2008

Romcom, Musical

DVD
C+

I saw this movie at the time and enjoyed it enough to read the book, by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, that it's based on.  I think, however, unlike Juno, which Cera appeared in the previous year (and which I own and rewatched coincidentally last week), this hasn't aged as well.  The clichés and oh-so-hipster '00s energy stand out more.  (I was already middle-aged back then, so it's not like I've grown too "mature" for this movie or something.)  And for covering less than 24 hours, it sure makes a hash of its timeline.  There are still some sweet and mildly amusing moments though, and I didn't mind a rewatch today, although I'm not bothering with the vast bonus material.  Peter Sollett directed.

Literally, Right Before Aaron

Literally, Right Before Aaron

Indy Entertainment etc.

April 22, 2017

Comedy
DVD
D+

I tried to watch this once before, since I love Justin Long in Going the Distance, but this movie is so unpleasant and unfunny that a D+ feels generous.  Still, I could kind of see what they were going for, and I didn't actually hate it.  Ryan Eggold wrote and directed.

Grandma

Grandma

Sony

September 18, 2015

Dramedy
DVD
B+

In one of her best roles ever, 75-year-old Tomlin is hilarious and moving as an aging lesbian poet trying to help her granddaughter raise money for an abortion.  The supporting cast is all around solid, with Sam Elliott a particular stand-out as a surprising ex.  Note, I loved the spin that this movie puts on the "your baby has fingernails" moment in Juno.  Also, I like all the different areas of Los Angeles that are shown in this story that takes place in just one day.  Paul Weitz wrote and directed nine years after the far inferior American Dreamz.  (But I do like Admission, and somewhat American Pie.)

Better Luck Tomorrow

Better Luck Tomorrow
MTV Films
April 25, 2003
Crime Drama
DVD
C-

Two allegedly smart teens are petty thieves.  John Cho plays the boyfriend of the girl that the narrating teen has a crush on.  Justin Lin directed and co-wrote.