Amanda Kimmel

Synecdoche, New York

For me, this movie woke me up about a half hour in with the realization that I was watching and hearing thoughts that have been in my own head for years. If you find your inner voice keeping you up late at night, going over and over the same painful questions then I think you will be familiar with the experience of watching this film.

Keeping in mind that most sane people seek professional help and pharmaceutical relief from this experience, it does seem like an odd choice to market the experience in DVD form. That said, I find it strangely therapeutic to know that I am not alone in my head, Charlie is there to keep me company. I believe it was the philosopher, Pascal, who suggested that the strongest motivation in our lives is to distract ourselves from the reality that life is, for the most part, an horrible and painful experience. This film is not a distraction it is a mirror. For those out there that prefer to believe that life is a precious and beautiful miracle, and take their prozac and church services seriously... You might want to stay away from this movie.

To the nuts and bolts of the film. The only things that are taking some time to get used to are the obvious jumps out of reality. Living in a smoldering house for example, the airplane scene is another. My question is how these whimsical elements fit in film about the torture of life? Maybe that, as predictable as you feel life has become, occasionally you will be surprised by surreal moments? Or maybe it is just Charlie sticking his head in your face reminding you to smile?

If you're a person that should be on antidepressants but choose not to be because you believe life should be experienced rather than hidden from you might appreciate this film.. If you "don't get it" I guess you can be thankful? Or maybe you need to watch it again with the idea in mind that for a lot of people, this the reality that goes on between their ears.

Into the Blue 2: The Reef
$19.98
I liked the 1st one alot. Ok it wasn't an academy award movie, but I liked it. I watch it every time I see it on tv. Ok so a big part of it is Jessica Alba, but the movie wasn't bad other than some bad acting. It even started a new found intrest in treasure hunting, & prospecting. Plus I've been to Paradise island in the bahamas & that movie took me back.


When I saw this sequel, I was a little skeptic since it went straight to dvd. I read a few of the reviews about it & although no one said it was a great movie, they were saying that it was better than the 1st. I then decided to rent it. If I bought this, I would've been mad.


This movie is so bland compaired to the 1st. One person said that the acting wasn't bad, & that you couldn't tell that it was a B movie. The acting sucked so bad & you could tell that they were just following the 1st script. The treasure hunting was boring. Like the 1st, I've also been to Hawaii, But unlike the 1st, this one didn't take me back there. Even though I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers, Laura Vandervoort is no Jessica Alba.


So if you liked the first one, I would stay away from this one. If you must see it, rent it or catch it on tv. If you haven't seen either, the 1st is the way to go.