jtindahouse

I listened to a David Mamet podcast episode on Bad Friends recently and I found him to be a very insightful and thoughtful man. 'House of Games' is an interesting movie. I'm not sure if there was ever a DVD commentary done for it, but I'd love to listen to it if there was and try and find out whether certain things were done intentionally, and if so, why?

I detest it when people call movies predictable. It's one of my pet hates. However, if you were going to call a movie predictable, I think 'House of Games' would be a fair shout. But, I can't help but wonder if that was the point. It either wants the audience to feel like they are in on things and are watching from behind the curtain - or it wants us to feel smart. Or maybe that wasn't the intention at all (and I really just am smart - could it be?). I really don't know, and I'd love to.

The worst thing about this movie is the acting. I try really hard not to criticise actors too much, but this was pretty atrocious. It felt like the two leads had a script in their hands and were just reading the words off the page. It just takes you out of the movie.

I did love the ending of this 'House of Games' and how it was handled. That was definitely the best thing the movie had going for it. All these ramblings considered, I've settled on a 6/10 for this one.

I love movies that blossom out of simplicity. Think of a basic idea and then create a story out of that, that ultimately becomes something so much more. Often I find them the most captivating of all movies, and 'Sharp Corner' was another fine example of this.

I love the questions this movie constantly makes you, the audience, ask. Is he right? Is she right? Are they both right? Are they both wrong? Whatever view you take the movie is sure to leave you with a pretty hollow feeling inside. It is a depressing ride (in the best way, of course).

I don't know, maybe I'll be in the minority on this one, but I was hooked for every minute of this one. A great first scene, and from there the film just grabbed my attention and never let it go. 9/10.

It's a little scary how accurate 'Idiocracy' feels at times, considering how completely over the top and exaggerated it is supposed to be. I've always had a theory that every generation becomes slightly worse on average than the one before. And, if I'm right, this movie may not be all that unrealistic in its vision of 500 years from now.

The movie is pretty consistently funny throughout. There is one extremely well done gag, involving three insertion rods, that had me physically laughing out loud for a solid 10-15 seconds. A very well crafted scene that one.

It's a very short film, and even still it does feel like it's starting to drag a little towards the end. Because of the nature of the story there are of course a number of very annoying characters who can grate on your nerves a little too. Still, it's a solid film with a lot going for it. A mildly harsh 6/10.