things i think i think

First of all, let me say that I loved ‘Borat.’ I thought it was an ingenious concept and a real genre-bender (even if some of the scenes were constructed.) So, it stands to reason that I would enjoy ‘Bruno’, right? Well, not exactly.

The formula is basically the same: estranged foreigner comes to America (among other places) to find celebrity or, in the case of Borat, a celebrity. Except here are the distinctions: the studio obviously gave ‘Bruno’ far more financial flexibility as the set pieces are more elaborate, more constructed and, frankly, more fake. Nothing feels real when Bruno is around — there are shades of a documentary feel, but that’s about it. Finally, whereas Borat was genuinely friendly if not naive, Bruno is just an asshole, plain and simple. And, without a likeable protagonist, ‘Bruno’ flounders.

Grade: C+/B- — relying too much on shock value and doing nothing for the LGBT community, Bruno is a disappointment all around.

This is a story of boy meets girl. That’s how ’500 Days of Summer’ starts and with it a fair deal of eye-rolling. Here we go again. But, this time, the formula is different: utilizing a unique narrative medium and stellar performances from guy/girl next door actors/actresses, ’500 Days of Summer’ becomes the most original romantic comedy of its kind since ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ Everything about the film feels well-crafted: the cinematography is spot-on, the soundtrack is (so far) the year’s best and, above all else, it’s a film that is relatable. And, when it comes down to it, isn’t that all you could ask for in a film about a boy and a girl?

Grade: A — heartbreak, awkwardness, love and sex captured through a unique lens. The beloved film of Sundance lives up to the hype. A must-see.