American Splendor
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Movie Reviews of American Splendor
Movie Review: Absolutely wonderful story
Summary: 5 Stars
I really can't say enough about this movie. It is an amazing portrait of an Everyman struggling first with the mundanities of his own life, and then later with an odd sort of fame, cancer, and the creation of a family. Paul Giamatti is absolutely fantastic as Harvey Pekar, and Hope Davis is wonderful as his wife. As you see Pekar navigate his way through life's obstacles - from an old lady in front of him in the grocery store to struggling with marital troubles, cancer, his dead-end job and the adoption of a troubled little girl, you can't help but feel uplifted, especially at the end. A review of this movie when it came out said that Pekar is not really a pessimist - he is actually the penultimate optimist, because he keeps believing in the fundamental goodness of the world, even after he's been disappointed. His take on life, marriage and fatherhood isn't your average view, but it is entertaining and in the end, it all works out. Personally, I thought it was great to see a movie that sent a message that you don't have to be beautiful to find real love, you don't have to be rich to have a happy home, fame isn't all it's cracked up to be, and your life doesn't have to be perfect for you to be happy. This is one of the few well-done movies I've seen lately with a truly happy ending - and usually you only get happy endings with unwatchably stupid movies. I wish there were more movies being made like this. See it!Movie Review: From the streets of Cleveland comes...
Summary: 5 Stars
...one of the best films about This American Life in recent memory. Directors Shari Berman and Robert Pulcini pull off a real hat trick with art imitating life imitating a comic strip that imitates life (!). The autobiographical story of sullen file clerk/philosopher Harvey Pekar, living his insular life of "quiet desperation" (even after "making it" as a contemporary of R.Crumb in the underground comic world and becoming a minor cult celebrity on "David Letterman" during the 80's) may sound a bit dry but makes for a compelling biopic. The film benefits from an amazing performance from the under-used Paul Giamatti, who absolutely nails the character (especially evident in several inspired set-pieces that feature the real-life Pekar on-screen with the actor). An unrecognizable Hope Davis is also excellent as Pekar's eccentric wife. The filmmakers keep the visual aspects fresh and engaging with deft and clever mixed-media techniques. Despite the general tone of dark comedy projected through Pekar's somewhat misanthropic world view, the film is ultimately life-affirming and genuinely moving at times. Although it helps if you've read underground comics, and/or seen and appreciated the films "Crumb" and "Ghost World", I can't imagine anyone having a bad time hanging out with Harvey and friends for 100 minutes. A rare commodity these days: a perfect film in every way.Movie Review: I have 2 words: PAUL GIAMATTI
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd seen Paul Giamatti around before, mostly in stinkers like "Big Fat Liar", he never gets the roles or attention he deserves. And I'll admit was NEVER impressed with him anyways, but the reason I got this movie, mostly, was because I heard he gave such a great performance.... And well, they were right!!!This movie is about the life of Harvey Pekar, as based on his comic series "American Splendor" which was based from his life. It includes interviews with the real Harvey Pekar and other people that are portrayed in the film as well, like his wife and co-workers. I find it interesting how such an ordinary guy cannot only have not only a sucessful comic book series, but this movie as well. Which is pretty impressive for anybody :D.
It was fun to watch Paul Giamatti, I mean he really had Harvey down to-a-T. He not only gets his mannerism and voice, but his emotions as well. He portrays him as a person and not just a character. :D Hope Davis was wonderful as usual, and so was everyone else in this movie.
I say, anyone who think their life sucks should watch this. And, hey, anyone who likes to watch good movies with good acting too. :D The acting really elevates this film. Wonderful.
God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy
Movie Review: Really really really really really really GOOD ! ! !
Summary: 5 Stars
Hard to believe that this is an HBO film... has the emotional feel of one of those old "beat" movies from the late 50's or '60s... only it takes place mostly in the 70's and 80's... The theme, however is perfect: about being a down and out misfit stuck in a dead end job, yet having an imagination that far excedes the role in life you've been given. The result: Pekar becomes the most likely of heroes by casting himself as as not only an anti-hero, but anti-super hero his own underground comic book... fame finding him - - yet never quite rescuing him from the drudgery of his life turned art. - - Half documentary, have biopic, the film has a really cool look and feel (great bluesy and boppish Jazz soundtrack) - - The blend of Paul Giamatti's acting (a rare casting for him as a lead, despite his memorable face and roles) and the real Harvey Pekar's narraration (and on screan appearence) is great... You can really feel the exhaustion, quirk, neurosis and quick thinking gushing from the screen from both of them... The rest of the ensemble as well as the script is incredible too as well as the quick cut method... all in all, this is what I call a REPEATED SEE film... if you don't believe me, just ask a certain genuine NERD from Cleveland...Movie Review: It takes a hero to be an honest every man
Summary: 5 Stars
Harvey Pekar is just such a hero. The acerbic comic author here offers the audience exactly what makes his comic of the same name so special, a window into the life of the every man, with all the pain and foibles that go with it. Pekar's searing honesty of his own problems and triumphs, non extraordinary perhaps on a global sale but all amazing on the personal level, give his audience a keen window of what it means to be an average person struggling to make it buy. All of the performances here are excellent, though Giamatti and Davis deserve special mention for their wonderful portrayals. They bring these people to life. The director's interesting technique of placing Pekar as a commentator on his own life keeps the film from slipping into melodrama and keeping the distance that gives the comic is powerful perspective. Harvey's humor is much here in evidence, even when his life dips towards tragedy and that is the rock on which this excellent film rests. Some may find the intimacy of the film uncomfortable, but given the tendency of modern film to often flatten life, I found it wonderfully refreshing.
Harvey Pekar, refreshingly unspoiled by is better than 15 minutes of fame, is a treat that every viewer should enjoy.