Scattered Frames: Enough said about the empire of Blackfish
Hello everybody! Welcome to yet another edition of Scattered Frames, where I highlight a very eclectic trio of films, including the late James Gandolfini’s final performance, a worthy action sequel and an eye-opening documentary. Check it out!
Enough Said: There are worse notes to go out on and James Gandolfini was very lucky that this one will be remembered as his last performance on film. A simple dramedy with solid writing and impressive work from him and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, both very understated and effective. The climax drips with awkwardness in another winner from Nicole Holofcener. 3.5/5
Blackfish: I grew up going to SeaWorld at least once a year, so watching this doco about the danger of keeping orcas in captivity made me feel dirty and ashamed. Gabriela Cowperthwaite has directed an eye-opening, heartwrenching account of the physical and mental abuse humans can subject their fellow animals to. Stunning footage and great insight from all kinds of experts make this one of the best documentaries I’ve ever had the pleasure and pain of seeing. Required viewing. 4/5
300: Rise of an Empire: I honestly didn’t notice if this film was light on story and character development, because I was distracted by all the cool visuals and fun action (that underwater horse thing was a highlight). If that makes me stupid, then so be it! A worthy follow-up to 2007’s groundbreaking swords-and-sandals CGI extravaganza: cheesier, sexier and almost as entertaining. If it ain’t broke… 3.5/5
So I near-hated 300. But I agree on the other two.
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LOL, you were not the only one!
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I will second James’ sentiment. 300: Rise of an Empire was a steaming pile of excrement without any redeeming value save for Eva Green’s perfromance. But Enough Said and Blackfish were wonderful films.
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LOL, that’s intense.
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I can appreciate why you enjoyed it though. Didn’t mean to sound quite so harsh. 😉
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It’s OK. I didn’t take it personally 🙂
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I haven’t seen any of these yet, but Blackfish has been on my netflix queue for a while now. I think we might watch it this week!
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Hope you do. It’s stunning.
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Well it’s good to see some of us got a kick out of Rise of an Empire! 😉 Nice work as per usual man
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Thanks, Tom!
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What is that Gerry Butler wannabe guy doing to Eva Green?? 😉 I didn’t really care to see this sequel Fernando, maybe a rent on a slow night. Blackfish on the other hand, you made me want to give it a shot one day, though I was already traumatized by The Cove. This one will further convince me not to go to Sea World ever again.
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LOL! He is…um…attacking her. And yeah, if you’re not the biggest fan of the irst (except for Gerry, of course) there’ll be nothing in the sequel for you.
Hope you see Blackfish soon. I’d love to know your thoughts on it.
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I will blog about it once I get to it Fernando 😉
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Cool 🙂
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Reblogged this on Geek Is The New Black.
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I think that image is enough to make me go see Rise of an Empire 😉 Blackfish is a really interesting watch and definitely makes you think about the ethics of the whole thing.
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My work here is done 😉
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Really liked Enough Said but Blackfish has faded on my a bit. It’s a well made documentary but it is an activist picture that definitely manipulates its audience. 300 just didn’t have enough to bring me to the theater.
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I feel that Enough Said is good but not exactly memorable. I understand not being excited for 300: ROAE and I sort of agree on Blackfish. It’d be nice to see a rebuttal from SeaWorld but they’ve refused to address the controversy.
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It was interesting, at first SeaWorld was told not to even acknowledge the documentary. That was a bad idea. Then several months ago they released a huge press response which was pretty interesting. And of course they’ve taken to social media to throw the ball back in Blackfish’s court.
I think what I like about Blackfish is that it’s a good conversation starter. But for some it has started and ended the conversation.
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I agree.
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I was surprised how much fun 300: Rise of an Empire was to watch with friends. Especially when Eva Green said that immortal line at the end.
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It’s a really fun, cheesy, epic movie.
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