JENNIFER’S BODY (09):
Megan Fox is the kind of eye candy that makes me forget to blink. Unfortunately, this is not “Megan’s Body” it is her character’s and while it’s on display, lusty male viewers who picked this up primarily because the word “body” and the image of Ms. Fox were prominently featured on the cover may be sorely disappointed in the lack of exposed skin.
I, however, was pleasantly surprised with this strange little horror comedy. It’s not particularly scary or funny, but it has a quirky charm that owes a lot to the same breed of hipster dialogue that earned Diablo Cody a Best Screenplay Oscar for Juno in 2007. While the smarmy, cooler-than-thou lines wear thin at times, I rather enjoyed much of the creative insults, name-calling, and so bad they’re good puns.
The premise itself is original and makes for fun viewing. Ms. Fox plays Jessica, her high school’s popular It girl who is bored with her Podunk town and gets seduced by a run-of-the-mill indie rock band with intentions of sacrificing a virgin to the Devil in exchange for a record deal and international fame and fortune.
Let’s just say things don’t go exactly as planned and Jessica returns to town with a bloodlust, using her control over the male libido to meet her murderous agenda. While it’s not a laugh out loud riot, Cody’s biting wit is used to great effect in certain scenes, and I must admit I found this tale of a seductive succubus rather amusing. Worth a rental if you dig dark comedies that mainly aim to entertain.
6.3/10
THE BURNING PLAIN (09):
Guillermo Arriaga (writer of Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada) tries his hand at directing and his first foray reveals some talent behind the camera. I would watch if he has another go at it, but writing is still his strong suit.
Mr. Arriaga is skilled at telling tales involving several characters and storylines, connecting the dots to weave an intricate tapestry. This multi-narrative melodrama has less of an impact than his four aforementioned films. Perhaps it is the utterly dire and dreary tone of the film and the characters that inhabit it.
Don’t get me wrong, I was thoroughly captivated by the people and their plight, but the movie is mired in misery and thus the viewer is as well. Still, the stories and performances (particularly Charlize Theron) are gripping enough and Arriaga skillfully ties them together.
There is an intriguing twist (and not the kind you would normally expect) in the beginning of the third act, though by this point many may see it coming or have already guessed the gimmick. In the end, we are left to contemplate a bleak tale of loss, guilt and redemption.
This is Mr. Arriaga’s weakest film, and yet it is still a provocative drama well worth a look, especially for fans of any of his previous works. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up after a bad day, this DVD is screaming “put-me-down,” but if you’re in the mood for a heavy drama with some heavy-handed symbolism you should check this out.
6.9/10
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