Movies Seen This Week: Taxi Driver (1976), End of Watch (2012), Enchanted (2007), Girl Walk//All Day (2012), Starter for 10 (2006), Wanted (2008), Girl Model (2012), Rope (1948), The Impossible (2012), Porco Rosso (1992), Hitchcock (2012), Layer Cake (2004)
What does a college student on winter break do with his or her time? Do they catch up with friends from high school? Do they work studiously on their resumé in hopes of bettering their chances on a future career? Do they make good use of the fact that they’re back in a small town where bars will be cheaper? No, they watch a ton of movies after wearing themselves out after a weekend of New Year’s Eve parties. What better? My resolution for upcoming year (besides the obvious hit up the gym and stop living off of caffeine that’ll last about a week) is to become better versed in cinema and its history. That means the classics, foreign films, etc. But it also means for me, seeing the films that I never got a chance to see and have been on my “must-see” list for years.
Movie Pick of the Week: Layer Cake (2004)
Well, what’s it about?
A cocaine dealer not long for the business is recruited by Jimmy Price with a tough assignment: find the missing daughter of his old pal Edward. And, if that’s not enough, there’s two million pounds worth of Grade A ecstasy, a neo-Nazi sect and double crossings that will make your head spin. The dealer known as xxx must break every rule he’s ever made that has kept him successful and well-respected in the business to acquire the retirement he so desperately desires.
Okay, but why should I watch it?
Is because it’s awesome enough of a reason? No, fine.
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First off, Daniel Craig is the anti-Bond in this film, which is ironic considering this role is what got him the James Bond gig. He’s also wickedly charismatic, hilarious and simply fun to watch, and besides Bond, this is arguably his best role. The supporting cast is gifted with Michael Gambon and George Harris, who both bring a spark to their roles. This film inspires memories of Danny Boyle and movies such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It’s super intelligent; the script is quick and never slows in interest, and it’s a fun, fast-paced and hyper-stylized film.
Who should watch it?
Anyone who’s looking for an action film that doesn’t fall into the atypical and fancies them a film that will keep them guessing. Anyone who wishes to see Daniel Craig and all of his glory, pecs, abs and all, and oh, his acting is pretty good as well. It’s fun without pandering; it writes to an audience without belittling their intelligence. It’s an action film with humor and innovation and it’s a film for anyone.
Just watch it.
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