Movie roundup: Memento, L.I.E.

First let me say that I love Netflix. The local distribution center is in Gaithersburg, Md, not very far away at all, and so the turnaround time is usually pretty quick. I return the DVDs by mail, and new ones arrive two days later. I also like how you can keep any movie as long as you want. I’ve had Hedwig and the Angry Inch in my possession for several weeks now, just because I haven’t gotten around to finishing it.

So, I watched Memento a while back. Really great, I thought. Such a confident movie. It straps you in your chair and says, “You will watch this story backwards, so get comfortable.” The ending was a bit weak, but still very good overall. I saw L.I.E., as well. Usually I’m not easily disturbed, but this one, which concerns coming of age and pedophilia in a Long Island town, got under my skin. That could very well have been the intention. Granted, the story and direction neither celebrate nor condemn the subject, but I think that’s what was depressing about it. I could neither identify with nor hope for the characters. Good acting (especially from the lead kid played by Paul Franklin Dano) and some interesting dialogue, but I give it a “just okay.”

Next in the Netflix queue: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — I want to re-watch it to get myself in the groove for The Two Towers — and The Cider House Rules.