Barton Fink, Be Kind Rewind

Barton Fink (1991)

One of the earliest bizarre trips from the Coen Brothers. John Turturro and John Goodman play neighbors in a LA long stay hotel in the 40’s era world. Turturro’s character is a stage writer that is tapped by a Hollywood big shot (Michael Lerner).  True to (what we now know as) the Coen style, the story takes a weird turn. There is plenty to enjoy here, but it is not accessible to most viewers that just want to be entertained. 

Some of the humor is dark and dry. The acting is really well done. Casting is spot on. Some of the characters seem over the top, but that seems to be very much intentional. Looking at it 17 years after it came out, it still holds up well.

Be Kind Rewind (2008 )

I am a fan of Jack Black and the premise of this movie seemed so good. Black’s character (Jerry) is electrified and becomes a magnetic nightmare. He erases all the video tapes (yes, and handled well in the movie) at a local video store that is being tended to by Mike (played well by Mos Def). When the problem seems to be about to be exposed, they decide to re-film the movies in the ‘Swedish’ style.

This hook is the meat of the movie. There are some genuinely funny moments in these ‘homages’ to many movies, ranging from Ghostbusters to Driving Miss Daisey.  This was a great idea but didn’t hit its real potential. I just wanted a little more from it.

Danny Glover seemed almost dis-interested in this project, but Mia Farrow was a nice surprise. The rest of the cast were the type of people that felt genuine and part of the neighborhood. It was a good way to spend an hour and 40 minutes.