Movie Review: Just One Win

Just One Win
By Patrick Hao

Before 2004, the Boston Red Sox and their fans had faced many heart breaks in their attempts to win a World Series. Fans would complain about the hesitation throw by Johnny Pesky in game 7 of the 1946 World Series, allowing the winning run to score. Fans may also complain about Bucky “@#$%@#$” Dent hitting a home run against the Red Sox to win a one game playoff for the dreaded Yankees. Then came game 6 of the World Series in 1986 which is what the 2005 film Game Six is about.
The film follows playwright Nicky Rogan (Michael Keaton) on October 25, 1986. Nicky is a die hard Red Sox fan and his team is up three games to two against the New York Mets in the World Series. On this fateful day however, is the opening of his new play in New York. There is a lot of buzz for the play from actors who saw a preview but that doesn’t mean there are any problems. Rogan has an estranged daughter (Ari Graynor), who doesn’t have much affection for her father. Then there is a veteran actor, who has a virus in his head which makes him forget his lines. Finally the meanest, harshest critic, Steven Schwimmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is about to see his play that can make or break his career. There is something special however about game 6. In Rogan’s mind, he thinks that if the Red Sox could win then all his problems would just disappear.
Game 6 is the directed by Michael Hoffman, most known for 1991’s Soapdish. From the description the movie may sound like a sports movie but it is not. It is a movie about the human obsession and almost serves as a Greek Tragedy. We all know what happens in that very famous game. Despite this, even for non-baseball fans, we are invested in the game as he watches it on the screen. The camera puts us into the game; despite the fact we are still in the bar where Rogan watches it.
The setting is in 1986 New York and it sets the atmosphere for the movie. The setting is bleak with grayness in the air. Violence and traffic is highlighted giving us the perfect setting for a mental breakdown, similar the De Niro character in Taxi Driver. A radio weatherman plays almost serves as a narrator, describing to the audience the thoughts of Rogan as he goes through the day. Things like that give the screenplay by novelist Don DeLilo a special quality to it. The main character has eloquent speeches that are believable due to the fact that he is a screenwriter.
A big component to the success of this film is Michael Keaton. Often times underrated due to his roles in the past, he can certainly act. He takes on a character that is special and fragile that actors of lower quality will mishandle and maybe overplay. This is certainly not a big movie and with Keaton’s sympathetic eyes we kind of root for him despite what we know will happen. Then we have Robert Downey. This is one of the films he did during, what I call his comeback. He gives another interesting performance a Zen monk, critic who everyone hates. He is paranoid, fearless, affectionate and just plain loony. The range showed by Downey is incredible and he never gives an uninteresting performance.
The film suffers some problem in production, however. The cutting is a bit frantic and doesn’t really play well with the mood of the movie. Most of the shots aren’t interesting except for a particular scene in the bar. If it wasn’t for strong performances and a good script this film would just be another forgettable Sundance film.
3.5 out of 5


Ok people i really do need editors to fix the things i post up since i'm getting less and less time on the computer..damn old people and their addicting to the internet (parents). so if anyone is an editor or has time just check the articles i put up. oh and if you have ideas for something you want to write just send it to me through email or facebook (but through messages, remember the project is a secret.)
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TOP TEN HIGH SCHOOL MOVIES

Well someone did their job, kudos Patrick. He will be the movie reviewer

TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOL MOVIES
By Patrick Hao
The start of the school year is here. And what better way to prepare for high school than to watch movies about the wonders of high school. The history of cinema has been bombarded by thrilling tales from the hallow halls of young adults. This list shows the top ten films that deal with high school of all time.

10. Donnie Darko (2001) - Richard Kelly’s cult classic brings us Jake Gyllenhaal as the title character in one of the strangest, yet endearing movie. Donnie Darko is an outcast who suffers through schizophrenia and other mental diseases. However he goes through a strange set of situation that involves time travel, fate and consequence. All these elements bring us a great movie and one of Patrick Swayze’s most memorable roles, along with Gary Jule’s haunting rendition of Mad World.

9. Election (1999) - Reese Witherspoon is brilliant as an overachieving student who will stop at nothing to win her high school election. However her teacher played by Matthew Broderick will do anything to stop her. This film deals with the dark side of elections, high school and once again deals with consequence along with witty dialogue and a good supporting cast.

8. Back to the Future (1985) - One of the best movies of all time. Just think of all the memorable scenes and quotes; Marty McFly playing Johnny B. Goode, “1.21 Jiggiwatts,” and many others. Plus, who didn’t want a Delorean after watching it. (For those of you that don’t know what a Delorean is, it’s the car that’s the time machine)

7. Mean Girls (2004) – Without a doubt the best role Lindsay Lohan ever had. This was around the period where people actually liked her and she didn’t have that negative stigma surrounding her. Based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabees, Tina Fey is able to write a smart script about high school cliques. Not only is it funny but many of us could find some scene that we can relate to.

6. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) – Once again delivering the painful truth about high school this comedy features abortion, with a woman fantasy and a slacker played by Sean Penn. The secret to its truthfulness was that, writer and future director, Cameron Crowe went undercover in a high school and delivered this script. Not only is it funny but heartbreaking at moments. Also look out for a brief cameo by Nicholas Cage in his first movie (and no he is not overacting in this one).

5. Fame (1980) – Ever wonder what it would be like in a school like Frank Sinatra or LaGuardia? Well Fame shows us a gritty look a real school that later merged with LaGuardia. Despite not being a documentary, it might as well been one. Despite what may sound like a potential High School Musical, it actually deals with high school issues from drugs to abortions. It captures the pressures of dreams and stardom in a competitive nature.

4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off- Has there ever not been a time where we dreamt of cutting school? Well the ultimate example of that is this movie where Matthew Broderick, who’s the lead role, is able to get into an adventure with his friends as they cut a day of high school. But on their tail is their principal, played brilliantly by Jeffery Jones. Don’t forget ultimate delivering of a line ever, “Bueller… Bueller?”

3. Grease (1978) – Now this is what I call a high school musical. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John are infectious with their chemistry and songs in this greaser time. Also it features lots of innuendos that are fun to catch.

2. Carrie (1976) – Another movie that features John Travolta but with a slight twist. This story is based on a Stephen King novel and not only is Carrie weird, but she a witch. Even if you have never seen this terrifying movie, you still remember the spilling of pig’s blood on Carrie’s prom dress just when she was about to be crowned thus leading to the bulging eyes of Sissy Spacek.

1. Breakfast Club (1985) – The quintessential high school movie brought to you by the master, John Hughes. It features the brat pack in detention. All the stereotypes are filled with the popular girl, bully, outcast, nerd and jock. Along with a sinister principal and a deeper story then it sounds. What makes this movie brilliant is that the characters are just sitting there discussing about problems like pressure and drugs. Yet it’s totally captivating as it has a raw edge with a cheesy satisfying ending. This movie is the best high school movie of all time.


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