View Date: 12/11/09
In this film, Mickey Rourke plays an old professional wrestler past his prime and just trying to eke out a living. He attempts to bond with his estranged daughter and start a relationship with a stripper from his favorite club. But after suffering some major health setbacks, he is advised not to wrestle again or it may kill him, which then removes his only means of income.
I totally understand the hype this movie received, particularly for Mickey Rourke. After his careers as a boxer and actor, he is perfect in this role. You can really feel for his character, even when he is not deserving of sympathy. Marisa Tomei was amazing as a stripper, and looks at least a decade younger than her actual age. Evan Rachel Wood was also very convincing as the estranged teenager pissed off at the dad who essentially abandoned her to travel with his job.
I have watched plenty of professional wrestling in my time, and have even read several memoirs written by wrestlers. This film let me in on some of the secrets used to make the shows exciting. While the performances may be staged, there is a large amount of physical pain involved. It also shows how hard of a living it can be, particularly on the lower tier circuits. So, although this movie was fictional, it was obviously based in fact and provided me with an education.
10 words or less: A must see for both the acting and story.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Smart People
View Date: 12/11/09
Dennis Quaid plays a widowed professor known for being an exceptionally tough grader and grouchy in general. Ellen Page portrays his daughter who is just like him, while his son wants to have fun at college, not just be a know-it-all. When his adopted brother comes to visit, he bonds with the daughter and tries to get the family to loosen up a bit.
Quaid’s character runs into a former student in the hospital and they begin to date. She gets him to open up a bit, but he still mourns his wife. He is also very self-centered, and does not realize how much the people around him need him.
My description above just doesn’t do this movie justice. While it is not a comedy, it does have several funny moments and others you just have to shake your head at. Quaid played the part of an overweight, middle-aged man impeccably. He altered his walk and developed a bit of a shuffle, and perfectly portrayed the pompous college professor who truly believes the rest of the world is dumber than he is. Overall, the acting was superb throughout.
I wound up really liking this movie, and am glad in the end that I watched it.
10 words or less: Accurate portrayals in a really good film.
Dennis Quaid plays a widowed professor known for being an exceptionally tough grader and grouchy in general. Ellen Page portrays his daughter who is just like him, while his son wants to have fun at college, not just be a know-it-all. When his adopted brother comes to visit, he bonds with the daughter and tries to get the family to loosen up a bit.
Quaid’s character runs into a former student in the hospital and they begin to date. She gets him to open up a bit, but he still mourns his wife. He is also very self-centered, and does not realize how much the people around him need him.
My description above just doesn’t do this movie justice. While it is not a comedy, it does have several funny moments and others you just have to shake your head at. Quaid played the part of an overweight, middle-aged man impeccably. He altered his walk and developed a bit of a shuffle, and perfectly portrayed the pompous college professor who truly believes the rest of the world is dumber than he is. Overall, the acting was superb throughout.
I wound up really liking this movie, and am glad in the end that I watched it.
10 words or less: Accurate portrayals in a really good film.
I'll Be There
View Date: 12/10/09
This movie, starring Craig Ferguson and Charlotte Church, is about a former rock star that discovers that he has a daughter. Turns out, the girl can sing beautifully, which makes sense as she is played by the beautiful and talented Church. However, she needs to keep her talents hidden as her mother disapproves and prefers her to focus on her studies. But singing is in the girl’s blood, as both her father and grandfather make their livings that way, and she cannot be held back.
This was a cute comedy with quite a lot of British talent. I have been a big fan of Ferguson for a while now, and think he is one of the best talk show hosts on the air currently. This movie was no exception, and this role suited him well.
I wasn’t too keen on Church’s acting in the movie. Her singing was impeccable as always, but that is her true talent. I hope she continues to pursue her singing, but I can live without her acting any more.
10 words or less: More Ferguson is always better.
This movie, starring Craig Ferguson and Charlotte Church, is about a former rock star that discovers that he has a daughter. Turns out, the girl can sing beautifully, which makes sense as she is played by the beautiful and talented Church. However, she needs to keep her talents hidden as her mother disapproves and prefers her to focus on her studies. But singing is in the girl’s blood, as both her father and grandfather make their livings that way, and she cannot be held back.
This was a cute comedy with quite a lot of British talent. I have been a big fan of Ferguson for a while now, and think he is one of the best talk show hosts on the air currently. This movie was no exception, and this role suited him well.
I wasn’t too keen on Church’s acting in the movie. Her singing was impeccable as always, but that is her true talent. I hope she continues to pursue her singing, but I can live without her acting any more.
10 words or less: More Ferguson is always better.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus
View Date: 8/9/10
This movie, starring Deborah Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas, is obviously about an ultra-large shark and a giant octopus. After being released from an iceberg, the two giant beasts wreak havoc on various natural and man-made entities. The shark, identified as a previously extinct megalodon, launches itself thousands of feet into the air to take down a passing 747. The scientists finally realize that these two were frozen while battling each other, so the only way to take down either it to restart the fight.
As expected, this was a god-awful movie, but that's exactly why people watch this. The acting was pretty hideous, but not nearly as bad as the special effects. Of course, there is the required romantic interest and the ensuing entanglements, which lead to a scientific cooperation and saving each other. They left it open for a sequel, one which I will not be watching if it ever gets made.
10 words or less: On the level of SyFy Channel original movie bad.
This movie, starring Deborah Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas, is obviously about an ultra-large shark and a giant octopus. After being released from an iceberg, the two giant beasts wreak havoc on various natural and man-made entities. The shark, identified as a previously extinct megalodon, launches itself thousands of feet into the air to take down a passing 747. The scientists finally realize that these two were frozen while battling each other, so the only way to take down either it to restart the fight.
As expected, this was a god-awful movie, but that's exactly why people watch this. The acting was pretty hideous, but not nearly as bad as the special effects. Of course, there is the required romantic interest and the ensuing entanglements, which lead to a scientific cooperation and saving each other. They left it open for a sequel, one which I will not be watching if it ever gets made.
10 words or less: On the level of SyFy Channel original movie bad.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Running the Sahara
View Date: 12/5/09
Many people think that running a marathon is either commendable or absurd. Some would say, “Why push the human body to those lengths?” Others are of the opinion, “It is amazing what those runners can do, but I can never push my body like that.” This movie takes any reaction one might have and multiplies it by thousands.
This movie is about a group of three runners who decide to undertake the challenge of running across the Sahara desert. It takes the runners over three months to make the trip with pitfalls along the way. There are the physical hardships of running that distance in the heat of the desert, but there are also issues as sandstorms, terrorist activity, and obtaining government permission to even enter certain countries.
The movie mainly focuses on the three runners and thoroughly explores their motivations and emotions towards this run. The viewer is also introduced to the families, crew, and support staff of the athletes. This was really nice to see being an athletic supporter of a distance runner myself.
There were times that I really wanted to hit the main organizer/runner of this trek. I understood that he was doing this for the experience and was of the mindset that it should keep going until the end no matter the costs. But his refusal to understand the need for people to leave before the end of the journey, even after being told that such things would happen if the trip ran long (which it did by about 20 days) really left a sour taste in my mouth. But in the end, things seemed to be smoothed over.
Would I recommend this movie to everyone? No. It was very well made and an amazing story, but I feel that many people would not truly become invested in the story. However, if you are or know a distance runner and understand the struggles they go through to complete a standard-length race, you will appreciate this film. There is some beautiful scenery, but the main focus of the film is the goal
10 words or less: Good movie for distance runners and their loved ones.
Many people think that running a marathon is either commendable or absurd. Some would say, “Why push the human body to those lengths?” Others are of the opinion, “It is amazing what those runners can do, but I can never push my body like that.” This movie takes any reaction one might have and multiplies it by thousands.
This movie is about a group of three runners who decide to undertake the challenge of running across the Sahara desert. It takes the runners over three months to make the trip with pitfalls along the way. There are the physical hardships of running that distance in the heat of the desert, but there are also issues as sandstorms, terrorist activity, and obtaining government permission to even enter certain countries.
The movie mainly focuses on the three runners and thoroughly explores their motivations and emotions towards this run. The viewer is also introduced to the families, crew, and support staff of the athletes. This was really nice to see being an athletic supporter of a distance runner myself.
There were times that I really wanted to hit the main organizer/runner of this trek. I understood that he was doing this for the experience and was of the mindset that it should keep going until the end no matter the costs. But his refusal to understand the need for people to leave before the end of the journey, even after being told that such things would happen if the trip ran long (which it did by about 20 days) really left a sour taste in my mouth. But in the end, things seemed to be smoothed over.
Would I recommend this movie to everyone? No. It was very well made and an amazing story, but I feel that many people would not truly become invested in the story. However, if you are or know a distance runner and understand the struggles they go through to complete a standard-length race, you will appreciate this film. There is some beautiful scenery, but the main focus of the film is the goal
10 words or less: Good movie for distance runners and their loved ones.
The Lincoln Assassination
View Date: 12/4/09
This history documentary provided an in-depth look into the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It explored the reasoning and planning of the culprits as well as the aftermath and how things may have turned out differently if Lincoln had not died.
I have watched many of these pieces. This one did not particularly stick out to me as either good or bad. It was pretty average in my book, with nothing really making it stick out from any other piece on this specific topic.
10 words or less: Average and forgettable.
This history documentary provided an in-depth look into the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It explored the reasoning and planning of the culprits as well as the aftermath and how things may have turned out differently if Lincoln had not died.
I have watched many of these pieces. This one did not particularly stick out to me as either good or bad. It was pretty average in my book, with nothing really making it stick out from any other piece on this specific topic.
10 words or less: Average and forgettable.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape
View Date: 11/30/09
This movie by Steven Soderbergh is the story of a sexually repressed woman who learns that her husband is having an affair with her sister. When an old friend of her husband comes to town, she is drawn to him and learns his secrets, particularly about a certain sexual fetish he has.
I realize that was a really poor summary for this interesting movie. One of the main things I noticed about it was the lack of background music. I felt that it heightened the acting and dialog, and made the movie a bit more unusual.
I had been told that this was one of James Spader’s creepiest roles before having seen it. I actually feel this was one of his least cruel roles he played early in his career. He was consistently known as a heel or bad guy, and still plays those characters well. But I kind of liked his character, and admired his conviction for telling the truth even when difficult.
Overall, I appreciated this movie. I don’t think I would have as much if I had seen this earlier in my life, but it sat well with me now. I saw the artistic value and recognize now just how different it was from the movies being made in the late 1990s.
10 words or less: Unique movie even now.
This movie by Steven Soderbergh is the story of a sexually repressed woman who learns that her husband is having an affair with her sister. When an old friend of her husband comes to town, she is drawn to him and learns his secrets, particularly about a certain sexual fetish he has.
I realize that was a really poor summary for this interesting movie. One of the main things I noticed about it was the lack of background music. I felt that it heightened the acting and dialog, and made the movie a bit more unusual.
I had been told that this was one of James Spader’s creepiest roles before having seen it. I actually feel this was one of his least cruel roles he played early in his career. He was consistently known as a heel or bad guy, and still plays those characters well. But I kind of liked his character, and admired his conviction for telling the truth even when difficult.
Overall, I appreciated this movie. I don’t think I would have as much if I had seen this earlier in my life, but it sat well with me now. I saw the artistic value and recognize now just how different it was from the movies being made in the late 1990s.
10 words or less: Unique movie even now.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Carolina
View Date: 11/27/09
This movie starring Julia Stiles and Shirley Maclaine is about three girls with an absent father who live with their eccentric grandmother. Stiles’ character has left home and established herself with a job and apartment, trying to have a normal life compared to the one in which she was raised. She is embarrassed when introducing her new boyfriend to her family, and then tries to mold her family to her idea of what a family is supposed to be. This, of course, leads to tension until she comes to realize through tragedy that she has a loving, caring family, no matter how crazy the situation might be.
I had never heard of this movie, but it came recommended to me by my mother so I decided to give it a shot. Of course there are the standard plot elements of family tension, and I could really feel for Carolina’s embarrassment by her relatives. But Shirley Maclaine’s presence and humor took this movie to a different level. She could have you laughing out loud with some of her antics, and even though they were scripted, no one could have pulled it off as perfectly as her. The tragedy I mentioned above really struck me and I had a hard time trying not to sob uncontrollably.
10 words or less: Recommended, even if you’ve never heard of it.
This movie starring Julia Stiles and Shirley Maclaine is about three girls with an absent father who live with their eccentric grandmother. Stiles’ character has left home and established herself with a job and apartment, trying to have a normal life compared to the one in which she was raised. She is embarrassed when introducing her new boyfriend to her family, and then tries to mold her family to her idea of what a family is supposed to be. This, of course, leads to tension until she comes to realize through tragedy that she has a loving, caring family, no matter how crazy the situation might be.
I had never heard of this movie, but it came recommended to me by my mother so I decided to give it a shot. Of course there are the standard plot elements of family tension, and I could really feel for Carolina’s embarrassment by her relatives. But Shirley Maclaine’s presence and humor took this movie to a different level. She could have you laughing out loud with some of her antics, and even though they were scripted, no one could have pulled it off as perfectly as her. The tragedy I mentioned above really struck me and I had a hard time trying not to sob uncontrollably.
10 words or less: Recommended, even if you’ve never heard of it.
Shorts
View Date: 11/25/09
Shorts is, as the name implies, a series of short stories wrapped together in one movie. They all center on a rainbow-colored rock that makes wishes come true for whoever is holding it. Things get fun, interesting, and a bit out of control when the kids of the neighborhood use it, but total chaos ensues when the adults get a hold of it.
I received this the day it was released on Netflix because my daughter had been asking to see it again for months. Even she thought it wasn’t that good when she rewatched it. It was really pretty bad, even for a cheesy kids movie. There is so much better out there. The trailer looked so good, but I was left utterly disappointed.
10 words or less: Ranks really low for recent kids releases.
Shorts is, as the name implies, a series of short stories wrapped together in one movie. They all center on a rainbow-colored rock that makes wishes come true for whoever is holding it. Things get fun, interesting, and a bit out of control when the kids of the neighborhood use it, but total chaos ensues when the adults get a hold of it.
I received this the day it was released on Netflix because my daughter had been asking to see it again for months. Even she thought it wasn’t that good when she rewatched it. It was really pretty bad, even for a cheesy kids movie. There is so much better out there. The trailer looked so good, but I was left utterly disappointed.
10 words or less: Ranks really low for recent kids releases.
The Shape of Things
View Date: 11/25/09
This movie, starring Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd, shows the stars playing college students who meet in an art museum. Weisz plays an art student who sets about cleaning up the loveable schlub presented by Rudd. He winds up losing weight, buying new clothes, and getting more active. His engaged best friend has some issues with the new girlfriend, but Rudd’s character is so blindly in love that he ignores any negative comments, believing that they are made just because of the dislike for her. In the end, he probably should have listened to his friend.
I picked this movie because I am a big fan of Paul Rudd. That being said, I will not likely watch this movie again. It was an OK story, but the characters were more like caricatures. The ending was a huge surprise, and totally threw me for a loop. I wanted to just jump through my screen and strangle pretty much each of the four main characters at least once throughout the course of the movie. I would normally classify that as a good movie, but something just rubbed me wrong about this one. Either way, I can say that I’ve seen it and I don’t have to see it again.
10 words or less: Definitely not my favorite Paul Rudd flick.
This movie, starring Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd, shows the stars playing college students who meet in an art museum. Weisz plays an art student who sets about cleaning up the loveable schlub presented by Rudd. He winds up losing weight, buying new clothes, and getting more active. His engaged best friend has some issues with the new girlfriend, but Rudd’s character is so blindly in love that he ignores any negative comments, believing that they are made just because of the dislike for her. In the end, he probably should have listened to his friend.
I picked this movie because I am a big fan of Paul Rudd. That being said, I will not likely watch this movie again. It was an OK story, but the characters were more like caricatures. The ending was a huge surprise, and totally threw me for a loop. I wanted to just jump through my screen and strangle pretty much each of the four main characters at least once throughout the course of the movie. I would normally classify that as a good movie, but something just rubbed me wrong about this one. Either way, I can say that I’ve seen it and I don’t have to see it again.
10 words or less: Definitely not my favorite Paul Rudd flick.
Step Up: 2 the Streets
View Date: 11/23/09
This sequel to the very good Step Up was essentially the reverse of the first movie. Two dancers from different sides of the tracks meet and develop both professional and romantic relationships. This time, however, the dancing is primarily street or hip hop as opposed to more classical forms.
This movie really surprised me with how enjoyable it was. I am a sucker for good dancing, but this was exceptionally well done. I went in thinking that this movie couldn’t live up to the first, but I was pleasantly mistaken. The story was a bit predictable but good nonetheless. And I could watch the dance scenes all day long. I turned this on thinking that it would be something that I could do other things while watching it, but I wound up not being able to tear my eyes away.
10 words or less: Love a surprisingly good movie, especially a sequel.
This sequel to the very good Step Up was essentially the reverse of the first movie. Two dancers from different sides of the tracks meet and develop both professional and romantic relationships. This time, however, the dancing is primarily street or hip hop as opposed to more classical forms.
This movie really surprised me with how enjoyable it was. I am a sucker for good dancing, but this was exceptionally well done. I went in thinking that this movie couldn’t live up to the first, but I was pleasantly mistaken. The story was a bit predictable but good nonetheless. And I could watch the dance scenes all day long. I turned this on thinking that it would be something that I could do other things while watching it, but I wound up not being able to tear my eyes away.
10 words or less: Love a surprisingly good movie, especially a sequel.
Vantage Point
View Date: 11/22/09
This movie shows a single event, specifically a terrorist attack, from the vantage of 9 different people. You get to see it from the likes of a tourist, a child, a security officer, and the terrorist group. All of the stories intertwine in unexpected ways, and more is learned from each part of the story.
I really enjoyed this movie, particularly how the stories wove together. It exemplified how each person has a different viewpoint of the same situation. In other words, for each person observing an event, the tale will be recounted that number of times in different ways. The acting was wonderful, which is good considering it was chock full of renowned actors. The last story seemed a little rushed, but also a little forced, kind of like the writers knew they had to wrap up all of the storylines but only knew how they wanted to end a few of them. This said, the ending felt a little contrived and weak to me. But overall, the movie was very exciting and well-presented.
10 words or less: Exciting with good acting.
This movie shows a single event, specifically a terrorist attack, from the vantage of 9 different people. You get to see it from the likes of a tourist, a child, a security officer, and the terrorist group. All of the stories intertwine in unexpected ways, and more is learned from each part of the story.
I really enjoyed this movie, particularly how the stories wove together. It exemplified how each person has a different viewpoint of the same situation. In other words, for each person observing an event, the tale will be recounted that number of times in different ways. The acting was wonderful, which is good considering it was chock full of renowned actors. The last story seemed a little rushed, but also a little forced, kind of like the writers knew they had to wrap up all of the storylines but only knew how they wanted to end a few of them. This said, the ending felt a little contrived and weak to me. But overall, the movie was very exciting and well-presented.
10 words or less: Exciting with good acting.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Rathkeltair
View Date: 5/15/10
Rathkeltair is a Celtic rock band from Florida who frequently tour Scottish, Irish, and Celtic festivals. My first time seeing them was at the Fair Hill Scottish Games. They blend Celtic music including traditional bagpiping and the tin whistle with rock and unique piping.
Check them out at www.rathkeltair.com
Rathkeltair is a Celtic rock band from Florida who frequently tour Scottish, Irish, and Celtic festivals. My first time seeing them was at the Fair Hill Scottish Games. They blend Celtic music including traditional bagpiping and the tin whistle with rock and unique piping.
I have known of of the piper Neil Anderson for years as he was originally associated with the great Celtic rock band Seven Nations. I also own several of his solo albums as The Antipyper. He has one of the most incredible and unique voices in music today, so when he sings it sends chills down my spine. But not nearly as much as when he pipes.
He was announced around the fairgrounds as the Jimi Hendricks of bagpiping. He is one of the few people coming up with truly new music for the bagpipes today. I also never knew until today that electric bagpipes even existed. I originally thought he was using them so he could both pipe and sing at the same time. But no, it was something even more amazing...he played both the pipes and the tin whistle at the same time, one in each hand!
The music overall was wonderful. The band had a great chemistry on stage. The songs were really catchy and often quite funny. I was definitely singing along by the end.
You should definitely try to catch these guys if you ever get the chance. They have a website, so go out and support these guys. They are just that good.
10 words or less: Neil Anderson is a piping GOD!
Check them out at www.rathkeltair.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tootsie
View Date: 3/13/10
This movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an unemployable actor in New York who dresses as a woman to win a part on a soap opera. In the process, he winds up falling for his costar while trying to have a relationship with an old friend. Additionally, the people involved with the soap only know him as a woman, so various uncomfortable situations arise when teamed up with his male costars.
This movie was quite enjoyable, but it did follow some very typical patterns of cross-dressing comedies. I had seen pieces of it before, but this was the first time I had seen it in its entirety. Looking at it now, I can't really understand why it was nominated for so many Oscars. I did, however, really enjoy Bill Murray as the straight man. It was nice to see him in a comedy from the early 80's as a relatively subtle character. I did experience some laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when guys were attracted to his not exactly beautiful female persona.
10 words or less: Don't understand all the hype, but fun little movie.
This movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an unemployable actor in New York who dresses as a woman to win a part on a soap opera. In the process, he winds up falling for his costar while trying to have a relationship with an old friend. Additionally, the people involved with the soap only know him as a woman, so various uncomfortable situations arise when teamed up with his male costars.
This movie was quite enjoyable, but it did follow some very typical patterns of cross-dressing comedies. I had seen pieces of it before, but this was the first time I had seen it in its entirety. Looking at it now, I can't really understand why it was nominated for so many Oscars. I did, however, really enjoy Bill Murray as the straight man. It was nice to see him in a comedy from the early 80's as a relatively subtle character. I did experience some laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when guys were attracted to his not exactly beautiful female persona.
10 words or less: Don't understand all the hype, but fun little movie.
Flash of Genius
View Date: 11/22/09
This movie is about the man who invented intermittent windshield wipers. He presented his technology to the major auto manufacturers, who jerked him around about licensing the equipment and then wound up stealing it from him. Against all advice, he took the major automakers to court to get recognition for his work and to get them to admit the technology was originally his.
Greg Kinnear did a very job playing an engineer struck with an idea, then collapsed under his determination and with the loss of losing his family. Other than that, I thought the movie was OK. I had seen other Davis vs. Goliath movies that were better, but I understand why this story was chosen to be told as a film.
10 words or less: OK, but not outstanding.
This movie is about the man who invented intermittent windshield wipers. He presented his technology to the major auto manufacturers, who jerked him around about licensing the equipment and then wound up stealing it from him. Against all advice, he took the major automakers to court to get recognition for his work and to get them to admit the technology was originally his.
Greg Kinnear did a very job playing an engineer struck with an idea, then collapsed under his determination and with the loss of losing his family. Other than that, I thought the movie was OK. I had seen other Davis vs. Goliath movies that were better, but I understand why this story was chosen to be told as a film.
10 words or less: OK, but not outstanding.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bride Wars
View Date: 11/21/09
This romantic comedy stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as two childhood best friends who both become engaged to their respective boyfriends and plan to be each other's maids of honor. And they both want to have their wedding at the place they have been dreaming about since they were little girls. Unfortunately, the locale makes an error in booking their times and has the weddings scheduled concurrently. This turns the friends against each other, as neither want to give up their dream wedding, so they turn to pranks and backstabbing trying to get the other to give up her date.
This was a standard rom-com with a slight twist at the end. Most of the funny parts were seen during the commercials, and really, so was most of the plot. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, but I don't need to watch it again.
10 words or less: Got it all from the previews.
This romantic comedy stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as two childhood best friends who both become engaged to their respective boyfriends and plan to be each other's maids of honor. And they both want to have their wedding at the place they have been dreaming about since they were little girls. Unfortunately, the locale makes an error in booking their times and has the weddings scheduled concurrently. This turns the friends against each other, as neither want to give up their dream wedding, so they turn to pranks and backstabbing trying to get the other to give up her date.
This was a standard rom-com with a slight twist at the end. Most of the funny parts were seen during the commercials, and really, so was most of the plot. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, but I don't need to watch it again.
10 words or less: Got it all from the previews.
Across the Universe
View Date: 11/21/09
Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade sky, and that's what this movie is. This movie is a modern musical set completely to the music of the Beatles. The story follows several several friends through a series of adventures, including arrests and protests.
The movie itself is rather difficult for me to describe. However, what is easy for me is to say just how much I liked this film. It was really unique, and the music was perfectly fit in with the story. The actors did their own singing, and it really was a marvelous piece. The acting was wonderful, and it was a thoroughly beautiful movie.
10 words or less: Can't sing praises high enough for this film.
Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade sky, and that's what this movie is. This movie is a modern musical set completely to the music of the Beatles. The story follows several several friends through a series of adventures, including arrests and protests.
The movie itself is rather difficult for me to describe. However, what is easy for me is to say just how much I liked this film. It was really unique, and the music was perfectly fit in with the story. The actors did their own singing, and it really was a marvelous piece. The acting was wonderful, and it was a thoroughly beautiful movie.
10 words or less: Can't sing praises high enough for this film.
Hotel for Dogs
View Date: 11/22/09
This movie is about a brother and sisten in the foster care system. The only thing they have been able to keep routinely with them through their many recent moves is their dog. They do have to hide it from their foster parents, so they have set up several contraptions to make the dog more self-sufficient.
Their dog gets away from them one day, and they track him to an abandoned hotel that is occupied by two other stray dogs. The three animals really seem to be at home in the hotel, so the kids choose to make the dogs comfortable there. The kids have very kind hearts, and wind up taking in pretty much every stray dog in the city. Along the way, they team up with some other like-minded kids, and really develop the hotel into a “Hotel for Dogs”.
I was really surprised at just how good this movie is. Both my daughter and I really liked it, and wound up watching it several more times later in the week. Yes, it is a family movie, but it was very enjoyable. We still talk about the contraptions made to make the dogs more self-sufficient and entertained.
10 words or less: A wonderful family movie, better than anticipated.
This movie is about a brother and sisten in the foster care system. The only thing they have been able to keep routinely with them through their many recent moves is their dog. They do have to hide it from their foster parents, so they have set up several contraptions to make the dog more self-sufficient.
Their dog gets away from them one day, and they track him to an abandoned hotel that is occupied by two other stray dogs. The three animals really seem to be at home in the hotel, so the kids choose to make the dogs comfortable there. The kids have very kind hearts, and wind up taking in pretty much every stray dog in the city. Along the way, they team up with some other like-minded kids, and really develop the hotel into a “Hotel for Dogs”.
I was really surprised at just how good this movie is. Both my daughter and I really liked it, and wound up watching it several more times later in the week. Yes, it is a family movie, but it was very enjoyable. We still talk about the contraptions made to make the dogs more self-sufficient and entertained.
10 words or less: A wonderful family movie, better than anticipated.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
View Date: 3/12/10
Usually here I try to describe the movie a bit without giving too much away. But with this one, I really don't know where to start. This movie includes gambling, drugs, heists, and gangsters in general, all taking place in England. There are about 4 sets of goons that are all working both with and against each other in one way or another. It all starts with a card game, and ends with a room of corpses.
Sting plays the part of the main character's (and I use that term rather loosely) father who owns a bar. He has a small role, but plays it well.
This movie is utterly ridiculous yet absolutely hilarious. For much of the movie, I sat there with a dumbfounded look on my face. I enjoyed it, but I'm having hind of a hard time making heads or tails of it. I liked the way Guy Ritchie put it together, and found it very appropriate for the story.
10 words or less: Still trying to make heads or tails of it.
Usually here I try to describe the movie a bit without giving too much away. But with this one, I really don't know where to start. This movie includes gambling, drugs, heists, and gangsters in general, all taking place in England. There are about 4 sets of goons that are all working both with and against each other in one way or another. It all starts with a card game, and ends with a room of corpses.
Sting plays the part of the main character's (and I use that term rather loosely) father who owns a bar. He has a small role, but plays it well.
This movie is utterly ridiculous yet absolutely hilarious. For much of the movie, I sat there with a dumbfounded look on my face. I enjoyed it, but I'm having hind of a hard time making heads or tails of it. I liked the way Guy Ritchie put it together, and found it very appropriate for the story.
10 words or less: Still trying to make heads or tails of it.
History's Mysteries: Lincoln: The Untold Stories
View Date: 1/23/10
This program, presented by the history channel, is one in a series of shows detailing important events or people in history. This particular one was about Lincoln, as seen in the title. It goes into details that are generally not well known about our nation’s 16th president, from his early years through the Civil War.
I’m a big Civil War buff, so I enjoyed learning other aspects of the president serving during its course. The show was rather dry, and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused at times. But overall, it was very much what I expected.
10 words or less: Interesting facts presented as a history show.
This program, presented by the history channel, is one in a series of shows detailing important events or people in history. This particular one was about Lincoln, as seen in the title. It goes into details that are generally not well known about our nation’s 16th president, from his early years through the Civil War.
I’m a big Civil War buff, so I enjoyed learning other aspects of the president serving during its course. The show was rather dry, and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused at times. But overall, it was very much what I expected.
10 words or less: Interesting facts presented as a history show.
The Village Tavern
Location: North Wales, PA
Date Visited: 1/22/10
The Village Tavern is a restaurant and bar located in North Wales, PA. Its appearances are deceiving, as it is much bigger inside than it looks from without. It has two bars, and in the summer the outside bar is a very popular place for happy hour. They offer a wide variety of foods, from your standard burger to comfort foods with a twist. They have several uncommon beers on tap to complement the full bar.
This is a family favorite, with us frequenting more often than most of our restaurant choices. The steak is wonderful, but so is pretty much any dish ordered. A particular favorite is the crab macaroni and cheese, with at least one person in the group getting it on most visits.
We have had times when every type of beer we first tried to order was out, and sometimes the second. It has becoming a kind of running joke in the family. Also, during this last visit, the service was very slow. Thankfully, the food was spectacular, but the wait was very long.
10 words or less: Great food for a decent price.
Date Visited: 1/22/10
The Village Tavern is a restaurant and bar located in North Wales, PA. Its appearances are deceiving, as it is much bigger inside than it looks from without. It has two bars, and in the summer the outside bar is a very popular place for happy hour. They offer a wide variety of foods, from your standard burger to comfort foods with a twist. They have several uncommon beers on tap to complement the full bar.
This is a family favorite, with us frequenting more often than most of our restaurant choices. The steak is wonderful, but so is pretty much any dish ordered. A particular favorite is the crab macaroni and cheese, with at least one person in the group getting it on most visits.
We have had times when every type of beer we first tried to order was out, and sometimes the second. It has becoming a kind of running joke in the family. Also, during this last visit, the service was very slow. Thankfully, the food was spectacular, but the wait was very long.
10 words or less: Great food for a decent price.
Less Than Zero
View Date: 3/12/10
This movie, based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel, is about a trio of friends from Los Angeles during their first year after high school graduation. Clay, played by Andrew McCarthy, comes home from college at Thanksgiving to find that his best friend had started a relationship with his girlfriend. At Christmas break, Clay's ex-girlfriend Blair, played by Jamie Gertz, asks Clay's help dealing with their friend Julian, as portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. Julian had developed a major drug problem, and was in major debt to his drug dealer.
The casting in this movie was perfect, probably more perfect than the casting director knew at the time. Robert Downey, Jr. was completely wasted as he was filming this movie, which is exactly his character. Andrew McCarthy has always played the good guy friend well, and this time is no different. But the most perfect casting was James Spader as the sleazy drug dealer.
I think if I had seen this closer to the time of its release, I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much. But seeing Robert Downey, Jr. totally out of his head and knowing he was really like that, then seeing him clean now, really helps me see the irony. I thought the movie was very well done, and appropriately showed the dangers of drug use.
10 words or less: A drug addict playing a drug addict- a powerful sight.
This movie, based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel, is about a trio of friends from Los Angeles during their first year after high school graduation. Clay, played by Andrew McCarthy, comes home from college at Thanksgiving to find that his best friend had started a relationship with his girlfriend. At Christmas break, Clay's ex-girlfriend Blair, played by Jamie Gertz, asks Clay's help dealing with their friend Julian, as portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. Julian had developed a major drug problem, and was in major debt to his drug dealer.
The casting in this movie was perfect, probably more perfect than the casting director knew at the time. Robert Downey, Jr. was completely wasted as he was filming this movie, which is exactly his character. Andrew McCarthy has always played the good guy friend well, and this time is no different. But the most perfect casting was James Spader as the sleazy drug dealer.
I think if I had seen this closer to the time of its release, I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much. But seeing Robert Downey, Jr. totally out of his head and knowing he was really like that, then seeing him clean now, really helps me see the irony. I thought the movie was very well done, and appropriately showed the dangers of drug use.
10 words or less: A drug addict playing a drug addict- a powerful sight.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Enter the Dragon (Special Edition)
View Date: 1/29/09
This movie starred Bruce Lee and is now considered a classic. Some of the best fighters from around the world are invited to a private island to compete in a martial arts tournament. Lee's character was also told the story of his sister's meeting with the island owner's men several years before.
This movie seemed remarkably cheesy now, although I'm sure it was fairly unique in its time. Also, I kept thinking that this was the original Mortal Kombat. It surprised me how similar the basic storylines are. I watched it because it was a movie people told me I should see, and I was intrigued due to how Lee died. I probably could have lived without seeing this, but now I can say that I have.
10 words or less: Now I can say I've seen it.
This movie starred Bruce Lee and is now considered a classic. Some of the best fighters from around the world are invited to a private island to compete in a martial arts tournament. Lee's character was also told the story of his sister's meeting with the island owner's men several years before.
This movie seemed remarkably cheesy now, although I'm sure it was fairly unique in its time. Also, I kept thinking that this was the original Mortal Kombat. It surprised me how similar the basic storylines are. I watched it because it was a movie people told me I should see, and I was intrigued due to how Lee died. I probably could have lived without seeing this, but now I can say that I have.
10 words or less: Now I can say I've seen it.
Slackers
View Date: 11/14/09
This movie is about a group of guys in college who have the system figured out. That is, until one falls for a girl while stealing a test for one of his friends and slips up. He leaves evidence of who he is, and another student finds it, just not the girl he wanted. That student blackmails the guy and his friends, etc. etc. etc.
I had probably seen this movie before, but it wasn't very memorable. I enjoyed it while I was watching it, but I wouldn't say it was a great movie. The cast, however, was fairly surprising. Jason Segal, Laura Prepon, and Jason Schwartzman all joined Devon Sawa and the guy from Pete and Pete (the older Pete). I may watch this again, but I wouldn't purposely seek it out.
10 words or less: The cast is better than the story.
This movie is about a group of guys in college who have the system figured out. That is, until one falls for a girl while stealing a test for one of his friends and slips up. He leaves evidence of who he is, and another student finds it, just not the girl he wanted. That student blackmails the guy and his friends, etc. etc. etc.
I had probably seen this movie before, but it wasn't very memorable. I enjoyed it while I was watching it, but I wouldn't say it was a great movie. The cast, however, was fairly surprising. Jason Segal, Laura Prepon, and Jason Schwartzman all joined Devon Sawa and the guy from Pete and Pete (the older Pete). I may watch this again, but I wouldn't purposely seek it out.
10 words or less: The cast is better than the story.
America's Sweethearts
View Date: 11/13/09
This movie is about two actors who made many movies together while also being a couple. To promote their most recent movie, they need to do a press appearance around one year after their breakup. Agents, secretaries, and general movie-makers are involved to make the press appearance happen, which all lead to their own problems.
Amazingly enough, I had never seen this movie, especially with how much I like John Cusack. It was very much like I expected it to be. It was a nice, light rom-com, which is perfect every now and then.
10 words or less: Working on completing the John Cusack collection.
This movie is about two actors who made many movies together while also being a couple. To promote their most recent movie, they need to do a press appearance around one year after their breakup. Agents, secretaries, and general movie-makers are involved to make the press appearance happen, which all lead to their own problems.
Amazingly enough, I had never seen this movie, especially with how much I like John Cusack. It was very much like I expected it to be. It was a nice, light rom-com, which is perfect every now and then.
10 words or less: Working on completing the John Cusack collection.
Mad Money
View Date: 11/13/09
This movie, starring Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah, and Diane Keaton, is about three women that work at a federal reserve location that disposes of money. The women are hard on their luck, and Keaton's character comes up with a plan to acquire some of the money selected for destruction. It takes all three of them to make the plan work, and of course hilarity ensues.
This may not have been the most intelligent movie, but it was more fun than I expected. There were definitely some laugh-out-loud moments, like the scene with Ted Danson shredding money into the toilet and trying to flush it.
10 words or less: Enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
This movie, starring Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah, and Diane Keaton, is about three women that work at a federal reserve location that disposes of money. The women are hard on their luck, and Keaton's character comes up with a plan to acquire some of the money selected for destruction. It takes all three of them to make the plan work, and of course hilarity ensues.
This may not have been the most intelligent movie, but it was more fun than I expected. There were definitely some laugh-out-loud moments, like the scene with Ted Danson shredding money into the toilet and trying to flush it.
10 words or less: Enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
Milk
View Date: 11/13/09
This is a biopic about Harvey Milk, the first out gay man to be elected to public office in the US. This critically acclaimed movie focuses on his rise to and relatively short time in office before being shot by a colleague. Sean Penn not only won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Milk, but also multitudes of awards.
I can totally understand why Penn won so many awards for playing Milk, particularly after seeing some videos of the actual Milk. He was so incredibly dead on when it came to the mannerisms and the vocal inflections. The casting director did an excellent job finding actors who looked remarkably like the actual people they were portraying.
Now, I try to be an open-minded person when it comes to sexual preferences. I have watched countless movies, read all kinds of books, but this movie pushed it to a point I hadn't experienced before. I must admit, he was flamboyant to the point where I was a smidge uncomfortable. The characters were so over the top that the movie almost seemed like a parody. But like I mentioned above, seeing the actual footage of the person helped me understand how dead-on the performances really were.
10 words or less: Totally worthy of the praise it received.
This is a biopic about Harvey Milk, the first out gay man to be elected to public office in the US. This critically acclaimed movie focuses on his rise to and relatively short time in office before being shot by a colleague. Sean Penn not only won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Milk, but also multitudes of awards.
I can totally understand why Penn won so many awards for playing Milk, particularly after seeing some videos of the actual Milk. He was so incredibly dead on when it came to the mannerisms and the vocal inflections. The casting director did an excellent job finding actors who looked remarkably like the actual people they were portraying.
Now, I try to be an open-minded person when it comes to sexual preferences. I have watched countless movies, read all kinds of books, but this movie pushed it to a point I hadn't experienced before. I must admit, he was flamboyant to the point where I was a smidge uncomfortable. The characters were so over the top that the movie almost seemed like a parody. But like I mentioned above, seeing the actual footage of the person helped me understand how dead-on the performances really were.
10 words or less: Totally worthy of the praise it received.
Avatar
View Date: 1/31/10
This movie is about a group of scientists studying native flora, fauna, and sentient beings on a world this is being mined for the government. The other group of aliens to this planet is military. The scientists use avatars, or artificially generated beings linked with an individual’s DNA, to interact with the native species.
Prior to leaving for the new planet, one of the scientists die, leaving behind an identical twin that is ex-military. He takes his brother’s place on the expedition and first acts as security for the science team. On his first endeavor into the forests, he is attacked by a native beast and becomes separated from his group. No one expects him to make it through the night, as the military fears the native creatures, but he is taken in by the Navi, the native sentient species. He winds up learning more about the Navi than anyone had before, and provides details that can both help and harm both the natives and the visitors.
This was a very long, complex movie filled with many themes. It felt that there was some animosity toward the US government expressed through the portrayal of the military as well as the corporate entities represented on the planet. There was also the dichotomy between using nature in a symbiotic manner versus exploiting nature for selfish gains.
Visually, this film was stunning. I saw it in 3D, and I must say it was the best I have ever seen. There was so much 3D, and it was very noticeable. Even the smallest thing, like a spark or a leaf, would jump out at you or look like it was coming from behind you. Really, truly beautiful.
Overall, I thought the movie was good and visually spectacular. It did get a little too preachy at times for me, and it probably could have been shorter.
10 words or less: Movie OK, but visually stunning.
This movie is about a group of scientists studying native flora, fauna, and sentient beings on a world this is being mined for the government. The other group of aliens to this planet is military. The scientists use avatars, or artificially generated beings linked with an individual’s DNA, to interact with the native species.
Prior to leaving for the new planet, one of the scientists die, leaving behind an identical twin that is ex-military. He takes his brother’s place on the expedition and first acts as security for the science team. On his first endeavor into the forests, he is attacked by a native beast and becomes separated from his group. No one expects him to make it through the night, as the military fears the native creatures, but he is taken in by the Navi, the native sentient species. He winds up learning more about the Navi than anyone had before, and provides details that can both help and harm both the natives and the visitors.
This was a very long, complex movie filled with many themes. It felt that there was some animosity toward the US government expressed through the portrayal of the military as well as the corporate entities represented on the planet. There was also the dichotomy between using nature in a symbiotic manner versus exploiting nature for selfish gains.
Visually, this film was stunning. I saw it in 3D, and I must say it was the best I have ever seen. There was so much 3D, and it was very noticeable. Even the smallest thing, like a spark or a leaf, would jump out at you or look like it was coming from behind you. Really, truly beautiful.
Overall, I thought the movie was good and visually spectacular. It did get a little too preachy at times for me, and it probably could have been shorter.
10 words or less: Movie OK, but visually stunning.
9 Songs
View Date: 2/1/10
This movie was listed as a explicit drama on Netflix. Now, normally in this part of my write-ups, I give a brief summary of the movie. But in this case, I’m finding it really hard. The best I can do is say an Englishman has lots of graphic sex with his girlfriend. During the few minutes when they’re not grinding, they’re going to some great concerts. Then there are these pretty random parts about Antarctica thrown in.
So basically, this was porn with a great soundtrack, but it was available on Netflix. You get to see the couple getting it on in all kinds of ways, with some real close-ups. As far as I could tell, nothing was simulated, and they certainly didn’t leave anything to the imagination. There was concert footage of Franz Ferdinand and other similar bands, and songs by these artists that you don’t normally hear.
The parts about Antarctica really didn’t seem to fit in to me. I’m sure it probably had some deep meaning, but I wasn’t really in the mood to try to make sense of it.
Overall, I couldn’t really find a plot to follow, and didn’t really get involved with the characters. I wouldn’t recommend watching this with anyone other than your lover, if you were to even watch it at all.
10 words or less: Art-house porn with a good soundtrack.
This movie was listed as a explicit drama on Netflix. Now, normally in this part of my write-ups, I give a brief summary of the movie. But in this case, I’m finding it really hard. The best I can do is say an Englishman has lots of graphic sex with his girlfriend. During the few minutes when they’re not grinding, they’re going to some great concerts. Then there are these pretty random parts about Antarctica thrown in.
So basically, this was porn with a great soundtrack, but it was available on Netflix. You get to see the couple getting it on in all kinds of ways, with some real close-ups. As far as I could tell, nothing was simulated, and they certainly didn’t leave anything to the imagination. There was concert footage of Franz Ferdinand and other similar bands, and songs by these artists that you don’t normally hear.
The parts about Antarctica really didn’t seem to fit in to me. I’m sure it probably had some deep meaning, but I wasn’t really in the mood to try to make sense of it.
Overall, I couldn’t really find a plot to follow, and didn’t really get involved with the characters. I wouldn’t recommend watching this with anyone other than your lover, if you were to even watch it at all.
10 words or less: Art-house porn with a good soundtrack.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)