BABYLON (2022)
This movie is outrageous, there’s no getting around it. I even looked up the meaning of outrageous after I typed that sentence to assure I wasn’t picking a heavy handed word out of a hat. “Bad, excessive, wildly exaggerated or improbable. Very bold and unusual and startling.” I could type Babylon: “Outrageous” and leave it at that.
I’ve been a journeyman in the film business for about 25 years now and I appreciate this movie so very much. Babylon is all definitions of the word out outrageous and so is the film business. I’ve witnessed the very top, bottom, and all the bullshit in between. Chazelle nails it in all facets. From camera arrogance to the late night parties blending with sexual exploits into a couple hours of sleep before crew call. The intensity everyone feels after a number of bad takes to get one right. What it feels like when it’s over. A show or film, a long run of success, or even a career. The feeling of how it once was and never will be. All that’s left are the moment’s of perfection and the exaggerated stories that got you there.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
The movie that saved the theatrical experience. Everything I was looking for in this film was there. It was perfect. Flawless. It restored my love for the big screen and gave hope for it’s future. Thank you Tom Cruise and everyone involved in making this movie.
1917 (2019)
A movie shot in real time and one shot. Yeah stitched together but it’s basically one shot. The amount of planning, figuring, thinking, rehearsing, testing, fucks with me. Then to have to do it flawlessly because that’s the only way a film like this works. The prep I understand for the most part. It’s the process of doing something like this. The patience it takes. How thorough you have to be. How perfect you have to be each take. Not only as an actor but the crew as well. And these were some long ass takes. The pressure of not fucking up a five minute or longer take is so scary as a crew member. Hell as a background performer. You know what it takes to get Background right?! And this many, doing these detailed task. Geezus! Hundreds of people performing these takes with no mistakes. It’s incredible. It’s another remarkable step forward in filmmaking. Hitchcock did this with Rope ( I need to rewatch that film), then Birdman comes to mind and now 1917. Kind of speechless after this one. You have to see it.
A must watch on the big screen!
PARASITE (2019)
If you’re avoiding this movie like I did don’t. “I’m not in the mood to read subtitles, what’s it really about, is it a horror movie?” Don’t be an idiot like me. Watch it! Most people aren’t as lame as I am. Sometimes I just can’t pull the trigger on watching a movie I know nothing about. "I rather see Harriet, yeah Harriet, I love history even terrible history. Or how about Bombshell, I kind of nodded off in that movie anyway. I should watch it again.” We know why you wanna watch Bombshell again. No offense to these two movies but Parasite is so unique, so unexpected, and a perfect example of why I should watch everything all the time. Don’t wait until it becomes a best picture nominee like this lame guy.
MARRIAGE STORY (2019)
Holy geeez this movie is great. One of my favorites of the year. Noah Baumbach really nails it here. Simple shooting, like dad is gonna walk into the next room and return. Camera says “I’ll be here when you get back.” I love the fact the camera just hung out for the most part of this story. It didn’t get in the way. Two actors in a room going at it and the only way out was through one another. Fantastic.
THE IRISHMAN (2019)
Long and Strong. Alright, a shot out of a cannon why I loved the Irishman: A little more light shed on the Jimmy Hoffa story, the opening shot, Scorsese film over 3 hours long, Pesci returns, De Niro, Pacino, AND Keitel, the way Deniro whacks guys, Wives smoking, blue collar tenacity, and mob guys being mob guys. It’s a film, it always is when these guys get together. The opening shot made me realize how much I missed a Scorsese film. And luckily it’s so damn long I need to rewatch it like another 50 times to catch everything.
ROCKETMAN (2019)
See Bohemian Rhapsody review. Rami Malek won the Oscar for his performance in Bohemian Rhapsody and I’m pretty sure he didn’t sing the songs. Taron Egerton sang the songs in Rocketman and didn’t even get nominated for an Oscar. How’s that for some bull shit.
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (2019)
If you are a Springsteen fan this film is a no brainer. It’s a thank you to Bruce. A homage that celebrates the words that have spoken to you and so many others. You will sit and relish in the words that inspired you to get to where you are today. On the other hand if you don’t know Bruce Springsteen and you feel like you’re still searching for something or yourself or you’re hurting, confused, trapped, broken, sad, stuck, twisted, lonely, depressed weak, poor, or lost give him a try. He may just show you the way out.
BETWEEN TWO FERNS: THE MOVIE (2019)
The hilarity that is Between Two Ferns continues in the feature version. The many celebrities that have made the bit great has made the movie great.
BOOKSMART (2019)
I like what these guys did here! Directed by Olivia Wilde Booksmart sends a message that every high schooler needs to hear. Get to know each other. Don’t assume anything about anybody and remember you’re all still figuring it out. This movie was really funny and judging how old I felt during I think it’s pretty hip.
RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (2019)
“You send that many don’t forget one thing. What? A good supply of body bags.”
When Rambo: Last Blood was announced the title “Last Blood” gave me some vintage hope. Back to where it all started. Well…almost. First off not enough Jerry Goldsmith original score pumped in. Remember the opening of First Blood. That long walk with the incredible score. Can we not copy that shit for Last Blood? And that score should be layered in every scene. The character of John Rambo has completely left the building. It’s heartbreaking. I feel like the gap between Rambo 3 and Rambo really hurt the character. That’s twenty years guys. I know this is almost funny digging deep but the head band, the very little dialogue and I mean very little dialogue, the storm inside, the protector, the war hero, the blood and guts, all made Rambo lovable. And I believe “Rambo” was the pivotable film that set the character off course.
Too much dialogue for Rambo in Last Blood. Too much guys. This makes no sense but I’ll say it anyway. Stallone’s acting was really good in this but it wasn’t Rambo. It was like watching Stallone do a really good scene in acting class. I hate saying that but shit that’s how I feel. He lost the character! He said too much and there wasn’t enough emotional connection to the past. Damn it! Adriana Barraza, who was in Babel, was great but let’s use her for some past stuff. Maybe I missed it but for years we wondered about this guy. Let’s fill in some blanks. And Paz Vega, her intro shot had me going. It reminded me of that 80’s film “Cruisin” with Pacino. I had no idea who she was supposed to be. Her and Stallone have some great scenes but then she goes away. I’m like was there a scheduling conflict? Where are the rest of her scenes? I still have no clue where she went. She helps him but then disappears during the gigantic ending? WTF guys. And can we not at least have her walking down the driveway at the end? Let’s get these two together. She lost her sister and Rambo has PTSD. It’s Last Blood man, give Rambo a happy ending. Great VO in the end. Finally a hint of the former Green Beret but it was too little too late. The little things man. And I like the tunnels and they worked great for the ending but they were obviously therapeutic to build so lets see some of that inner storm with a few scenes. If this is Last Blood let’s see some shit from the previous films. Where did that green stoned necklace go from Rambo 2? The knife? Lets get some knife work in there. It’s not all action man, we need some John J character stuff.
The charm in Stallone’s writing that has made me such a fan over the years has seemed to fade away and that’s sad to me. And maybe the other writers have messed it up. I’m not sure. The ending reminded me of Rocky V. The credits consisted of the previous Rambo films. All the stuff that should have been in Stallone’s character. Bummer. But guys, it’s ok…the action, the bad guys, the dirt bag dad delivering that brutal blow, the revenge montage, the violence, all grade A stuff. It fell short for me to call it Rambo: Last Blood, But loved it.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019)
I’ve spent enough time in the film industry to know I was going to love this movie. With my love for filmmaking and Tarantino this really couldn’t go wrong. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood shows up in the final years of the Golden Age in Hollywood. If you follow Hollywood history and you’re a fan of Tarantino I don’t have to recommend you go see this movie. You already did. But I truly believe if you are not a fan of Tarantino you could be after this film. The film celebrates his love for movies and looks back at a time in Hollywood before television fucked up the studio system and the movie star mystique started to fade.
Tarantino lays out a beautiful “What if” scenario and Pitt and DiCaprio show us a friendship and bond that rarely exist these days. The film weaves in and out of actual events and famous people suggesting that such scenes existed or could have existed assuring us this truly was the Golden Age. We will never again see anyone smoke, drink, fight, and cuss, like Rick Fucking Dalton. It’s sad to see it go knowing we’ll never have the nerve to get it back. Mr. Tarantino thank you for this remarkable account of one of the most interesting times in Hollywood.
SONIC THE HEDGE HOG (2020)
The only difference is my kids aren’t blue.
TOGO (2019)
So get this! You know the famous sled dog Balto they have a statue of at Disney World? We’ve been hoodwinked into thinking he’s the hero of this story. The deal was there was a sickness in Alaska in the early 1920’s. The medicine was miles away and they needed to get it to this town. There was this big relay planned with all these sled teams. I think like 7. Traveling through terrible conditions. The average leg was 31ish miles. But there was one sled team that traveled over 250 miles and that team was led by TOGO. But what happened was the last leg was completed by BALTO so that’s the dog that got the credit and hence the statue. All involved are heros but TOGO is bad ass that ran over 250 miles in the stormy snow AND he was past his prime!
This movie made me want to get a dog and I have 3 kids AND I got bit by a dog this year. Great family movie!
DOLITTLE (2020)
Since 1985 with Weird Science Robert Downey Jr.. has been solid as a rock. He delivers every time and he does it again here in 2020 with Dolittle. I loved this movie, my kids loved this movie, and the song “Original” at the end by Sia is great. We listened to it 3 times on the way home.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Not Finding Neverland. I was pumped for this movie after I saw the trailer. It was the perfect kid movie but also inspiring the overworked parents to focus on L-I-V-I-N. A movie for all the family! Rare. But shit if it fell flat. There is a touching scene a little over halfway through with McGregor and Pooh that showed the signs of life. A good scene, I even teared up. This was the best scene for me. Ok positive, I loved the looked. The colors were muted and the tone was like the end of Senior year when you say good bye to all you friends. A perfect set up for a coming home. Gradually bring up the colors and when Christopher Robin returns we'll reach our climax, we'll cry, and be inspired about how we want to improve our life. But the slow, sad start never paid off. Christopher Robin's coming home was like meeting up with an old high school friend where all you have in common any more is high school. The film never got me as high as the trailer did. I didn't hate this movie but I was disappointed and my kids were bored. And because of this I found Pooh and his clumsical honey act annoying as shit.
PELE: BIRTH OF A LEGEND
The first time I even heard of Pelé was when I watched the 1981 John Huston movie called Victory (With Stallone & great PG movie btw). I didn't know he was real. I was 6 btw. Obviously as I grew up I learned more about him so when I came across Birth of a Legend I showed it to my kids. I'm going to be perfectly honest, they play with toy swords half the of movie but they never lost full interest. They kept going back to it and by the end they were all in. I loved this movie. Pelé's life from the beginning all the way to his stardom. Solid movie and if you like soccer it's even more stout.
BLACK PANTHER
Ok, going in I didn’t really know about the origin of the comic. I talked to my buddy and he mentioned that NYC was the original landscape. Then Coogler moves it to Oakland because that’s where the original Black Panthers started….pretty cool and I didn’t know that shit. I was onboard from the get go with this movie. It’s greatastic and really entertaining. My kids loved it!
COCO
I took my kids to this movie and I knew very little about it. As to say, I knew it was a kids movie, that was about it. There was a small hiccup when a thirty minute Oloff short was mixed into the trailers making me think I was in the wrong movie (I think they've fixed this) and using up all my kids attention time. Once Coco was on it slowly grabbed me. By the end my kids were a wreck but I was trying every thing I could to keep them hanging on because I was engulfed in this movie. I might as well have watched the ending during a street riot (2 kids running around) and I still managed a few tears. I never knew much about the Day of the Dead (Sorry Mexico) but it's a pretty cool holiday. So is Coco, check it out.
KINDERGARTEN COP (1990)
Ok a throwback here that popped up on HBO Go this month. An Ivan Reitman classic and I'm always trying to go the old classic route first . Now I'm not sure Kindergarten Cop should be in the company with Swiss Family Robinson and Old Yeller but this viewing went very well. There is some questionable violence, especially in the beginning but once Arnold is at the school my kids loved watching kids their age give Schwarzenegger hell. Boys have penis's and girls have vagina's was a bit hit.
SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1960)
I have you guys watched this film in awhile?! OMG how hard was this movie to make? Back in the day this was my favorite movie. I loved how they built their how in the trees. That what I remembered. But after watching this recently I was reminded how many animals were in this. So many animals and with significant roles! Had to be a nightmare to shoot logistically. I'll be honest and say I loved it more than my kids but you kind of gotta force this one on them. It's a true classic and I consider it the best kids movie of all time. And I know that's bold but it's simply true. And it teaches survival! I've even read the book! When has that ever happened. FYI don't read your kids the book it didn't go so well for me. Two pages in they were wrestling. And get this, George Lucas got the idea for Annakin Skywalker from this movies director.
THE KISSING BOOTH (2018)
Yeah I watched it. After wanting to turn it off for the first half hour I finished this movie. It really had nothing to do with the movie, it was a mood thing, I didn’t think I’d stay awake so I put this on because there was little to lose. But I ended up liking this! I credit Joey King mainly because I couldn’t remember what great movie she was in (Crazy, Stupid, Love) so that kept my attention for most of it until I figured it out. But heads up, the minute you think it’s innocent and you can let your kids linger around they do drop a few F bombs and have some sex. It ended up giving me that school is ending, moving on to bigger and better things feeling. And I like that.
THE BLACK GODFATHER (2019)
The life of Clarence Avant. I had no clue who this man was. I read a instagram post of Chris Rock’s saying to check this out so I did. I loved loved loved watching this. This is what I enjoy: History, true events and how they happened, real footage and photos, legends talking about life, underdogs, and people with great character. The Black Godfather has all of this and more. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
THE KID (2019)
When you except the fact that this is a fictional story told within a legendary true as it can be story then you’ll really like this movie. I wrestled with it because I love Billy the Kid and I was confused by what I was watching. Was this another true tale within the tale! After a little disappointment I enjoyed the solid acting and work of Vincent D'Onofrio for whom I’m a big fan of. And Ethan Hawke can do no wrong for me. And Dane Dehaan was a solid Billy the Kid. And Chris Pratt was a great unstable bad guy.
THE HIGHWAYMEN (2019)
Man I enjoyed this Netflix film. Costner = Gold and Harrelson = granite performance. Real quick, can anyone point out a bad performance by Woody Harrelson in anything? Yeah me neither. Costner and Harrelson are the Highwaymen, former Texas Rangers that come out of retirement to track down Bonnie and Clyde. That’s really all I should say cuz that’s really all you need to know. But two important things: Anyone who was once a bad ass coming out of retirement is usually a recipe for being awesome. And the story of Bonnie and Clyde is fascinating and always has been so that’s a no brainer. Boom, 2 solid reasons to watch this. You can’t really miss. And shout out to John Lee Hancock for the way he shot around the outlaws. They have this mythical thing going on so I think you’ll dig the way they’re covered here. It’s worth pointing out some longer scenes I enjoyed, particularly through the window onto the porch shooting Hancock does. Kind of cool way to cover a scene that I don’t recall ever seeing. I learned some things I didn’t know about the duo’s killing/robbing spree during the Great Depression and I enjoyed the Highwaymen perspective. I think you will too. And you can’t beat a film that has real photographs at the end!
A VIGILANTE (2018)
An artistic approach to a vigilante story involving a mom. Not Peppermint at all. I love vigilante stories and as much as I wanted to see a mother’s revenge played out in kick ass action fashion I enjoyed the stance Sarah Dagger-Nickson took. I feel like she had a clear vision of what she wanted this film to be and she never strayed from it. Olivia Wilde was all in as “Sadie” and the suspense held me for most of the film. Though I would love a chance to chat out that ending with the creative team. Not a bad rental and a great example of using editing and acting over action and special effects to tell your story.
THE INVENTOR: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
We see here in The Inventor how far one can go by moving to Silicon Valley and dressing in all black. Bull Shit or Delusion? They hit ya with an Edison quote, “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” If you wanna sit in your lab at night and try 10,000 times on something until it works, great. You’re an Inventor…if it works on that 10,001 try. But if you take peoples money, break rules and laws, and lie about your invention not working then I’ll just think of you as a silly fraud. Theranos…a really expensive shell game.
THE DIRT (2019)
Kick Ass movie that tells the story of Mötley Crüe! It’s everything you want it to be. And it wasn’t all Girls, Girls, Girls. The band hits rock bottom and it’s some sad shit. But they battle back and continue strong for another 20 years. Total come back story and it’s inspiring to watch. The Dirt is a look back at one of the bands that shaped my favorite decade and all it speaks for.
US (2019)
Great imagery! Now that sounds like some film school schmuck bullshitting but here’s the deal. I watched “US” from the back of the theater, rolling a stroller back-n-forth while my newborn stewed. I had to duck out more than twice when she woke up. I definitely feel like I missed a few key elements. Why would I write a review you say? Because I saw enough to know that Jordon Peele continues his Shyamalan like run with this horror vision. Almost every frame I saw of this movie is worth mentioning. The cast and their unique delivery, the props are scary cool, eerie locations, and a best of all a, a message. This was a fun movie, even if I was multi tasking a baby, I totally recommend it.
GREEN BOOK (2018)
“The film is much more effective from Tony’s point of view because the audience that might be most changed by watching it is the white audience.” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
I recommend reading Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s article in the The Hollywood Reporter regarding Green Book. As a white male it’s easy for me to lean on his opinion because it is in line with mine therefore making me feel some sort of validation with my thoughts towards the film and the issues it raises. But that’s not really the point here. It’s not about right or wrong. Race, time period, sexuality, social class, urban, best picture, rural, money, industry, ethics, culture, family, and morals are just a few terms that come to mind while processing Green Book. It stirs the pot of shit that most of us call our current reality. It reminds us of the brutal past and how we got here and why it’s so hard to get to where we need to go.
The controversy surrounding this film is expected and should be welcomed, discussed, and chatted out loud. The conversation should continue because like Tony and Dr. Shirley, many of us are from completely different worlds. A lot could be overcome with getting to know each other and conversation. Green Book embraces this and the conversation that needs to continue forever.
INSTANT FAMILY (2018)
A solid rental. I find Rose Byrne perfectly hilarious and Wahlberg can do no wrong. Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro have a chemistry worth mentioning but you have to have kids. Don’t think you can roll up with a date and suggest this movie. No, noooo, you must be a parent of some sorts and kind of old.
FREE SOLO (2018)
WOW! WOW! WOW! All of us that over use the word Amazing when we can’t think of anything else to say, Free Solo IS Amazing. And how could you fuck up this Oscar Acceptance Speech? Just thank the GUY. The GUY that climbed the biggest face on the planet with no rope while you guys were watching. Yeah that guy, his name is Alex.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018)
I love it when someone is struggling and then they become a big huge star. I’m probably gonna love any movie that tells that story well. So yeah I really liked watching this movie. I liked seeing the songs I know in the early stages before they were huge hits, like how they became about. Even if it’s portrayed wrong. Rami Malek presence and his stage movements were Oscar worthy.
THE WIFE (2017)
I loved this movie. It spoon feeds you what you already know so it allows you to enjoy the outcome. But it’s kind of crazy, I felt similarities with Joe Castleman so why did I enjoy watching his character slowly become one giant fraud? Well damn. I guess I’ll give credit to Glenn Close on that one. She was fantastic in this and I wanted her character to win. Here’s a question, does this movie do as well say in 2015? Not so sure.
A SIMPLE FAVOR (2018)
Damn Paul Feig really, was this really you? This is Gone Girl(s). Smokin. Todays Heathers they say but I think it’s closer to an American Psycho(s) without the violence. A solid who the fuk dun it!
LIFE ITSELF (2018)
You probably need to have kids to qualify for enjoyment of this film but holy shit. A jarring start you’re not really sure what to make of. Then the story lines begin and you’re stuck needing an outcome. At one point I‘m not sure if my tears were enjoyment or sadness. I was a mess. Like The Notebook level. Real life shit so be ready. Watch it but have an Ernest movie standing by to level you back out.
THE MULE (2018)
My concern is that Eastwood has been doing it so long and he’s brought us so many great films in front and behind the camera the appreciation for him will start to fade. Plain and simple, if you’re an Eastwood fan you will appreciate The Mule. I appreciate the fact that anyone over the age of eighty can produce, direct, and star in a film. I mean really, film people, when was this ever done before? Can we stop and take that in. If you’ve ever been through the filmmaking process that is fucking incredible. I celebrate this guy every time he comes out with something. His career started when my parents were starting grade school so as far as I’m concerned he can do no wrong. Anyone that isn’t in awe of this guy doesn’t understand film. God I sound like that “I liked his choices of lenses” guy. But really, who doesn’t appreciate this guy? Ride The Mule and celebrate Clint Eastwood!
A STAR IS BORN (2018)
It’s the 4th remake of A Star is Born. We know how it goes. We know how it ends. And yet Bradley Cooper delivers a beautiful film worth every effort needed to go to the theater. Go see this. It’s hard to determine where the careful filmmaking starts and the unbelievable chemistry begins. Lady Gaga, as raw as I’ve ever seen her, doesn’t have a clue how beautiful she is in this movie. Million Dollar Baby, The Wrestler, Crazy Heart, and The Departed, just a few movies that come to mind when I think about theater experiences that were worth it and A start Is Born was no different. A solid film, top to bottom. I love Wade Garrett.
ACTIVE MEASURES (2018)
You never know how these projects come together but there are a lot of serious people saying a lot of serious things in Active Measures. God Bless America.
BOOK CLUB (2018)
A group of fantastic actors all come together to make a mediocre movie. A right they all have earned.
LIFE OF THE PARTY (2018)
I was hoping for a Back to School (1986) throw back and instead I got a pile of disappointment thrown back in my face.
A WALK IN THE WOODS (2015)
As I get older I look for these potential gems about life. Surely a project worthy enough for two seasoned, Oscar caliber actors in their seventies to commit too. I really want to make a Walk in the…joke right now but honestly it was good enough for me to refrain from that. I love these guys and it’s great to see them still act. And there were a few moments. I’m just not sure I can recommend it. It’s definitely the B movie you put with The Natural or The Prince of Tides for the double-feature package you’re trying to sell.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (2018)
Not Finding Neverland. I was pumped for this movie after I saw the trailer. It was the perfect kid movie but also inspiring the overworked parents to focus on L-I-V-I-N. A movie for all the family! Rare. But shit if it fell flat. There is a touching scene a little over halfway through with McGregor and Pooh that showed the signs of life. A good scene, I even teared up. This was the best scene for me. Ok positive, I loved the looked. The colors were muted and the tone was like the end of Senior year when you say good bye to all you friends. A perfect set up for a coming home. Gradually bring up the colors and when Christopher Robin returns we'll reach our climax, we'll cry, and be inspired about how we want to improve our life. But the slow, sad start never paid off. Christopher Robin's coming home was like meeting up with an old high school friend where all you have in common any more is high school. The film never got me as high as the trailer did. I didn't hate this movie but I was disappointed and my kids were bored. And because of this I found Pooh and his clumsical honey act annoying as shit.
PEPPERMINT (2018)
Jennifer Garner going back to where she started (Alias), hell yeah! Am I the only one that thinks about the timing of this movie, as her and Ben Affleck end their relationship, rumors of how it went down, and maybe she used some of it for her role in Peppermint. I’d like to think so. Either way this movie was everything I wanted it to be. Garner, out of Citibank, goes on a vigilante rampage against those who fucked with her family. “Whats in your wallet” “never mind Blam!!!! Really fun movie.
THE WEEK OF (2018)
A Netflix original and funny as hell. If you have a large family or married to someone with a large family (me) then you will appreciate this film. I love seeing Sandler like this. He's really great in this. His character and the film makes it around from being just funny to having a message and that emotional thing you need in the end to give it some credibility. I wanted Chris Rock's character to come around a tad bit more but that was really a small thing. I haven't laughed like this in a few sit downs with a comedy. It's up there with how I felt the first time I saw Meet the Parents. And it applies to all big families not just Long Island.
OCEANS EIGHT (2018)
I loved Ocean’s Eleven (2001). I can watch it over and over. Oceans Eight was a better idea than a movie.
BOMBSHELL: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
I'm pretty sure Hedy got fucked and not because she was pretty. Apparently she helped invent Wifi and nobody knew it. You know it says a lot, what a beautiful woman does to some men, they can really disrupt the brain. Great documentary that has classic Hollywood footage, which is always awesome, and a "Who knew?' story. Check it out.
FASTBALL (2016)
It helps to like baseball but I feel like almost anyone would enjoy seeing the life span and all the great characters that have let go of the FASTBALL. It also helps Costner narrates. He could narrate me mowing the yard and it would be great. Nolan Ryan is my pic.
TULLY (2018)
This was disappointing because I went to the theater to see it. For $30 it was a let down. Not to mention the restaurant beforehand was shit and my wife was with me so we were already 2 Benjamin's deep. If I would have rented it for $5.99 at home it would be far less a thing and probably a shorter review like "Kind of funny, definitely a rental." But I left the house, banking my night on a nice meal and movie that seemed fitting for mother's day. Bingo says, XXX. This is the problem these days. It takes a lot to commit to a night out at the movies, especially if the movie doesn't have to be seen on the big screen. Tully is another movie where Reitman teams up with writer Diablo Cody and I was excited about this one. This wasn't going to be Young Adult. I was disappointed with Young Adult because Charlize's character was mean and annoying. This was going to be different. And it was, character wise. The cast was great and I was right at home. I'm a parent with a 3rd kid on the way so the stage was set and more so for my wife. But then a scene occurs and puts the movie on a completely different path leaving me holding an empty dvd box of a simple family comedy wondering where the dvd went. Lets face it, parents want to laugh AND relate to other parents trying to raise kids and failing. It's all funny as long as the kids are safe. I WILL say this: there are these moments in Tully. First act is solid. Ron Livingston is hilarious playing his video games but somewhere along the way that simple family comedy I wanted shifted into a Fight Club type moviescape that had me guessing who was real and who wasn't. I just want to laugh man. And then at the end I want to be reminded why I do this parenting shit. I think it's Cody, she's a great writer but it's never going to be basic stuff. There always has to be an edge. I do want to mention that I think some parents may identify with the extremity of Tully and may have enjoyed it. And Charlize is a bad ass with the weight gain/loss battle she had to do at age 42. Freakin 42! I hope it pays off some how. That shits hard at 42.
12 STRONG (2018)
Bad ass 9/11 retaliation American shit! I'm at peace with Hemsworth playing American Hero's so I really enjoyed this movie. And it's based on real events. Any time you look up the real people after a movie about them it's a good sign. There's a pretty cool documentary on youtube called "Horse Soldiers of 9/11" where you see the real guys. Great story during a horrific time.
KODACHROME (2017)
I really liked this movie and it doesn't matter halfway in when you know where it's going. It's worth watching Ed Harris's performance. And who knew Sudeikis was going to end up with this range. I just watched him in Mother's Day and same thing, a few dramatic scenes in there that are solid. I enjoyed the story in Kodachrome as well because it was all about the end of developing film and there was a hint of that Old School vs New School artist stuff. Try to grab it on Netflix while it's still up.
PATERNO (TV Movie 2018)
If you live a creepy life then they're going to make a creepy movie about you when you die. Shout out to Barry Levinson, I'm a fan.
BLACK PANTHER (2018)
Ok, going in I didn’t really know about the origin of the comic. I talked to my buddy and he mentioned that NYC was the original landscape. Then Coogler moves it to Oakland because that’s where the original Black Panthers started….pretty cool and I didn’t know that shit. I was onboard from the get go with this movie. It’s greatastic and really entertaining. My kids loved it! I only felt like a bad parent a couple of times.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017)
What the fuck Hollywood, how does this movie get no Best Picture Love, hell any love at all!!! It blows La La Land out of the water. The music is ten times better (Same team) and there is no better message out there. I just don’t get it. This movie is the movie you look for each year. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and most of all it motivates you to get up off your ass and live life. I’m baffled by the lack of attention it has received. There was a film a while back called Moulan Rouge that did pretty well in award season, that shit looks like a six grade rendition of Grease 2 compared to The Greatest Showman. It’s really damn good guys.
Side Note – I really love Grease 2
DEATH WISH (2018)
This series rules and I’m so glad they are revamping it! And Eli Roth at his best! That guy is just cool and violent as hell. I loved this movie. And yeah the Death Wish fans are immediately gonna say Bruce Willis for Charlie Bronson, not sure about it, but shit guys this is John McClain and he’s A ok for me. And he was! This film is solid!!! From A to Z. It’s everything you want from this reboot.
HOSTILES (2017)
The beginning of this film is a smack in the face. The face! Did this shit really go down because I’m glad I didn’t live in this time if it did. Brutal shit! Roseman Pike maaaaybe overlooked here in award season. I loved this movie, the only complaint is there are so scenes that are loooow. Dialogue driven scenes that are quiet but it could just be my shitty set up at home. Don’t overlook this movie, it’s bad ass!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017)
I wrote the most brilliant review for this movie and lost it. How's that for pathetic. So if this comes off only as mediocre or worse just know a brilliant take on this movie is somewhere out there in the long lost web. I'm stalling because this movie had me on edge most of the movie. As a parent you're asking yourself, "What would I do?" "How would I handle this?" Call Me by Your Name takes place in the 80's in Italy, so there's that to consider. Armie Hammer is a research assistant staying with the a family over the Summer. In that family is a 17 year old boy. They have a thing. Like Summer Lovin, Had me a Blast type thing. Pedophile? You ever see My Tutor (1983)? Did that seem like pedophilia? Whatever your conclusion it makes you ask the question. Oh yeah. Remember American Pie? Well this time it's an Italian Peach. So throughout the movie I kept asking myself how I would handle this situation if it was in my home and this was my kid. I never liked my answer. Then the scene happened. Michael Stuhlbarg plays the boys father and the two have a conversation. A simple sit down. After the scene I was like "I wanna be that parent!" It actually disappointed me in a way because I needed the scene to conclude my thoughts on the matter. I can't even name another movie where the entire film hinged on one scene. For me at least.
Another reason to see this movie....the entire film was shot on a 35mm lens. Are you kidding me?! I need a completely different post for that!
The movie is beautiful. The acting is as good as it gets and there is no movie in 2017 that is more thought provoking than this one. A must see as a parent and filmmaker, no matter of your final conclusion.
MOLLY'S GAME (2017)
Sorkin = Ruuuules. Plain and simple. I remember ole Randell Wallace jumping from writing to directing on…was it The Patriot? And look, I’ll turn on the Patriot on any hour of the day and watch it til the end but I always wondered like everybody else....what if Mel directed this? Anyway my point is I knew this was Sorkins debut directing wise so I was on extra alert….the shiiit ruuuuuuled! And who knew about Molly Bloom?! Look I lived in LA for a good while, definitely during the time of the game and there was some rumblings about it but I never came close to that shit. But my point is I had no idea who she was…Olympic Skiier?! Her family of bad asses. Solid movie!!!! Sorkin’s transition was seamless and I felt him all over this movie. There was a lot of films this year I had to gear up for because they were…lets just say not as fun as Molly’s Game. When I watched this I was like, “Hell yeah, this shit was fun!”
THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017)
This movie was going on just fine. William Defoe is outstanding and it delivers everything you would want from an indie film. I really enjoyed it. Then the ending. What the hell?!? Yes there were subtle hints leading up to this but I’m not sure there were enough. Hell no! Abrupt at best. The Florida Project leaves that feeling you get when you’re in Florida..something is just not right.
DUNKIRK (2017)
Damn it Nolan. Maybe I was too hyped for this movie. I live for movies based on real events. Stories that deliver hope. And filmmakers that are way over my head and bad ass. The stage was set. Large popcorn (butter for sure), Junior Mints, and opening night. Nolan remains a bad ass after Dunkirk and that should remain clear. But I was disappointed guys! The first scene was great! The experience continued with these big seascapes of men trapped with no way out. The plane. The bombs. All this shit seems really authentic to me. Like I would know but still! But something happened along the way. Everyone started looking the same. Acting the same. It was becoming the Black Hawk Down of the ocean. It was all meshing together. There was no soul. Then the element of hope presented itself. The actual meaning of why it's a great story in my opinion. The rescue. Here we go. The common folk from the homeland coming to help. I still couldn't engage. I was Maverick after Goose died. WTF Dunkirk story?! This story is huge! If Germany finishes this, game over. Goodbye Europe, US stays home and God only knows what the world would've become. Dunkirk could not find my emotions and they're pretty easy to find. The only emotion I felt was sadness because I felt no emotion. It fell flat for me and I left feeling like I had seen a really great National Geographic documentary.
HOME AGAIN (2107)
I'm probably unique to this movie because it's a combination of love for filmmaking and being a parent so keep that in mind when I recommend it. It's like you're watching the before and after of yourself both on screen at once. It reminds you of your potential and what matters in life. Home Again is a movie that's endearing and gives you a little spark, something all us parents need.
SING STREET (2016)
THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE MOVIE!!! John Carney has his shit down! “Once,” bad ass, “Begin Again,” crept up on you and said “Hey I ruuuuule!” You know his music is ALWAYS bad ass. Then he goes and does something like “Sing Street.” A homage to brothers all around. AND it takes place in the 80’s…in Dublin. That’s me man! I’m an 80’s guy! And I have an older brother! And it’s about trying to get the girl! This movie was made for me. I love this movie so much I still listen to the Adam Levine “Go Now” on Youtube in my car because for some reason it’s not available on regular Itunes. (Come on somebody) This guy meets a girl, then realizes he needs to form a band to get her. He’s in high school and he’s an outcast but he’s a cool mother fucker cuz he writes some good shit. “Don’t write covers, write your own shit” his older brother says. And it’s so damn good, especially if you have an older brother you look up to. So he does and every song he writes get better and better and he puts this girl in the videos he shoots. He forms a team! Damn its so good! If you like high school stuff, the 80’s, and guys just trying to get the girl stuff you’ll love this movie. It’s my new favorite movie and I’m not sure that’s changing anytime soon.
STRONGER (2017)
I didn't see this in the theater cuz honestly it's more of a rental. But guys it's soooolid. Gyllenhaal is so fantastic in this movie. And I'm talking the scenes before the injury! Where he's a regular Red Sox fan. Rent this movie when you want to feel inspired, maybe shed a few tears, and want to be reminded not to take certain things in life for granted. Stronger is about Jeff Bauman and surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. It fills the hope tank.
Sully
I was worried about this movie because of the whole Hanks Apollo 13, already done the pilot thing. But this movie was intriguing because of all the stuff that went on after the incident. Crazy investigation insurance stuff that put everyone involved through the ringer, especially Sully. That guys awesome. The co-pilot too. They grabbed that moment of death by the throat and said, "Not today pal"
Manchester By the Sea
Best movie of the year. Casey Affleck who is bad fucking ass in this movie seems to be getting most of the praise. I think this is the best movie of the year. I think it has the best actor of the year in it. And I think it is the best directed movie of the year. Kenneth Lonergan seemed to finesse every shot of this film. He made it perfect from A to Sea. Ha! I'd love to know what the post phase was like on this movie. I feel like they need some praise as well. You'll wanna go jump off a cliff after you see it but this movie is damn good.
Carol
As a heterosexual man, knowing what this movie was about, I tried to focus on the filmmaking going in. I pretty much failed at this. But look what I was up against, Cate Blanchett who is perfectly beautiful in every way and so talented. All she needs is a look and you're done. Then you throw in Rooney Mara who is the definition of mysterious and sexy. She's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and then sweet college girl who gets dumped on in Social Network. AND all she needs is a look, I can't take it! The whole movie could have been them looking at each other and I would have been engaged. "Would it be a souped version of The Graduate!?," I thought.
The time period of the 1950's makes Carol a nominated Oscar film. You set this story in present day then you might as well call it "Emmanuelle and the girl from New York City." Maybe a stretch but my point is with the time period you have all the layers of terrible it must have been for people interested in the same sex for the actors to explore with. Then you have the two A list actresses as bold as Mara and Blanchett act out these tormented souls on a beautiful Norman Rockwell holiday canvas. Makes for an attractive movie from start to finish. Oh and Kyle Chandler can do no wrong.
As far as being a souped up version of The Graduate, kind of no. The Graduate was a present day film when it was filmed in 1967. Carol took place in the 1950's and was shot by 2015 filmmakers. And the stories are kind of not similar, the only similarity really is the age thing, pretty sure first paragraph brain came up with the comparison.
Point Break (2015)
A different movie compared to the first. The action and how it was filmed far exceeds expectations I had for the reboot of Point Break. Just bad ass radical. Point Break going global opened the doors to all extreme sports and the geography that plays a big part in them. There's a rock climbing scene in here I couldn't watch. It was like I was climbing the damn thing. But I'm sitting in a theater scared to watch it! And speaking of theater, Point Break is a must see on the big screen. Hopefully it's not too late. But...
Having said that, the original Point Break I hold close to my heart. It is a classic and will always be a classic. The debate will continue about revisiting certain films that were able to catch lightening in a bottle. To me it seems a lot of Reboots (cough) end up being more like a Rehash.
For me, here are a few elements of lightening in the bottle we know as the original Point Break:
Busey "Utah get me two," Football (Which balanced out the spiritual weirdo stuff), Los Angeles, "Inching along in those metal coffins," Night Raid, Harp Squat! Squat!, Nathanial "He's an FBI agent," meeting Don Peterman, Power of friendship, the way Tyler changes out of her swimsuit, Rosie, Keanu...Johnny Utah #9...sorry man Johnny fuckin Utah, Ex-Presidents, and last but certainly not least, Swayze and the depth and accountability he brought to Bodie. Vaya con dios.
The Revenant
After the first 20 minutes of this film (It's a film not a movie) I had already made it up in my mind it was my new favorite film of the year. The opening shot and battle ruuuuule so much. I love this director, Alejandro Gonzalez...mumble mumble...yeah I can't spell his full name correctly and if I could I'm not able to type it because I don't know how to type all the pronunciation symbols. But he deserves that because he's damn great. You know you're going to see something special when you watch his work.You'll see a few shots in the opening of The Revenant where you'll want to rewind to see how they did it. The Revenant is game time. You have to be prepped, ready, and focused. Just don't stroll on in the theater thinking you'll check it out. Look up Hugh Glass and familiarize yourself with the time period. It'll be much more pleasing. And Hugh Glass had to be one super bad ass even if half of this movie is true. Best movie of the year for me. Oh and Dicaprio = Solid. Hardy = Solid. But the Bear Attack! Get outta town.
After the first 20 minutes of this film (It's a film not a movie) I had already made it up in my mind it was my new favorite film of the year. The opening shot and battle ruuuuule so much. I love this director, Alejandro Gonzalez...mumble mumble...yeah I can't spell his full name correctly and if I could I'm not able to type it because I don't know how to type all the pronunciation symbols. But he deserves that because he's damn great. You know you're going to see something special when you watch his work.You'll see a few shots in the opening of The Revenant where you'll want to rewind to see how they did it. The Revenant is game time. You have to be prepped, ready, and focused. Just don't stroll on in the theater thinking you'll check it out. Look up Hugh Glass and familiarize yourself with the time period. It'll be much more pleasing. And Hugh Glass had to be one super bad ass even if half of this movie is true. Best movie of the year for me. Oh and Dicaprio = Solid. Hardy = Solid. But the Bear Attack! Get outta town.
Brooklyn
A beautifully shot, directed, and well acted film in a time period I would like to see more films capture.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
It's hard to summarize my thoughts and feelings about Star Wars: The Force Awakens here. On this page I try to briefly discuss high and low points so you can decide to see the movie or not. So keeping that in mind here goes:
I saw the Return of the Jedi episode VI when I was eight years old. Roughly thirty-two years later Episode VII is here. That alone is reason to see this. My excitement was through the roof and I was not disappointed. I want to see it again and again. That summarizes how I feel about it.
I won't get into debating where this episode ranks among the past. (And its hard not too) but the one thing Star Wars never fails to deliver is no matter the age in which you watch, for those 2 hours, you are a kid all over again.
Trainwreck
This movie is funny and definitely worth renting at home when you want to laugh. Good for Schumer.
Spotlight
I kept hearing this was the best movie of the year for a lot of people. I don't share that opinion but similar to "Truth" Spotlight has a solid cast. That always helps when a film is trying to tackle a big event. The ending was a little abrupt for me. It didn't give me that satisfaction of something that was complete.
Steve Jobs
I was excited about this movie since I knew it was in the works. I even watched "Jobs" (The Ashton Kutcher one) because I'm fascinated with the material. The fact that Mac started in a garage and is where it is today is crazy to me. (Hopefully its a fact) And thats the frustration sometimes with these movies depicting real life. What is true and what isn't. I heard a lot of negative things regarding "Steve Jobs" and how accurate it was and it started turning me off to this movie. I hate that. I try not to listen or read anything beforehand.
The bottom line here is true or not the filmmakers and cast executed this movie well. Winslet and Fassbender are so damn good and Danny Boyle adds a nice blueprint to how the film plays.
Truth
I feel like there are a lot of these one word title, lets tell the real story, movies this year. I didn't really know what this was about but truly enjoyed it when I saw it. Definitely a home rental but that shouldn't take away from the movie. I enjoyed a solid cast shining a light on an unfortunate story.
The Martian
This comes down to one simple thing. If you’re a Matt Damon fan you’ll love this movie. He can do no wrong with me so I loved this movie. Seeing different takes on Space always interest me. But if you’re not a Damon fan I don’t recommend it. As far as Riddley, his early stuff put me to sleep. Then he made “Black Rain” and I started paying attention. Goldilocks would like the pace of “The Martian.” Just right. I expected Snoozefest 2015 but was pleasantly surprised.
Being Evel
You know the guy when you were growing up that would do the crazy shit and actually make it through and you never knew how. They had that thing. That’s Evel Knieval. He was bold as they come and much respect to him for putting it all together. They said he was a Con but it seems to me you have to be somewhat of a Con to make it in Show Business. He’s a damn genius in my book. It reminds me of the late Jerry Weintraub (Respect pointing up) when John Denver wanted to fire him because his accommodations on the road were so bad. Weintraub suggested his made up a fictitious guy named “Fergusan” who was in charge of all accommodations should be fired. “Fergusan” was fired and Jerry kept his job. Genius! Evel called Caesars Palace as a different reporter each time asking about this Dare Devil Evel Knieval. He did like ten times finally getting them to say, “Sure yeah we know him and we have a deal with him. To me that stuff is way more difficult to pull off than speeding up a ramp. This is a great to documentary about the legend and because he was a legend and there were so many stories passed around about him I never really knew all the details. Especially when or how he died. I enjoyed this a lot.
Love and Mercy
I was waiting on this movie. I missed it in the theater but was so excited to watch it. The review goes like this, Without The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson this movie would have been terrible. That’s kind of a duh statement I know but because the music is so great I made it through this movie with the same interest and curiosity that I had going in. If this film was about the band Oasis I would have checked out as soon as old Noel/Liam Gallagher popped up. I was aware I never really knew the details of The Beach Boys and that is what sparked my interest and drew me to this darker side of their past. “Love and Mercy” gets pretty weird and depressing for sure but the music and your admiration for Brian Wilson will get you through. But you see I didn’t even know the Album “Pet Sounds” existed. I’m not the best fan they have. But I think “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” and “God only Knows” are two of the best songs ever written, created, whatever they say. If you’re not on that page you may not like this movie. The Cusack/Dano duo worked way better than I thought it would and dammit if I never get tired of Elizabeth Banks. As far as what I knew about Brian Wilson, nothing other than he seemed to be the main guy for reasons I didn’t know and he had a brother that drowned. Now I know and I feel I’m cooler for it.
A Most Violent Year
This director did “All is Lost” with Redford, I had no clue. I liked that movie. But “A Most Violent Year” I missed when it came out so I’m late to the game. “A Most Violent Year” wasn’t violent at all. I think only one person actually died and at the end I was left thinking about it. I thought Oscar Isaac (Who we know from “Ex Machina,” that movie rules!) WAS Michael Corleone. I felt like I was watching another version of “The Godfather.” But then I settled into my feeling of liking this movie. You kept waiting for our guy Abel to have to turn violent and he never did. Even when his wife (Jessica Chastain, great in this) was calling him a big pussy he held strong to what he thought was right…and smart. I respect that and that’s why I like this movie.
ALOHA
Lets look at the Hawaiian backdrop for a minute. I liked the Descendants but it was way down on A. Payne’s best movies for me and without Clooney that movie may be unknown. Sarah Marshall ruled but it was about a guy going there after getting dumped and his experiences. North Shore (1987 gold) was a badass surf movie, again a guy from the mainland coming to Hawaii. Blue Crush worked. I didn’t really clear anything up here but my point is if you put Aloha in San Diego it’s a better movie. No offense Hawaii, you’re beautiful. Another point I need to make is Cameron Crowe is one of my favorite filmmakers. He wrote my favorite movie, “The Wild Life.” He’s great. But here we go with Aloha. I had no idea what was really going on character wise for the first hour. Emma Stone jumping out at us like she won a “Be in a Cameron Crowe movie” contest, John Krasinski’s awkwardness, and Bradley Cooper doesn’t exactly spell it out. Then you add Hawaii and all it’s local stuff. And I know dick about military contract work. I was lost. I take that back, I didn’t care to know. You can always count on Rachel McAdams to pull you in. Eventually all the cast are great in this movie and the movie comes around but a mile below Crowe’s bar. It’s always baffling to me when you love the director/writer, you love the cast, but you barely like the movie. Bummer. I really want Crowe to make another run.
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
When I saw Notorious I felt like I was up in the club, asses shaking, joints smoking, I just loved the films flashy ways. When I saw Straight Outta Compton I felt like someone had a gun in face the entire movie. The first scene alone should win an Oscar for best opening scene ever. This movie was so fantastic for me I could have watched another hour and it was already 2 ½ hours. The acting was flawless and the cast was perfect right down to the very last racist policeman. The significance of this group deserves nothing less. Real. Real. Real. Did the LAPD really use those tanks with the battering rams? So much I didn’t know…
New Favorite movie of the year.
VACATION
I fought this reboot from the time I heard it was happening. The original was sacred to me as well as it’s author. How dare them I thought as I bought my ticket. I laughed. Then I laughed again. Then I did the thing you do when you watch the original, “That’s so my family.” It’s funny and doesn’t really stop being funny. The Chris Hemsworth character was a little bit of a stretch but it still brought a lot of laughs. I’ve heard a lot of this tried too hard talk and I agree, the reboot Vacation tries extremely hard to be funny and succeed. I think the difference you’ll find is the original Griswolds felt authentic and with that came love and compassion and the hope that at least one time they’re going to put it together. Helms and Applegate realize they are not Clark and Ellen and make it their own. And Applegate’s return to her sorority is hysterical.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION
All these have blended together for me lately because if I miss them on the big screen I don’t bother with them at home. I’ve missed the past few but this one was fantastic. The writer of The Usual Suspects rocked this thing out. I truly enjoyed that this film had everything you would hope a MI would have. And there were some shots of Rebecca Ferguson that really worked.
SOUTH PAW
When I caught wind of Southpaw I looked to see who was doing the music to see if some good work out music was gonna come out of it at least. I see Eminem had a song so I immediately bought it. “Phenomenaaaaaaal” Great lyrics, Eminem is always great but that chorus or hook or whatever you wanna call it just falls short. I can’t get that “No Easy Way Out” tingle. You’re gonna need to check out Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, everything else you’ve seen before in other boxing movies. Expectations play an important role here. I did not hate this movie at all. I always love to see Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker. But in the day of high movie going prices and high quality content the haters are gonna hate.
EX MACHINA
My favorite movie of the year, lean and mean. I bought into everything the filmmakers wanted me too and when this movie was done I felt so satisfied and fulfilled…and like a boob. “Ava” sent me back to seventh grade, wrapping me completely around her finger. See this movie!
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
I knew after the first shot Cronenberg was about to sink his teeth into me. It's not what about this film. It's why? If I was falling from a tower and I had a quick review to yell before I fell to my death I would scream, "It was so misleading but so damn good!" But I'm not falling. I'm here at my desk asking why this was shot and that was said. Mario Bello, who I knew from Auto Focus and Coyote Ugly threw the first wrench in my brain. Here we have a small town wife married to a mysterious bad ass. But the problem is she's a bad ass too. A successful lawyer either by small town connections or skill, which insinuates power either way. One that can handle the iron without fear or hesitation and sexual behavior she didn't learn in smalltown, USA. I couldn't wait for her to take over the movie. Then there's Ashton Holmes who is supposed to be a peaceful highschool kid that is a little light in the loafer, which would have worked if he didn't have "Badass" tattooed on is face. You realize from his first scene that he's just waiting to fuck shit up. Finally there's Viggo, knowing he was going to be a bad ass in some way or another because we all know he can portray the calm type and the badass. It wasn't "if" with him it was when and to what extent. The tail I kept chasing was that I saw a family hiding from a past that they ALL had experienced in some way. Even little Sarah Stall had accepted her way of life by the end of the movie. But like I said, I was chasing my tail, which I don't have. This is a great movie with great sex, great violence, and great acting. Ed harris is such a treat to watch always and William Hurt, thank god he came out of that "Village" and did something I liked him in. History of Violence as a whole is a film that keeps you guessing and entertained but at the end Cronenberg is there to piss on every expectation you have. However, the slice of mob pie is delicious!
CAPOTE
My name is Ryan Miningham and I have never read "In Cold Blood." Yeah, I'll be the guy at the book store asking for Capote's "In Cold Blood" like when I was five asking for the Han Solo action figure immediately after I saw "Empire Strikes back." "Capote" did that to me. After I saw it I wanted to know every little detail about Truman Capote. Prior to the movie all I knew was that he wrote "Breakfast At Tiffany's" and he was from the south. And these two elements play a big role in how I review this movie and Capote's experience while writing "In Cold Blood."
It was 1959 and four people were dead in Kansas. We meet Capote at an upper crusted party in New York City telling a story about a black homosexual that was in love with a Jewish guy. This conversation, the impression it made on me and after seeing the film from beginning to end, I could honestly say I had Truman Capote pegged from the beginning. I just didn't know it at the time. Which is very ironic because Capote (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) delivers a line to a Kansas girl in the film describing all the mistaken first impressions that are made about him. I think Capote was very comfortable being the center of attention and though there were times when he was compassionate in the end he put himself first and would do almost anything to get what he wanted or needed. The
funny thing is he had never had to make that choice in my opinion. He was clearly in over his head when he dove "In(to) Cold Blood." I talk about Capote like Capote actually played himself. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is invisible in this film. He not only carries the movie with one hand, he attracts you. He captivates you into a constant curiosity about his thought's and what's driving him through his experience. And it was imperative! The film is very quiet. I felt guilty for chewing my popcorn. It is when Capote meets Perry played by Clifton Collins Jr. where the bottom falls out of this movie. Remember The Abyss? Ed Harris travels miles below into a mysterious & dark abyss with the help of weights. Capote & Perry (note I used Perry not Clifton) traveled to the same depth and all they needed were some homosexual undertones and each other's past. Everyone else in this film became a featured extra from the time they met while Capote's true colors began to shine through.
The long landscaping shots nail the tone of this film while in any other film I would be bitching about the car having to drive all the way through frame. Bennett Miller is to be credited here for setting a difficult pace and sticking with it. I feel like I have learned a lot about committing as an artist and the responsibilities it might involve.
I recommend Bennett Miller's documentary The Cruise. He screened it at Temple U while I attended and it's not surprising to see his success here.
Movie Candy 10/19/2005
I realize it may be a sign of old age to bitch about the old days and what used to be but I have to address what I think is in a serious decline, the candy options at the movies these days. First of all I saw a movie last night for 12.50. For 12.50 I should have Willie Wonka behind the counter ready to give me anything I desire. Today the candy options have dwindled into commercialized crap. There are always at least six SOUR options. When did sourness conquer the candy world? Sour Patch! Sour Patch Spiderman treats. Sour Power Burst. Star Wars Sour Sabers. Last time I had those Sour Patches my tongue felt like someone used it as a dartboard. I've never been a chocolate man but I have noticed the window closing on those options as well. Milk Duds and Goobers are the last of a dying bread. After Sugarbabes were no more I had to go to my second string Hot Tomales. Now days I have a better chance of getting a T-Bone than my Hot Tomales.
It’s sad to think that the Jr. Mint may sit in a retiremint home somewhere waiting to finally melt away.
"Good Night, and Good Luck"
I walked into "Good Night, and Good Luck" as a spectator to a film depicting some events that took place in the early fifties. I had to rely on the filmmakers resposibility and my own very little knowledge about the events to calculate authenticity.
Or at least I preparred myself for that.
"Good Night, and Good Luck" was everything but a simulation. I think the film uses the time period and the events that took place as a vehicle for the
message they are offering. And that's the beauty of this film. It doesn't accuse. It doesn't insinuate or speculate. It simply offers you a suggestion regarding the role of
television and the responsibilty that comes with it. "Without that it's just a box with a bunch of flashing lights and wires."
David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow delivered the news with an elegance that was to the point leaving only dignity behind after each broadcast. He seemed to explore every possible possiblity that occured or could occur. And he was objective but not selective. I've never seen any footage of Edward R. Murrow so for me David Strathairn was playing the idea of Murrow and CBS at that point in time. A belief and responsibility to deliver the news with some integrity and principle. And with good intentions. And that's the message offered here in a brilliant fashion by George Clooney and the cast & crew of "Good Night, and Good Luck."
A message that can only be ironic in today's media clusterfuck.
ELIZEBETHTOWN
"COME ON CROWE! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!"
Cameron Crowe has never let me down. He's written eight movies, seven classics. One being my favorite comedy of all time, The Wild Life. He directed six of those eight and out of those six, five were classics. Then there is Elizebethtown. I felt like I was watching Evander Holyfield's first loss to Riddick Bowe back in 1992. I couldn't believe it and at the end I was like, "What happened?" Since then I have searched for the specifics of why I didn't like Elizebethtown.
The emotional let down was my biggest problem. I practically brought kleenex into the theater planning on a down pour. The whole dad dying and regret of not putting enough towards the relationship was a dead lock for me. But there was no emotional investment. Every time I climbed aboard ready to ride the emotional bull I was bucked off by pour acting, a fraudulent accent, or directing decisions that worked against the story. I could relate to so much in this film and that's why I handled it better than some. And John Toll's cinematography never hurt's either. Crowe nailed Kentucky. Nailed it! Anyone from the south will appreciate his interpretation in Elizebethtown. After a slow beginning that brought me back. However, the accent on Kirsten Dunst was off (even though I thought she had her moments) and you mix that with Orlando Bloom, who is out of is element here (however he showed he could sell it in certain scenes) you have a difficult task ahead. There is
funny stuff in this movie and memorable scenes surrounded by inspirational lines but in the end all these positive elements are standing around not knowing what to do. And this results in an inconsistent film that has slippery fingers when it tries to hold you emotionally. A story cannot be supported by good music alone. AND THATS what I felt diluted this movie. A scene must be strong before a song is added to improve it. You can't resurrect a scene with a song, especially when the emotional triumph is supposed to be a musical road trip.
And that's what Elizebethtown is in the end, a road trip. A ride of a few laughs and exciting moments but in the end you just feel like throwing up and you're glad it's over.
JARHEAD "Every war is different"
And every war movie is different. Jarhead is an extended version of the first half of Full Metal Jacket. That's really silly to say but that's what it reminds me of. There are a lot of war movie clichés in Jarhead and they are executed brilliantly with an incredible cast. Sam Mendes does a great job capturing the mood of boredom while thousands of American Marines wait in the desert to fight. It reminded me of a high school fight when mobs of guys would stand around and revel in the fact that two guys were fighting for no reason. There was very little acknowledgement politically and it was made clear early on that the troops were not to get involved. This puts the troops on stand by with little to think about, other than the infidelity at home and when they get to fire their rifle.
Jake Gyllenhall is outstanding as the lead in Jarhead. You see many emotions from him and he convinces you he is now an A-list actor if he hadn't already. And he had a lot of help with the supporting cast. Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Fox are solid as usual. However, Lucas Black I always get a kick out of. The guy is as red as they come and he's such a good actor. He's really funny in this.
Jarhead becomes this American bonfire in the desert. Sam Mendes really brought out the true colors of American Suburbia in American Beauty. Unfortunately, I think he has done it here in Jarhead as well. As an American watching this film I felt a little embarrassed at times and proud at times. Proud for the fact that America has individuals that are willing to lay it on the line for the sake of their country. But the shot in the stomach is the irony this film has on what is going on today in Iraq. I couldn't help to see the parallels. Jarhead represents the beginning of our present situation and in my opinion to see these troops playing football and fucking around in the
desert with nobody to fight you can't help to think to yourself, "Why the fuck were we (Or why are we) over here again?" You can't help thinking the filmmaker's were trying to say something here but maybe I'm just trying to start shit.
Aside from that Roger Deakins is a madman with his visuals and this only excites you into wanting to see a fight. But every war is different and what we see here is the emotional result of the anticipation war without war ever happening. Welcome to the suck!
THE OTHER SIDE "Fear the Pit"
I didn't know much about this film. All I knew was I had a friend in it and I had met some of the cast & crew. I attended last night at the Egyptian theater. Don't use the butter dispenser there. It comes out like the last squeeze of ketchup in a ketchup bottle.
This film entertained me all the way through. I can't remember the last time I saw a low budget movie I didn't want to use the bathroom in. I'm not sure of the budget but I didn't think about it too long. The Other Side starts with a thrilling scene and never really settles down until the end. And it's fucking campy as all hell, no pun intended. Even when the acting slips the horror genre is there to catch it. Especially Poncho Hodges who played OZ. He had to handle some lines that I felt were in the Swartzenegger/Commando arena, however he pulled them off and made it work with the style of the film. Poncho and Corey Rouse, who played Mally, had good chemistry that brought a lot of laughs my way. As soon as The Other Side started to get too serious it would show you shot's like the reaper impersonating the Neighborhood Watch guy. Funny stuff. It was well balanced and well paced. That's the appeal.
The reapers brought a unique element to the film. They reminded me of the villain trio in Superman mixed with the Matrix agents. They're relentless. And my friend Lori beth is great shooting guns and throwing knives. Oh, and the murders are brutal and the guns are loud!
My hats off to Gregg Bishop and the rest of the cast & crew of The Other Side. They made a campy thriller that is very fun to watch.
WALK THE LINE
"Do you have a hitch in your Getty Up?"
Walk the Line did just what the title says. Watching the life of The Man in Black through the performance of Joaquin Phoenix was unbelievable. The guy disappears into Cash. Reese Witherspoon was great too. Together they lead you on the line and through the ups and downs of both their relationship and their careers. Reese has a line in the movie, "Where did John go? Because I don't like this new guy Cash." Their chemistry was near perfect. The downward spiral in these biographies tend to run a little long and Walk the Line was no exception. However, that is my only complaint. James Mangold did what he should had done here and disappeared with Joaquin. He put Johnny and June in the driver seat and he road shotgun only because it was his car. There is a lot of music in this film so if you don't like Johnny Cash don't bother. But if you don't like Johnny Cash, well I can't imagine you've bothered with much of anything. Joaquin and Reese did all the singing themselves which amazes me, especially Joaquin. Who would have pegged the little boy from Space Camp as a perfect Johnny Cash. Not me. It's an actor’s movie. There isn't a bad performance in it.
The movie starts with a low rumbling of Cash's band playing in Folsom Prison where he cut a live album. I can still hear the rumbling. I figure the rumbling of Walk the Line is going to continue at least through the month of March. Oscar nod for both Reese and Joaquin. If anyone says, "Ray was last year. They already did this," they should be sent to Folsom Prison and electrocuted shortly after.
SYRIANA "Corruption is why we win!"
I did my usual ritual of popcorn and candy while watching this movie the day after Thanksgiving. I should have had coffee. You have to be on your toes during Syriana because there is a lot information, there are quite a bit of subtitles, and there are a lot of pieces you have to put together by the end. I think Syriana may cause a tiny stir among the political enthusiast but not much. It simply gives the audience a possible scenario regarding the oil industry and the Middle East. I don't think it demands you to think it's politically accurate but it does suggest a few interesting things. Especially the ending. I thought to myself, "We're fucked."
As he did in Traffic, Stephen Gaghan takes us on a journey through different parts of the world that in some way or another are all connected. This time he's wearing the directing cap as well as the writing cap. I couldn't help to think what the film would have been if Steven Soderbergh would have directed it, however I like some of the things Gaghan did. The acting is
always solid with anything George Clooney has his hands in BUT when you are in the Persian Gulf and there are all these players, these unknowns that are so believable it's a little distracting to throw someone as big as Matt Damon in the mix. As good as he is, he sticks out like a sore thumb. I think you go with someone else for his role. I can't believe I'm saying that about Damon because I'm a huge fan and he's not bad in Syriana but he seemed miscast to me. Christopher Plummer on the other hand was magnificent. I really enjoyed him in this movie. Jeffrey Wright has a strong performance as well.
In the end Syriana plays second string to Traffic, if you compare them. But it's a political thriller that's worth seeing because of the importance of it's plot, regardless if it's hogwash or not. What's scary is that if 20% of Syriana is true we're fucked. But most of us already knew that anyway.
KING KONG "Fucking Kong"
I remember reading in the trades that Universal was going to release Peter Jackson's 187 minute version of King Kong. I remember thinking, I rather roll around in some barb wire then watch that. I have to admit a few things. First, I work at New Line Cinema and I cannot get through the Lord of the Rings trilogy (Also directed by Peter Jackson, for those of you that live under a rock). Sad I know. I haven't given up. Next, I must come clean and say I got caught up in the reviews from my friends and from the usual critics I never listen to. Bottom line about King Kong, go see it.
Much like George Lucas I have always assumed Peter Jackson was the same breed. A pantry full of technical smarts but no finesse when it comes to directing. I stand corrected after Kong. I'll immediately say Jackson could have cut down a few sequences but I can appreciate why he didn't. There is a scene in Kong that makes the Running with the Bulls look like a small game of Duck Duck Goose. The scene is long and exhausting. It almost challenges you and at the end you feel relieved to get through it. Kong is a whole lot of movie so prepare yourself. Peter Jackson has created a character with King Kong that you can't help loving. The beast is fucking cute at times! Sad! Jealous! And sometimes he's fanatical over Ann (Naomi Watts). The moment I fell in love with the beast I fell in love with Jackson just for the fact he made it possible to fall in love with a fake ape. Or is he a gorilla? You get the point.
Here's the thing, Kong rules. Huge symbolism when Kong is brought back to New York City. (By the way Jackson, How the fuck was that done)? When the
crew had arrived on Skull Island a sacrifice took place. Ann was given to the beast by a Clan that made the Lord of the Flies guys look like the Kappa Sigs at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs). After the beast was captured he was given to the people. I love it when we are reminded how shallow and animalistic our society is here in America. But it showed that some thought went into the story. My heart breaks for Kong. The poor bastard is harassed and tormented the entire movie. But that's the greatness of King Kong, there's more to it than the technical brilliance, there's a little Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw happening. And he fucks some shit up as well.
MUNICH
"Why cut your finger nails when all they're going to do is grow back?"
I feel like I just ate a roll of cookie dough and now it's all expanding in my stomach. Except Munich is the dough and the stomach is my brain.
If you've actually kept reading after that ridiculous analogy then I must tell you Munich was a very powerful film for me. To witness a recreation of a feud that continues with no end that's comprehensible and then to think that it's based on reality that's past AND continues has perplexed the hell out of me. Obviously Spielberg's Munich works. The story is so powerful it seems trivial to discuss technicalities of the film. Why bother it's Spielberg anyway. BUT, I will say Eric Bana is so perfect for this role. His mother tells him in the film that she knows everything he's doing by simply looking at his face. The look of vengeance and regret Bana has throughout Munich and then experiencing the different degrees of both was enough to upset me for an evening, which is hard because I have the week off. I could not begin to understand this conflict. It's like the Hatfield and McCoy's times infinity. Spielberg has some great shots in Munich and his use of film stocks were subtle but enough to effect only the mood. Something rare these days where film stocks are used like lenses.
Munich was sparked by the kidnapping and murdering of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. It's the story of what happens next. But really, it's a never ending story that started long before the 1972 Olympics. It's upsetting to wonder about the realities and how it seems to get closer and closer to home. At the end of the day how may sides are there? I'll understand Portuguese before I understand the mess that Munich only touches on.
GLORY ROAD "Welcome to the Back of the Bus White Boy"
In 1966 Coach Don Haskins lead the Texas Western Minors to college basketball's National championship starting the first ever all black line up.
I love movies like this because it gives me another slice of history that I didn't know. I'm not a huge basketball fan and I had no clue this season ever existed. BUT, it's a Disney movie.
Glory Road suffers from the Disney stamp of generic. I can't put my finger on it. They did it with Miracle, starring Kurt Russell, (a fantastic performance overlooked) which was the hockey movie about the USA defeating the Russians in the 1980 Olympics. The movie was great but it suffered from hints of weakness brought on by the Disney way. Old Yeller and Swiss Family Robinson, great freakin' movies but these are G rated baby sitting movies. Disney has always delivered conservative films and they should stick with it. Glory Road is a film that wants to be Friday Night Lights but isn't. Josh Lucas was great, but so was Kurt Russell and it falls short of greatness.
BUT it's also produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who has the resume of three Hollywood producer's. However, a little too much Con Air in Glory Road. It's hard to talk specifics about the Disney stamp. What is it? I ask. As a filmmaker I want to know what makes a movie mediocre. The writing was the biggest weakness. I remember some lines that stuck out as cheesy resulting in poor delivery.
In the end it's a feel good movie and worth seeing for the history lesson. But it's no Old Yeller and no Friday Night Lights. It falls short somewhere in the middle.
THE NEW WORLD "Whip the slackers"
I will not lie. I was up until 4am the night before I saw The New World. But I saw it at 4pm and I slept fairly late. I recommend an 8ball or building a Starbucks in the seat next to you.
The New World is brilliant for the first hour. It's beautiful and poetic with it's images and mystical vibe. But then something happens. Time. I mean the
Getty even gets boring after two hours and at least they have the little cafe that serves wine for a quick escape. There is no escape in The New World. The story is a bulimic beast that swallows you whole and then spits you back into your seat. I was so taken by the John Smith and Pocahontas thing. Colin Farrell and Q'Orianka Kilcher were great together and very convincing. I wasn't even bothered that the relationship was at a fifth grade level. But then it ends and like clock work Terrance Malick is there to drag it out. And then we have to watch it all over again with Christain Bale. I can fall for one sappy love story montage but two? AND, Pocahontas is out of her Indian getup and into some frumpy dress.
Here's the thing.Everything about this movie is great. The acting, cinematography, set design, and the editing really stand out. I even remember being impressed by some of the props I saw. And the look of the Indians was amazing. But for some reason Malick felt compelled to make it over two hours. And that's great Terrance but do you want to maybe throw in a few more action scenes and/or dialogue if you plan to keep us that long. He did it in the Thin Red Line and he didn't again here. I felt like I had been on the boat ride over to the New World after this movie. My advice, go and watch the first hour and if you start to feel antsy just know that it only gets worse.
ALPHA DOG
“I think it’s time we stop shooting music videos”
Alpha Dog. Johnny Truelove. This is such a disgusting story. I personally think it should be shown in all high schools for all the followers. Moving off the soapbox and past the fact that Alpha Dog is a true story and onto the film.
Walking into a film knowing the Cassavettes name is attached is like walking into battle with William Wallace or into the streets with Dirty Harry. I felt at ease knowing Nick was at the helm. I’m a big fan of She so Lovely. What I was worried about was Emile Hirsch, who I had seen in Girl Next Door (I obviously watched that movie for Elisha Cuthbert) and Lords of Dogtown, were he was able to portray the “bad boy.” But I was pretty sure he would fall short of the Alpha Dog. Justin Timberlake stepped out of Tower Records to play a tender foot gangbanger. AND Fernando Vargas steps out of the ring (Not really, I saw him fight last weekend) to play the muscle of the gang. The casting was suspect. I was so wrong. I’ve rarely had enough knowledge to applaud the entire casting of a film. Usually I’m like, “Yeah great cast, Cruise is so good in everything.” The cast was so precise in my opinion and
every doubt I had was off. It has been such a long time where I have seen a film and felt like I truly knew every character.
I never doubted Cassavettes. He’s such a story and actor driven director but damn if he didn’t woo me with some shot choices. He kept it subtle though. He let the story unfold and allowed the actors to run with it. Ands that exactly what they did. Ben foster, who I had only seen in Hostage, broke the looney scale. At times I thought he pushed to hard but not enough to sabotage his performance. I mean what do I know about drug attic gang bangers? Bruce Willis plays Sonny Truelove, the instigator to this whole mess. Maybe not intentionally but he’s the only reason his son had any street credit. In a turn of events the Alpha Dog, on a three day binge of bad decisions, turns a petty kidnapping into a whack, ending in the desert. Alpha Dog is a bittersweet film to watch with its heartbreaking true story and Cassavettes brilliant telling of it.
V for VENDETTA "Remember, remember, the fifth of November"
V for Vendetta is unique. That should be a complete review these days because the films that have been released lately "Unique" is not how I would describe them. In a time period when the imagination has become almost extinct V for Vendetta shows promise. These days, films that are not a remake, prequel, or sequel usually stand alone. V for Vendetta was brought to us from the Wachowski Brothers. And even though Vendetta will not make the impact that The Matrix did in 1999 it's a solid film with a breath of fresh air in a stale time of Hollywood. It's cool.
Hugo Weaving is remarkable and he's behind a mask the entire film. I want him to read my Eulogy because he speaks so smoothly no matter how difficult the dialogue is. He could read some ancient dwellings and probably compile a segment about the native tribes and all there beliefs via cave wall. There is so much literature in this film I was overwhelmed and almost embarrassed of my lack of knowledge throughout. Natalie Portman. Here is an actress that has been great all her life. I mean throw me some talent Natalie. So young and not even close to her potential. I think she may be a closet sadist or something because she seems to good to be true. She's magnificent in this. I mean Carrie-Anne Moss was hot but Natalie's hot simply by acting.
The Wachowski Brothers didn't direct this. Instead they through one of their Assistant directors a bone by letting him direct this one. I love to see this because it gives us wannabes hope for someone to gives us a chance.
However, I can't help think what it would have been if they were at the helm. V for Vendetta is worth the overpriced ticket.
BENCHWARMERS
Terrible.
UNITED 93 "Let's Roll With This"
This film stirs a lot of emotions throughout. Before the film I was anxious but excited to see the events play out. I hoped to learn and maybe understand a little more about a day that changed the world I live in forever. I understand this was a film speculating about actual events using whatever available information that exist from that day. It's one man's vision. Actually, it's a damn good filmmaker interpreting every bit of knowledge he learned about the horrific event and then applying it artistically. Here is my experience.
Like I said I was anxious about going into this movie. Like riding by a car crash on the highway I turned to see how much I could see. I wanted to know, even if it was speculation based on limited facts, more about what took place on 9/11. This film doesn't begin until the victims are in the air. The film begins with some bad acting but it's irrelevant because the stage has already been set. You sit there waiting. You know what’s ahead but you just wait to see how Greengrass interprets it. The emotions begin when the film is joined with actual footage that has been seen time and time again but has never really lost its shock value. It's hard to swallow the fact that America was caught so off guard. We were on the canvas before we even knew the bell rang. It's tough to see our leaders scramble.
Inside United 93 brings out the individuals reactions. I think everyone will react in his or her own way. Paul Greengrass shoots in a documentary style and once the conclusion begins on United 93 you're on the plane and the only way off is to walk out of the theater. One thing I would have done different is to lose the subtitles once the conclusion began. They were irrelevant to me. Obviously the fate of United 93 was already known but to experience the reenactment left me in a state of anger and sadness, which
overcomes the heroic attack by the passenger’s that band together. My hat’s are off to the filmmakers and my heart out to the victims and their families.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 "He made it...he made it! I knew he'd make it."
Cruise is always solid as an actor. People feel he's fucking up is career with his headlines today but in my opinion those are irrelevant here. And can we take a minute to give him credit for his career choices. The last movie I can think Cruise made that I actually disliked (without going on IMDB) was Legend. And that was a Ridley Scott miss so who do you really blame? I like movies and Tom Cruise has been apart of some of the best so I don't care where he dances or who he calls glib. By the way, Ron Hubbard made me write this. Moving on.
J.J. Abrams. Am I really going to make it in this town with people like this running around? The creator of Alias & Lost and I don't watch either but the other 99% of the world does. And he's about to make another Star Trek. I rather watch Carl Segan for 20 years than that but the guy is a genius and I will acknowledge that. Oh yeah, he wrote Armageddon and I liked it! To continue, with no credibility what so ever after that statement, MI3 was enjoyable to watch. It's becoming battle of the Superstars. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is obviously the shit this year after bringing home the Oscar for his brilliance in Capote and Cruise is Cruise. Where the hell was Reese?!
I love how the Hollywood Maestro's see this shit coming from galaxies far far away. The package is this: The actors I just mentioned as well as new comers to MI Laurence Fishburne & Billy Crudup (Who I was worried wasn't going to be convincing after Almost Famous & Big Fish, antonyms of MI3) teaming up with Keri Russell (She looked great)and some other striking actresses, all under the guidence of one J.J. Abrams. Thats a package with a lot of potential. BUT THEN the package is shipped to you by VIC ARMSTRONG, who is a maniac wizard (Please give me a job)with action. You can't really lose here. And you don't unless you were foolish. The only risk is falling short of your high expectations because of the talent that is involved and the neverending marketing and publicity.
It's Mission Impossible 3.
SUPERMAN RETURNS
"You know Richard takes me flying all the time? Not like this"
It's been close to thirty years since any Superman has made an impact on the big Screen. The stage has been set for Superman Returns. This film has been in limbo for awhile trying to get made. There's been talks from Nick Cage to star as Superman to Brett Ratner directing. It was always frustrating to see Spider Man and Batman films rocking and rolling yet the main super hero, Superman, couldn't find a way back to the big screen. In Bryan Singers quest to make a grandstand entrance he accomplished a couple of things; He succeeded the return with a chilling, almost tear jerking (I know I'm such a loser) opening sequence that lands in the middle of a stadium full of people. Brilliant. Superman is back! I even sat there for a minute saying, "Where have you been?" And look Bryan Singer is riding on his back! The Singer stamp is all over this film, especially the return. The first time I got a good look at Brandon Routh as Superman I felt like I was looking at a Greek God that flew through a glitter storm to get here. Wait. That's ridiculous. However, after sitting here for a minute pondering a comparison it doesn't seem that far off. However, the return reminded me how much I missed Superman and exciting he can be.
Look in the sky, it's a bird, no it's a plane, no it's 2 more hours of freaking Superman. The length and pace of this film is completely unacceptable. If the rest of the film played at the level of the opening action sequence I would have been exhausted at the end of 2 and a half hours but I would have felt a sense of satisfaction. For example, King Kong was entirely too long but the pace was on point enough to avoid huge gaps of down time. Superman returns has such distinct changes in pace I felt like I was looking at an annual bar graph of beach ball sells. The footage that needs to be cut is so obvious, I thought I was watching dailies. I don't know how the filmmakers even made it out of dailies. I want to blame Singer but unfortunately I am aware of the other parties involved in a film like this so I can't hold him accountable. BUT, how I can admit that running time plays a huge role in the overall opinions it is the only flaw I see here. Superman Returns is very well directed and acted. Routh proves he can pick up where Reeves left off by honoring him in a way through his performance, yet slowly taking the torch for himself. Singer loads this film with symbolism and comic book topic that could be discussed and debated until the sequel. I only hope that the filmmakers realize the caliber of their Superhero and the need to make a film that he deserves.
INVINCIBLE
"You don't live out your dreams from the sidelines."
Was it the wide angle shot of a Roger Stabauch standing at shotgun, the Dallas Cowboys rising front line, or the fact that I spent 5 years in Philadelphia wishing I qualified to be an Eagles fan that gave me constant chills watching Invincible. I'm pretty sure it was all of the above along with the fact that Invincible was based on a true story. And these days,
being 31 and a dreamer myself, "Based" is just fine with me. Mark Wahlberg plays Vincent Papoli (Yeah I spelled it wrong but at the end of all this does it really matter), who pulls the trigger on a long shot by trying out for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977 if I'm not mistaken. Just so you know Rocky came out in 1976 so he had to pull some inspiration from the inspirational fountain of youth that keeps on giving. The fact that this true story may have been molded into blockbuster form or that our star only reaches the level of special teams this film is packed full of pride and heart. We witness a bartender from South Phili that walks into Veteran Stadium and runs a 4.5 40 at age 30. AND he overcomes the pessimistic and brutal acceptance of the Philadelphia fan. Not to mention he avenges the bitch that leaves him with an empty house and a note that pretty much says, "You're nothing." In a day in age that has almost lost all of it's heart and soul for about two hours Invincible takes you back to the days of character. Vincent Paple's story is a true inspiration for all.
BORAT!: Cultural Learnings of America for make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Good God this movie. In a world where shock usually only comes via terrorist and rarely in comedy. Borat! achieves this scene after scene AND he succeeds in making an ass out of America while he does it. Yeah I'm sure most was manipulated but because I was too busy laughing and knew such nouns existed I didn't care to think about it too much. A wizard's sleave! This sums this whole movie up. Go with or without your brain.
A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS
Ok I hated this title and I was coming off The Departed going into this movie. But I rarely hate a Robert Downey Jr. movie and I feel cool watching movies that are about New York for some reason. This movie reminds me of a Larry Clark movie because of how well the cast of kids are. They ARE the movie. And Robert Downey Jr. and Rosario Dawson kind of play second fiddle to them. It's based on true events and if I'm not mistaken the lead kid, Dito is based on the Writer/Director Dito Montiel's life. It shows in the filmmaking. There are films when you feel like the camera is just capturing everything that takes place and you as an audience member are just watching. Here it's different, the filmmaking is much more involved in what goes on and you definitely get a sense that someone involved actually lived these moments. Its worth checking out for that.
The Departed
It's been awhile since I have left the movies these days after being out thirty dollars and feeling satisfied. Today's movie going experience has a small window for satisfaction
after the increased cost from tickets to large corn. It has also been awhile since Martin Scorsese had made a stamp on a movie as deep as he made on Raging Bull or Goodfellas. I believe the Departed falls somewhere in between Casino and Goodfellas (Assuming you know the order). It's a remake of 2002 movie (Infernal Affairs) which made me question it AND I thought the trailer didn't do it justice. So going in I expected another Gangs of New York, which I liked but I squinted to find Scorsese. I was pleasantly surprised after the long intro ended and the Drop Kick Murphy's, I'm shipping off to Boston (Great workout song) starts and The Departed title slides across screen. I knew then this movie was different. "Scorsese's Back," I said. He's actually never left but when you throw out some of the films he's done its hard not to want more of them.
DiCaprio, Nicolson, Damon, Sheen and Wahlberg in a cat and mouse action film directed by Martin Scorsese. Its as good as it sounds. The acting is ridiculously good and the experience involved in this movie really shows, throughout. Two things I loved the most: the pacing, steady and strong and freaking Alec Baldwin! The character he brings...he gives you the old veteran working for the FBI that's pretty good at counteracting Nicholson's character AND he's a comic relief in some respect. Everything just mixes well in this film and it's carried out to a tee. Love it!
GRINDHOUSE
Alright. I saw this awhile back but good lord am I missing out on some fun. After seeing the credits it seems to me that Tarantino and Rodriegez gathered a small cast and crew and went and shot two movies along with a handful of decoy trailors and a hilarious restaurant commercial. Grindhouse is the type of movie you want to see when you need to awaken your creative side. It's so stylized and unique it forces you out of the box. I'd expect nothing less from these two directors and I was very well satisfied when I finally left the theater.
Spider Man 3 (2007)
After a mediocre Spider Man 2 I wasn't sure I even wanted to see Spider Man 3. Then I read that the Arc Light here in LA was showing it around the clock opening weekend. For some reason waking up at 3am to get to a 3:20am show sounded much more exciting. The only snag in the plan was Starbucks wasn't open that early so I had to settle for the substandard home brew. So we went, PJ's and all. I freaking loved this movie. Maybe I had to much coffee. Maybe I was excited to break my routine or maybe I was just excited I lived in a town that showed a movie at 3am without it being a guy ramming his 40 foot cock into another guy. I mean they show those too but this was legit. Regardless of my excitement and why this movie really worked for me. I didn't expect much after seeing 2. I felt 2 had an identity crisis. It wandered from the adapted comic book story that makes fun of itself. It tried to be a Die Hard (Stretch, I know) and you can't have that while
some guy in tights is getting chased by another guy in tights. Spider Man 3 embraces itself. The action is as expected but this one brings back the humor. Entirely to long as expected but entertaining as hell with tons of action along side a parade of laughs generated by a great ensembled cast. "How's the pie" you ask, "Really good."
KNOCKED UP
Judd Apatow and his cronies have reached the comical summit with Knocked Up. For anyone who is struggling with the responsiblities of life this movie provides a quick timeline from adolescence to early adulthood. Seth Rogan is forced to adapt to fatherhood after he impregnates Katherine Heigl. Knocked up does a terrific job in reaching out to the youth and revealing the beast ahead. And a beast it is. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann steal the show in my opinion as a seasoned married couple that are grappling with the fact that their youth is long gone. The filth and honest truth of Knocked up makes for a hilarious movie. Down the stretch Apatow out sprints 40 Year Old Virgin and reaches out to a wider audience than Talladega Nights. A no brainer for those in their twenties and thirties. A guaranteed laugh with the look at the miserable future ahead and how inevitable it is. The film is much wittier and a hundred times funnier than this review.
A MIGHTY HEART
I'm not sure what to say about this film. It's a no win situation and at the end of the day it's a horrific recap of a despicable situation so why would you bother? A Mighty Heart is a brutal reminder of the fallen. One of the first well known isolated cases of terror post 9/11, Daniel Pearl's death set the stage for what was ahead. It's a trip back to when the beheadings actually shocked us and how the worlds extreme continues to improve for the worse. As nauseating as it sounds A Mighty Heart remembers. The reason to see this movie is to remember those who cared and put forth effort to better the tragedies of today. People like Daniel Pearl's ambition that far out exceded his fears. A super cast lead by Angelina Jolie grapples with a true story that nobody cares to remember but will never forget. After seeing a series of post 9/11 inspired films A Mighty Heart stands out as one of the hardest to swallow. It's heartwrenching and real. I quickly remembered that there are people out there doing more and risking what they have in attempt to make some kind of impact during this horrific time.
EVAN ALMIGHTY
Pretty much like Bode Miller's down hill last Olympics, disappointing. I should have gone to Ocean's.
FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL “Cohaagen givem the air!”
The line from Total Recall was the first time I noticed Jason Segel. He played this mature acting guy in Knocked Up and I didn't recognize him right away when Forgetting Sarah Marshall came out. He went from Mature, confident, creepy guy to the guy that gets the steel toe from Kristen Bell. Hats off to him for shifting the gears. Forgetting Sarah Marshall took me back to 7th grade when I was handed my walking papers, reminding me what its like to get dumped. You know it immediately when a girl is about to dump you. Sarah Marshall delivers what this group has delivered in the past and that is solid funny characters handling situations that would ordinarily not be so funny. We laugh at their expense. They hack on each other and ultimately give us a sense of perspective that allows us not to worry so much. Rudd, always solid. Jonah Hill annoyed me a little in Super Bad but in Marshall he gives my favorite performance. Hilarious as a struggling musician/host that is obsessed with Aldous Snow. And snow! Freaking really funny! "I was going listen to it (Referring to J. Hills Demo) but I just went on living my life." This cast just works perfectly together. And Davon Mcdonald loves puppets! They fuck his shit up! Lil Fragle Rock...And there is so much to say about hot girls that actually bring more to the table than being hot. And i have to figure out the background function Bill Hader uses to cheer up Segel, funny shit. Alright enough And's. Jason Segel delivers here with his script and Team Apatow has once again given me a satisfaction about going to the movies. I even felt guilty for sneaking in candy.
IRON MAN I am Iron Man!!
Robert Downey Jr. was Ian in Weird Science, Derek in Back to School, and Julian in Less Than Zero. Oh yeah and Leo in Johnny Be Good. Now he's Iron Man. Really? Oh yeah, he's good. And Favreau...the first movie I watched of his was Made. Then his break thru with Elf. Ok...then that one that started with a Z...ummmm, shit I forget.
Anyway he wrote Swingers so he can do no wrong in my book. The two guys that you wouldn't think would rock a 104 million dollar grossing Summer Blockbuster did just that! Iron Man is what it should be, not just a big movie. It's impressive visually, and it doesn't go overboard. It's not a video game. And I give Downey and Favreau credit for giving it cinematic personality these big Kahuna's need. Freaking Transformers was a bunch of metal fighting. Ok those fights ruled, but you know what i mean...some heart! Some flavor ya know. And nice call with Paltrow! Her role could have been a throw away pretty girl role BUT NO, they give her Batman/Michael Caine quality in turn giving the whole Iron Man operation some clout. Bravo. And Daniels look ruuuuules! SO its a fun movie. It's always fun to see terrorist lose. Go see it. And show some respect for the below the line and you'll see an additional scene.
THE HAPPENING
What’s Happening?
Look Sixth Sense was perfect. We all know it. And there was little room to rise for Shyamalan following that film but the inevitable decline has collapsed into a shallow pit of imitations. I'm a fan of Unbreakable, I am proud to say so you know I'm no hater. And the one alien shot in Signs was enough to keep me in it. And the Village pissed me off but Shyamalan fooled me so I appreciated it. Then there's Lady in the Water. The one positive thing we can say about the Happening is that after Lady in the Water Shayamalan seems to have begun his climb back to par. Although this would also hold true if after Lady in the Water he grabbed a Hi 8 video camera and filmed a turd in a commode. In the world of serious, I appreciate M. Night Shymalan's filmmaking. His style is consistent in all his films and whether or not I am crazy about the story there is usually something up his sleeve. Unfortunately, The Happening set out for a long journey with very little in it's canteen (Dumb). I was confused by the decision making of everyone involved and by the end when I awaited for something more Shymalan stepped out of the Village wearing a green tank top that read "Save the planet or the plants will kill you."
STEP BROTHERS
Fucking Catalina wine mixer!
"Robert better not get in my face...cause I'll drop that motherfucker!" Step brothers for me was hilarious all the way through. The sense of entitlement John C. Reilley has in this movie is enough for me. I could watch him act like he's this or that all day long. And Will Ferrell just fuels this. We saw it in Talladega Nights with these two and it's probably the reason we're watching it here. This movie is just plain silly and i love it. Great one liners, ridiculous humor, and an alright storyline. AND great supporting cast. Steenburgen and Jenkins were PERFECT parents and Adam Scott was fucking hilarious. I mentioned him for shits and gigs. This reminds me of "Career Opportunities" at the max. There's nothing funnier than watching someone who really thinks there someone important when their just not.
OH, and I know it's potty humor and all but the scene with Seth Rogen was so funny I couldn't laugh as hard as I wanted to. My body just wouldn't register the magnitude.
MAMMA MIA Mama freakin Mia...
ALRIGHT, I was tricked into seeing this but....off the record I enjoyed it.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
Thug Life.
Seth Rogen is becoming one of my favorite actors these days. He's in all these movies lately and I'm not getting sick of him. I think because he plays things straight. He doesn't over act and try to be
funny. I believe his reactions (Which is what he does best in my opinion) in situations. Whether he's disgusted, frightened, angry, or sad I believe and can relate to him. I need to stop kissing Seth's ass because in Pineapple Express James Franco is the man. I know it's bold but put his performance up there with Penn's in Fast Times...I know I know. But come on Franco has double the screen time here and many more emotions he has to play. I didn't tear up laughing in this movie like I did in Step Brothers but I was pleased throughout. This is a funny movie with a pretty compelling story. I do wish Gary Cole was funnier. He and Rosie Perez's character didn't really develop for me. I like both if these guys and wanted a little more screen time for both. And Danny McBride rules. Oh, and I don't
smoke weed so maybe it's really funny to all the people that do.
NIGHTS IN RODANTHE
George C. Wolfe what the hell man! I was worried about this movie the minute each opening credit disappeared like sand blowing in the wind. All the potential in this movie made it a heartbreak to watch. Where the hell was Nick Cassavetes when this project began. Nights of Rodanthe was an over directed let down that had moments of great acting and emotion that were interrupted by poor decision making by Wolfe and crummy editing. I'd rather watch Pay it Forward in German than this jalopy again.
BURN AFTER READING
Burn after seeing.
It's nice to know even the Coen brothers can fuck up a film that seems to have everything going for it. An All-star cast, and I mean ALL-star. Everyone in this movie has proven themselves over and over again to be capable of greatness. And the Coen brothers are one of, if not the greatest directing duo of all time. The Burn After Reading concept seemed funny to me, a plot-full fiasco with idiots in it. I mean it was Babe Ruth walking to the plate with me pitching. Well folks, Babe swung and fucking missed. I was in the hell twenty minutes into this movie. This makes the Brothers Grimm experience look like a day at Six Flags. Everyone of these great actors over acted to try and be what each of them are not, detached and birdbrained. Joel, Ethan, what the fuck!? I know you guys watch dailies. How did you let this pass for funny and good? You made Raising Arizona for christ sakes. This movie needed much more H.I. McDunnough cause that shits funny. I remain a fan.
RIGHTOUS KILL
Ok if you walk into this movie with Heat on your mind you're going to screw yourself out of a descent movie. It's like a poorman's Heat combined with The Score. Remember when they tried to match that Primal Fear moment in The Score with Norton. Come on Oz, we all saw that shit coming. But Righteous kill is a solid shootem up cop movie. Granted I was coming off Burn After Reading and if you read that review you know where I was at but really, I honestly enjoyed this one. Solid acting with above average action and when its time for the twist it's tolerable. AND, after this one I await the rubber match from Pacino and Deniro...it's 1 to 1.