Over the last 2 months I have made it my job to catch up on a bunch of movies. Believe it or not, my small town still has a video rental place, so in honor of old school movie watching, I have been a very good customer. Here is a quick and dirty listing of the 38 movies I have watched in the last 60 days and what I thought.
The REALLY BAD:
Prince of Persia: Even Jake G. couldn't hold my interest!
Jennifer's Body: Since Megan Fox cannot act, I am now convinced that she is indeed a demon, for real.
In the Name of the King: The acting was so bad this adventure became a comedy.
Bounty Hunter: Ridiculous!
The Ugly Truth: Perfect title.
Easy A: Easily an F.
Nine: Another musical that seems forced and pointless.
August Rush: I knew what they were TRYING to do, but they failed miserably.
The Killers: Rehashed, remodeled, nothing new here.
The Other Guys: I have no words to describe how unfunny it was.
Marginally Entertaining
From Paris with Love: Rys-Meyers was decent, Tavolta still annoys.
The Crazies: Horror movies are required to have inconsistent plot lines right?
The American: I sat through all that and then it ends like this? Ug! Nice cinematography.
Love and Other Drugs: Had high hopes for this one but you can't be everything to everyone.
Death Proof: It's Tarrentino. Not a fan, but I watched it anyway, just like his other flicks.
Hot Tub Time Machine: Parts were funny.
Remember Me: Sad ending, mish-mosh story lines.
Not to Shabby
Ghost Writer: Keeps you interested, nicely shot.
The Brothers Bloom: Keeps you guessing, quirky.
The Social Network: New reasons to curse Facebook.
Red: Fun with older actors...it's about time!
The Express: Not just a football movie.
Book of Eli: Many questions, interesting story.
District 9: Not your average Sci-Fi. Entertaining though frustrating at times.
Munich: Interesting view of a terrible tragedy.
Best of the Bunch
Catfish: Crazy documentary. I don't want to say any more.
Eat Pray Love: Surprised me. Really enjoyed the journey.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox: Amazing, quirky, well written.
The Young Victoria: Beautiful, historical, love story.
Daybreakers: Another surprise. Great take on classic vampire myths.
Casino Royale: Stylish, exciting first outing for new James Bond Daniel Craig.
The Road: Unsettling, emotionally charged and haunting.
Whip It: Fun, kick-ass girls and Ellen Page!
Julie & Julia: Cute, inspiring and interesting.
The Town: Thought the trailers showed everything, but it was worth the time.
I Love You Man: I LOVED it man!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hathaway Is "Catwoman", Hardy is "Bane"
Nolan's Warner press release said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.” Regarding, Tom Hardy who worked with Nolan on his latest film “Inception,” Nolan said: “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”
I think Anne Hathaway is a surprisingly great casting choice. I have faith that she will breathe some life and depth into the character without stepping on the toes of classics the likes of Newmar, Kitt, Meriwether or Pfieffer. This will be a great chance for Hathaway to prove she has more dimensions as an actress. Lucky girl, role of a lifetime!
I like Tom Hardy and think he will also do a great job, however Bane is NOT my favorite of the Batman villains considering his part in the comic book universe. Since this is the final film in Nolan's series, I am hopeful that this "new interpretation" of Bane is a winner.
Nolan has yet to disappoint, and I hate to have too much information about a film before I see it. Curiosity killed the cat, so now my appetit is sated and I am content to wait for the release of the first trailer.
I think Anne Hathaway is a surprisingly great casting choice. I have faith that she will breathe some life and depth into the character without stepping on the toes of classics the likes of Newmar, Kitt, Meriwether or Pfieffer. This will be a great chance for Hathaway to prove she has more dimensions as an actress. Lucky girl, role of a lifetime!
I like Tom Hardy and think he will also do a great job, however Bane is NOT my favorite of the Batman villains considering his part in the comic book universe. Since this is the final film in Nolan's series, I am hopeful that this "new interpretation" of Bane is a winner.
Nolan has yet to disappoint, and I hate to have too much information about a film before I see it. Curiosity killed the cat, so now my appetit is sated and I am content to wait for the release of the first trailer.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Pirates 4 Trailer: On Stranger Tides
Jack's back and it looks like Bruckheimer and friends figured out what really sells a Pirate movie...Jack Sparrow! With the ever disappointing trilogy behind us, this film seems to get back to basics and focuses on the comedic timing of the talented Johnny Depp. Backed up by old favorites like Barbosa, "Stranger Tides" will hopefully deliver an entertaining evening of swashbuckling, silly humor.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Playing Catch-Up: Part 2
Over the past few weeks I have been able to see a few more movies that I had missed. Here is the quick and dirty for a few more flicks:
21 - This was a fun little movie about Harvard students who are drafted by their professor for their abilities to count cards in order to take Vegas. The lead character was an unknown and did a great job. Kevin Spacey is great (as usual) as the professor/card coach and surprisingly Kate Bosworth is decent in her role as team member and eventual love interest of the main character. It's entertaining and much better than other "card" movies like Rounders. I suggest you catch this one if you can. "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!"
The Last Airbender - So I will admit, the only reason I watched this one is because Jackson Rathbone is in it. Some of the effects were neat, the the story was fractured, jumpy and the acting on whole was atrocious. I am sure fans of the original Avatar series (yes this was the original before Spielberg stole the name and got the jump in the theaters) were heartbroken. Really, don't bother, there are other Jackson Rathbone movies out there!
The Road - Based on the book, we find a man and his son struggling to survive after an unnamed cataclysmic event. Plant and animal life is destroyed and what humans are left are in survival mode, even to the point of cannibalism. It is a bleak, realistic and scary view of the human condition, though not all hope is lost. This movie is deep and disturbing on many levels, so be sure to be prepared. It is not to be missed and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Brothers - I was looking forward to this movie because I felt it would deal with many interesting issues, but it didn't deliver for me. Two brothers, one a married army officer sent to the middle east war and the other just out of jail and trying to regain his family's trust. A story of loss, redemption and forgiveness that fell short of really dealing with these issues in a meaningful way. This is an example of a wonderful idea left in the wrong hands. Oh, and the music was HORRENDOUS. It was completely detached from the emotion of the film, much like the script was from the important issues. So watch at your own peril, unless you just want to blankly stare at Jake Gyllenhal 'cause he was lookin' good!
The Blind Side - I knew this movie would make me cry. That's why I ignored it for so long. It was a powerful true story of a young man, who like many in his situation, would have been lost and fallen through the cracks is someone hadn't given him a chance. I cried and it was an amazing film. Uplifting, thought provoking and depressing to think of the thousands of youth who are wasting away because they have no way out. If you haven't seen it, please do. You'll cry, but it's so worth it!
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Hey look! Another Jackson Rathbone movie! :) The first movie was OK. The second movie was so bad I decided that I didn't need to pay $10 to see the third installment in the theater. I wish I had seen it on the big screen now because the new director definitely impressed me. The story is convoluted and unrealistic, but he made it interesting by his use of color, cinematography and pacing. The CGI wolves were amazing, and of course Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) had a HUGE part in this film so I was very satisfied. I was glad to see that Edward and Bella had more charisma this time. If I were her I wouldn't want to choose either of them (the Manipulative Vampire or the Aggressive/Violent werewolf), but it was still entertaining and interesting. They should keep this director, though I know they always change it up. They won me back and I actually look forward to seeing what they do with the 2-part series finale.
21 - This was a fun little movie about Harvard students who are drafted by their professor for their abilities to count cards in order to take Vegas. The lead character was an unknown and did a great job. Kevin Spacey is great (as usual) as the professor/card coach and surprisingly Kate Bosworth is decent in her role as team member and eventual love interest of the main character. It's entertaining and much better than other "card" movies like Rounders. I suggest you catch this one if you can. "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!"
The Last Airbender - So I will admit, the only reason I watched this one is because Jackson Rathbone is in it. Some of the effects were neat, the the story was fractured, jumpy and the acting on whole was atrocious. I am sure fans of the original Avatar series (yes this was the original before Spielberg stole the name and got the jump in the theaters) were heartbroken. Really, don't bother, there are other Jackson Rathbone movies out there!
The Road - Based on the book, we find a man and his son struggling to survive after an unnamed cataclysmic event. Plant and animal life is destroyed and what humans are left are in survival mode, even to the point of cannibalism. It is a bleak, realistic and scary view of the human condition, though not all hope is lost. This movie is deep and disturbing on many levels, so be sure to be prepared. It is not to be missed and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Brothers - I was looking forward to this movie because I felt it would deal with many interesting issues, but it didn't deliver for me. Two brothers, one a married army officer sent to the middle east war and the other just out of jail and trying to regain his family's trust. A story of loss, redemption and forgiveness that fell short of really dealing with these issues in a meaningful way. This is an example of a wonderful idea left in the wrong hands. Oh, and the music was HORRENDOUS. It was completely detached from the emotion of the film, much like the script was from the important issues. So watch at your own peril, unless you just want to blankly stare at Jake Gyllenhal 'cause he was lookin' good!
The Blind Side - I knew this movie would make me cry. That's why I ignored it for so long. It was a powerful true story of a young man, who like many in his situation, would have been lost and fallen through the cracks is someone hadn't given him a chance. I cried and it was an amazing film. Uplifting, thought provoking and depressing to think of the thousands of youth who are wasting away because they have no way out. If you haven't seen it, please do. You'll cry, but it's so worth it!
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Hey look! Another Jackson Rathbone movie! :) The first movie was OK. The second movie was so bad I decided that I didn't need to pay $10 to see the third installment in the theater. I wish I had seen it on the big screen now because the new director definitely impressed me. The story is convoluted and unrealistic, but he made it interesting by his use of color, cinematography and pacing. The CGI wolves were amazing, and of course Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) had a HUGE part in this film so I was very satisfied. I was glad to see that Edward and Bella had more charisma this time. If I were her I wouldn't want to choose either of them (the Manipulative Vampire or the Aggressive/Violent werewolf), but it was still entertaining and interesting. They should keep this director, though I know they always change it up. They won me back and I actually look forward to seeing what they do with the 2-part series finale.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Untitled Batman Project and IMDB: Rumor or Conspiracy?
A few weeks back, IMDB listed Dick Grayson as a rumored character. Then Joseph Gordon-Levitt was listed as the Riddler/Edward Nigma. NOW IMDB lists Johnny Depp AND James Franco as separate but both rumored for the Riddler role. Is IMDB really that unsure of the casting or are they messing with fans that are hungry for any scraps of information on this highly anticipated movie? Either way...
Once this project gets rolling I think the viral marketing will have to be off the charts. Domain names rumored to be purchased like www.wheresbrucewayne.com and IMDB's ever-changing roster of great actors to play a villain (that might not even be the real villain) will keep fan's heads swirling with possibilities.
The only thing we know right now is that Nolan said he will not recast The Joker, as it should be. However, I wouldn't mind a brief nod in Ledger's direction. I can see a scene at Arkham where you can hear a distinct laugh echoing eerily down the corridor. This audio would be taken from Ledger's actual performance in Dark Knight of course. Something like that would be the cherry on top for me anyway.
Nolan and camp will spill information only as they see fit, and I like that. I don't want to know too much, but a little taste here and there keeps my appetite up. Filming won't start until Spring 2011, whether it is in Chicago again or if they will try their luck in NOLA. Perhaps a combo would be nice for continuity and giving New Orleans a piece of the pie. Until then, I look forward to whatever scraps are offered.
Once this project gets rolling I think the viral marketing will have to be off the charts. Domain names rumored to be purchased like www.wheresbrucewayne.com and IMDB's ever-changing roster of great actors to play a villain (that might not even be the real villain) will keep fan's heads swirling with possibilities.
The only thing we know right now is that Nolan said he will not recast The Joker, as it should be. However, I wouldn't mind a brief nod in Ledger's direction. I can see a scene at Arkham where you can hear a distinct laugh echoing eerily down the corridor. This audio would be taken from Ledger's actual performance in Dark Knight of course. Something like that would be the cherry on top for me anyway.
Nolan and camp will spill information only as they see fit, and I like that. I don't want to know too much, but a little taste here and there keeps my appetite up. Filming won't start until Spring 2011, whether it is in Chicago again or if they will try their luck in NOLA. Perhaps a combo would be nice for continuity and giving New Orleans a piece of the pie. Until then, I look forward to whatever scraps are offered.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Playing Catch-Up
Over the summer I have been catching up on some movies that I have not yet seen. Perhaps admitting this is to my doom as a self-proclaimed movie lover, or perhaps not. You decide.
The following will give the movie name, the year, why I had never seen it and what I think now that I have. Thanks to friends who have insisted I watch certain films and to Lamby for letting me borrow some titles as well as the local video store (yes, we still have one in my hometown) for stocking good flicks.
"Return of the Jedi", 1983: Never really thought about it, but enjoyed the series finally being resolved. Chewie and Han are still my favorites!
"Juno", 2007: Didn't care about the subject matter, but really enjoyed it. It was quirky and thoughtful. Jason Bateman was terrific.
"No Country For old Men", 2007: Had been wanting to see this, just never was in the right mood. This movie was incredible. It was beautifully shot, interesting and terrifying. I was speechless after watching this movie. Top notch performances by ALL.
"Avatar", 2009: Wasn't interested because I didn't like the idea of mostly green screen and animation and all the hype seemed suspect. It was creative in spots, a let down in a majority and completely predictable throughout. I admit I watched the 1st hour and skimmed the last 2 hours. It was WAY too long, not as "amazing" as everyone made it out to be, not to mention, the acting was elementary, the storyline was old hat and I was bored.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High", 1982: Another movie that never really crossed my mind. It was entertaining in that 80's movie kind of way, but what I loved about it was the seriousness of the Jennifer Jason-Leigh plot. Fun yet surprisingly deep and enjoyable.
"Back to the Future part 2", 1989: As a fan of the first, I never wanted to taint the love I had with a sequel. I thought it was clever in how they melded the first in with the second, but thought it was a little overboard. It was fun, but nothing I would want to watch again and again like the original.
"Back to the Future part 3", 1990: Again, didn't want to ruin the first by watching sequels so I never saw this one either. The old west was a good time period, but I thought the cleverness was lacking and they could have done so many other things. Destroying the Delorean time machine was painful at the end and the train time machine was ridiculous. Not the closure I was hoping for. Wished I had trusted my gut and stuck with the 1985 original.
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", 2004: I assumed because it was Bill Murray that I would be annoyed so I never saw this little gem. I realized how much I dig a Wes Anderson film and that Bill Murray is actually enjoyable to watch (Zombieland helped secure that opinion of him I think). It was beautiful and witty, well casted and crazy. I fell in love with this movie.
"The Transporter", 2002: I usually don't shy away from dude movies, but how exciting could a guy driving a BMW with presumable illegal cargo be? Well, I was wrong. It can be pretty freakin' awesome. I really enjoyed this movie as I am beginning to appreciate Jason Statham and his athletic abilities ever since "The Expendables". The fight scenes were completely amazing, so much so that I actually watched the DVD extras of the extended fight scenes WITH commentary. Incredible stunts all around with driving and fighting. Fun flick!
"Crank", 2006: The premise of this never interested me, and I should have trusted my gut. Regardless of my new found appreciation of Jason Statham, this movie was the most ridiculous I have seen in a while. The filming style seemed forced and contrived and the script was uninspired. This movie left me feeling like I wasted 87 minutes of my life. Yea...it was THAT bad.
"Serenity", 2005: As a fan of Joss Whedon as well as the Firefly series, it's strange I missed this. A great concept that should have been recognized by a wider audience and continued as a TV show. Space cowboys rock!
The following will give the movie name, the year, why I had never seen it and what I think now that I have. Thanks to friends who have insisted I watch certain films and to Lamby for letting me borrow some titles as well as the local video store (yes, we still have one in my hometown) for stocking good flicks.
"Return of the Jedi", 1983: Never really thought about it, but enjoyed the series finally being resolved. Chewie and Han are still my favorites!
"Juno", 2007: Didn't care about the subject matter, but really enjoyed it. It was quirky and thoughtful. Jason Bateman was terrific.
"No Country For old Men", 2007: Had been wanting to see this, just never was in the right mood. This movie was incredible. It was beautifully shot, interesting and terrifying. I was speechless after watching this movie. Top notch performances by ALL.
"Avatar", 2009: Wasn't interested because I didn't like the idea of mostly green screen and animation and all the hype seemed suspect. It was creative in spots, a let down in a majority and completely predictable throughout. I admit I watched the 1st hour and skimmed the last 2 hours. It was WAY too long, not as "amazing" as everyone made it out to be, not to mention, the acting was elementary, the storyline was old hat and I was bored.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High", 1982: Another movie that never really crossed my mind. It was entertaining in that 80's movie kind of way, but what I loved about it was the seriousness of the Jennifer Jason-Leigh plot. Fun yet surprisingly deep and enjoyable.
"Back to the Future part 2", 1989: As a fan of the first, I never wanted to taint the love I had with a sequel. I thought it was clever in how they melded the first in with the second, but thought it was a little overboard. It was fun, but nothing I would want to watch again and again like the original.
"Back to the Future part 3", 1990: Again, didn't want to ruin the first by watching sequels so I never saw this one either. The old west was a good time period, but I thought the cleverness was lacking and they could have done so many other things. Destroying the Delorean time machine was painful at the end and the train time machine was ridiculous. Not the closure I was hoping for. Wished I had trusted my gut and stuck with the 1985 original.
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", 2004: I assumed because it was Bill Murray that I would be annoyed so I never saw this little gem. I realized how much I dig a Wes Anderson film and that Bill Murray is actually enjoyable to watch (Zombieland helped secure that opinion of him I think). It was beautiful and witty, well casted and crazy. I fell in love with this movie.
"The Transporter", 2002: I usually don't shy away from dude movies, but how exciting could a guy driving a BMW with presumable illegal cargo be? Well, I was wrong. It can be pretty freakin' awesome. I really enjoyed this movie as I am beginning to appreciate Jason Statham and his athletic abilities ever since "The Expendables". The fight scenes were completely amazing, so much so that I actually watched the DVD extras of the extended fight scenes WITH commentary. Incredible stunts all around with driving and fighting. Fun flick!
"Crank", 2006: The premise of this never interested me, and I should have trusted my gut. Regardless of my new found appreciation of Jason Statham, this movie was the most ridiculous I have seen in a while. The filming style seemed forced and contrived and the script was uninspired. This movie left me feeling like I wasted 87 minutes of my life. Yea...it was THAT bad.
"Serenity", 2005: As a fan of Joss Whedon as well as the Firefly series, it's strange I missed this. A great concept that should have been recognized by a wider audience and continued as a TV show. Space cowboys rock!
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