Outbreak: This is the film that tried to cash in on the ebola scare back in 1995. It starts out promising with the discovery of a deadly virus spreading throughout a small town in the U.S. However, the film quickly devolves into a stupid action thriller with a dash of government conspiracy. The filmmakers seemingly didn't believe audiences would be interested in the science of this plot and abandoned it for chase scenes and explosions. It would be interesting to see another film like this now after the sucess of shows like CSI, which prove science can be equally as engaging as action. What saves this film is a strong cast that not only has Dustin Hoffman in the lead role, but also Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Donald Sutherland in supporting roles. Rating: ***
Sphere: I've moved from John Grisham to Michael Crichton, but the result seems to be the same; crappy adaptations of fun, engaging novels. Another decent cast here with Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, and Liev Schrieber along for the ride with Hoffman. However, in this case, the cast can't save this film. They play supposedly brilliant scientists in various fields yet their actions don't support that. The audience figures things out way before the characters do. Then we get too many exposition scenes that unnecessarily overexplain everything. The special effects also could have saved this film, but look rather cheap. An all in all disappointment here. Rating: **
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hasbro strikes again
First Transformers, then G.I. Joe, and now this? These toy movies have to be stopped!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
NMR: The Steve Martin Trio
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: A con artist comedy that's a lot of fun, even if you can easily predict how everything will play out. What really works here are the performances by Martin and Michael Caine as the competing scammers. They play their characters perfectly and yield as much humor as possible out of both of them. I wasn't crazy about Glenn Headly, who plays the women they're trying to con, but she doesn't detract from things greatly. Nothing fancy here, just good ol' fun and laughs. Rating: ***
The Spanish Prisoner: This is a little known drama from 1997. So little in fact, that I didn't even know much about it before watching it online through Netflix. Steve Martin plays another con artist here, but this is really an ensemble film that also includes Campbell Scott, Felicity Huffman, and Ricky Jay. I thought this was very well done with a lot of twists and turns in a similar vein (although not as great as The Usual Suspects). The only caveat I'll offer is that the film was written and directed by David Mamet, who has a very unique style that is not everybody's tastes. If you enjoy his type of dialogue, you should enjoy this. Rating: ****
Baby Mama: Steve Martin isn't the star here, but since he does have a supporting role, I figured I'd throw this review into the post as well. This is the moderately successful comedy from last year starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. There are some really funny moments in here, including many from Martin, who plays Fey's boss. However, the story is very pedestrian and I struggled to remain interested. I did like the romance that develops between Fey and Greg Kinnear, who I typically find too smarmy to be likeable. Had Fey written this film, like she did for Mean Girls, this would have been a lot better. Rating: ***
The Spanish Prisoner: This is a little known drama from 1997. So little in fact, that I didn't even know much about it before watching it online through Netflix. Steve Martin plays another con artist here, but this is really an ensemble film that also includes Campbell Scott, Felicity Huffman, and Ricky Jay. I thought this was very well done with a lot of twists and turns in a similar vein (although not as great as The Usual Suspects). The only caveat I'll offer is that the film was written and directed by David Mamet, who has a very unique style that is not everybody's tastes. If you enjoy his type of dialogue, you should enjoy this. Rating: ****
Baby Mama: Steve Martin isn't the star here, but since he does have a supporting role, I figured I'd throw this review into the post as well. This is the moderately successful comedy from last year starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. There are some really funny moments in here, including many from Martin, who plays Fey's boss. However, the story is very pedestrian and I struggled to remain interested. I did like the romance that develops between Fey and Greg Kinnear, who I typically find too smarmy to be likeable. Had Fey written this film, like she did for Mean Girls, this would have been a lot better. Rating: ***
Friday, June 26, 2009
A video to flip for
If only all soccer was as awesome as this video, I might actually consider watching this worthless, boring sport with some regularity.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Scrap metal
I'm either a sucker for big events or a glutton for punishment. I'm not sure which is correct but both apply given that I opted to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen last night, despite not being overly crazy about the first one that came out back in 2007.
Most sequels are often described as being just like the original only bigger. That remains true for this film, unfortunately for me, what's bigger are the problems that existed in the original film. Once again, the film stars Shia LeBeouf as Sam Witwicky, a young man who has a strong connection to the Autobots as they continue their war with the Decepticons. Why there needs to be a central human character involved in this war still isn't clear to me, even after two films. It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I don't care for Shia LeBeouf, but I'll admit he's far from the worst thing about this movie.
Shia looks better comparatively to many of the other human actors that make up the cast. Once again, too much time is spent with these ancillary characters that either don't add anything to the story or are downright annoying. The worst offenders are Sam's mother, who gets way too much screentime at the beginning of the film providing "humor" and Sam's college roommate, who is whiny and useless as he tags along with Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela (once again played by Megan Fox). Speaking of Megan Fox, I keep hearing how she's the next "it girl", but frankly I don't see it. She's attractive, but not THAT gorgeous and has zero talent when it comes to acting. Thankfully, she's only in this movie for T & A, which director Michael Bay uses to his fullest advantage.
The story here also has major problems, mainly because there really isn't any story. The same basic war is being fought and this time everyone is after a different object instead of the AllSpark from the first film. In a movie like this, I can forgive them for not having a strong story because they simply want to feature cool robot fights. However, the one thing that bugged me is that the events of the film did not flow very naturally. Characters continually disappear and then reappear only when it's convenient for them to show up. For instance, after the Fallen, the new bad guy in the film, announces his evil plan he's not seen from again until the very end of the movie. There's this long stretch of exposition scenes that needed to be broken up by showing the bad guys actually going through with their plan.
Now I just mentioned above how story is eschewed for displaying the Transformers fighting. This is the one thing they did improve on from the previous film. There are a ton of new robots featured and there is plenty of robot-on-robot carnage throughout this film. Now there were still parts where I felt it was difficult to differentiate which robot was winning. However, there were a few scenes that were just visually awesome. The forest scene featuring Optimus Prime battling a few Decipticons is particularly great. If only the film could have someone focused on that. Just get rid of the human element and let's watch these machines duke it out.
While they did add plenty of new robots to the mix this time, not all of them were great additions. Most notably, are "the twins"; a pair of jive-talking Autobots that are crass stereotypes. I mean, we're talking Jar Jar Binks territory here. With the way that Michael Bay depicts African American characters in his films, I'm beginning to wonder if he is somewhat of a racist. I hate making such an accusation, but some of the stereotypes seen in both human and non-human characters are crineworthy at times.
In addition, to eliminating these crass characterizations, Michael Bay would have also been better served trimming down this film altogether. At almost two and half hours, this is just too much. There were several scenes that I felt could have been cut. However, it was perhaps most obvious during the final climax which involves Sam and co. racing across the Egyptian desert trying to reach Optimus Prime and the army. This takes forever! I swear Frodo got to Mordor in faster time. And you know we're in trouble if I start giving Lord of the Rings compliments.
In some ways, I feel like this review isn't going to be particularly helpful to readers and is just an opportunity for me to rant. Let's face it, those that were inclined to see this already probably did so already or will soon, regardless of what I say. Those that didn't plan on seeing this will just look at this as confirmation that they were justified in skipping it.
I will say this, for as much as I've pointed out the film's flaws, I truly believe that if you enjoyed the first film there will be enough in here for you to enjoy this one just as much, if not more. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is what it is. Don't expect this to be a best picture contender (even with that news the other day that they plan on expanding the number of nominees from 5 to 10). This is a noisy, action thrill ride that will leave you buzzing, literally. I left the theater feeling like I had just spent the entire day at Cedar Point. Whether you view that as good or bad, at least we can all agree that very few films are capable of that. Grade: C
Most sequels are often described as being just like the original only bigger. That remains true for this film, unfortunately for me, what's bigger are the problems that existed in the original film. Once again, the film stars Shia LeBeouf as Sam Witwicky, a young man who has a strong connection to the Autobots as they continue their war with the Decepticons. Why there needs to be a central human character involved in this war still isn't clear to me, even after two films. It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I don't care for Shia LeBeouf, but I'll admit he's far from the worst thing about this movie.
Shia looks better comparatively to many of the other human actors that make up the cast. Once again, too much time is spent with these ancillary characters that either don't add anything to the story or are downright annoying. The worst offenders are Sam's mother, who gets way too much screentime at the beginning of the film providing "humor" and Sam's college roommate, who is whiny and useless as he tags along with Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela (once again played by Megan Fox). Speaking of Megan Fox, I keep hearing how she's the next "it girl", but frankly I don't see it. She's attractive, but not THAT gorgeous and has zero talent when it comes to acting. Thankfully, she's only in this movie for T & A, which director Michael Bay uses to his fullest advantage.
The story here also has major problems, mainly because there really isn't any story. The same basic war is being fought and this time everyone is after a different object instead of the AllSpark from the first film. In a movie like this, I can forgive them for not having a strong story because they simply want to feature cool robot fights. However, the one thing that bugged me is that the events of the film did not flow very naturally. Characters continually disappear and then reappear only when it's convenient for them to show up. For instance, after the Fallen, the new bad guy in the film, announces his evil plan he's not seen from again until the very end of the movie. There's this long stretch of exposition scenes that needed to be broken up by showing the bad guys actually going through with their plan.
Now I just mentioned above how story is eschewed for displaying the Transformers fighting. This is the one thing they did improve on from the previous film. There are a ton of new robots featured and there is plenty of robot-on-robot carnage throughout this film. Now there were still parts where I felt it was difficult to differentiate which robot was winning. However, there were a few scenes that were just visually awesome. The forest scene featuring Optimus Prime battling a few Decipticons is particularly great. If only the film could have someone focused on that. Just get rid of the human element and let's watch these machines duke it out.
While they did add plenty of new robots to the mix this time, not all of them were great additions. Most notably, are "the twins"; a pair of jive-talking Autobots that are crass stereotypes. I mean, we're talking Jar Jar Binks territory here. With the way that Michael Bay depicts African American characters in his films, I'm beginning to wonder if he is somewhat of a racist. I hate making such an accusation, but some of the stereotypes seen in both human and non-human characters are crineworthy at times.
In addition, to eliminating these crass characterizations, Michael Bay would have also been better served trimming down this film altogether. At almost two and half hours, this is just too much. There were several scenes that I felt could have been cut. However, it was perhaps most obvious during the final climax which involves Sam and co. racing across the Egyptian desert trying to reach Optimus Prime and the army. This takes forever! I swear Frodo got to Mordor in faster time. And you know we're in trouble if I start giving Lord of the Rings compliments.
In some ways, I feel like this review isn't going to be particularly helpful to readers and is just an opportunity for me to rant. Let's face it, those that were inclined to see this already probably did so already or will soon, regardless of what I say. Those that didn't plan on seeing this will just look at this as confirmation that they were justified in skipping it.
I will say this, for as much as I've pointed out the film's flaws, I truly believe that if you enjoyed the first film there will be enough in here for you to enjoy this one just as much, if not more. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is what it is. Don't expect this to be a best picture contender (even with that news the other day that they plan on expanding the number of nominees from 5 to 10). This is a noisy, action thrill ride that will leave you buzzing, literally. I left the theater feeling like I had just spent the entire day at Cedar Point. Whether you view that as good or bad, at least we can all agree that very few films are capable of that. Grade: C
What's in the box? What's in the box?
Here's a trailer for another thriller set to come out this fall, called The Box starring Cameron Diaz and Frank Langella.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Heroes loses its hero
Breaking news today that Bryan Fuller is once again leaving Heroes. I guess any chance for some turnaround in Season 4 is all but gone at this point. Here's the story from EW.com...
Just as Heroes was gaining some creative momentum comes word of another setback: Bryan Fuller has vacated his post as consulting producer.
The acclaimed Pushing Daisies auteur tells me that he left to focus on developing new projects for NBC, and not (as some have speculated) due to creative differences with series creator Tim Kring.
"I'm crafting two pilots right now and it's a lot of work," admits Fuller, who has an overall deal with NBC. "It was just too hard to [juggle] Heroes and my development; something had to give."
Better Ted than dead
Just as a reminder, ABC's lone decent sitcom, Better Off Ted returns with new episodes starting tomorrow night (June 23). The show was already picked up for a second season, but it would be nice if everyone out there would show it some support by watching these remaining episodes from Season 1 that have yet to air. To give you a taste of the show, here's a video from Veridian Dynamics, the ambiguous company that the main characters work at. Fake PSA's like the one seen here are typically run at the beginning of every episode.
Faith off
Another hot day, plus not being able to be with my dad on Father's Day meant I headed over to the budget theater to relax. This time it was for Nicholas Cage's latest, Knowing.
Knowing made it onto my top 30 for '09 list back in December, albeit with some caveats. The premise of this movie sounded interesting; a man comes across a list of numbers found in a time capsule that list the date and number of casualities for every single disaster that's occurred and some that have yet to happen. However, given Cage's track record of films I fully understood that the movie could easily be complete junk. Sadly, just as the tragedies predicted on that sheet came true, so did my worries for this film.
For the most part, the film works early on. I like the original premise, even if they have Cage figure out the meaning of the numbers too quickly. I also like the scenes involving Cage's efforts to stop the upcoming disasters. One scene involves a plane crash and the other involves a subway derailment. Both scenes are harrowing in their realism. Director Alex Proyas does not pull any punches in depicting the destruction of the actual events nor the frightening moments in the immediate aftermath. With the way these scenes were done, I was intriqued by where the film was headed.
Sadly, the film takes a massive detour, turning this unique premise into a preachy mess related to an impending apocalypse. We get the whole man of science/man of faith debate thrown into the film haphazardly. Anyone that has watched Lost, knows that this dichotomy can be done so much better. None of it seems authentic here, making the film's conclusion all the more hokey.
The film also spends a lot of time with the child characters. Issues relating to them being the "chosen ones" are not fully explained. Instead, Knowing presents them in the same unique/spooky/gifted/bedeviled/creepy way that we've seen in way too many films in recent years. Ever since Haley Joel Osment's performance in The Sixth Sense we've seen this glut of troubled/special children in thrillers. I am hereby calling for an end to this plot point. It's become hackneyed and tired and most kid actors can't pull it off effectively.
I really wanted to like this film, but as it went further and further away from the original premise I wondered why they were making these decisions. It was as if they didn't have any faith in their story and felt they needed to gin it up by making it some end of the world morality tale. It basically combines The Number 23 with The Day The Earth Stood Still, which is not a combination you want to have.
They say knowing is half the battle and in this case Knowing only won half the battle. The other half, which involves executing on the original premise is where this film was lost. Chalk this up as another terrible movie for Nic Cage. With his track record of batting .500, his next film will no dobut be fantastic. As for this one, unless you want to marvel as the visual beauty of horrible tragedies on your HDTV, there's no need to check out Knowing. Grade: C-
Knowing made it onto my top 30 for '09 list back in December, albeit with some caveats. The premise of this movie sounded interesting; a man comes across a list of numbers found in a time capsule that list the date and number of casualities for every single disaster that's occurred and some that have yet to happen. However, given Cage's track record of films I fully understood that the movie could easily be complete junk. Sadly, just as the tragedies predicted on that sheet came true, so did my worries for this film.
For the most part, the film works early on. I like the original premise, even if they have Cage figure out the meaning of the numbers too quickly. I also like the scenes involving Cage's efforts to stop the upcoming disasters. One scene involves a plane crash and the other involves a subway derailment. Both scenes are harrowing in their realism. Director Alex Proyas does not pull any punches in depicting the destruction of the actual events nor the frightening moments in the immediate aftermath. With the way these scenes were done, I was intriqued by where the film was headed.
Sadly, the film takes a massive detour, turning this unique premise into a preachy mess related to an impending apocalypse. We get the whole man of science/man of faith debate thrown into the film haphazardly. Anyone that has watched Lost, knows that this dichotomy can be done so much better. None of it seems authentic here, making the film's conclusion all the more hokey.
The film also spends a lot of time with the child characters. Issues relating to them being the "chosen ones" are not fully explained. Instead, Knowing presents them in the same unique/spooky/gifted/bedeviled/creepy way that we've seen in way too many films in recent years. Ever since Haley Joel Osment's performance in The Sixth Sense we've seen this glut of troubled/special children in thrillers. I am hereby calling for an end to this plot point. It's become hackneyed and tired and most kid actors can't pull it off effectively.
I really wanted to like this film, but as it went further and further away from the original premise I wondered why they were making these decisions. It was as if they didn't have any faith in their story and felt they needed to gin it up by making it some end of the world morality tale. It basically combines The Number 23 with The Day The Earth Stood Still, which is not a combination you want to have.
They say knowing is half the battle and in this case Knowing only won half the battle. The other half, which involves executing on the original premise is where this film was lost. Chalk this up as another terrible movie for Nic Cage. With his track record of batting .500, his next film will no dobut be fantastic. As for this one, unless you want to marvel as the visual beauty of horrible tragedies on your HDTV, there's no need to check out Knowing. Grade: C-
Saturday, June 20, 2009
NMR: Grisham grabbag pt. 2
So I decided to finish off the films out there based on John Grisham novels. I'd write seperate reviews, but my thoughts are basically the same for both.
The Client and A Time to Kill: Both films boast some impressive casts that deliver fine performances. Without those high-profile actors, these movies would be absolute junk. Both of them go on for too long and beat a decent premise into the ground. They feature an endless amount of movie cliches that were tired 15 years ago when these films were first made. They work as decent ambient noise if you have them on the TV in the background, but as quality films they both fall just short. Rating: ***
The Client and A Time to Kill: Both films boast some impressive casts that deliver fine performances. Without those high-profile actors, these movies would be absolute junk. Both of them go on for too long and beat a decent premise into the ground. They feature an endless amount of movie cliches that were tired 15 years ago when these films were first made. They work as decent ambient noise if you have them on the TV in the background, but as quality films they both fall just short. Rating: ***
Friday, June 19, 2009
Donny Brook Theater?!?
Everyone that reads this probably knows that I've been a lifelong wrestling fan. So when I come across footage that I've never seen before, you know it's rare. But thanks to the WWE 24/7 channel, I had the honor/horror of seeing something that not only have I never seen before, but no one has. 'Donny Brook Theater' was a planned show in 1995 that would mix wrestling with sketch comedy. Yes, that's right, pro wrestlers performing in skits. For some reason, someone came to their senses and realized that this was a terrible idea before the show ever made it to air. One episode was taped however and has now been unearthed from the video vault. Please to enjoy...Donny Brook Theater!
Had a devil of a time
Yes, Reaper is long gone, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about it. I stumbled across this interview with Bret Harrison and Tyler Labine (aka Sam and Sock) where they are very candid about how the show was treated and what could have happened had it continued for a third season. Check it out here.
It's the end of the world as we know it aka another day in the life of Roland Emmerich
Here's the first full trailer of the new apocalypse movie, 2012, coming out this November.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Beer and loathing in Las Vegas
It's been killing me not getting a chance to see any of the summer movies thus far, but that finally ended last night when I got a chance to see one of the few movies that is actually exceeding expectations this summer, The Hangover.
This is the new film from director Todd Phillips (Old School) about four guys who go to Vegas for a bachelor party and wake up the next day with the worst hangovers ever not remembering any of the destruction that they now see around them. Worst of all, the groom-to-be (played by Justin Bartha) is nowhere to be found. As is the case in most of Phillips' films, he has once again cast actors that may not be well known, but are perfect for the roles they're playing. Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Ed Helms (The Office) and stand-up Zack Galifinakis are all fantastic here.
For as much as this film is a comedy, it is just as equally a mystery movie. The audience is left in the dark along with these characters about just what exactly happened during their bender the previous night. At times this can be a little unnerving because of all the problems and damage that you see they've caused. You really begin to dread what exactly happened to them and by them. The movie does a very good job of slowly revealing everything and allows you to go through the roller coaster of emotions that these characters experience.
It would be a disservice to me to reveal any of those surprises, but I will say that each one is packed with laughs. Along the way, these guys run into a number of hilarious characters who help piece things together. Matt Walsh, Ken Jeong, and Mike Epps all show up throughout the movie and provide plenty of laughs. Heather Graham also shows up in one of her most tolerable roles ever, which is high praise on my part. Of course, best of all is the great cameo by Mike Tyson who is funny in the film beyond the scenes that you see in the trailers and commercials.
The real stars of the movie, however, are the three leads. Bradley Cooper gives his first performance that did not make me think of his psychotic character from Wedding Crashers. He showed me here that he's got what it takes to be leading man material. Ed Helms also does a nice job of breaking free of his Office persona and playing a realistic character. You really feel for the guy the way he's abused by his girlfriend (Rachel Harris), yet continues to try and defend her. And finally, I cannot say enough good things about Zack Galifinakis. His form of oddball humor shines in this movie and provides most of the film's best lines. I've been trying to sell people on his act for the past couple of years and I hope this film now gives him the exposure he deserves.
If the film has a flaw it's that it kind of peters out in the third act. The laughs aren't as frequent and everything gets resolved a bit too neatly considering all that has happened. However, the final scenes do feature a cameo from The Dan Band (they were the group that sang the crass version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' at the wedding reception in Old School). It was great seeing another crude performance by them. Best of all the montage that runs during the credits is one of the best payoffs to a film in a long time. You must do yourself a favor and stay through the credits to watch it, it is truly hilarious.
While unsettling at times, the mystery that unfolds in The Hangover is a lot of fun to experience. As the gang learns more, you see how far things spiraled out of control. Even once you learn how everything plays out though, I feel like this movie will have a lot of replay value. Similar to Old School, I think most people will find themselves continuing to giggle uncontrollably while watching this late at night when it comes on cable in a few years. This is a fun ride and a great summer flick. I know I don't have a lot to go on, but I'll go out on a limb and say it'll be one of the best films of the summer. If you haven't already, go experience The Hangover. Grade: B+
This is the new film from director Todd Phillips (Old School) about four guys who go to Vegas for a bachelor party and wake up the next day with the worst hangovers ever not remembering any of the destruction that they now see around them. Worst of all, the groom-to-be (played by Justin Bartha) is nowhere to be found. As is the case in most of Phillips' films, he has once again cast actors that may not be well known, but are perfect for the roles they're playing. Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Ed Helms (The Office) and stand-up Zack Galifinakis are all fantastic here.
For as much as this film is a comedy, it is just as equally a mystery movie. The audience is left in the dark along with these characters about just what exactly happened during their bender the previous night. At times this can be a little unnerving because of all the problems and damage that you see they've caused. You really begin to dread what exactly happened to them and by them. The movie does a very good job of slowly revealing everything and allows you to go through the roller coaster of emotions that these characters experience.
It would be a disservice to me to reveal any of those surprises, but I will say that each one is packed with laughs. Along the way, these guys run into a number of hilarious characters who help piece things together. Matt Walsh, Ken Jeong, and Mike Epps all show up throughout the movie and provide plenty of laughs. Heather Graham also shows up in one of her most tolerable roles ever, which is high praise on my part. Of course, best of all is the great cameo by Mike Tyson who is funny in the film beyond the scenes that you see in the trailers and commercials.
The real stars of the movie, however, are the three leads. Bradley Cooper gives his first performance that did not make me think of his psychotic character from Wedding Crashers. He showed me here that he's got what it takes to be leading man material. Ed Helms also does a nice job of breaking free of his Office persona and playing a realistic character. You really feel for the guy the way he's abused by his girlfriend (Rachel Harris), yet continues to try and defend her. And finally, I cannot say enough good things about Zack Galifinakis. His form of oddball humor shines in this movie and provides most of the film's best lines. I've been trying to sell people on his act for the past couple of years and I hope this film now gives him the exposure he deserves.
If the film has a flaw it's that it kind of peters out in the third act. The laughs aren't as frequent and everything gets resolved a bit too neatly considering all that has happened. However, the final scenes do feature a cameo from The Dan Band (they were the group that sang the crass version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' at the wedding reception in Old School). It was great seeing another crude performance by them. Best of all the montage that runs during the credits is one of the best payoffs to a film in a long time. You must do yourself a favor and stay through the credits to watch it, it is truly hilarious.
While unsettling at times, the mystery that unfolds in The Hangover is a lot of fun to experience. As the gang learns more, you see how far things spiraled out of control. Even once you learn how everything plays out though, I feel like this movie will have a lot of replay value. Similar to Old School, I think most people will find themselves continuing to giggle uncontrollably while watching this late at night when it comes on cable in a few years. This is a fun ride and a great summer flick. I know I don't have a lot to go on, but I'll go out on a limb and say it'll be one of the best films of the summer. If you haven't already, go experience The Hangover. Grade: B+
Friday, June 12, 2009
Golden Girls Gone Wild
Here's a fun clip from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon involving Fallon playing beer pong with Betty White. I'm still not sold on Fallon as a late night host, but this is just further proof of how awesome Betty White is!
Time to shake up some martinis
Quantum of Solace may stil be fresh in our minds (for better or worse), but there's already news about the next installment in the James Bond series. From EW.com comes the announcment of the writing team...
This seems like a good mix of quality and familiarity. Sounds like I'll be restarting the Bond countdown in no time.
Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) along with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, the screenwriters behind the last two Bond films, Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale, will be charged with crafting the script for the 23rd James Bond film. Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role as James Bond in what has become the longest-running franchise in movie-making history. Morgan is currently working on an HBO special called The Special Relationship and the Dreamworks film Hereafter and will focus on Bond after he completes those two projects. Purvis and Wade have collaborated on the last four Bond films and are currently working on the sequel to The Italian Job.
This seems like a good mix of quality and familiarity. Sounds like I'll be restarting the Bond countdown in no time.
Is that a chill in the air?
The trailers for the fall movies are already starting to come out. Here's one for Shutter Island, one of the movies I picked for my top 30 in '09. The film stars Leonardo Dicaprio and is directed by Martin Scorsese.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
NMR: Marley & Me
I haven't seen anything else recently that could be paired up with this, so I guess this will get the solo treatment.
After a ridiculously long wait to receive this, I'm almost wishing I had never even put it in my queue in the first place. This was insufferable to sit through. It was like being forced to watch someone else's home movies. Nothing that happens matters to anyone but the people that it's happening to. There is just endless montages of Marley destroying stuff that serve no purpose. I didn't need thirty reminders that this was a disobedient dog. And I'm sorry, but there is no way that dog would continue to be a menace for that log. Either those people would have gotten rid of it or they would have done something to better train him. Also not believeable was Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as regular people. They are way too pretty and Hollywood to play these people. For a look at the real John Grogan, visit here. The end result here is manufactured sentimentality. Various points from this couple's life are chosen to manipulate the audience's emotions without providing any cohesion behind them. By the end of the film, I couldn't care less about the obvious conclusion. There was only one bright spot in this movie; Alan Arkin as the newspaper editior. I found the newspaper stuff to be interesting and his character provided the only funny moments in the film. The rest is just junk. Rating: **
After a ridiculously long wait to receive this, I'm almost wishing I had never even put it in my queue in the first place. This was insufferable to sit through. It was like being forced to watch someone else's home movies. Nothing that happens matters to anyone but the people that it's happening to. There is just endless montages of Marley destroying stuff that serve no purpose. I didn't need thirty reminders that this was a disobedient dog. And I'm sorry, but there is no way that dog would continue to be a menace for that log. Either those people would have gotten rid of it or they would have done something to better train him. Also not believeable was Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as regular people. They are way too pretty and Hollywood to play these people. For a look at the real John Grogan, visit here. The end result here is manufactured sentimentality. Various points from this couple's life are chosen to manipulate the audience's emotions without providing any cohesion behind them. By the end of the film, I couldn't care less about the obvious conclusion. There was only one bright spot in this movie; Alan Arkin as the newspaper editior. I found the newspaper stuff to be interesting and his character provided the only funny moments in the film. The rest is just junk. Rating: **
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A high for fans of the Winslows
Check out this video of some nerds visiting the house that was seen in all the exterior shots on the 90's sitcom, Family Matters.
NMR: DeNiro double feature
Backdraft: DeNiro has a relatively small role in this firefighting film starring Kurt Russell and William Baldwin. I actually would have liked his role increased as I found his arson investigator character to be interesting. I'm surprised no one has tried to spin off CSI with a show about arson investigators. And if one shows up next year, I'm going to sue! Anyways, this film isn't perfect; I didn't care for the film's climax where the arsonist is revealed. However, Ron Howard does an amazing jobs creating some of the most realistic film fires ever. This movie is nearly twenty years old and I haven't seen anything that comes close to what he did here. It's a decent enough summer action flick to keep you entertained if you've never seen it before. Rating: ****
The Score: DeNiro's role here is much larger as he plays an aging thief who wants to retire but first must do one last big job. And if this sounds awfully familiar to you, then you're not alone. Nothing about this movie is very original. This is pretty much a second rate script that seems a lot better thanks to its all star cast. Aside from DeNiro, the film stars Edward Norton and Marlon Brando; kind of a past, present, future deal there. Despite their good performances, I struggled to remain invested in the movie since I knew how everything was going to play out. If you've never seen a heist movie before, you'll probably love this. Fans of the genre, however, may get bored by the same old song and dance displayed here. Rating: ***
The Score: DeNiro's role here is much larger as he plays an aging thief who wants to retire but first must do one last big job. And if this sounds awfully familiar to you, then you're not alone. Nothing about this movie is very original. This is pretty much a second rate script that seems a lot better thanks to its all star cast. Aside from DeNiro, the film stars Edward Norton and Marlon Brando; kind of a past, present, future deal there. Despite their good performances, I struggled to remain invested in the movie since I knew how everything was going to play out. If you've never seen a heist movie before, you'll probably love this. Fans of the genre, however, may get bored by the same old song and dance displayed here. Rating: ***
First look - Rourke as Whiplash
The first image of Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, one of the villains in the upcoming Iron Man 2 was released today. I can't say that I'm all that impressed, but with no context to the photo, it's really hard to judge. Perhaps comic book enthusiasts out there can have a better read on if this looks any good or not.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
NMR: Grisham grab bag
I've been on a John Grisham kick recently and decided to watch some of the films that have been adapted from his novels.
The Firm: We'll start with the best of the bunch. This is a tense thriller with a wonderful cast. It does suffer from the same problem that all Tom Cruise films suffer from; Cruise playing a jerk, even though he's the protagonist. Directed by the late Sydney Pollack, the movie provides plenty of twists and turns and really makes you wonder how everything is going to get resolved. The solution is a bit contrived, but it still worked for the most part. This is the epitome of popcorn fare. Rating: ****
The Pelican Brief: My excitement over the pairing of Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts was quickly dimished as this was a dull and convaluted film. There were just too many charaters to follow here. Not to mention that the information that could potentially take down the president isn't all that interesting. All of the chasing that goes on in this movie gets old real fast. The only reason to watch this is for Denzel and Julia, who manage to still shine despite the poor story. Rating: ***
The Chamber: A major disappointment here, especially considering the fact that Gene Hackman is starring in it. This film is not only poorly made, it's exploitative too. There seems to be no real purpose to the film other than to have characters spout off racist remarks. Chris O'Donnell doesn't have the gravitas to lead this film and Faye Dunaway looks completely lost on screen. If you want to see a good death row film watch The Green Mile or Dead Man Walking. Rating: **
The Firm: We'll start with the best of the bunch. This is a tense thriller with a wonderful cast. It does suffer from the same problem that all Tom Cruise films suffer from; Cruise playing a jerk, even though he's the protagonist. Directed by the late Sydney Pollack, the movie provides plenty of twists and turns and really makes you wonder how everything is going to get resolved. The solution is a bit contrived, but it still worked for the most part. This is the epitome of popcorn fare. Rating: ****
The Pelican Brief: My excitement over the pairing of Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts was quickly dimished as this was a dull and convaluted film. There were just too many charaters to follow here. Not to mention that the information that could potentially take down the president isn't all that interesting. All of the chasing that goes on in this movie gets old real fast. The only reason to watch this is for Denzel and Julia, who manage to still shine despite the poor story. Rating: ***
The Chamber: A major disappointment here, especially considering the fact that Gene Hackman is starring in it. This film is not only poorly made, it's exploitative too. There seems to be no real purpose to the film other than to have characters spout off racist remarks. Chris O'Donnell doesn't have the gravitas to lead this film and Faye Dunaway looks completely lost on screen. If you want to see a good death row film watch The Green Mile or Dead Man Walking. Rating: **
Friday, June 5, 2009
Zach attack
In light of his new film, The Hangover, opening in theaters today, I thought I would share with you some additional humor from Zach Galifinakis. Here's an installment of his fake interview show, Between Two Ferns where he interviews Mad Men star Jon Hamm. To watch more of these interviews, visit FunnyorDie.com
Holy Man-trimony
So it's been a pretty terrible week with nothing going right, so I decided to escape my problems and go see I Love You, Man at the budget theater and boy was this exactly what I needed. Over the past few years, there's been a resurgence of the R rated comedy thanks mostly to the Apatow gang. And while Judd had nothing to do with this particular film, this is one of the best comedic movies I've seen, right up there with The 40 Year Old Virgin. Those that know me, know that that is high praise.
This film sees Paul Rudd get his first true leading role as Peter Klaven, a recently engaged guy, who realizes he doesn't really have a best friend. Peter's quest for a best man involves one hilarious failure after another before meeting Sydney (Jason Segel), a shoot-from-the-hip dude, who frees Peter of his insecurities. These guys have worked before in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and once again exhibit great chemistry here.
But for as great as Rudd and Segal are, this movie is a comedic success even when they aren't on the screen. This film boasts an embarassment of riches when it comes to the comedic talent in this cast. You have SNL vets like Andy Samberg and Jane Curtain. You have guys from The State like Thomas Lennon and Joe Lo Truglio. As well as other familiar faces like J.K. Simmons, Jaime Pressley, Jon Faverau, and Lou Ferrigno adding their presence to the film. Everybody is hilarious here, yet they have a purpose to the story. These are not cameos for the sake of filling out a thin script. These actors are funny in their brief parts, while remaining organic to the storytelling.
I left out one key cast member because I wanted to single her out. Rashida Jones plays Paul Rudd fiancee in the film and is just phenomenal. Similar to Elizabeth Banks, she has emerged over the past couple of years as that rare breed of sweet, sexy, and funny. She anchors the film and makes you have a rooting interest in her relationship with Rudd. Unlike say Katherine Heigl, who was just a bitch with a pretty face and had no real comedic timing in Knocked Up. That might be a potshot at Heigl, but I don't care. Going back to Rashida Jones, though, I cannot say enough good things about her and I hope she continues to get movie roles (or at least more to do on Parks and Recreation).
The relationship between Rudd and Jones that centers this film makes I Love You, Man a unique movie. This is a rare 'romantic comedy' that I think is equally appealing to men and women. So many terrible romcoms get the distinction of 'chick flicks' because they're so saccharine and ridiculous that no self respecting man would ever want to see them. But we've also lately had films like Knocked Up, which are more slanted to the male perspective and the female characters come off looking bad in them. Here, the relationship is so realistic that both genders can appreciate what the characters go through. The comedy is also balanced so that one side isn't the brunt of all the jokes. Yes, some of the humor may be ridiculous at times, but in general the situations presented here are extremely relatable.
I tried to point out at least one flaw in my reviews, but I'm having trouble coming up with one here. If anything, I guess I maybe would have liked a bit more background on Sydney's character, but I don't feel it was essential. He just has some interesting quirks that could have been explored further. The story works as it is and delving further into his character would have just been some additional padding. Of course, I could complain about wanting to see more from all of the characters, but that would just be greedy on my part.
It's not clear yet when this is set to come out on DVD, but I cannot urge you enough to check it out if you haven't already. If you've got a special someone in your life, it's a great date movie. And if you're flying solo like me, the film has nonstop laughs to make it equally enjoyable. It may be cliched, but I'm not afraid to say it; I love this movie! Grade: A
This film sees Paul Rudd get his first true leading role as Peter Klaven, a recently engaged guy, who realizes he doesn't really have a best friend. Peter's quest for a best man involves one hilarious failure after another before meeting Sydney (Jason Segel), a shoot-from-the-hip dude, who frees Peter of his insecurities. These guys have worked before in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and once again exhibit great chemistry here.
But for as great as Rudd and Segal are, this movie is a comedic success even when they aren't on the screen. This film boasts an embarassment of riches when it comes to the comedic talent in this cast. You have SNL vets like Andy Samberg and Jane Curtain. You have guys from The State like Thomas Lennon and Joe Lo Truglio. As well as other familiar faces like J.K. Simmons, Jaime Pressley, Jon Faverau, and Lou Ferrigno adding their presence to the film. Everybody is hilarious here, yet they have a purpose to the story. These are not cameos for the sake of filling out a thin script. These actors are funny in their brief parts, while remaining organic to the storytelling.
I left out one key cast member because I wanted to single her out. Rashida Jones plays Paul Rudd fiancee in the film and is just phenomenal. Similar to Elizabeth Banks, she has emerged over the past couple of years as that rare breed of sweet, sexy, and funny. She anchors the film and makes you have a rooting interest in her relationship with Rudd. Unlike say Katherine Heigl, who was just a bitch with a pretty face and had no real comedic timing in Knocked Up. That might be a potshot at Heigl, but I don't care. Going back to Rashida Jones, though, I cannot say enough good things about her and I hope she continues to get movie roles (or at least more to do on Parks and Recreation).
The relationship between Rudd and Jones that centers this film makes I Love You, Man a unique movie. This is a rare 'romantic comedy' that I think is equally appealing to men and women. So many terrible romcoms get the distinction of 'chick flicks' because they're so saccharine and ridiculous that no self respecting man would ever want to see them. But we've also lately had films like Knocked Up, which are more slanted to the male perspective and the female characters come off looking bad in them. Here, the relationship is so realistic that both genders can appreciate what the characters go through. The comedy is also balanced so that one side isn't the brunt of all the jokes. Yes, some of the humor may be ridiculous at times, but in general the situations presented here are extremely relatable.
I tried to point out at least one flaw in my reviews, but I'm having trouble coming up with one here. If anything, I guess I maybe would have liked a bit more background on Sydney's character, but I don't feel it was essential. He just has some interesting quirks that could have been explored further. The story works as it is and delving further into his character would have just been some additional padding. Of course, I could complain about wanting to see more from all of the characters, but that would just be greedy on my part.
It's not clear yet when this is set to come out on DVD, but I cannot urge you enough to check it out if you haven't already. If you've got a special someone in your life, it's a great date movie. And if you're flying solo like me, the film has nonstop laughs to make it equally enjoyable. It may be cliched, but I'm not afraid to say it; I love this movie! Grade: A
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