Alice in Wonderland

So I watched 2010's Alice in Wonderland done by the genius Tim Burton. So is this movie a flash of genius well, no quite frankly. Is this movie visually stunning, yes, is the plot any good well no. If I had tackled this project I would have been faithful to Lewis Carrol's original masterpieces and maybe made two films. However, I am not, I am a guy who will probably die un-famous and unregarded as a visionary director. However, I am right in suggesting why screw with a classic story and combine the elements of both books with elements that are original. If you look at Jackson's Lord of the rings trilogy, he may have changed some things but left the series as a trilogy and stayed true for the most part and that is why it works. Even a movie like "No country for Old men" where the Coen brothers changed the basic premise of the original story to be about two men in a struggle, was still dedicated to the original story and dialog why because it is awesome, well the same is true for Lewis Carrol's endeavors written over 100 years ago. The story rocks and the dialog rocks so why fuck with it, well the answer is don't, and that is why this movie kind of sucks. However, if you do lots of hallucinogenics check it out, once again it is visually satisfying.

Avatar

So I watched 2009's Avatar well is it an instant classic well yeah. Is it the best movie ever no! So why a classic. Well this movie was the first really to fully utilize modern 3-d and has done it in a way that was very satisfying, especially since this review is based on my second watching in 2d. Also the animation is spectacular from start to finish. When I think of the artistry that goes into just one second of a movie like this my mind gets blown man. So why is this movie not the best ever, well several reasons but lets focus on some core things, one it is pretty predictable, two the story though original contains many not so original concepts. Well what does "two" mean, well if you change the Na'vi to American Indians you have the plot to almost every movie done about the white man versus the American Indian. Also, if you replace the other main plot point, the need for a greedy nation to have power both literally and figuratively, you have the plot of any anti American movie dealing with the middle east. However, the Na'vi and their world are beyond interesting, and the incorporation by Cameron of both the sci-fi elements he has explored in the past and his love of "aliens of the deep" make this a very satisfying ride. At the end of the day you have to remember this is basically a kids movie, so to look to harshly through any other lens is sort of off the mark.

It's Complicated

So I watched 2009's "It's Complicated" starring Streep, the good Baldwin brother, and the overrated Steve Martin (great stand up, o.k movies for the most part in my opinion). So was this movie good, I have to say ehh. I wathced it because it has a good cast, looked funny, and had Meryl Streep getting high so I thought why not. The story also contained an element I always enjoy cooking. This is a good date movie which at this point I am sick of saying, but it is true. If you are dating someone and it is either early on or you have different tastes, unless you are a pure indy snob, you'll find this movie amusing. However, I would have liked to have seen a darker ending which I think would have made this movie more realistic and therefore good, but it was just more Hollywood tripe at the end of the day.

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans

So I watched "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans", so is it a ripoff of the earlier work starring Harvey Keitel from 1992 yeah well kind of. Is it a good movie well, its not bad and it could have been good. This movie stars Nicholas Cage in a role in which he is well suited for drug addicted maniac, as well as Eva Mendes as a drug addicted whore a role she is well suited for. This movie is also directed by Werner Herzog which is a job he is not suited for. He is a detail oriented director (Fitzcarraldo) who thrives when he is making documentaries which are character studies (grizzly man). This movie is a character study but is not very detail oriented. It follows a story about a guy and never has to get into the grit of being a real cop, or exploring the setting of a post Katrina New Orleans. This movie also has some hallucinations expreienced by Cage which seem more tacked on, except the last one at the end of the movie, which is also where this vehicle went off the tracks for me. This is a movie for indy lovers, but I believe is one that will be loved by some and hated by others with little in between. So if you love indy films watch it make up your own mind, all I can say is at least it didn't suck.

half baked

So I watched 1998's stoner comedy half baked starring Dave Chapelle. Well was it good......well before I answer lets go over some things. Is this considered to be a good movie, no, is this an indy movie, well technically yes, is it a classic well lets wait to answer that one. So this movie is designed to appeal to a very specific demographic, that is young mostly white stoners. In that regard this movie both ranks as a cult classic and a great movie within the genre. However, in the general sense no its garbage. However, if you are a coming of age stoner in the year 3000 and you uncover this blog in doing research for a school report on how people lived before worm holes were used for space travel, well take out your nuclear powered vaporizer and enter the holochamber and ask your computer to play this stoner madcap romp. And if you are in this century check out a bit role for a then unknown Tracy Morgan.

Lawrence of Arabia

So I watched the award winning Lawrence of Arabia from 1962. Well is it a classic well yeah that's an easy one. This movie stars Peter O'toole as the sexually ambiguous T. E Lawrence who led the Arabs to freedom in the early part of the last century. This movie was directed by David Lean who also won an academy award for "The bridge over the river kwai". What both these movies have in common is a grand scope and an eye for detail that is unparalleled in most movies. The movie has one problem it is 3 hours and 35 minute before the final credits start. It is only a big deal if you are planning to watch it in one sitting, but in general it doesn't play long. The long slow scenes don't play so because you really are brought into those seemingly infinite deserts and feel the struggle for survival experienced by the characters. This movie is about as well made as you can get, there is a fair amount of testosterone thrown around but this movie should appeal to both sexes. It is a true classic.

The crazies

So I watched 2010's the crazies, well was it good it was watchable. This is a movie that is yet another remake of a supposedly superior cult movie. I haven't seen the original but I am intrigued. The story is not unfamiliar government releases
bio toxin that turns members of a small town into crazed killers. There are many holes in the plot, And any social commentary from the original is underplayed. There are some good scares, and some moments that aren't completely predictable. I can't say I recommend it but I can't say it was horribly made either. Look I saw this on my dish, if someone In time besides my two loyal readers see's this review and is curious (or heck them as well), and are intrigued enough to watch this flick, something tells
me you might be happier with the original.

Imaginarium of dr. Parnassus

So I watched 2009's imaginarium... Directed by the great Terry Gilliam and starring the captured soul known once as Heath Ledger. Well was this movie good well....before I answer let's go back in time and review Gilliams repertoire. Holy graile perhaps the greatest comedy of all time, time bandits a magical adventure, brazil perhaps the best "weird" movie of all time, fisher king simply well done kudos, 12 monkeys pretty awesome, fear and loathing my namesake do I need to say it well o.k loved it you bastards. So why mention these well they almost all share one major characteristic and that is you need to see the movie multiple times to both fully understand and fully enjoy the brilliance. So I have just seen imaginarium just once and currently have an ehhhh.. Going which is neither a thumb up or down. I love the director but no matter what this seems to be a weak effort on many fronts. The story is very choppy, and the world he creates is fascinating at times and boring at other times. He bridged this gulf well in fisher king but failed here. I have to watch this movie again to see if like his other films I need that multiple view to fully appreciate the film, but the base measure is not strong. Sorry sir I love you but you did make that damn Grimm movie so the word suck is not unfamiliar to you.

Babette's feast

So I watched the critically acclaimed Babette's feast from 1987. Well is this movie a classic I say a resounding yes. Is it for everyone no! Am I possibly biased because I like Babette am a true artist in the kitchen (yes Fab I know I am full of myself but you have eaten my fare), well possibly but what about all the other people who love this film. This movie is about lost love, struggle, loss, religion, dedication, the paths we take, and the choices we make, it is about joy and acceptance, and learning to free oneself to be happy in the presence of a puritan God, all over a kick ass meal. However, most of all this movie is about that "kick ass" greatest meal ever. In that sense I hate Babette she has a talent I can only dream of having. Of course she is just fictional, but then again there are these asshole chefs in the world who have more talent in their pinkie than I do in my whole fat carcass. I hate being reminded of that I truly wish to be one of the greats of all time, and I believe if I can ever get the ingredients for my pizza together I shall become legend; but I digress. If transformers was not your favorite movie of the last decade, if you did not have to run to see Sex in the City, if your idea of talent is not Ben Affleck, then run don't walk to your computer and download this flick. Or just do what I did and catch it on satellite one day, but by all means see this film, it is really brilliant.

Pirate Radio

So I watched 2009's pirate radio inspired by the real life British pirate radio stations of the 1960's. Well was this movie good I have to say ehhhhh...it was alright. The best part about this movie is the soundtrack, but that is no reason to watch a movie, we all have ipods or pandora so why bother. This movie could have been good but it just tried to do too much and create conflict where apparently there was none in real life. This movie is directed by Richard Curtis who wrote or directed such schmaltzy girl crap like love actually, Bridget Jones Diary, and four weddings and a funeral. These are not bad movies per say but there just fluffy and so was this movie. If you like fluffy movies with ensemble casts then maybe you'll like this one to. Me personally I can stomach his movies but are not in ah of his talents. Stream line the plot, kill off a few characters so we can to know them better, kill the false tension and struggle, then re-shoot it and get back to me.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

That is one powerful fucking poem I tell you. I know it inspires me, and it is one of things that kept Nelson Mandela going during his 25 years in prison. The film Invictus from 2009 directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon is a good movie. Is it a great movie hmmmm.....well some of my biggest problems with the movie are things that actually are true, so I don't know what to think. I mean Nelson Mandela chooses a rugby team to be the symbol of cooperation and reconciliation after apartheid, and then shortly thereafter they host the world cup and he in part Drives the team to victory and gets the country to rally together black and white behind this one cause. Well I would normally say come on I can write better fiction in my sleep. However, it pretty much went down that way, so what can you do but heap another log on the grand fire that is the legend of Nelson Mandela. Morgan Freeman does a spot on Mandela and it helps they do kind of look alike. I liked this movie, I didn't love this movie, nor do I think it is a classic in the making, but with time maybe my mind will change. In any event I learned a really kick ass poem.

everybody's fine

So I watched 2009' Everybody's fine, starring Robert Deniro, well was it fine well yeah I guess. This is not a movie I will rant and rave about. It has an all star cast and an indie feel to it, and isn't too sappy. I liked it, I didn't love it but felt it was decent. It is a road tale, and a story about a family becoming closer, and grieving, and dying, and living, and sometimes hiding our true selves from the ones we most love. This is a remake of a very highly regarded Italian film I hope to see someday, I think it would be nice to compare the two. As far as should you see it, well I guess if you are not the sensitive type you can skip, I personally think it is a good date movie, it has things that appeal to both sexes, and can almost cause a tear to well up at times, but you know I am too much a man for that to happen.

The fantastic Mr. Fox

So I watched Wes Anderson's adaptation of the book The Fantastic Mr. Fox, so is it good I say unenthusiastically yes. It wasn't great but it was good. Once again I have not read this book, but as a child read other Roald Dahl books and loved them. So why without enthusiasm, well I guess the story doesn't seem to go anywhere I guess. The end was the end, and that is about that. I liked how every "cussing" cus word was said as "cus", something cute for adults that still made the film a "kids movie." I also liked the ravenous eating habits as well as the animation technique. I have enjoyed all of Wes Anderson's films including "The Life Aquatic" (though marginally in that particular case), and I saw elements of his unique visual style translated into animation. The acting is good with an award winning cast, and the movie is very watchable for children. I am a big kid so I liked it, but I did not love it and do not think this film is for everyone out there, and think even amongst the intellectual sect there is probably much disagreement as to the worth of this film. However, it is worth watching and is in the end enjoyable to do so.

lolita

So I watched Stanley Kubrick's Lolita from 1962, well is it a classic, sadly I say ehhh. This is a good movie make no doubt about it, I like the use of sexual innuendo throughout the movie, I liked Peter Sellers role as Quilty, the acting was good, the movie very funny at times, but it was too long, the use of an epilogue was pointless, and the opening scene should be at the end in my opinion. I have not read the book by Nabakov so I cannot comment on how closely it follows the original story, nor have I seen the remake with Jeremy Irons to see if that has a little more graphic nature, so I can only comment on this film. I love Kubrick he gave us several great films including one of my personal faves a clockwork orange, but here I don't think he had all the elements in place to make a truly great movie that stands the test of time. I hate to say it (without sounding like a perv) but I think if the original age of the girl (I believe 12) and the eroticism was more direct, it could have been a disturbing yet classic film. However if you are a fan of either movies from this time, Peter Sellers, or Kubrick it is worth watching and I did enjoy this movie overall, just wasn't blown away by it.

Copycat

So I watched 1995's movie Copycat starring Sirgourney Weaver. Well was it good, I say yeah it stands the test of time and is good for a thriller. The ending was a little obvious I thought, but what are you going to do. What made this thriller stand out was the interesting take on the serial killer versus serial killer hunter, cat and mouse game, as well as the acting. It probably is not a classic, or really a great film, and to be honest there are some plot holes, but you can't drive a truck through them. If you are a fan of this genre check it out, I don't think you will be disappointed.

The Brothers Bloom

So I watched the Brothers Bloom from 2008, so was it good I say ehhh. It is indy fare and not touted as a "good film" but still got good reviews from most sources. I say this movie could have been good but embraced one plot twist too many. The whole point of the movie was one big complicated grift, but I say they took it too far. It was very well acted, including a very silent character named "Bang, Bang". There were also some very charming funny moments including the crash scores by the judges (If you ever see it you will know what I mean). But in the end I was left feeling exhausted keeping up with everything. Stream line the plot and get back to me Hollywood.

American Graffiti

So I watched George Lucas's 1973 film American graffiti. Well was it a classic, well yeah why not. Let me start by saying that a movie watched in 2010 from 11973, that takes place in the early 1960's can throw a person off but having a memorable cast helps. Lets face it the movie has Han Solo before he was Han Solo Mr. Harrison Ford, one of today's biggest directors, Mr Richie Cunningham, I mean Opie Taylor, I mean Ron Howard, and the still relevant but barely Richard Dreyfus. It also has a pre incestuous relationship Mckenzie Phillips (or possibly not yuck!), Shirley from Laverne and Shirley, and Suzanne Sommers. What did it for me about this movie more than anything else was both the basic story of boys at the precipice of manhood, and the soundtrack that for oldies were far more golden than moldy. I likes this flick and don't see why kids of today wouldn't enjoy it if they gave it a chance.

sins of my father

So I watched the documentary from 2009 Sins of my father, well was it good, I say Si. This documentary was about the worlds most ruthless drug lord, "el jefe" the now deceased Pablo Escobar. However, that is just part of the tale that is told. The main story is actually about his son Sebastian, and his journey to find peace in his own life. He has not followed in his father's foot steps, and in fact wants nothing to do with the world his father lived in, but shows that he loved his father very much and bears the guilt for his fathers atrocities. A big part of the story is about Sebastian is seeking forgiveness, from the sons of two of the men his father had assassinated. The story of Pablo Escobar is fascinating, his son's story is fascinating, the story of the sons of the men Pablo killed is fascinating. This movie was simply incredible. There are several times throughout the movie you see Pablo as a dedicated father and family man. You even hear him sing opera at one point, very well I might add. I have long waited for a movie about the life of Pablo Escobar, this real life tale is better than anything Hollywood could ever imagine and far more moving than a gangster flick could ever be.

The Sun also Rises

So "The Sun Also Rises" is one of my favorite books, and is a masterpiece by the great Hemingway, well was the movie version a classic well no. Was it good, well I and the friends I watched this movie with enjoyed it. It is good not great, it has its moments some of which are funny others of which show men being men, and a certain Lady Ashley being a slutty drunk way before Paris Hilton made it fashionable. I enjoyed it because it brought back memories from the book I had forgotten, but I would like to see a quality R rated remake of this film someday. It is a great story and I wish the film makers had done it justice, but it was the 1950's and I am sure it was pretty racy for that time but now it is tame to some degree. If you are a fan of Hemingway or of old films you may like this film, but it is no classic and not a bad movie just not a a truly good one either.

Ruthless People

So I revisited 1986's Ruthless People, well was it good I have to ehhh. I remember this movie being funny when I was a kid and when it was on the other day, I started watching it and just kept going until the end. This movie had two things going for it the almost always awesome Danny Devito and the very underrated Judge Reinhold (I wish his career would have lasted). It was directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker who gave us the comedy classic Airplane. This movie is no classic though. It has its moments but overall is forgettable, unless you want to see the cheesiest aspects of 1980's culture similar to the 1970's culture you would see in the recently reviewed "Saturday Night Fever", you can probably skip this one and download Airplane instead.

Up In the Air

So I just watched 2009's Up in the air, was it good well yeah. It was directed by Jason Reitman son of Ivan Reitman who gave us some comedy classics and gave us some real stinkers as well. His son has given us in his relatively short career this movie, Juno, and Thank You for Smoking. So I can picture this kid being in his dad's world and learning from it, being inspired by it, and taking it to the level his dad hasn't. What I mean is I love Stripes and Meatball's but Jason's movies are much better and in this case deeper than his father's work. I have to think his dad is proud of his son. This movie had great acting from America's sweetheart George Clooney who is embracing getting older, and the rest of the cast including Vera Farmiga. It was deep without being obvious about being so, comical, and enjoyable to watch from start to finish, this is one of those movies that most people can find enjoyable. If you are intellectual you look for deeper meaning, if you are average you laugh and enjoy the ride.

The Hurt Locker

So I watched 2009's best picture winner The Hurt Locker, well was it good, well yeah. Was it truly the best movie of last year, well of the ones I have see I would give that nod personally to the surprisingly good district 9, but this movie was pretty damn good. I reviewed Jeremy Renner in "Neo Ned" in which he gave an incredible performance, and though the acting isn't as good on his part here he does a great job. Katheryn Bigelow, does a really good job of bringing us into the world of someone in the grips of war in a very dangerous , very adrenaline related, profession, of bomb defuser dude. I liked the cameos by Lost's Evangeline Lily, and one of my personal favorites Ralph Fiennes (watch in bruge or red dragon if you haven't already). I liked this movie, and it is good.

Saturday Night Fever

So most of us know Saturday Night fever that are between 30 and almost dead. It has some iconic and often spoofed dance scenes. I wonder if the youngin's of the world today have heard of this movie or for that matter seen it. So is it a classic, well that depends on how you look at it. If you are shallow and have an insipid mind it is. If you are someone who likes to make fun of Disco and cheesy movies it is as well. I think, though I could be wrong, that I fall into the latter category. I enjoyed watching this movie not because it was good, but because it was just humorous to watch Vinny Barbarino in action, and I admit he is a good dancer. I found myself making fun of this movie while I watched it, but it is not terrible or undeserving like say the Blind Side (which I just reviewed), of being in this blog but just dated and just o.k. But there is that music by the Bee Gees that I am almost ashamed to admit I like, and the disco which along with the 80's are among America's cheesiest decades. So I recommend watching it to feel nostalgic, to see what the disco era was like if you are young, or just to laugh at a la mystery science theater 3000. Oh and look for a ridiculously hot very young Fran Drescher in the movie, marone that chick can get sausage stiff if yo know what I sayin' yo know what I am say sayin, ohhhh... marone, I think I just felt the thunder bolt (my attempt at being a stereotyped Italian from Brooklyn or I guess New Jersey as well).

The Devil's Backbone

So I watched Guillermo Del Toro's the Devil's Backbone released in 2001, so was it good well yeah. Del Toro has an incredible artistic side, which I love. I even enjoyed the Hellboy movies, especially the second one because he creates such beautiful creatures, and imaginary worlds. He has a very distinct visual nature like say Tim Burton. This movie was not one of those movies, it had a creepy little ghost kid in it, but otherwise was just a straightforward good old fashioned ghost story without a lot of special effects. The story takes place in Spain during the revolution at an orphanage, and has mysteries set up in the opening sequence which are slowly solved over the course of the movie. It has complicated characters, and a really chilling feel to it without having any spill your popcorn surprise moments. It is simple, well acted, well written, and very interesting. I think of his films I would rank this second after Pan's Labyrinth.

The Blind Side

So I watched the Blind Side last night, well was it good well no. This movie is the flip side of this blog. One side is to hopefully find other movie geeks like myself, and create a forum for introducing good movies to one another. The other is to discredit those that are supposedly good but lets face it are not. So why would I watch a movie I normally would not watch. Well, it was Sandra Bullock's academy award winning performance of course. I looked over the list of past winners from 1980 on, and one thing stuck out whether the performances were memorable or not they all came from good flicks. This fucking thing seriously felt like a made for TV movie. I think the Michael Oher story is truly incredible, and the family that adopted him just incredible, when I see pictures of the very white, very rich, and very southern Leigh Anne Toughy with this enormous black man from the wrong side of the tracks I admit it brings a tear to my eye. This movie as of the day I wrote this review has a 7.7 on IMDB, which on their scale is up there among the best. Each of these reviews is obviously one mans opinion but come on people, if we continue down this path of calling movies like this good, America may someday become no better than one of the fucktard nation of this world. Come on America we can do better, there is better, please do not allow Mediocrity to become the new gold standard. Come on everyone U.S.A, U.S.A, U.S.A, say it with me and burn this movie and melt that statue Sandra Bullock won. Oh and the kid who played Michael Oher actually did a good job of acting, where is his award.

A serious man

So i watched the Coen brothers "A serious man", well was it a good movie well.... before I say, lets look at some past achievements by these brothers. Let's see, Blood simple (gripping), Raising Arizona (comical and surreal), Barton Fink (surreal), Miller's crossing (gripping and intense), Fargo (gripping, intense, comical), The Big Lebowski (Dude.. do I need to say more o.k comical and surreal), O'brother Where Art Thou (comical, surreal), and No Country for old Men (gripping and intense). There are others but lets face it these are the gems and there are a lot of them. These guys do very distinct genres extremely well, comedy and intense movies. So there can be a lot of cross over and that surreal aspect is always willing to jump in and join either party, and I found this to be the case with a Serious Man, which is seriously good. I almost shamefully admit I have seen No Country for Old Men too many times to remember, it seems every time I see it pop up on TV I say I am going to watch a couple of minutes and get sucked in. So why do I mention this well I need to make some time to see a Serious Man again. It is the surreal, philosophical aspect that I want to revisit. It is a movie that is very deep, and I found myself questioning the gathering storm of the main character Larry Gopnik's life. What does it all mean? A question I am not sure Larry solved either. On a more personal level, I grew up in a very Jewish family, and I always like those movies that take me back to my younger days and remind me of the culture and religious traditions I was raised in. This is a great movie, but it is a much more cerebral movie than No Country for Old Men, and therefore is just for those of you that I hope find me Raoul Duke the greatest movie critic ever that no one reads.

Super troopers

What movie had syrup chugging contests, pot smoking state troopers, and lines like "it stinks like sex in here", why 2001's super troopers. It is one of those movies that is best enjoyed by stoners. In the pantheon of great stoner movies, I would rank this right up there with up in smoke and the first Harold and Kumar. This movie has so many classic lines and scenes, I simply don't have Time to list them all. a few of my favorite lines are, "bear fucker do you need assistance", "how's the view from sugar heaven bitch", and "the snozberries taste like snozberries". So get out the bong twist a fatty, get a blunt rolled, eat a brownie, get out the vaporizer, well you get the point, and get high and laugh till you pass out.

Broken embraces

So I watched broken embraces which was released in 2009 and directed by acclaimed Spanish film maker Pedro Almodovar. So is it good well yeah. Actually it was pretty great. It was surreal while not beating you over the head with it, kind of Fellini like in nature. The movie alludes to this, it also has a touch of Hitchcock in there as well. Penelope Cruz is great as she often is in Almodovar's films. The story is original and the acting is great. This is one of those movies intellectuals can grapple with and wax philosophic, while others can just enjoy if they either speak Spanish or can deal with subtitles. I highly recommend this movie.

A new leaf

So I watched a new leaf from 1971 starring Walter Matthau. So is it a classic, well yeah, is it for everyone well no. It is very quirky, a little odd, a little dark, and has some of the best dialog I've ever heard. I am not a big sucker for a happy ending, especially when you see it coming but it fits. I won't go into it, but it is the only weak spot in this otherwise great comedy. The material doesn't seem dated and a remake could be effective, but this movie stands up over time. Just remember to take care of the carbon on your valves, inside joke if you see the movie you'll get it.

the cove

So I watched "the Cove" winner of best documentary this year at the oscars. This movie also one several awards from prestigious film festivals and other movie award thingies from all over the world except probably Japan. Well was this movie good, well I have mixed feelings about this movie. This documentary is very well shot which bothered me for some reason, I guess I am used to seeing documentaries shot with a very low budget feel. Also, this movie had a real reality TV feel to it, and in fact I think the people behind this movie are getting a TV reality series about the subject of dolphin slaughter. That being said there is no denying the power of the video they went to great lengths to capture. It was eerie and sad, and showed human beings at their worst. The end is not for the easily horrified, but is worth watching to see just how miserable the slaughter of anything can be. I hope this movie and those that care about ending whaling and dolphin slaughter, can end what is happening in taiji Japan, but in the year since this film has been released it looks like little has changed. By the way fuck Seaworld you killed Flipper.

In the heat of the night

"They call me Mr. Tibbs", why those words pack so much power I don't know but they just do. Those words can be found in Norman Jewison's Oscar winning creation from 1967 called "In the heat of the night." So is this movie a classic well I say, I reckon ya'll. This movie has bad unbelievable plot twists right from the beginning that go all the way to the end but none of that matters. What does matter is what was at the heart of this movie, the acting and the message. This movie came about at a time when overt racism was still prevalent in southern culture. This movie shows us every stereotype associated with this blemish on American history, including cotton picking on the plantation and lawn jockeys, the only possible exception is the absence of white hooded KKK members though they are there just not in robes. Why this movie works is not the plot which is about solving a murder, but the struggles of both blacks and whites to get past racism following the civil rights movement. In this regard it not only works but deserves to be called a classic because of what people, who are growing up now in America with a mixed race President, can take from a time not too long ago when things were much different in this country. The acting especially by Rod Steiger is phenomenal, and he was rewarded with the academy award for best acting that year. So if you get the chance check out this flick, unless you can't get past the obvious plot flaws it is a great viewing experience.

If god is willin and da creek don't rise

So I watched Spike Lee's documentary "if god is willin' and the creek don't rise". It is his follow up to the documentary he did a year after Katrina called? So was it good, well it is four hours long, at times a little racist, at times a little confusing, but in general is a good look at a city that has struggled for years with corruption and poverty, before Katrina, after Katrina, and will keep struggling for years to come. It was good not great and I think has broad appeal, with the exception of maybe "Sarah Palin" types. I wouldn't say skip this but, I also don't think it is necessarily a must watch, it covers a lot of ground that I have seen short news stories on the same subject cover in far less time. I am not sure really what Spike Lee added to the debate. However, maybe several years from now, individuals wanting to learn about how America failed one of own cities in the midst of a natural disaster, and also see how corporate greed can be dangerous on a grand scale, should watch BOTH his movies on this subject to gain some insight and perspective ("When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" was really awesome).

the men who stare at goats

So I watched the men "who stare at goats" from 2009 starring George Clooney. So is it a good movie, well it could have been. I am going to add to the review after I have read the book, and seen the documentary it is in part based on by Jon Ronson. I read a lot of reviews before watching this movie, and got the sense that people in general liked it but that it eventually fell flat which is how I felt. I have seen some exerts from the documentary that came before the film and I have to say, that some of the weirdest shit in the doc is also some of the weirdest and most unbelievable stuff in this movie. So should you skip it, well I will comment after the documentary and book have been completed but for now, I say if you don't mind watching a movie that starts out with a lot of potential but then dies suddenly towards the end go for it.

blazing saddles

So what movie has a black pot smoking sherrif in the old west, klansman with robes that say "have a nice day", bikers on horseback, a guy named mongo, count bassie in the middle of the dessert, uses the "n" word repeatedly without sounding racist, cattle walking through everything including waiting in line to see a movie, and ends somehow at manns chinese theater after the cast has left the movie and broken loose onto Hollywood, why Blazing saddles of course. This comedy classic was made in 1974 and was directed by the once great Mel Brooks. I say once because he really went into decline after spaceballs (which was just o.k). This movie was written by Andrew Bergman who also wrote one of my other favorite comedies "The Freshman". This is another one of those movies I hope they never remake, it just works so why fuck with things that work and yes work so well. Unless you hate comedy I dare you not to love this classic.

The Russians are coming the Russians are coming

So I watched "The Russians are coming The Russians are coming" made in 1966. So is this a classic or even a good movie, well I got say ehhhh once again. This movie has a great cast (including one of my personal faves Jonathan Winters), a great director, and an interesting premise, but ultimately falls apart in the end. I think it falls apart because it is basically supposed to be a lighthearted comedy, so it is supposed to have a happy ending, but it just seemed contrived to me. I did enjoy watching a movie that apparently took place in a time when not only didn't people have cell phones, but they used switchboards and cranked their phones. Another thing I enjoyed were how there were no subtitles for what the Russians were saying, I don't know if it was intentional, but it put the audience in the same world with the characters who couldn't understand them either. So should you skip this one, well I don't know, I did find much of this film very funny including Alan Arkin (still relevant today wow!), but the ending bothered me, maybe you my one reader may feel differently. If you do please comment, I like to hear other people's opinions about movies that could go either way.

I want someone to eat cheese with

So I watched "I want someone to eat cheese with". So was it good, well ehhhhhh. I liked it, I am a fan of Jeff Garlin, but its not what I would say is a "good" movie. It is likable though, if you enjoy quirky comedies, which I do. I will say I thought the references to the film "Marty" were very apt, considering the plot, and I did like how this guy was basically a very lovable loser. If you enjoy indy comedies, you may enjoy this movie, but if not you can probably skip this one.

whip it

So I watched whip it from 2009, well some think it is good some not so much. Which camp am I in well the not so much one. I really wanted to like this movie, it had hot bad girls in mini skirts (so you can see their panties-what I am a man) being rough and acting tough, a killer soundtrack, an interesting story (based on a real league out of Austin Texas), and good acting, but in the end was just another predictable Hollywood movie for the most part. It suffered from a disease that I find runs rampant in sports films, it involves the main team going from last to first just like that, it involves the rookie sensation going through several personal trials often at the same time, a nasty rival team that shows respect in the end, and the big showdown to end it all. It is systemic and has infiltrated almost every sports flick I have ever seen, it even affects the movies that are spoofs of this very phenomenon. I honestly can't say whether to skip this one or not, maybe if the story had been more simple and had more grit it could have been a great freshman directing attempt by Drew Barrymore, but I was personally left feeling disappointed.

Kramer vs. Kramer

So one of my earliest memories from childhood is seeing this movie from 1979 with my parents in the theater. I will never forget the kid falling off the jungle gym and that "blank" (pardon my french) Meryl Streep using it against Dustin Hoffman in court. I think it is great that the two stars from this movie are still relevant today more than 30 years later. This is a classic. I think what spoke to me most about this movie was how it mirrored in subtle and not so subtle tones the changing landscape in America that really gained momentum in the 1970's. How women are more than just the roles men assign them, how men can make caring fathers, that women can and sometimes should make more money than men, how not all marriages are going to last forever, and finally how that can affect a small child. I can't say for sure but because of those struggles not so long ago, I think kids today are better prepared for divorce today. Its all around them, and there are support systems both private and public. We learned a lot from struggles that seemingly occured ages ago. That is what I liked about Kramer vs. Kramer, it made me think as well as entertain. I am not sure that was the purpose behind this Robert Benton creation, but I think just like movies such as "inherit the wind" paint a picture from another time in American History and how we have changed as a people since, this movie does that as well. In that sense it also shows how much we have not changed at our core. If you haven't seen this film yet I don't think you can go wrong, and if you haven't seen it for several years check it out again, you might just find yourself thinking about this American life as well.

Neo Ned

So have you ever wondered what would happen when two mental patients, one of whom is a Neo-Nazi and the other who is a black woman who thinks she is possessed by Adolf Hitler fall in love, well match this delightful movie to find out. This is pure indy film making, very low budget, hell I could see the reel change marks and this was on television. So is this a good movie well yes. Is it for everyone well no!. This is not a movie that hits just one note, it is at times funny, at other times touching, at times brutal, and yes at times disturbing. This movie is for the individual who finds it hard to sit through most of what Hollywood puts out. Gabrielle Union (Hitler), and the hurt locker's Jeremy Renner give remarkable performances with tons of emotion that feels "real". I liked this movie a lot, this is one of those movies that hopefully would appeal to those readers I am seeking. If you watched this movie and liked it you pass the test.

harvey

So I watched 1950's Harvey. Well is it a "classic", well yeah. Is it perfectly adapted for 60 years after its release well no, but its still really good. The foundation of this classic, lies in the great performance of Jimmy Stewart, combined with a good story, and memorable scenes. My favorite scene is near the end when Jimmy Stewart talks about all the people he meets everyday in an alley behind a bar. Could this movie be remade, well yeah, I would like to see a 21st century Harvey, but will people today like Harvey circa 1950, well I hope I am not alone in saying yes!

severance

So I watched severance from 2006 the feel good family movie of the last decade. Nah, I'm just foolin' ya its a slasher pick. So is it a good movie, well yes and no. In the general sense not really, but in the slasher b-movie sense it gets an A. It has halucinogenic drug use, it has balkan escorts topless firing machine guns, tons of gore, conspiracy theories that go nowhere, and can be at times pretty funny. I have to admit that for what it is it is a good and very watchable movie with decent acting and good atmosphere. I am not sure if this movie is something that is in the same pantheon as the other films in this blog but it is after all about both good movies and indy fare and severance is just that.

the 400 blows

So I watched Francois Truffaut's "the 400 blows". I am not sure why it is called this, so if anyone can help please comment. So this is considered to be a classic, and a centerpiece for discussion in film school. In this regard, I must be ignorant. This is a classic movie, this is a good movie, but I guess I just don't understand what makes this such a big deal for film students. It is a great story about little Antoine doniel who drinks, smokes, steals, skips school, lies, and runs away repeatedly. There is no moral question directed at the viewer it is just his life, and it has been hard but not terrible, like many people's own experience, and so we are not there to judge. The character is revisited throughout truaffot's career in several films, he even uses the same actor Jean-Pierre Laud. Pretty impressive considering the films span 20 years and he started at age 13. I recently reviewed "you can count on me" in many ways this film reminded me of it, in the sense that nothing is over played but we get to understand what goes into shaping someones life. I am looking forward to seeing the further adventures of doniel, and letting you my one reader know my self important opinion.

alice

So I watched an art film called Alice, this "film" is a cult favorite of sort among art types. It came out in 1988 and was made by sureal artist Jan Skankmajer. So was this a good movie well no, but it is an interesting art film. Apparently great film makers like Tim Burton developed some of their early animation styles based on his work. In that sense it was very interesting, however though it was an interesting take on the classic "Alice in Wonderland" it was not good story telling. This is after all a great story this artist is interpreting. Why not actually incorporate the story with its beautiful dialog acted, and not read in sporatic bursts and as blind monologue. Additionally, the film had some very unintentionaly disturbing images, especially the march hare. So should you watch this, if you are a huge fan of Tim Burton, or Michelle Gondry, or an art freak, maybe you will like it after all art is about individual intrepetation, but as an easily watchable movie for most people including intellectual types, no you can definetly skip this one.

the great buck howard

So The Great Buck Howard, this is one of those films that goes under
the category of indy fare for me. So is it a good movie no its just
o.k. This movie had one thing going for it and one thing going against
it. What it had going against it is Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks. I
have yet to think of him as a good actor, and sincerely believe if his
last name was not Hanks and his dad didn't produce some of his work
(including this one) he would be a struggling hack. What it had going
for it is John Malcovich. He is one of the greats and he does not
disappoint here. He does a great job and to be honest the script isn't
bad. Tom Hanks even has a small role as Colin's dad. They even seem to
have an "on golden pond moment" about being a writer (I would say actor
could have been substituted wherever they said writer.) So did I like
this movie, it was o.k it didn't suck but this blog is about truly good
movies and this is not one, but if you are bored and nothing else is on
you could do worse.

capitalism: a love story

Before I begin this review I would like to say that "Roger and me" (also directed by Michael Moore) is one of my favorite movies, and T.V nation I think is a great example of early very liberal television (nowadays we have the daily show and colbert report). That being said, I also have to disclose I have two business degrees including the coveted MBA. So is this a good movie, well unfortunately no. This is not the capitalist pig that dwells within me speaking, but a lover of good movie making speaking out. The second half of this movie was timely and in general pretty good, the first half was uneven and at times a little stupid. The worst scene in the entire movie came just before the movie started to pick up steam. It involved a family, who both the husband and wife worked at walmart. Walmart had taken out a small life insurance policy, on the guys wife (I am assuming to offset rehiring costs in case she died) but Michael Moore slanted it to almost look like walmart killed this poor woman. Or at the very least hoped she would die so they would get a big payout. They had the whole white trash family gathered around the dinner table, crying for their mom, all the while implying walmart was evil and to blame. If you are going to attack walmart do it on unfair wages or supporting Chinese goods made in poor work conditions with no environmental standards, not complete bull shit. Well that was a rant. Which is what Michael Moore at least inspires in people on both sides. That is what I like about him, but not this movie, I say skip it.

close encounters of the third kind

So I watched Steven Speilberg's "close encounters of the third kind" from 1977 yesterday, and I hadn't seen the movie since I was a kid. I guess the two things that always stuck with me from the movie were Richard Dreyfus shaping the mashed potatoes at dinner into a mountain, and saying "this means something, this is important". The other was the aliens at the end, they were very cute and child like. So there is now a whole generation of people who may have never heard of this movie, and as it gets older that will only increase. I mean the movie came out in 1977 and well is great but its not a mythological magnet like "star wars" which came out about the same time. I said in an earlier review "I hope they don't remake this movie" (referring to "some like it hot"), well I would say why not remake this movie. The special effects are terrific, but still we could do so much more nowadays with effects on such a grand level that we couldn't do then. The acting is great but, I don't identify any one of the characters with a specific actor like say Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lector. Its a great movie though, and if you are feeling nostalgic, or are a youngin' not afraid of watching something that was done before you were born, this is a great movie. However, me personally I am waiting for the remake before revisiting this yet again, directed oddly enough by Steven Speilberg, but starring Johnny Depp (hey why not he made for a great Raoul Duke!).

the sixth sense

So I revisited the sixth sense today. I can't think of too many people who haven't seen this flick at this point, but there is a whole new movie watching audience growing up right now that may have never even heard of this "classic". So the first time I saw this movie I didn't know the secret, but I knew there was one and figured it out about 10 minutes into the film. If you are young and don't know why someone just said "I see dead people" this movie is where that great line came from. This is also in case you don't know, pretty much the only film M. Night Shamalan did that isn't crap (I also liked unbreakable). So was this movie as good as I remember, well it was even better. I didn't spend the whole movie trying to solve a puzzle so I think I was able to really enjoy what a good story this is. For all you youngins' out there in the year 2100 who come across this as an archive, well for one greetings from beyond the grave, and secondly check out the sixth sense it's awesome.

you can count on me

You can count on me is a film starring Mark Ruffalo and Laura Linney and was made in 2000. This is one of those movies that is what they call a hidden gem. It is the story of a brother and sister who lose their parents in a car crash at a very young age. The story begins when they are older and the character played by Mark Ruffalo comes back home. One of the things that I loved about this movie is a key component, namely the tragic loss of their parents. You always get a sense that it is there and has shaped who these two characters have become as adults, but is never overplayed. Rory Culkin (yes Maculays brother) has a great first role as Laura's eight year old son. This movie is very well written and cerebral without trying to be over anyone's head. This is one of those movies that I think most people have never heard of, but if they would take the time to check out, I think they would find memorable.

before the devil knows your dead

Queintin Tarantino once said he would not make a film past 60 becasue no director does their best work that late in life. Well Sidney Lumet who directed this near perfect film was 83 when he directed it. I am not going to say squat about this film, if any one does read this someday, and decides to watch this movie I want everything to unfold for you. It is one of those movies that is like a roller coster ride, and is best when you don't know what is coming around the bend. This is the second movie I have reviewed this week that has Philip Seymour hoffman, and he is at his best. The casting in general which includes, Marisa Tomei, Ethan Hawke, and Albert Finney are all played wonderfully. The way the story unfolds is remarkable, the plot exceptional. There is not a single thing I did not love about this movie. If I do find any followers, and they watch please comment on what you thought, I think this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.

"The man who knew too much"

This Review is about Alfred Hitchcock's "The man who knew too much", starring Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day. To begin with I'm a fan of Mr. Hitchcock, I have seen a great number of his films. Though this is not as riveting as say "North by Northwest", it was a great film especially considering how old it is. Well the premise is now something that has been done to death by Hollywood, a family on holiday gets mixed up in international intrigue involving an assassination plot, and the chase is on to stop the assassin just in time. In this case the parents need to save their son from impending doom as well. However, Mr. Hitchcock is the master and the master is in top form creating suspense and drama at every turn. An interesting moral dilemma is well played also throughout this film. While I was watching this film I was reminded of one of my favorite comedies from the 70's called "foul play". It turns out that this film was an homage to Hitchcock and they based a crucial scene from "the man" in "foul play". I think this is also the origin of the famous use of Doris Day singing "que sera sera". Also, look for Hitchcock he's in there as usual, hard to spot though. Well, if you are a fan of suspense, old films, spy thrillers, or Hitchcock you should be sure to enjoy this good film as well.

mary and max

Mary and Max is a suberbly crafted film realesed in 2009, and is written and directed by Adam Elliot. To start with this film is Austalian, but takes place in both Australia and New York New York. Next, and most importantly I loved this movie. It was poignant, deeply moving, visually stunning and made you laugh, cry, and think. What more can you ask from a film. This film is somewhat intellectual and takes on some very difficult subjects while having the look of a Wallace and Gromit cartoon. It is beautifully narated by Barry Humphries who is most famous for his Dame Edna character. It also has wonderful supporting voices from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette. This is not a mainsteam film and if I find a following, I would hope they maintain a higher standard for their movie watching experience and seek this film out. I can rave on and on about this film, there was not one moment where I did not find myself completely enthralled. If you like great movies which I hope you do, please don't overlook this gloriuos treasure.

9

"9" is a digitally animated film that was released in 2009 starring Elijah Wood. So what to say about 9. Did I love it, well no. Did I hate it, well no. So is this movie "good" well yes. It is not for everyone and the story is just O.K. However, this movie is beautifully animated and well acted. The tale takes place in a future where machines once made to serve us and fight our wars have turned on us and destroyed the world and killed all humans. Wait no this is not a review of the Matrix or of the terminator, which is one of the things that make this movie just o.k. The evil creature that is at the heart of all destruction is even reminiscent of something from the "matrix". So why watch this movie well unless you are a stoner or a sci-fi geek you can probably skip this one, but if you are either or both you may have a good time. If you are a stoner whip out the bong and the cheetos dipped in vanilla frosting and kick back for a visual feast.

hoosiers

I expect this review will be a bit controversial to some. I am going to say something that some of you will agree with and well will outrage some as well. What is this magic word that will divide the hopefully two people who see this at some point before this blog disappears, well it is "OVER RATED !!!!!!!!!". I hated this movie. I thought the very 80's theme music sucked, I thought Dennis Hopper who got an oscar nod for this over acted. I thought the love interest angle involving Barbara Hershey and Gene Hackman was obvious. Every thing from the towns people hating newly arrived basketball coach "Gene Hackman" , to the local phenom stepping up to the figuritive plate just at the right moment, to the incredible and subtlety racist ending was obvious. Have you said the phrase "this thing just writes itself" well the chuckleheads who got the green light to do this must have uttered that constantly as they wrote this piece of garbage. Oh and by the way I know I forgot to say it earlier but "hoosiers" is an oscar nominated film about a basketball team that wins the big game in the 1950's and was made in 1986. You can skip this one "over rated" "over rated" "over rated"!

some like it hot

So this is my first movie review. I don't know who if anyone will read this but, I am what they call a "movie buff." I watch a lot of films, but generally limit myself to movies that are supposed to be "good" or even "classics". I know there are probably a million people doing this out there so I am just another opinion. I hope if you do read on that you enjoy my reviews. Oh and by the way any future blogs will be sans a long drawn out and probably boring personal history.
So let's start with a film "classic from 1959 "some like it hot". Let me describe the movie in simple terms; what happens when you take a pure B movie plot, add great dialog, superb acting, and near perfect direction from a hollywood legend, well you get pure comic gold. This is one of those movies you hope they never remake. It is now more than 50 years since this Billy Wilder gem was made and its stands the test of time. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon are perfectly cast as two down on their luck musicians who are on the run from the mob. They take a gig as female band members in order to get out of town and hilarity ensues. The dialog between them is fantastic and they sell every line that would probably be real cheesy if delivered by almost anyone else. Marilyn Monroe is well HOT. This is my first Marilyn Monroe movie and well I get it now. I always saw pictures of her and said o.k shes a babe but, man there really was just something about her. My favorite lines in the movie are in the very last scene. I won't spoil it for the possible one person who reads this someday, but man I almost peed myself. If you haven't ever taken the time to see this movie do it, unless you are made of stone I dare you not to enjoy this comic masterpiece.