Movie Monday

Actually, to be more accurate, it's a DVD Monday, because some of the things we've watched recently are TV shows on DVD and not technically movies.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
This is one of those movies that my parents watched a lot and so I absorbed some by proxy, but had never actually sat to watch it. I have to say, it's pretty good. The jokes hold up (even though the musical score does not) and man, John Candy is so funny. This alone has inspired a future line-up of John Candy movie re-watches (oh man, Great Outdoors? I loved that one as a kid!).

2 cents: funny movie and if you're a frequent traveler it gets a little too close to home (for comfort) sometime.

The Black Donnellys
A very dear and very Irish friend of mine recommended this series to us (who should probably skip this so as not to become offended and declare war), so we picked it up recently. We watched the entire season (there's just one, the series wasn't renewed) and I'll concede that there were some genuinely interesting twists and some good moments, overall it wasn't my favorite TV series. I really liked the premise and the first episode was pretty strong, in fact I feel that was the problem with the series. It felt like someone had a great idea and a strong pitch and then the network hired some random writers who just couldn't carry it to fruition. I'd guess that everyone was high on Soprano's fumes and every writer wanted to be part of The Next Big Gangster Series. Sadly, I ended up frustrated with all of the characters. They were all whiny and doing dumb stuff over and over... I didn't have anyone to root for.

2 cents: not my cup of tea, you might like it if you like Irish gangster drama

Big Love Season 3
We've only watched the first 5 episodes and I'm already hooked. This wasn't a series that I thought I would like, I mainly gave it a try "just to see" how it would be... and I've really grown to like it. It's a well crafted series and some phenomenal acting. It's not really the point of the story, but I am so in love/awe/respect with Barbara (Jean Tripplehorn) that it nearly brings me to tears every episode. *sigh* And Chloe Sevigny is... amazing. Her character is a schemer, and she crafts it SO WELL that you can actually feel the internal conflicts and the multiplicity of her character. Simply amazing.

2 cents: probably not for everyone, especially if you can't get over the polygamist aspect, but its a rich storyline that always keeps you on your toes.

Eastbound and Down
Honestly, we rented it based on the DVD cover art. We didn't realize that it was produced by Will Ferrell, which explains its kooky premise. Very silly and funny and done really well. Very dirty and adult and totally up our alley. Hilarious.

2 cents: if you like cheesy comedy with boobies and swears, you'll love it.

The Men Who Stare At Goats
We saw this movie advertised on an arthouse theater marquee in LA and just saw the title and the cast roster and said "we have to see this." Turns out, it was a good gut instinct! The movie is playing at the Dollar Theater and we finally got to see it this weekend. SUPER GOOD. As is to be expected (c'mon, George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges?! How can you go wrong?!!). It's about the 'secret' division of the Army who trained to use remote viewing and other psychic practices for military purposes.

2 cents: super great, loved it! For extra fun, take their psychic tests online!

Joe Dirt
Hadn't seen this in a long while, and I have to say: it holds up. Sure, it's stupid, but it's dang funny. Maybe the pinnacle of David Spade's career. And for my money, the best movie Happy Madison ever produced.

2 cents: want some poop jokes topped in a mullet? Joe Dirt's your man!