Watch this clip! Or this one! Or this one (my favorite!)! Or this one! Adam introduced me to the "intentionally misplaced" clips from the Lawrence Welk show that have been on SNL recently and OMG... Kristen Wiig! OMG!
Some movies I've seen recently:
Hot Tub Time Machine - if you saw the commercials, then you know what you're in for. It's a silly movie that knows that it's silly - which is the best part! The whole movie is a joke of the movie itself. None of it is too serious. We saw it at the Dollar Theater and it was well worth the price! We laughed the entire time. John Cusak was great, even though I had doubts. I loooooove Cusak, but I wouldn't have ever picked him to be in a cheesy bro-mance movie, but he pulls it off. There are certainly more than a few nods to his 1980's movie career (the hot tub takes the guys back to the 80's) although I would have liked to see more. But no matter! It's gross and raunchy and totally hilarious.
Heathers - when I was in junior high, my mom called me "Veronica" because, like Winona Ryder's character, I was the only differently-named girl in my clique. Mine were all Jennifers, and none of them were evil (or necessarily popular - we were the dorks drinking Cherry Pepsi and eating Funyuns at lunch I can't believe I was never Homecoming Queen!). I haven't watched this movie in 15 years (gulp) at least and I have to admit that from the start, my pre-adolescent Christian Slater crush flared up. *heart palpitations* The movie actually holds up. Although, any kid born after Law & Order first aired would be pointing to forensic evidence galore, the movie itself is still fun. And reminds me of the Faith No More song, "Star A.D." lyrics "When you die, you'll become something worse than dead. You'll become a legend." [new cross stitch??]
Pecker - I love John Waters's movies. He's so awesome and Pecker is essentially the story of himself. A Baltimore boy who makes it big with his outsider art that becomes famous and eschews fame in exchange for exposing the rest of the world to real life (in Baltimore, of course!). Edward Furlong pulls it off so well, which honestly you wouldn't expect. And Martha Plimpton, as always, is my favorite.
Kill Bill Volumes 1 &2 - it had been a while since I'd watched these and I suddenly wanted to see them again. Now I am starving for more! When the movies were first released, Tarantino had cast a few young children (4-5 years old) who will become essential characters in the next installments and I'd heard that he was holding off on making the next volume until those kids were grown (it was reported back then that those exact actors were contracted in advance to be in the next volumes) so that they could reprise their own roles. It's been more recently reported that volume 3 is due sometime around 2014. I'm excited already! The movie is not just beautiful and completely fun, but it's really layered. I'm not smart enough to decipher it all, but I really really love the themes of honor in the films (all the characters are trained as Samurai warriors and they fight with swords - except for one major incident in which someone uses a gun) and even the fun little quirks like the airplane seats that have a place for you to hold your sword.
Big Top Pee Wee - this movie crushed my soul a little bit. I'd seen it when I was young and didn't remember any details and watching it now, I know why. The fun moments are few and the story is... ludicrous. Even for the Pee Wee Herman universe. It felt like someone's fun idea got mangled by Hollywood and turned in a disaster. One example of the horror: Pee Wee is engaged to be married. And! He cheats on his fiancee and has sex. Boo hiss.
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men - A fantastic book by David Foster Wallace that is exactly as it says - interviews. I couldn't fathom how it could be made into a movie, but wow! John Kracinski (Jim from the office) wrote the screenplay, directed, and acted in it and... wow! Hats off! It was really fantastic and a beautiful movie.
A Serious Man - of course, Ryan loved it. I was just lukewarm. It took a LONG time for the story to get going and even then... it just went. It's a Coen Brothers movie, so it doesn't necessarily give you the satisfaction that you're looking for in an ending. This one left me itchy.
Whip It - I stayed away for a long time because of all the hype surrounding this movie. It was pretty cool, but was still pretty formulaic. Ellen Page was great, as always, and Kristen Wiig is awesome. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
Tyson - who knew that a Mike Tyson documentary could be so interesting? Not me. Ryan rented and watched it and then said "you have to see this" so I did. It's not ultra revealing if you know anything about Tyson, but it was still interesting to hear it in his own words. And after watching the Holyfield fight, knowing the story behind it - yeah, that jerk deserved to be bit (essentially, he was cheating and head-butting and Tyson's only recourse was biting).
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Monday, June 07, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Movie Monday
More things that I have seen lately...
Up
I saw this in the theater also, but we rented it again recently to re-watch and I think I almost preferred it on the small screen, which I know is weird. Even knowing what's coming, the movie is still just as emotional/sentimental and I'll admit, I got a little misty-eyed. I mean, c'mon! How could you NOT?
Away We Go
The "indie rock" soundtrack and gentle, quirkiness of this movie made me instantly think of Garden State (in a good way, I like that movie) and at the end when I said "Garden State II?" Ryan laughed and yelled "EXACTLY!" It's a sweet little story about finding home and discovering family featuring actors that you wouldn't ordinarily think of for the leads: John Krazinski and Maya Rudolph, and yet they pull it off perfectly. The beauty of the casting is that it allows you to actually see people you know in these characters and totally relating to them (whereas if it was, say, Nicole Kidman or Keanu Reeves, you'd just be watching a movie about people). I really liked it. Not necessarily an 'owner' but I will probably watch it again with commentary before I return it.
Mars Attacks!
It had been forever since I'd seen this and sometimes you just NEED a little Martians-killing-humans fix, right? So much fun. I forgot so many things about it that it was full of pleasant surprises (Jack Black is the brother who joins the army! With a buzz cut!!) and the ending always makes me laugh... the ultimate defense comes via music. Brilliant! Also, I'd forgotten about how the Martians themselves are NOT CGI, but rather animated, which was a lovely touch and actually holds up quite well to today's CGI-everything movies. Bonus: Lisa Marie. She is soooo elegantly fantastic. I forgot about her in that dress! (that she was sewn in to) and that walk! Wonderful stuff!
Princess and the Frog
This movie blew me away. I was honestly expecting a ho-hum Disney movie with a few catchy songs and not a lot of story and... whoa. Firstly, the animation is GORGEOUS and drove me nearly to distraction trying to take it all in. And having the hand-drawn characters back really gave this film so much vitality! One of the main characters, Charlotte, was so perfectly bouncy and bubbly and bouyant that you practically expected her to float away like a bubble. That kind of energy just hasn't been captured in CGI (yet) and it was so fun to see. She reminded me so much of the characters in Ichabod Crane. LOVE! The story was actually pretty fun and I appreciated that the "dark" parts weren't too dark... or maybe I'm just getting older. The "villian" in this one made me think of Oogie Boogie -- a bad guy, yes, but not knee-tremblingly frightening (like, say Malificent or Ursula), the kind of scary that a child could enjoy (getting the satisfaction of "braving" the bad guy) and all of his scenes were unbelievably beautiful. I loved the art deco art "break ins" here and there to highlight a song or underscore a point. It was absolutely wonderful. Plus, the main character actually has a decent point (for once! In a princess movie to boot!) which may be pretty heavy-handed, but was a welcome departure from all the other princess flicks. She wasn't pining away, waiting to be rescued... she believed in hard work and sacrifice and being a decent person was the way to get ahead in the world. Which was a very nice change. This is definitely a movie that I plan to see again, and will probably buy it too - even if just to underscore the point to Disney that hand-made animation is still very relevant!
Seven Year Itch
An old Marilyn Monroe comedy that is still fantastic! Although it's clearly a "period piece" it still feels very relevant. It's essentially a one-man monologue that is utterly hilarious. Marilyn is cute, as expected, but the leading man, Tom Ewell, is really great. Sure, it's got the famous scene with Marilyn cooling her heels over the subway vent, so you'll get some cultural icon moments too, but overall it's a movie worth seeing -- even if Marilyn weren't in it.
Heaven Can Wait
I'm not sure why we added this to our queue - maybe thinking it was one of the George Burns as God movies? But it was decent. It's a funny story of a pro football player (on the LA Rams, 1978) played by Warren Beatty who dies but isn't quite ready to give up the ghost, so he inhabits someone else's body. It's semi-comedy, semi-drama (feels like the writers - Warren Beatty) couldn't decide which it should be... the comedy parts are pretty silly and semi-laughable. I wouldn't say that this is a FUNNY movie, but it has some decent moments. The parts that were waaaaay too long were the "let's show Warren Beatty being manly" moments, like jogging through Griffith Park. It was screaming for a montage (best montage ever: Team America) but instead was 10 solid minutes of Beatty jogging, lifting weights, etc. One of the things that really stood out was the 1970's casting. The 'leading lady' Julie Christie is a decent looking lady, but nothing at all like the beautiful starlets who took over in the 80's and 90's. It's sort of nice in a sweet nostalgia kind of way to see someone who is pretty but isn't Megan Fox as the lead female actress.
Hot Rod
Whoa. This was actually worse than I thought. Ryan liked it, so maybe it's a guy thing. I mean, I expected a jocked out version of an SNL skit - which it was - but it was just so... lacking. The best part was the premise: that the kid wants to make a giant Evel Knievel kind of jump to impress his step father, who is dying. If he makes the jump, he'll earn enough money to save his step father's life... so that he can kick his ass and kill him himself. Sorta funny. The rest was nearly painful to watch.
Up
I saw this in the theater also, but we rented it again recently to re-watch and I think I almost preferred it on the small screen, which I know is weird. Even knowing what's coming, the movie is still just as emotional/sentimental and I'll admit, I got a little misty-eyed. I mean, c'mon! How could you NOT?
Away We Go
The "indie rock" soundtrack and gentle, quirkiness of this movie made me instantly think of Garden State (in a good way, I like that movie) and at the end when I said "Garden State II?" Ryan laughed and yelled "EXACTLY!" It's a sweet little story about finding home and discovering family featuring actors that you wouldn't ordinarily think of for the leads: John Krazinski and Maya Rudolph, and yet they pull it off perfectly. The beauty of the casting is that it allows you to actually see people you know in these characters and totally relating to them (whereas if it was, say, Nicole Kidman or Keanu Reeves, you'd just be watching a movie about people). I really liked it. Not necessarily an 'owner' but I will probably watch it again with commentary before I return it.
Mars Attacks!
It had been forever since I'd seen this and sometimes you just NEED a little Martians-killing-humans fix, right? So much fun. I forgot so many things about it that it was full of pleasant surprises (Jack Black is the brother who joins the army! With a buzz cut!!) and the ending always makes me laugh... the ultimate defense comes via music. Brilliant! Also, I'd forgotten about how the Martians themselves are NOT CGI, but rather animated, which was a lovely touch and actually holds up quite well to today's CGI-everything movies. Bonus: Lisa Marie. She is soooo elegantly fantastic. I forgot about her in that dress! (that she was sewn in to) and that walk! Wonderful stuff!
Princess and the Frog
This movie blew me away. I was honestly expecting a ho-hum Disney movie with a few catchy songs and not a lot of story and... whoa. Firstly, the animation is GORGEOUS and drove me nearly to distraction trying to take it all in. And having the hand-drawn characters back really gave this film so much vitality! One of the main characters, Charlotte, was so perfectly bouncy and bubbly and bouyant that you practically expected her to float away like a bubble. That kind of energy just hasn't been captured in CGI (yet) and it was so fun to see. She reminded me so much of the characters in Ichabod Crane. LOVE! The story was actually pretty fun and I appreciated that the "dark" parts weren't too dark... or maybe I'm just getting older. The "villian" in this one made me think of Oogie Boogie -- a bad guy, yes, but not knee-tremblingly frightening (like, say Malificent or Ursula), the kind of scary that a child could enjoy (getting the satisfaction of "braving" the bad guy) and all of his scenes were unbelievably beautiful. I loved the art deco art "break ins" here and there to highlight a song or underscore a point. It was absolutely wonderful. Plus, the main character actually has a decent point (for once! In a princess movie to boot!) which may be pretty heavy-handed, but was a welcome departure from all the other princess flicks. She wasn't pining away, waiting to be rescued... she believed in hard work and sacrifice and being a decent person was the way to get ahead in the world. Which was a very nice change. This is definitely a movie that I plan to see again, and will probably buy it too - even if just to underscore the point to Disney that hand-made animation is still very relevant!
Seven Year Itch
An old Marilyn Monroe comedy that is still fantastic! Although it's clearly a "period piece" it still feels very relevant. It's essentially a one-man monologue that is utterly hilarious. Marilyn is cute, as expected, but the leading man, Tom Ewell, is really great. Sure, it's got the famous scene with Marilyn cooling her heels over the subway vent, so you'll get some cultural icon moments too, but overall it's a movie worth seeing -- even if Marilyn weren't in it.
Heaven Can Wait
I'm not sure why we added this to our queue - maybe thinking it was one of the George Burns as God movies? But it was decent. It's a funny story of a pro football player (on the LA Rams, 1978) played by Warren Beatty who dies but isn't quite ready to give up the ghost, so he inhabits someone else's body. It's semi-comedy, semi-drama (feels like the writers - Warren Beatty) couldn't decide which it should be... the comedy parts are pretty silly and semi-laughable. I wouldn't say that this is a FUNNY movie, but it has some decent moments. The parts that were waaaaay too long were the "let's show Warren Beatty being manly" moments, like jogging through Griffith Park. It was screaming for a montage (best montage ever: Team America) but instead was 10 solid minutes of Beatty jogging, lifting weights, etc. One of the things that really stood out was the 1970's casting. The 'leading lady' Julie Christie is a decent looking lady, but nothing at all like the beautiful starlets who took over in the 80's and 90's. It's sort of nice in a sweet nostalgia kind of way to see someone who is pretty but isn't Megan Fox as the lead female actress.
Hot Rod
Whoa. This was actually worse than I thought. Ryan liked it, so maybe it's a guy thing. I mean, I expected a jocked out version of an SNL skit - which it was - but it was just so... lacking. The best part was the premise: that the kid wants to make a giant Evel Knievel kind of jump to impress his step father, who is dying. If he makes the jump, he'll earn enough money to save his step father's life... so that he can kick his ass and kill him himself. Sorta funny. The rest was nearly painful to watch.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Movie Monday!
A total cliche/rip-off, I know! But I've seen some movies lately and now I want to talk about them. Which always reminds me of one of Jim Gaffigan's old jokes about seeing a movie years after everyone else watched it and being excited to talk about it and everyone is all 'oh yeah, I saw that four years ago' but you're like I wanna talk about it now.
Anyway. Over the "holiday season" Ryan and I took advantage of one of our local treasures: a second-run movie house. We lovingly call it the Dollar Theater, even though they've raised prices and now a matinee is $1.50 and evening movies are $2. But still! $2 is a good deal to see a movie on a big screen. Refreshments have "standard pricing" except hot dogs, which are $1. I bet they'd sell 100 more bags of popcorn a day if they had a cheapie $1 bag, but hey... they know what they're doing and I appreciate it. I love a $2 movie!
My 2 cents, er $2 (contains no spoilers):
Zombieland
The previews made this look fun and I had intended to see it in a 'regular' ($10) theater, but just never made it. Luckily, the zombies lived on and made it to the Dollar Theater. This was a REALLY fun movie! I was glad to see that there were a couple winks at horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead, but it wasn't at all the same type of story. And the female protagonists weren't weak ninnies looking for boys to save them (although this was a wee bit heavy handed sometimes), so that was a nice change. Woody Harrelson was great and Jesse Eisenberg was fantastic (I hadn't realized that it was going to be the same guy from Adventureland, so that was kinda funny). I think Emma Stone hasn't been cast right yet. She was very good in this movie, which makes me think that she's not a bad actress, but maybe hasn't met the right director yet. She was solid in this movie, but there were some glimmers of... I don't know what... just not "great" and I don't know if that was a director thing or what. Clearly, she has skills. I just wish someone would put her in something that was written and directed well, then she could really get far (otherwise she's going to be doomed as the "kinda hot but approachable chick" in a few more movies and then disappear). ANYWAY: the story was fun and the Big Celebrity Cameo (if you haven't seen it, don't spoil it! You'll thank me later.) was awesome. I nearly died from laughing. Ryan had claw marks on his arm from where I was squeezing it too hard to keep from falling out of my seat.
The premise of the movie is that there is a zombie virus outbreak and the nation has been infected so these folks are kind of roadtripping across the US toward a theme park, where they hope there aren't any zombies. Towns have been deserted and it's semi-post apocalyptic. It's such a fun principle that I'd love to have seen it played out more. If you're cruising the country, why not sleep at Graceland? Or live in a chocolate factory? There are so many opportunties for comedy, that I didn't like to see it limited. Although, realistically, they had to. Maybe a Zombieland series?
2 cents: super fun, not very scary, good action, so-so drama, and EXCELLENT cameo
Where the Wild Things Are
I should admit up front that this wasn't one of my favorite childhood books. I liked it, loved the art, but that was kinda it. I was very skeptical of how they'd create a movie-length version of a very short (and mostly pictures) kid's book (which is a dubious story in my opinion, but that's a whole other Oprah). Visually, the movie is stunning. The blend of costumes, puppetry, and CGI make the characters very "real" and I really got taken in to the story and believed that the characters were there. Which is all very good. The voice acting was great by some, kind of ok by others. James Gandolfini voiced Carol, the main monster, and it was a good match-up for personality but Gandolfini's heavy nostril breathing makes my skin crawl. So... that was a bit much for me. Catherine O'Hara was great, as always, but her character (Judith) was an unlikeable borderline racist example of Jewish stereotyping. The stereotyping was kind of heavy-handed. It's probably supposed to "teach us a lesson" or something, but it was irksome.
For my taste, it was long and drawn out. The boy's pouting and the tantrums-cum-games with the monsters were a bit too much. Overall, I couldn't figure out who the movie was "for" - the kids who were learning these (heavy handed) lessons about not always getting what you want and that adults can't make the world perfect or safe, or the adults who were supposed to get an insight into the kinds of trust and care that their kids need? And I especially disliked, like the book, that the movie ended on a whimper. [not a spoiler if you've read the book:] The mother acquiesces to the son and there are no repercussions for either of them. That bugged me a lot, especially since the rest of the (lengthy) movie was about learning lessons and owning up to your mistakes and shortcomings.
2 cents: everyone will like it, visually stunning, but very hyperactive and kinetic and not entirely my cup of tea.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Admission: I had ZERO expectations for this movie and we went to see it on a 'what the heck' impulse. This was another book that I was aware of as a kid, but didn't remember the story. So how true it is to the book, I couldn't say. However, this was a FANTASTIC movie! So many animated movies these days forget their audience and/or focus on adults and hope that kids will like them simply because they're cartoons. OR they're complete fluff and in it just for the franchising. This one was, to its benefit, made for kids. The story is easy-to-follow and jam-packed with funny quips and jokes. The characters are all likeable, and the best part: there's no scary part! I mean, sure there's the moments of watered down intensity (it's raining giant meatballs! Who can stop it?!) but it was never anxious. In that regard, I applaud the creative team. They made a movie for kids that can actually be tolerated by kids! There was no "villian" per se (the "bad guy" was the malfunctioning machine and there was some drama with the narcissistic mayor, but he was always laughable and not scary) which was a welcome change for me. I don't like the drawn-out bad guy parts of kids' movies, not because I'm scared myself, but because they're not scary enough to actually be menacing, but they're frightening enough to bother kids. So then it's too watered down for adults and too terrifying for kids: who's the audience?
Meatballs was silly and funny and I can honestly report that (seeing it twice!) I laughed start to finish. The jokes are great and on several levels, so it's not just a knowing wink to the adults with double entendres, but genuinely funny gags.
2 cents: fun for everyone and will probably make an excellent rental (I saw it available at Blockbuster), but if it's in your local bargain theater, drop $2 and enjoy it on a big screen.
Brick
We kept skipping this on our Blockbuster by mail list for a while, but after we saw Brothers Bloom (same director) we got anxious to see it. Interesting high school/detective noir-ish drama. A gangster crime boss drug dealer... in 12th grade. I loved the comical juxtaposition of the hijinx and tough talk and then sitting for dinner with the folks. It kind of stuck in my brain a bit and I ended up mulling it over for a while. Ryan declared instant love.
2 cents: If you like whodunnits and old timey gangster flicks (they even conjure up a little Capone in their teen vernacular), you'll probably like this.
Anvil: the Story of Anvil
2009's most talked about documentary? Probably. It was fun and interesting - plus, I love me a documentary! - although there were several times where I just wanted to slap the guys and tell them to get a real life already! It was heartbreaking that this band who, rightfully, should have gone on to megasuccess (they were bigger than Black Sabbath, Megadeath, Metallica, et al who actually rode their coattails and then surpassed them to stardom) not only failed to catch on, but that none of the guys in the band ever thought "hmm, maybe I should do something else." Instead, they're all these 50+ year old guys living on couches and in basements, working transient sort of jobs so that they can split in an instant when they get their Big Breakthrough. Which, I guess, has that romantic admirability to it, but jeez louise! You couldn't work a 9-5 desk job somewhere and then quit when your band goes multiplatinum? Instead, these guys are inching into their golden years without 2 nickels to rub together -- and what are their future prospects?
There were some great and funny moments in this documentary and a lot of it was really, genuinely sad.
2 cents: interesting documentary, recommend it to everyone you know who doesn't want to get a 'real job' in case their dream comes true.
Anyway. Over the "holiday season" Ryan and I took advantage of one of our local treasures: a second-run movie house. We lovingly call it the Dollar Theater, even though they've raised prices and now a matinee is $1.50 and evening movies are $2. But still! $2 is a good deal to see a movie on a big screen. Refreshments have "standard pricing" except hot dogs, which are $1. I bet they'd sell 100 more bags of popcorn a day if they had a cheapie $1 bag, but hey... they know what they're doing and I appreciate it. I love a $2 movie!
My 2 cents, er $2 (contains no spoilers):
Zombieland
The previews made this look fun and I had intended to see it in a 'regular' ($10) theater, but just never made it. Luckily, the zombies lived on and made it to the Dollar Theater. This was a REALLY fun movie! I was glad to see that there were a couple winks at horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead, but it wasn't at all the same type of story. And the female protagonists weren't weak ninnies looking for boys to save them (although this was a wee bit heavy handed sometimes), so that was a nice change. Woody Harrelson was great and Jesse Eisenberg was fantastic (I hadn't realized that it was going to be the same guy from Adventureland, so that was kinda funny). I think Emma Stone hasn't been cast right yet. She was very good in this movie, which makes me think that she's not a bad actress, but maybe hasn't met the right director yet. She was solid in this movie, but there were some glimmers of... I don't know what... just not "great" and I don't know if that was a director thing or what. Clearly, she has skills. I just wish someone would put her in something that was written and directed well, then she could really get far (otherwise she's going to be doomed as the "kinda hot but approachable chick" in a few more movies and then disappear). ANYWAY: the story was fun and the Big Celebrity Cameo (if you haven't seen it, don't spoil it! You'll thank me later.) was awesome. I nearly died from laughing. Ryan had claw marks on his arm from where I was squeezing it too hard to keep from falling out of my seat.
The premise of the movie is that there is a zombie virus outbreak and the nation has been infected so these folks are kind of roadtripping across the US toward a theme park, where they hope there aren't any zombies. Towns have been deserted and it's semi-post apocalyptic. It's such a fun principle that I'd love to have seen it played out more. If you're cruising the country, why not sleep at Graceland? Or live in a chocolate factory? There are so many opportunties for comedy, that I didn't like to see it limited. Although, realistically, they had to. Maybe a Zombieland series?
2 cents: super fun, not very scary, good action, so-so drama, and EXCELLENT cameo
Where the Wild Things Are
I should admit up front that this wasn't one of my favorite childhood books. I liked it, loved the art, but that was kinda it. I was very skeptical of how they'd create a movie-length version of a very short (and mostly pictures) kid's book (which is a dubious story in my opinion, but that's a whole other Oprah). Visually, the movie is stunning. The blend of costumes, puppetry, and CGI make the characters very "real" and I really got taken in to the story and believed that the characters were there. Which is all very good. The voice acting was great by some, kind of ok by others. James Gandolfini voiced Carol, the main monster, and it was a good match-up for personality but Gandolfini's heavy nostril breathing makes my skin crawl. So... that was a bit much for me. Catherine O'Hara was great, as always, but her character (Judith) was an unlikeable borderline racist example of Jewish stereotyping. The stereotyping was kind of heavy-handed. It's probably supposed to "teach us a lesson" or something, but it was irksome.
For my taste, it was long and drawn out. The boy's pouting and the tantrums-cum-games with the monsters were a bit too much. Overall, I couldn't figure out who the movie was "for" - the kids who were learning these (heavy handed) lessons about not always getting what you want and that adults can't make the world perfect or safe, or the adults who were supposed to get an insight into the kinds of trust and care that their kids need? And I especially disliked, like the book, that the movie ended on a whimper. [not a spoiler if you've read the book:] The mother acquiesces to the son and there are no repercussions for either of them. That bugged me a lot, especially since the rest of the (lengthy) movie was about learning lessons and owning up to your mistakes and shortcomings.
2 cents: everyone will like it, visually stunning, but very hyperactive and kinetic and not entirely my cup of tea.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Admission: I had ZERO expectations for this movie and we went to see it on a 'what the heck' impulse. This was another book that I was aware of as a kid, but didn't remember the story. So how true it is to the book, I couldn't say. However, this was a FANTASTIC movie! So many animated movies these days forget their audience and/or focus on adults and hope that kids will like them simply because they're cartoons. OR they're complete fluff and in it just for the franchising. This one was, to its benefit, made for kids. The story is easy-to-follow and jam-packed with funny quips and jokes. The characters are all likeable, and the best part: there's no scary part! I mean, sure there's the moments of watered down intensity (it's raining giant meatballs! Who can stop it?!) but it was never anxious. In that regard, I applaud the creative team. They made a movie for kids that can actually be tolerated by kids! There was no "villian" per se (the "bad guy" was the malfunctioning machine and there was some drama with the narcissistic mayor, but he was always laughable and not scary) which was a welcome change for me. I don't like the drawn-out bad guy parts of kids' movies, not because I'm scared myself, but because they're not scary enough to actually be menacing, but they're frightening enough to bother kids. So then it's too watered down for adults and too terrifying for kids: who's the audience?
Meatballs was silly and funny and I can honestly report that (seeing it twice!) I laughed start to finish. The jokes are great and on several levels, so it's not just a knowing wink to the adults with double entendres, but genuinely funny gags.
2 cents: fun for everyone and will probably make an excellent rental (I saw it available at Blockbuster), but if it's in your local bargain theater, drop $2 and enjoy it on a big screen.
Brick
We kept skipping this on our Blockbuster by mail list for a while, but after we saw Brothers Bloom (same director) we got anxious to see it. Interesting high school/detective noir-ish drama. A gangster crime boss drug dealer... in 12th grade. I loved the comical juxtaposition of the hijinx and tough talk and then sitting for dinner with the folks. It kind of stuck in my brain a bit and I ended up mulling it over for a while. Ryan declared instant love.
2 cents: If you like whodunnits and old timey gangster flicks (they even conjure up a little Capone in their teen vernacular), you'll probably like this.
Anvil: the Story of Anvil
2009's most talked about documentary? Probably. It was fun and interesting - plus, I love me a documentary! - although there were several times where I just wanted to slap the guys and tell them to get a real life already! It was heartbreaking that this band who, rightfully, should have gone on to megasuccess (they were bigger than Black Sabbath, Megadeath, Metallica, et al who actually rode their coattails and then surpassed them to stardom) not only failed to catch on, but that none of the guys in the band ever thought "hmm, maybe I should do something else." Instead, they're all these 50+ year old guys living on couches and in basements, working transient sort of jobs so that they can split in an instant when they get their Big Breakthrough. Which, I guess, has that romantic admirability to it, but jeez louise! You couldn't work a 9-5 desk job somewhere and then quit when your band goes multiplatinum? Instead, these guys are inching into their golden years without 2 nickels to rub together -- and what are their future prospects?
There were some great and funny moments in this documentary and a lot of it was really, genuinely sad.
2 cents: interesting documentary, recommend it to everyone you know who doesn't want to get a 'real job' in case their dream comes true.
Monday, June 08, 2009
the one that got away
On Saturday, I saw a tray like this one (below) in an antique shop. I wanted to confirm that the price was fair before I bought it so I left it in the cabinet and decided I'd come back on Sunday.
I found it online and it turns out that it's worth a LOT of money and would have been a great steal. So I ran back to the shop after lunch on Sunday and someone had bought it. Ultimate sadness.
Before the vintage shop, Kate and I went to a craft fair and I scored a Tiny Tim prayer candle (so that he will bless me in my ukulele lessons!), a brooch of Bob's Big Boy achieving enlightenment, plus a Ouija board candle for Ryan. After that, we went to Tall Mouse craft store which is deadly on your wallet. I bought several ADORABLE fat quarters of fabric and also more peg people and somehow escaped without having to sell my soul. It was an accomplishment, let me tell you!!
That evening, I got to spend the Border's gift card that my mom gave me and was able to get FIVE. NEW. BOOKS. [insert audio of angels singing] and then we met up with Ryan to go see Up in 3D. Up was just as sweet and cute and funny and sad as everyone said. I just wish that people could admit that cartoons don't have to be for kids. The theater was packed (seriously, every seat was taken) full of kids, most of whom seemed pretty bored or were crying and squirming. It's a very touching story of an old man living his life's dream before it's too late. Clearly written for an older audience (I feel the same way about Wall-E and Cars). But it was very sweet and silly and the kid (Russell) adds great comic relief. I laughed, I cried, I ate Whoppers. It was a great night.
Afterward, Ryan was in a hurry to get back to work, so he suggested that we grab a quick cup of tea and debrief about the movie... which, of course, turned into at least 2 more hours of chit-chat (interrupted once by a guy in a bowling pin costume - you can't make this stuff up!) during which I told a bunch of embarrassing stories about myself (sorry Kate!).
Needless to say, it was a fantastic day and I was exhausted when we got home.
I found it online and it turns out that it's worth a LOT of money and would have been a great steal. So I ran back to the shop after lunch on Sunday and someone had bought it. Ultimate sadness.
And I know you're thinking "who cares about a stupid TV tray?" but here's why it's special: it's a Disneyland souvenir, featuring the original park map. The park has grown and changed over the years, and I have never seen a "Disneyland" TV tray before. Sure, plenty of Mickey or other Disney characters, but not one from the park. *sigh*
Luckily, I didn't leave the shop empty-handed. I found a vintage tea pot that was a Disneyland souvenier from the late 50's/early 60's. I found a picture of the full set, but so far I only have the tea pot. Isn't it so cute? It's even stained inside from some little girl having a tea party with her friends. Awww!
Before the vintage shop, Kate and I went to a craft fair and I scored a Tiny Tim prayer candle (so that he will bless me in my ukulele lessons!), a brooch of Bob's Big Boy achieving enlightenment, plus a Ouija board candle for Ryan. After that, we went to Tall Mouse craft store which is deadly on your wallet. I bought several ADORABLE fat quarters of fabric and also more peg people and somehow escaped without having to sell my soul. It was an accomplishment, let me tell you!!
That evening, I got to spend the Border's gift card that my mom gave me and was able to get FIVE. NEW. BOOKS. [insert audio of angels singing] and then we met up with Ryan to go see Up in 3D. Up was just as sweet and cute and funny and sad as everyone said. I just wish that people could admit that cartoons don't have to be for kids. The theater was packed (seriously, every seat was taken) full of kids, most of whom seemed pretty bored or were crying and squirming. It's a very touching story of an old man living his life's dream before it's too late. Clearly written for an older audience (I feel the same way about Wall-E and Cars). But it was very sweet and silly and the kid (Russell) adds great comic relief. I laughed, I cried, I ate Whoppers. It was a great night.
Afterward, Ryan was in a hurry to get back to work, so he suggested that we grab a quick cup of tea and debrief about the movie... which, of course, turned into at least 2 more hours of chit-chat (interrupted once by a guy in a bowling pin costume - you can't make this stuff up!) during which I told a bunch of embarrassing stories about myself (sorry Kate!).
Needless to say, it was a fantastic day and I was exhausted when we got home.
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