I must have been extra tired this weekend, cuz I kept falling asleep & having to rewatch stuff!
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)
When I first saw a trailer for this movie, I groaned at what looked like another affable Michael Cera performance. Which is what this movie delivers, though I have usually enjoyed Cera's roles so I can't remember why this was a bad thing. I remember one review mentioning how the friends/bandmates were too stereotypical & annoying, but I thought they were good enough characters. Only letdown was the ending, but I guess it would have been not as good if it ended the way you expect it to. The cute indie soundtrack and the dazzling city lights at night will make you want to go for an uptown romp of your own.
P.S. I Love You (2007)
I always find it remarkable when one of these sappy sad kind of movies is written and directed by guys. At least it's based off of a novel by a woman. The concept is kind of interesting, if a good bit creepy and morbid, but at least we get to see lots of pretty wide shots of lush Irish countryside. Hilary Swank is a little hard to believe as the dense ditzy spoiled kind of girl, but I guess girls just wanna have fun in a role sometimes. At least the end brings some relief to the story, but much of the film dishes grief on the viewer that feels pointless and undeserved. At least this movie is fun to talk smack about the characters & imitate Irish brogues with your significant other.
Jackie Brown (1997)
I have always thought Pulp Fiction (and perhaps Tarantino in general?) was slightly overrated, if not great fun on repeated viewings to absorb some of the crazier dialogue. That plus the fact that I am unfamiliar with Pam Grier's glory days of blaxploitation, and the fact that Tarantino obviously is a huge fan of that, leaves this film somewhat underwhelming. Sam Jackson and DeNiro bring the laughs, and the WTF twists are some good fun, not to mention some interesting overlapping perspectives of a climactic later scene and a comically unsexy sex scene, and another good retro Tarantino soundtrack. Just the least fun subject matter in a Tarantino IMHO. Still looking forward to Inglorious Basterds, though I must see the original first.
Joe's Apartment (1996)
After much nudging by a friend, I finally checked this one out. Classic rude awakening of the out of towner arriving to the big city, eyes wide in anticipation, only to end up in one of the most roach infested buildings ever. But these roaches have celebrity voice actors (unfortunately pitched up beyond recognition) and they just want to help! You can tell its an MTV film (the first one ever, in 96?) since the ADD pacing never bores and keeps things moving. There are good laughs here, among the glamourously grungy depictions of city life and animated roaches.
-------------------------
So it looks like Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars this year, so I shall have to watch it, along with The Wrestler, Benjamin Button and maybe a few others. The Academy Award adorned DVDs should be coming out fairly soon now.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
consessions stand 001 - only a snack + flower impressions
A case of PBR can remove pants and loosen lips as good as anything, but of course its also good for bringing together some pals for pyramid construction and a possibly recurring trip to the local evil BB itself.
An American Carol (2008)
Personally, I'm not a Michael Moore hater - I find his films interesting and point-proving to my admittedly malleable noggin, though I don't bother to double check his facts like those internet hawks out there. Some people, however, wanna crucify the lard for being such a hypocritical d-bag, and I can understand that stance. Featuring Kevin Farley (Chris's brother), Leslie Nielsen, and Kelsey Grammar, Michael "Malone" gets run through the old Scrooge wringer, with a series of spirits pointing out the mistakes in his logic & presenting revealing histories and potential futures. Some good points are made regarding college professors and the film puts the recently highly revered Jimmy Carter in a very interesting light. I try to have an open mind, and I don't think I know enough about anything to have a political opinion worth mentioning, but I don't think I would have even given this a second glance without my more comedy-appreciative friend's insistence.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The case of PBR was about pilfered by the end of the first film, and the company was getting slightly out of hand, but even though I hadn't seen this before I think I gathered the gist of it, plus of course I knew the premise going in. It's definitely a good clean fun PG 80s coming of age flick with a good spicing of action. In particular I enjoyed the very neat, clever transition from slave labor to combat training. Fun fact - Pat Morita was a comedian in San Francisco, complete with slightly effiminate very American accent, and was originally thought to be a strange choice for the role, but the character he came up with seemingly out of nowhere is definitely one of those memorable father figures you won't forget.
-------------------------
I did conceed and buy flower (PS3 via PSN) today, and it's definitely more longevitous and enjoyable than the studio's predecessor flow. I'm only halfway through and it's already taken a strangely dark turn, and I anxiously await the hinted at meeting of the dual contrasting settings. Best sixaxis controls yet, I think. Now if I can just overcome the urge to trade in Soul Calibur IV for Street Fighter IV...
An American Carol (2008)
Personally, I'm not a Michael Moore hater - I find his films interesting and point-proving to my admittedly malleable noggin, though I don't bother to double check his facts like those internet hawks out there. Some people, however, wanna crucify the lard for being such a hypocritical d-bag, and I can understand that stance. Featuring Kevin Farley (Chris's brother), Leslie Nielsen, and Kelsey Grammar, Michael "Malone" gets run through the old Scrooge wringer, with a series of spirits pointing out the mistakes in his logic & presenting revealing histories and potential futures. Some good points are made regarding college professors and the film puts the recently highly revered Jimmy Carter in a very interesting light. I try to have an open mind, and I don't think I know enough about anything to have a political opinion worth mentioning, but I don't think I would have even given this a second glance without my more comedy-appreciative friend's insistence.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The case of PBR was about pilfered by the end of the first film, and the company was getting slightly out of hand, but even though I hadn't seen this before I think I gathered the gist of it, plus of course I knew the premise going in. It's definitely a good clean fun PG 80s coming of age flick with a good spicing of action. In particular I enjoyed the very neat, clever transition from slave labor to combat training. Fun fact - Pat Morita was a comedian in San Francisco, complete with slightly effiminate very American accent, and was originally thought to be a strange choice for the role, but the character he came up with seemingly out of nowhere is definitely one of those memorable father figures you won't forget.
-------------------------
I did conceed and buy flower (PS3 via PSN) today, and it's definitely more longevitous and enjoyable than the studio's predecessor flow. I'm only halfway through and it's already taken a strangely dark turn, and I anxiously await the hinted at meeting of the dual contrasting settings. Best sixaxis controls yet, I think. Now if I can just overcome the urge to trade in Soul Calibur IV for Street Fighter IV...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
netflix barrage 004 - the fun?
Who says my random little movie review blog has to be serious? Hpnotiq and a lil bottle of Jack Daniels accompany these viewings.
Say Anything... (1989)
John Cusack blunders & blubbers his way through this enjoyable 80s teen romcom. The representation of how a breakup affects a guy really ring accurate. The famous boombox-over-head scene , like many similarly famous scenes, is kind of stuck in there non-chalantly I think. Not to mention the song (In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel) he was playing has been burned out in my mind via work muzak. Also strange that the movie's title phrase is more often uttered by the girl to her father.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Elrond aka Agent Smith aka Hugo Weaving in Drag. Wow, didn't expect that to be the first thing I saw in this movie (not sure what I Did have in mind though...). A definite interesting variation on the standard road movie. Unfortunately, I didn't see how this darkly comic (and just plain dark at times) romp through the Australian desert turned out, since I was very tired. All I can gather from wiki that I missed is some kooky plot twist. Cos I know pills are my favorite breakfast.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Tim Burton masterfully crafts a cheesy, hilarious bloodthirsty alien apocalypse for our eyes, accompanied theramintastically for our ears by Danny Elfman. As if the quacky alien language wasn't funny enough, there's some great comic timing and suspense when the aliens tactfully pretend to be making contact peacefully, only to unleash all hell when least expected. Danny DeVito def doesn't deserve to be on the poster though - he has maybe 60 seconds of screen time?? President Jack Nicholson's death is downright iconic btw.
The Fugitive (1993)
Harrison Ford gets his serious face on for this roller coaster thriller. After laying down just a bit of exposition, the stuff hits the fan without warning, and the crazy stuff just keeps happening. US Marshall Tommy Lee Jones definitely earns his Academy Award for Supporting Actor with one of my favorite turns of his hard biting wit. The plot twists get a little out of hand towards the end but its a good solid action movie.
Next week!
Say Anything... (1989)
John Cusack blunders & blubbers his way through this enjoyable 80s teen romcom. The representation of how a breakup affects a guy really ring accurate. The famous boombox-over-head scene , like many similarly famous scenes, is kind of stuck in there non-chalantly I think. Not to mention the song (In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel) he was playing has been burned out in my mind via work muzak. Also strange that the movie's title phrase is more often uttered by the girl to her father.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Elrond aka Agent Smith aka Hugo Weaving in Drag. Wow, didn't expect that to be the first thing I saw in this movie (not sure what I Did have in mind though...). A definite interesting variation on the standard road movie. Unfortunately, I didn't see how this darkly comic (and just plain dark at times) romp through the Australian desert turned out, since I was very tired. All I can gather from wiki that I missed is some kooky plot twist. Cos I know pills are my favorite breakfast.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Tim Burton masterfully crafts a cheesy, hilarious bloodthirsty alien apocalypse for our eyes, accompanied theramintastically for our ears by Danny Elfman. As if the quacky alien language wasn't funny enough, there's some great comic timing and suspense when the aliens tactfully pretend to be making contact peacefully, only to unleash all hell when least expected. Danny DeVito def doesn't deserve to be on the poster though - he has maybe 60 seconds of screen time?? President Jack Nicholson's death is downright iconic btw.
The Fugitive (1993)
Harrison Ford gets his serious face on for this roller coaster thriller. After laying down just a bit of exposition, the stuff hits the fan without warning, and the crazy stuff just keeps happening. US Marshall Tommy Lee Jones definitely earns his Academy Award for Supporting Actor with one of my favorite turns of his hard biting wit. The plot twists get a little out of hand towards the end but its a good solid action movie.
Next week!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
netflix barrage 003 - the sickly
I think this is the order we saw them in...
All viewed under the influence of a killer head cold...
Rocky (1976)
Finally saw one of the all time great sports/human struggle movies. Grittier than expected, Philly must be a rough town. The early shot with the puppies in the pet store window could have been throw-away symapathy, but the script ties it in. Beginning and ending with the famous steps is a brilliant way to show progress in the training montage. Wonder how part 2 will be.
Raising Arizona (1987)
In this indeed worthy predecessor to the likes of The Big Lebowski, a brilliantly white trash Nicolas Cage narrates his escapades involving convenience stores, a purdy police-lady, and some more well off folk undeserving of their newborn quintuplets. Succulent comedy flows in the very blood of the script, even in the names! Hilarious, despite baby content. Coen-tastic, in a word. Miller's Crossing is next, I believe.
Persepolis (2007)
My second viewing, but her first. Great contrasts between national conflicts and an (extra?)ordinary girl just trying to grow up and how children interpret what they see on TV and hear from parents. Interesting details about how politics can affect people's everyday lives and how they cope. The monochromatic animation is quite dynamic, especially during surreal-er sequences and silhouetted depictions of war. Having only seen it in French with subtitles, I am interested to hear there is indeed an English dub (featuring Sean Penn & Iggy Pop??).
Groundhog Day (1993)
Been meaning to see this for a long time now. It's truly a unique kind of movie. The premise is a once in a lifetime. Bill Murray repeats that one day many more times than I had expected. Great script going through how he would gradually go from glee to remorse to self improvement & making the best of life. Some hint of an explanation why he was repeating the day would have left the film with a bit more closure at the end, though I read there was an explanation in one version of the script - his spiteful coworker casted a voodoo spell on him *facepalm* - so no explanation is better than that.
Where The Buffalo Roam (1980)
"Remember that line in the song Home on the Range? Gonzo's all about the search for the American Dream!" this film constantly badgers you, "Well here's another kooky twist!" . Neil Young's score is but one of many annoying parts of this shoddy Hunter S. Thompson... biopic? I'm happy to read that, as well as critics, Thompson himself hated the film and its "bad, dumb, low-level, low-rent script." Perhaps I should have been inebriated for this one, the producers apparently were. Bill Murray as this gun-toting, drug-experimenting maniac does have a few brief shining moments, but definitely shy towards the 1998 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. But once you do you can't go back to this.
The Machinist (2004)
An emaciated Non-F-Bomb-Dropping Christian Bale stars in this brooding thriller, one of those great ones that really turns everything on its ear in the final windup. The colors are (usually, unless the mood calls for otherwise) washed the heck out, loads of grit & grain all over the place, great style. Perhaps I should check out some of director Brad Anderson's other work?
Hmm... wonder what's next...
All viewed under the influence of a killer head cold...
Rocky (1976)
Finally saw one of the all time great sports/human struggle movies. Grittier than expected, Philly must be a rough town. The early shot with the puppies in the pet store window could have been throw-away symapathy, but the script ties it in. Beginning and ending with the famous steps is a brilliant way to show progress in the training montage. Wonder how part 2 will be.
Raising Arizona (1987)
In this indeed worthy predecessor to the likes of The Big Lebowski, a brilliantly white trash Nicolas Cage narrates his escapades involving convenience stores, a purdy police-lady, and some more well off folk undeserving of their newborn quintuplets. Succulent comedy flows in the very blood of the script, even in the names! Hilarious, despite baby content. Coen-tastic, in a word. Miller's Crossing is next, I believe.
Persepolis (2007)
My second viewing, but her first. Great contrasts between national conflicts and an (extra?)ordinary girl just trying to grow up and how children interpret what they see on TV and hear from parents. Interesting details about how politics can affect people's everyday lives and how they cope. The monochromatic animation is quite dynamic, especially during surreal-er sequences and silhouetted depictions of war. Having only seen it in French with subtitles, I am interested to hear there is indeed an English dub (featuring Sean Penn & Iggy Pop??).
Groundhog Day (1993)
Been meaning to see this for a long time now. It's truly a unique kind of movie. The premise is a once in a lifetime. Bill Murray repeats that one day many more times than I had expected. Great script going through how he would gradually go from glee to remorse to self improvement & making the best of life. Some hint of an explanation why he was repeating the day would have left the film with a bit more closure at the end, though I read there was an explanation in one version of the script - his spiteful coworker casted a voodoo spell on him *facepalm* - so no explanation is better than that.
Where The Buffalo Roam (1980)
"Remember that line in the song Home on the Range? Gonzo's all about the search for the American Dream!" this film constantly badgers you, "Well here's another kooky twist!" . Neil Young's score is but one of many annoying parts of this shoddy Hunter S. Thompson... biopic? I'm happy to read that, as well as critics, Thompson himself hated the film and its "bad, dumb, low-level, low-rent script." Perhaps I should have been inebriated for this one, the producers apparently were. Bill Murray as this gun-toting, drug-experimenting maniac does have a few brief shining moments, but definitely shy towards the 1998 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. But once you do you can't go back to this.
The Machinist (2004)
An emaciated Non-F-Bomb-Dropping Christian Bale stars in this brooding thriller, one of those great ones that really turns everything on its ear in the final windup. The colors are (usually, unless the mood calls for otherwise) washed the heck out, loads of grit & grain all over the place, great style. Perhaps I should check out some of director Brad Anderson's other work?
Hmm... wonder what's next...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
netflix barrage 002 - the über barrage
Quite a weekend, this one! I'm sure I'm cheapening each film by seeing so many in a row so I should probably stick with, say, 4 a weekend tops if I can stand to... Netflix you temptress...
Trainspotting (1996)
I feel like such a nub... though there'd actually be trains in this one... a heroine reference cheekily masked. Like Scarface, Goodfellas, & Requiem for a Dream before it, this is one of those movies I wouldn't want to sit through again. Brilliant, maybe, even fun at times, but the utter depravity thrust upon the viewer can be appalling. The sub current story of the young man trying to grow up (the rest of the way?) is not really fulfilling especially thanks to a last second twist, but I suppose this was meant to be lighter fare than, say, RFAD's extreme shocking end point. The sophomoric stoner fun goes out the window when it comes to syringes. Some neat characters with cool Scottish accents though.
The House Bunny (2008)
I didn't watch the house bunny...
<<... >>...
Helvetica (2007)
Surprisingly (or not?) very interesting. The ubiquitous font that you've seen everywhere your entire life (yet its not included with Windows) has quite a story. Especially interesting for anyone who's been to school for graphic design or anything related. Beautiful photography and excellent music throughout.
Stand By Me (1986)
Everything an R-rated 80s movie about 12 year olds set in the 50s can and should be. Rob Reiner, fat lard he may be today (& was then?), got some good emotion out of those kids, and I'm a sucker for a good 20th century period piece. Features a young Kiefer Sutherland, blond coif in tow.
Revolver (2005)
The one where Guy Ritchie jumped the shark. Also the one where Jason Statham has crazy long hair! Not exactly up to snuff with his previous gangster outings(Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; Snatch), this one gets weird and introspective on us, examining the ego or... something. It has some great action-heist bits that definitely deserve credit – I definitely envy Ritchie's ability to think of that stuff. The pacing is very spotty, though, lingering in awkward places for minutes at a time, talking to itself and jitterily splicing in flashbacks that make the exposition feel hamfisted (“Remember that part 20 mins ago? Yah, we're back to that again”), probably trying to make some sense of the bizarre plot yet failing. Comically, a selection of quacks and head shrinks chime in with their two cents worth over the credits. I love trippy stuff (Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas anyone?) but this got into laughable & boring territory. I am interested to see how the supposedly disappointing RocknRolla turned out.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
I would never consider myself a fan of the western – I've attempted to watch Il Buono, il Brutto, il Cattivo several times, rarely making it much past those fantastic sand animation opening titles. There's been some brilliant films in that setting recently though – 3:10 to Yuma, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood for example, and now this one. Casey Affleck is a sight to see as the 19th century equivalent of a modern day fanboy, placing his hero in a pedestal he'll surely stumble off of. Brad Pitt does the then-aging outlaw justice, balancing the softening family man with the psychotic criminal within. There are many other characters but they all have a place in the story and are not hard to tell apart. The kill or be killed mentality of that time definitely applies today, if of course in varied context. The film never really feels long in the tooth, even when the aftermath of the titular climax is longer than you expect, the excellent narration keeps it fascinating. Insert superlative here.
Vertigo (1958)
How could Jimmy Stewart manage to be so unlikeable and annoying? He's the quintessential American lad! Yet so obsessive and creepy. All in beautiful scenic San Francisco! I realize its supposed to be a Hitchcock thriller, and I'm perhaps supposed to be made uneasy by this, but the conclusion reached by the end feels incomplete and not justified. The famous kooky effects that got named after this movie are sparse of course to maintain their weight & effectiveness, but did they have to be that sparse? Upon a check of the wiki, I do find this was a departure for Hitchcock, and did get very mixed responses at the time of release, yet is a favorite of some? Something about Kim Novak's ghostly light blond bun must just freak me out...
Whats with these hair related notes popping up? Suppose I am due for a trim...
Unrelated notes...
After owning the game twice over the course of at least 2 or 3 years total & playing off & on, I finally beat my favorite Final Fantasy, number IX, this morning. Perfect music, perfect characters, perfect skill system, never too hardcore or intensive or obtuse, great scripted battle sequences to get a character you haven't seen in awhile back up to speed, sprawling fantasy world, etc. I guess some people prefer the “realism” of VII and VIII but this, FFVI and Chrono Trigger will probably always be my favorite RPGs.
Weak Oscar season this year, plus a lame looking Super Bowl, but oh well at least we have MASSIVE archives of readily available stuff we couldn't possibly have experienced all of when it first came around ^^
Trainspotting (1996)
I feel like such a nub... though there'd actually be trains in this one... a heroine reference cheekily masked. Like Scarface, Goodfellas, & Requiem for a Dream before it, this is one of those movies I wouldn't want to sit through again. Brilliant, maybe, even fun at times, but the utter depravity thrust upon the viewer can be appalling. The sub current story of the young man trying to grow up (the rest of the way?) is not really fulfilling especially thanks to a last second twist, but I suppose this was meant to be lighter fare than, say, RFAD's extreme shocking end point. The sophomoric stoner fun goes out the window when it comes to syringes. Some neat characters with cool Scottish accents though.
The House Bunny (2008)
I didn't watch the house bunny...
<<... >>...
Helvetica (2007)
Surprisingly (or not?) very interesting. The ubiquitous font that you've seen everywhere your entire life (yet its not included with Windows) has quite a story. Especially interesting for anyone who's been to school for graphic design or anything related. Beautiful photography and excellent music throughout.
Stand By Me (1986)
Everything an R-rated 80s movie about 12 year olds set in the 50s can and should be. Rob Reiner, fat lard he may be today (& was then?), got some good emotion out of those kids, and I'm a sucker for a good 20th century period piece. Features a young Kiefer Sutherland, blond coif in tow.
Revolver (2005)
The one where Guy Ritchie jumped the shark. Also the one where Jason Statham has crazy long hair! Not exactly up to snuff with his previous gangster outings(Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; Snatch), this one gets weird and introspective on us, examining the ego or... something. It has some great action-heist bits that definitely deserve credit – I definitely envy Ritchie's ability to think of that stuff. The pacing is very spotty, though, lingering in awkward places for minutes at a time, talking to itself and jitterily splicing in flashbacks that make the exposition feel hamfisted (“Remember that part 20 mins ago? Yah, we're back to that again”), probably trying to make some sense of the bizarre plot yet failing. Comically, a selection of quacks and head shrinks chime in with their two cents worth over the credits. I love trippy stuff (Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas anyone?) but this got into laughable & boring territory. I am interested to see how the supposedly disappointing RocknRolla turned out.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
I would never consider myself a fan of the western – I've attempted to watch Il Buono, il Brutto, il Cattivo several times, rarely making it much past those fantastic sand animation opening titles. There's been some brilliant films in that setting recently though – 3:10 to Yuma, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood for example, and now this one. Casey Affleck is a sight to see as the 19th century equivalent of a modern day fanboy, placing his hero in a pedestal he'll surely stumble off of. Brad Pitt does the then-aging outlaw justice, balancing the softening family man with the psychotic criminal within. There are many other characters but they all have a place in the story and are not hard to tell apart. The kill or be killed mentality of that time definitely applies today, if of course in varied context. The film never really feels long in the tooth, even when the aftermath of the titular climax is longer than you expect, the excellent narration keeps it fascinating. Insert superlative here.
Vertigo (1958)
How could Jimmy Stewart manage to be so unlikeable and annoying? He's the quintessential American lad! Yet so obsessive and creepy. All in beautiful scenic San Francisco! I realize its supposed to be a Hitchcock thriller, and I'm perhaps supposed to be made uneasy by this, but the conclusion reached by the end feels incomplete and not justified. The famous kooky effects that got named after this movie are sparse of course to maintain their weight & effectiveness, but did they have to be that sparse? Upon a check of the wiki, I do find this was a departure for Hitchcock, and did get very mixed responses at the time of release, yet is a favorite of some? Something about Kim Novak's ghostly light blond bun must just freak me out...
Whats with these hair related notes popping up? Suppose I am due for a trim...
Unrelated notes...
After owning the game twice over the course of at least 2 or 3 years total & playing off & on, I finally beat my favorite Final Fantasy, number IX, this morning. Perfect music, perfect characters, perfect skill system, never too hardcore or intensive or obtuse, great scripted battle sequences to get a character you haven't seen in awhile back up to speed, sprawling fantasy world, etc. I guess some people prefer the “realism” of VII and VIII but this, FFVI and Chrono Trigger will probably always be my favorite RPGs.
Weak Oscar season this year, plus a lame looking Super Bowl, but oh well at least we have MASSIVE archives of readily available stuff we couldn't possibly have experienced all of when it first came around ^^
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