Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Due Date!!!

Warning: This is another Galifianakis obsessed post. Consider yourself warned.

Due Date was awesome. I was definitely concerned about the amount of the movie I saw in previews, and that those were the only funny parts. Thankfully though, this wasn't the case. Although those parts in the preview were some of the best laughs, I felt as though going through the movie and getting the story made it even funnier. Robert Downey Jr did a great job, (as did precious Zachary) but also the exchange between the two was awesome. Definitely not as many quotables as "The Hangover" but still something worth seeing.

Monday, November 1, 2010

CONVICTION

"Conviction" is Sam Rockwell and Hilary Swank's newest film, and let me tell you, it is so worth your $8.25. I hadn't heard anything about this film before tonight, and I'm still in post movie-awe mode. This based on a true story film made me cry, count it, THREE times (which is unheard of) and left me questioning our justice system and country as a whole. The most gripping part of this story, for me, was the fact that it was
a. true, and
b. happening everywhere across this "land of the free".
The continual plight of the uneducated and poor people of America is always represented in movies, but something about this story being true really got to me. Hllary Swank is by far one of the most talented actresses of our time, and I literally can't wait to see each of her films as they premiere. And, one to watch, is little Bailee Madison (young hilary in this movie) who also brought me to tears in the Tobey Maguire/Natalie Portman flick "Brothers". This little girl is getting to emotions that no eleven year old should be able to (happy birthday btw, october 15th!). I can't wait to see more from her, and from this entire cast. GREAT MOVIE, go see it, or put it on your Netflix queue.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Norman Bates.

Norman Bates symbolizes everything that is terrifying about the dating scene and meeting dudes in general. Do I think that was the message Hitchcock was hoping for? Probably not, but whatever. In a throwback nature, this week I watched "Psycho". Black and white style added to the creepiness of this movie, and I definitely enjoyed it.
Along the lines of a psychological thriller of the less complicated sort, the plot line was original. (thankfully no one has tried to redo this one-that would be an epic fail) This was my first Hitchcock movie, and I definitely was satisfied. I think for my next venture into the classics, I will attempt his movie "The Birds". That will probably scare the shit out of me...can't wait. I definitely tried to spot Alfred in the movie, I've heard that he always made a cameo, but I guessed I missed him.
I also really enjoyed the cars and culture of this one. I know it was on point at the time, but it was refreshing and interesting to see that setting for real and not recreated by modern hollywood.

Monday, October 18, 2010

In nomine Patri Et Fili Spiritus Sancti

That's right ladies and gents-Boondock Saints. I know that I have committed a cardinal sin by waiting this long to see this movie, but I have righted my wrongs. And thank the Lord I did. Boondock Saints was absolutely amazing, right up my alley in my favorite genre of movies-Irish people kicking ass. I can't go too much into the plotline without giving a lot away, but this movie is so phenomenally epic, it makes sense why boys everywhere love it. And I promised my friend andrew, and I will recommend to you as well, do not...i repeat DO NOT see the sequel. It will ruin everything for you.
These two Irish brothers become a vigilante force, riding the world of evil-doers. The story definitely brings up some moral questions, and makes you wonder if this could happen in the real world/this day and time. A lot of ass-kicking takes place, in that super raw not cinematic style, which is always the best. I give this one both thumbs way up. Do it.
While we are on the topic of Irish guys kicking ass, another amazing movie of note is "Greenstreet Hooligans". Starring Elijah Wood, circa his hobbit era, its as far away from LOTR as he could get. This one focuses on the hooliganism surrounding football clubs in Europe, and has some pretty epic fight scenes. Definitely worth the two hours to sit down and watch a film. Oh, there ya go, I said it....film, not movie.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Money Never Sleeps?

Because it can't. Wall Street:Money Never Sleeps, leaves something to be desired. This will be short and sweet, since this movie is on its way out as it is. Shia Labeouf, bless his heart, did a good job in this one-and boy does he look dapper in some of those suits! Carey Mulligan did a stand up job, as usual-but let's have a reality check for a minute. No one in the real world looks that cute with a boy haircut. No One. So don't try it folks. You will just end up looking like a Dutch milk boy who is going to the market to fetch a chicken and some eggs for your sickly Grandmother.
Michael Douglas, your next script should steer clear of those intense facial close-up shots, you are aging....and not very well. The story line was pretty solid, and the acting fairly good, but the script was unfathomably cheesy. It completely distracted from the story, and the "special effects" were pointless and distracting as well. It is somewhat concerning to think that this is in fact how our economy works, and how we are essentially one mistake away from complete disaster. I love plot lines with a good twist, and although the story got very close, it never took the complete plunge. I would wait for DVD on this one folks.

Monday, October 11, 2010

It really was only "kind of" a funny story.

Which isn't a bad thing! You may not know me that well, but here's the deal-I'm obsessed with Zach Galifianakis. I want to have his little hairy babies. Now that its all awkward and weird, I will tell you about his new movie, "It's kind of a a funny story".

I didn't know what to expect going into this movie (except that I would see precious Galifianakis do his thang) and I was extremely pleasantly surprised. It was a sweet, kind of strange story, which struck way deeper into my thoughts and feelings than I ever expected. Thoughts on teen suicide, the increasing amount of stress earlier in life, and all-in-all how we all cope were all things that the movie left me thinking about, and seriously evaluating. There were funny bits, no super quotable lines, unlike Zach's previous work. (yes, we are on a first name basis) but the movie was still great all the same. The characters were varied across time and age, and each one was allowed to develop in a way that let you feel like you sort of knew them. Andddd, not a spoiler alert, but there was an awesome scene involving an 80s rendition, glitter, and faux wigs. That right there is a reason to go.
Anyone who has been, currently is, or ever will be the ages of 13-25 should see this movie. and, on the off chance that there is a parent reading this (doubtful) definitely go see it with your kids. this movie allows for a super easy segwey into tough topics for everyone to talk about, regardless of how cool you are.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Caught by "Catfish"

I know, I know...how cliche, I'm going to review Catfish and be super vague about it at the same time. I went into the movie totally expecting people to die and horror to ensue. So as to not spoil the ending, I won't say whether or not it met my expectations.
However, the three man crew of Nev, Rel, and Henry invited me into their studio office in NYC and I immediately felt like I was part of their friends. The complete openness in which the film was shot, in addition to the grainy and honest feeling, had me completely enthralled and guessing what would happen next.
I agree with a friend who said, the most shocking part of the movie was Nev's lower back tatoo...who saw that coming? But this movie went far beyond what I expected. It scared the shit out of me in a professional, "identity theft" kinda way and at the same time, I had to admire Angela's umm....creative passion? Regardless, the movie definitely creeped me out, made me think twice about this whole social media gig, and reminded me that even if the people are on the internet, still don't talk to strangers. That's only okay on approved websites like match.com or craigslist.