My Ideas: Wanted 2

Wanted, an action movie that came out a couple of years ago, is one of those movies that just did all of the right things an action thriller should. There was a fun (silly, yes, but still fun) back story, people with superpowers that were in no way geeky, amazing stunt work, and a cast of great actors (Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, and led by the under appreciated James McAvoy). Mark Millar, the writer of the graphic novel on which the movie was based, has said he has a plan for a sequel. When Angelina Jolie said she was no longer interested in doing one, the studio lost faith in the project. Millar still insists he can make a good follow-up OR prequel (I would prefer a sequel), and I hope they give him the green light. Here is what I, an avid fan, would hope to happen in Wanted 2. And also who I would want cast in some new character roles. This is all for fun of course - nothing I say is based on "insider information", I'm just like you, a movie fan.

**SPOILER WARNING** If you haven't seen Wanted, you should - and you don't want to read further as I am discussing a sequel which means spoilers are ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you. That's me using my directionals.**

First off, the title should be Wanted 2 - not something lame like Wanted 2: Loom of Destiny or Wanted 2: Thread Count of Terror. I hate cheesy titles ala Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. That being said, Wanted 2 should pick up right where the first movie left off. Just about everyone is dead, which is a plus as you can start fresh. I think what could be fun is if the movie opens with a phone ringing and an African American woman (Angela Bassett) taking a call that her husband, a janitor/banker/garbage man - something pedestrian - has just been murdered. This person, the "victim", would of course be Sloan, who died right at the end of the first film. The wife, having been in on the fraternity the entire time and a corrupt member herself, would become the central villain for this installment. She would assemble a team of her dead husband's powerful friends from around the globe - think the anti-A team, to track down and take care of whoever killed her husband and reestablish her husband's murder for hire business.

While being hunted, Wesley would have a story going all his own. Having been pretty much the lone survivor from the first film, he would look to track down allies who could connect him with a very active team of assassins who are still playing by the rules. He would meet the gorgeous granddaughter of one of his contacts who would become a love interest. She would of course be played by Emmanuelle Chriqui. Her grandfather would be an older, wise man - maybe someone like Robert Redford. Both of these characters would remain loyal to Wesley - none of the "are they good" or "are they bad" games that were played in the first movie.

Mark Millar's graphic novel was far more fantasy based than the first movie. That was a good move on the filmmaker's part, but I think the sequel could get more bizarre for the sake of entertainment. Some critics (not me) criticized the whole "loom of fate" thing in the first one, calling it silly and ridiculous. While I thought it was fun, I would lean off of that in the sequel. I would create some parallel mythology that wouldn't rewrite what's already established, but coincide with it. I am not going to even speculate on what this would be.

Those are just a couple of ideas - have you seen the first one? What do you want to happen?

Movies My Dad Killed

Today is my dad's birthday - happy birthday! In your honor dad, this blog post is for you.

Sometimes when there is a song that I love, I download it (legally) and play it over and over and over until I kill it. After that, I won't listen to the song for years. Well, that's exactly what my dad does with movies. When my dad loves a movie, he watches it over and over and over. He has managed to "kill" quite a few movies that I might normally like, but they've been on so many times that I cannot envision myself putting the movie in to watch on my own time.

Here are the three biggest offenders:

A Few Good Men - I really like this movie, but this war trial film with the classic line "You can't handle the truth!" has been played so many times by my dad that I can't handle seeing it one more time.

Prancer - I love Christmas movies, but some of them are just not super rewatchable. Prancer is an okay movie that's great for kids - but my dad watches it every year without fail. I just cannot take watching it anymore.

Field of Dreams - Okay, it's a classic. I like it. There are a few good scenes. But it's not that good. My dad watches this movie so often you'd think he was getting paid every time it was shown on his TV.

I blogged a long time ago on how a movie can strike a chord with certain people, so those have obviously struck a chord with him. I have nothing against him loving these movies, but all I have to say is just don't suggest these three the next time I'm over at the house and we're trying to think about what to watch.

What movies have been killed for you?

DVD Review: P2

Every now and then there is a movie that comes along that I want to see, but just never get around to. Working in a library is a great place to see different things come back and forth, and when I noticed the movie P2 the other day, I couldn't believe I have never gotten around to seeing it. Released in 2007, I just finally watched what could just be the oddest little Christmas movie ever.

Angela is a busy woman who is doing the best she can to try and care about things other than her job. Tom is a lonely parking garage security guard who spends most of his time observing the workers in his building on security cameras. Christmas Eve falls on New York City, and Angela leaves her office, gifts in hand, to meet up with her family. Tom has other plans. The two begin a surprisingly graphic game of cat-and-mouse all set against the backdrop of a NYC skyscraper's underground parking garage.

This movie is very cheesy and throws just about every single horror movie cliche in the book right into our faces. I was disappointed at how graphic the movie turned - I don't mind violence when it forwards a story, but this movie defined gratuity. The acting was fair, but the plot was so simple and so paper thin, even the 100 minute running time seemed to wear out it's welcome. This movie wanted to do for parking garages what Jaws did for swimming - but failed. I guess I didn't need to catch up with this movie after all, but at least it didn't cost me anything - and I can thank libraries for that! 3.5 out of 10.

Movie Review: KNIGHT & DAY

Oh what a mess. I wanted to love Knight & Day. For one, it stars a very likable duo in Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Two, it's an action comedy - one of my favorite genres. And finally, three, some scenes were filmed just fifteen minutes from where I type. If you live in LA, that's nothing. When you live in Massachusetts, that's a pretty cool claim to fame. I was ready to love this movie. But alas, I cannot give it my overall approval.

The two leads meet in an airport, and through a sequence of events, end up on the run together. Are they both good? Are they both bad? Is one good? Is the other bad? What starts out as a fun spy-thriller evolves into an exercise in stupidity. I am a firm believer that a movie can be both fun and smart - a movie doesn't have to sacrifice one for the other. The plot deals with keeping an almighty battery out of the clutches of evil, but that takes the backseat to explosions, escapes, and gunfights. At about minute thirty, this movie stops worrying about what makes sense, and just throws the two into one stupid situation after the next - with the very end being the biggest offender (but I won't spoil anything.) We've seen everything in this movie before, and it's been done better.

Now, in the film's defense, it was very entertaining at times and I was never bored. While stupid and completely unoriginal, it was fun. This is a perfect candidate for a matinée - you'll feel a little shafted if you pay the big night time bucks, but it's worth $6 early in the day ticket price. That being said, I would rate Knight & Day 6 out of 10.

Review from the Past: The Parent Trap (1961)

Today is my younger brother's 23rd birthday. Happy birthday to them! They are twins, which made it seem fitting that my post today feature the ultimate movie about twins, the original The Parent Trap from Disney.

This movie is one of the first live action movies that I remember liking as a kid. I know the first one was The Swiss Family Robinson, and I'm pretty sure this one came shortly thereafter. I have seen this movie many times since, and it's amazing how entertaining, original, and funny it remains for a viewer of any age. Haley Mills, who apparently has disappeared as of late, played both roles of sisters who were separated at birth, and discover each other at summer camp. They hatch a plan to switch places in hopes of forcing their parents to reunite and hopefully get back together.

There are some classic moments and consistently funny segments that make this one of the best family movies of all time. I would highly suggest if you haven't seen this to check it out. I would rate this 8.5 out of 10.

You may also be aware that they remade The Parent Trap in 1998 with a young, talented new actress by the name of Lindsay Lohan. The remake was good, and captured some of what made the original great, but was ultimately unnecessary. I wonder what ever happened to that Lohan girl? *Sarcasm* Or should I reveal that I am related to Lindsay Lohan distantly (non-blood thank goodness) - she is my step-grandfather's niece's daughter. I like that cushion, and it makes a good story in itself.

Movie That I Despise: Elizabethtown

My "claim to fame" as far as movie criticism goes came five years ago. Yahoo! Movies used to let users review films and their editors would select a couple of positive and a couple of negative reviews to be on the Yahoo film's main homepage. After seeing the terrible Elizabethtown, I remember feverishly writing my review and submitting it to Yahoo! Movies. A few weeks later, when I logged on to read other reviews, I was shocked and excited to find that my negative review had been chosen to be displayed on the Elizabethtown movie profile page on Yahoo! Movies. The site has since changed their format, so you'll have to take my word for it, but here is the review that I had posted back then - word for word:

There are films that are uplifting and moving. Films that explore life's mysteries with such delicate and poignant angles, that one is left feeling inspired. There are films that are touching, joyous, and pleasurable. 'Elizabethtown' is not one of them. Cameron Crowe's latest endeavor into these emotionally driven exercises he often does so well, is, in fact, dead on arrival.

Comparing this film to sheer stupidity would being doing it a favor. Torture would come closer to doing it justice. I was left feeling as if this movie was delivering us line after line of sentimentality, none of which flowed together. One could take any one of the lines and put it into a Hallmark card and it would work....aside from the line about a neighbor's "big boner"....a line delivered at a funeral (what a way to go, eh?)

The performances were stressed, the technical elements were worrisome, and the soundtrack was off base. Never in a film has one actor's face been seen in a close-up shot so frequently. As pretty as Orlando may be, that does not carry a film (unless maybe you are a fourteen year-old girl...or someone with a like mentality.) I felt as if Cameron Crowe saw "Garden State", smoked something, and then wrote this piece of illogical lunacy.

This film was unbelievably much longer upon first cut. Crowe was ordered to shorten it. 18 minutes were subtracted, and yet the film still felt like it took an eternity to end. Some may say it's just because I am a guy and this was a "chick flick." Well, I like In Her Shoes, Bridget Jones' Diary, Notting Hill, Runaway Bride, and even Monster-In-Law, so don't let that be an excuse. The sweetness of the last ten minutes does not save the stupidity of the previous 128 minutes. There were so many moments in the film where I felt as if I was being challenged to sit there and take it in – almost as if the makers wanted to see if I would have the courage to sit there until the credits began to roll. I felt as if everyone would stop what they were doing, turn directly into the camera, and burst into laughter and yell “Got ya!”

There is so much more negative to say about this terrible film, but I don’t want to give it the satisfaction. I just want to give it one star out of four, which is probably being generous. See, there are bad films that know they’re bad…like teen comedies and sappy Mandy Moore films. Then there are films like this; ones that have the audacity to showcase themselves at festivals and tout themselves as Oscar hopefuls. But unless Cameron Crowe can make something else, anything else before January, I can assure you he can keep his calendar open come Oscar time. Again, one star for “Elizabethtown.”

Review from the Past: Away From Her

It's kind of ironic and I mean no disrespect when I say that Away From Her is an unforgettable film...and it's about Alzheimer's disease.

I've talked to people who are 75 and people who are 22 who all found this movie incredibly touching. It's a quietly devastating film that has now been included in many classes on how to cope when a loved one comes down with the terrible disease. Sometime's people watch a movie because they just want to relax and have a good time. I would not recommend Away From Her for that type of movie getaway. This is the type of movie one watches to better themselves. It gives you a window into a lifestyle many people are living every day of their lives. Julie Christie and Gordan Pinsent play a couple who are torn apart when the wife gets early onset Alzeimer's. Everything from selecting a care facility to simply forgetting the love they have for each other is depicted. Their performances and Sarah Polley's perfect direction make this movie excellent and oddly horrific.

I remember when I saw this movie in theaters for the first time. When the credits started to roll, everyone in the theater remained in their seats. Everyone was shook. If you want to have the same emotional experience, watch this movie, which I would rate 9 out of 10.

Peace, Love, and Movies

Last night my dad and I went to the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston to see James Taylor and Carole King. I really wasn't excited about the concert - not because I didn't like the two performers but more because I just didn't listen to either of them on a regular basis. I would have caught up with their music before going to the concert, but my dad got tickets just a matter of hours before and invited me on the spot. So heading into the concert, I figured I was just doing my "good son" duty for father's day, and hopefully the show would move quickly so I could get home and get to bed. The concert began and I was shocked at how many of the songs I knew - it was like one song after another that not only had I heard before, but actually liked. The whole concert was much better than I ever could have expected, despite some extremely annoying parent-aged fans. It got me thinking about movies that feature 60s music - not musicals - but movies about musicians.

My favorite movie in this specialized genre has got to be That Thing You Do! (pictured above, 9 out of 10)which was directed by Tom Hanks (who also has a supporting role in the film). Chronicling the rise and fall of a 60s band, The Wonders (or Oneders), the movie plays like both a documentary and a road film. Another great movie along these lines is Almost Famous (8.5 out of 10) which follows a young Rolling Stone reporter in his exploits in the era of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. I like these movies because they are set just a couple of decades before my time, and they seem so fascinating. Another movie I love that covers quite a bit of musical ground, including the 60s, is Mr. Holland's Opus (8.5 out of 10). I could have easily mentioned this movie yesterday in my post about the best movie fathers, as it showcases one man (Richard Dreyfuss) in his efforts to balance his love for all things music with his stressful family situation. It's such a touching film.

There have been some terrible movies in this category as well, but I'm going to stick to the positives. That's all I've got for now - peace!

Happy Father's Day!

I love making lists. Top ten this, top ten that. I was going to try and come up with a list of the top ten father's in movies to celebrate father's day, but I cannot even begin to start as there are just so many. Instead, I'm going to share a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

George Banks (Steve Martin), Father of the Bride (1991)

I remember watching this movie for the first time when I was really sick. I remember my dad actually went out to the library to get me stuff to watch, and I liked this one so much I had him get me the sequel. The movie is a little sappier than I normally like, but it was also funny. On top of that, the father, George Banks, is believable as a man who just wants to do right by his family and protect those he loves.

Marlin (Albert Brooks), Finding Nemo (2003)

I cannot get through a post lately without mentioning a Pixar movie, but this one most certainly deserves a place on any collection of great movie dads. Marlin is an overprotective father who doesn't want to let Nemo out of this site. When Nemo is fish-napped, Marlin goes outside of his comfort zone to track down his missing son. For a movie about fish, it's surprisingly effective.

George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

My favorite movie of all time has one of the most memorable father figures of them all. George Bailey is the type of guy who only wants to be successful, both in business and at home. When calamity strikes at the workplace, he takes his stress out on the kids, which in part leads to his classic utterance that he wishes he'd never been born. If you haven't seen how things play out, you should.

Man (Viggo Mortensen), The Road (2009)

The fact that Mortensen's character in The Road is merely named 'man' who appears most of the time opposite a character named 'boy' says it all. This is the ultimate father/son story, and it's based on one of my favorite novels of all time. The movie is nowhere near as good as the book, but it's still very good. The story of devotion and sacrifice for a loved one is still moving in movie form. Many have compared The Road to the more popular The Book of Eli, and my verdict is The Road should win that battle any day of the week.

Ashoke (Irrfan Khan), The Namesake (2006)

I remember when the trailers for this movie were released - they annoyed me. It looked like the ad was showing everything, and I hate that. Why should I pay to see something in theaters when you've just told me the whole story?! Well, I went to see the movie anyways and was blown away. One of the reasons was because of the father character, Ashoke, who inspires his son to go on a journey to learn the meaning of his Indian name to which he has become ashamed of. It's really great.

All right, those are just a few that come to mind! Who are your favorites?

Movie Review: TOY STORY 3

Toy Story 3 was my number one movie to see this summer. I've been looking forward to it since I heard making it was even a possibility. If the Celtics had not been playing in the finals last night, I would have attempted to see a midnight screening. I grew up with these characters, and love them. Watching the gang of plastic play things is a familiar and wonderful experience. I pretty much knew going into this movie I was going to love it - which may seem bias - but I don't care. I did love it - it's a worthy final (?) chapter in the Toy Story saga.

Before I dive into the review for the movie, let me just say that Pixar movies are accompanied with an animated short film before the feature film begins. I usually love these, but Day & Night, the short film that accompanies TS3, was a little too bizarre for me. I am betting from an animation standpoint it's a triumph, but it was nowhere near as good as the last couple of Pixar shorts have been. But we didn't come to see two nerd-candy looking people blob around on a big screen, we came for the toys.

The third adventure begins with Andy getting ready to go off to college. His mother gives him an ultimatum - he must either pack his things in the attic, throw them away, or donate them. When an accident sends the gang to a daycare center instead of the attic, many of the toys are excited at the prospect of being played with once again, as Andy has grown apart from them. Things at the daycare center aren't what they seem to be on the surface, and the happy toy filled movie soon channels The Great Escape.

Funny enough, you completely forget that the characters you are watching are toys. You really get invested in their well-being. One minor complaint about the movie from a strictly family film standpoint is that the movie is downright scary at times. There are a couple of creepy toys - including a baby doll and a musical monkey - which had a couple of kids in my screening pretty upset. There is also a dramatic finale that may be too intense for younger viewers. It's a great movie - just not a great one for too young a crowd. I would say 6 or 7 and up, depending on the kid.

The ending is so touching, as the ending to most Pixar movies are. I was moved. Part of me really hopes this is the last Toy Story movie they make because the way this one ends just seems perfect. The other part of me hopes there are a million more in the series as I don't think I could ever tire of this cast of characters. You need to see this movie. I would rate it a 9 out of 10.

The Big Letdown: 9

Being that it's Toy Story 3 weekend, I figured I would blog once again about animation. This time, the bad. Below I posted that I was on my way to a poker tournament, hence why I blogged about a poker movie. Well, ten minutes into the journey down to the casino, my car overheated and then seized. The poker tournament, as well as seeing Toy Story 3 today, is now in jeopardy. These recent developments have me feeling incredibly disappointed. Kind of like when I saw the movie 9.

Now this isn't the movie Nine that was a musical with Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day-Lewis. This is the movie 9 which features an all star voice cast (Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, others) and an intriguing storyline. Some of the producers have worked on films such as Wanted and Sleepy Hollow and the animation in the previews looked incredible. Well, that's about all that was incredible. For 80 odd minutes though, 9 was one of the most dull, slow-moving, and poorly woven stories I've seen in animated form.

Supposedly all of humanity is gone. Right before this calamity, a scientist/inventor type figured out how to transfer his soul into nine rag dolls. These dolls come to life in a post-human world and must go on an adventure. It sounds weird enough to be good, but it just isn't. While the animation is good, the story is so bland that after ten minutes you'll be ready to turn this movie off and pop in a Pixar flick. This is one film that may have benefited from being in 3D (it wasn't) just to give some sort of visceral moments. All in all, I would give 9 a 3 out of 10.

Review from the Past: Rounders

As I get ready to go to the casino to play in a poker tournament, I feel compelled to write about the best poker movie ever made. There are probably more poker movies out there than you think - I've seen most of them. And despite LOVING poker, I do not LOVE most of the movies about the sport/hobby/game. As a matter of fact, the only one I do love is Rounders.

Matt Damon and Edward Norton play buddies with different admirations for the game. One is trying to move away from the gambling lifestyle and settle down with his girlfriend, while the other sees poker as the answer to all of life's financial woes. As the movie progresses, it becomes more "you can take the guy out of the poker room, but you cannot take the poker room out of the guy." I know for a fact the high of playing the game - the bluffing, the betting, catching cards, and winning pots. It's a rush, and the movie captures that fully. What I loved about Rounders is that it doesn't glamorize gambling, but portrays many of the downfalls to putting ones money on the line.

Just not to worry any of you, I do not have a gambling problem like Norton's character in the movie. As a matter of fact, I budget $5 or $10 a week and play in maybe three low-level tournaments a year. Often when I am in these tournaments, I listen to those around me discussing their tournament and play histories - it's amazing how much money people leave on the table. The makers of Rounders did their homework as I see real people at the poker tables who are just like many of the characters in the movie. So if you want to place a safe bet on watching a great movie, Rounders will do the trick - 8.5 out of 10.

The Pixar Round-Up!

As my previous post stated ever so clearly, I am a huge Toy Story and Pixar fan. I thought I would give you my best-to-worst (or in this case, amazing classic to really good movie) list of their previous films. It's funny - the lowest rated of their films ranks at 7 out of 10. That's just a testament to how amazing these movies are!

10. Cars - 7 out of 10

I liked this movie - just didn't love it as much of the others. Released in 2006, I was worried that this might begin a decline in quality. I was so glad my worries were put to rest the following year by another movie mentioned later on this list!

09. A Bug's Life - 7.5

This was a very good movie, a nice story, and had some funny characters. It lacks some of the magic the other films had. It's probably the most kid-friendly of all of the Pixar movies, and it's still a worthy addition to their library.

08. The Incredibles - 7.5

I was totally entertained by this movie. It's so well done, but my only real complaint is that the story itself wasn't all that original. Most Pixar movies are so new and refreshing, I guess I just expected this movie to reinvent the superhero genre. It didn't, but it was still really good!

07. Monsters, Inc. - 8.5

I feel really guilty that this movie is so far down the list - I love the movie. It's colorful, creative, and just all around great. Just compared to the other movies, I like it just a bit less.

06. Ratatouille - 8.5

This was a really nice movie that didn't aim as high as some of the others but still left a good emotional impact - which is astonishing as the movie centers around a rat who cooks.

05. Toy Story 2 - 8.5

They're baaaaaaccckk! I remember being so worried that the first sequel in the Toy Story saga would ruin the legacy of the first. It didn't - and it managed to be great.

03 (tied). Up - 9

When I first saw the teaser trailer, I had no idea what this movie would be about. When I saw it in the theaters for the first time, I was blown away. I loved the characters, and the beginning and the ending almost had me in tears....and I do not cry at movies. I love this movie.

03 (tied). Wall-E - 9

People have asked me what I like more between this and Up, and frankly I cannot decide. I think it's based on my mood in the moment. They are both such great movies, and this animated movie about a garbage compacter who finds love is just so moving.

02. Finding Nemo - 9.5

This movie looked amazing on the big screen, and managed to somehow come across equally incredible on a small TV. I love the father/son story, the odyssey of it all, and it's the best animated of all of the Pixar movies.

01. Toy Story - 10

One of the few movies to receive my perfect 10 rating, Toy Story started it all and has yet to be topped. It's simplicity and straight-forward storytelling are things every person who makes a movie should reference. Woody and Buzz will always be my animated heroes.

Toy Story 3 Eve!!

Today is like Christmas Eve, but better. Tomorrow "Toy Story 3" will be released, and I am so excited. The kid in me wants to go to a midnight showing and see it half a dozen times before the weekend is out. I'll see it once...maybe twice - cannot spend all of my money on one movie, but hey, there are worse things to spend money on! In an age of "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob", people seem to forget that a better, happier rivalry was unleashed with "Team Woody" and "Team Buzz" - to which I was a proud member of "Team Woody." I remember when the first movie came out I got a couple of figures - one from the store and one from McDonalds. I still have the Happy Meal one, and am sure the larger one is in a box somewhere (how sad does that sound!). I want to hate Pixar for being the giant animation company, but I just cannot. They are the giant because they deserve to be - all of their films are great, most of them are instant classics, and a few of them are in my all time favorite movies list. This weekend there is really only one movie to see in theaters, and I will surely post a review as soon as I see it! Peace!

Review from the Past: Sideways

Sideways made me want to drink wine. And I have never had a drop of alcohol in my entire life (I'm 26). I was still in college (Southeastern University) when this movie released, and I remember going to see it on my own in Tampa. I remember my car was having so many problems and I didn't know if it could handle the 45-minute drive to the theater. I decided to see two movies (the other Hotel Rwanda) to at least make the risk worth it - in retrospect, both of the films I saw that day were incredible. I hadn't seen much of any of the stars - Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh. Giamatti was great in American Splendor, Church was on Wings which I had seen a couple of times on Nick-at-Nite, I had no idea who Madsen was, and Oh was the most familiar as I watched Grey's Anatomy off and on. Other than that, I didn't know what I was getting into. I just knew that the critics were going crazy about the low-budget film.

It's basically part The Hangover (if you replace Vegas with wine country) and part The Graduate (life changes, big decisions, that sort of thing). A friend wants to take another friend out on one last adventure before he gets married. The guy getting married (Church) decides to turn the trip into one big bachelor party, whereas his friend (Giamatti) just wants to take one last stab at refining his somewhat immature buddy. Some will call this a drama, others a comedy, I would say it's a perfect mix of both. There are genuine laughs, but also really touching moments that will stick with you. When the movie ended, I remember feeling a little empty inside, like "what was all the fuss about?" As the days and weeks went on though, I couldn't get the movie out of my head. Only appropriate I guess for a movie about wine to just better with age. By the time the movie released on DVD, I was ready to watch it again. I've seen it half a dozen times or so now, and each time I pick up something new. It's growing into one of my favorite movies of all time, and I would give it a 9 out of 10.

The People That I Hate The Most

What type of people do I hate the most? Terrorists? No. KKK Members? Nope. People who don't use their turn signals when driving? Close, but still no. The people that I hate the most are people who spoil the end of movies. There is nothing good about this type of person. They are sad, sorry people who feel the need to evoke emotion - good or bad - by spoiling an entire movie experience. Knowing the end of a movie before I watch it completely deflates my interest in watching the movie at all. The true movie fan won't spoil the end of the movie even when someone asks you to tell them the ending.

This past winter, my supervisor at the library invited some colleagues and myself out for a lecture entitled "The Obsolete Man and the Obsolete Book". It was supposed to be a nice evening of education, dinner, and camaraderie. The venue was a book binding center in Boston's North End. We arrived at the location of the lecture and found they were holding the session in a cramped, very small classroom. As I fought to protect my leg room, I noticed that this seemingly obscure topic had attracted quite the crowd. There was a screening of a Twilight Zone episode on books becoming obsolete, and then a question and answer/discussion period. First of all, most of the literary folk in attendance were stuffier than a first grade class in the dead of winter, and most of their comments made me want to buy ear plugs. But it was the one woman seated a few rows behind me that would come to be added to my short list of people I hope move to an island and spare the world of their hideousness. This scab on society was not ugly because of her appearance - as a matter of fact I have no idea what she looked like (let's just imagine she was ugly though, it paints a better picture). Her voice was whinier than a hybrid of Heidi Montag and a failing electric toothbrush, but it was what she said that truly made me hate her. Stepping aside from the current topic of discussion, she decided to fill everyone in, without warning, on the complete experience of watching the movie The Book of Eli (out on DVD today, still in theaters at the time of this lecture). She talked about Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, and then proceeded to reveal both of the movies pivotal twists. Of course I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say, if you know the ending, watching the movie is a real drag. In my critical opinion, it's not a very good movie until the GREAT ending. Many people I know love the movie, and I'm sure it's in large part to the last ten minutes. Watch it again friends, knowing the ending, and I think you'll pick up on a massive amount of flaws and plot holes. Knowing the ending in advance may have given me a much better critical insight into reviewing the movie, but as far as enjoying went, it was just miserable.

So to all of you callous, obnoxious, self-absorbed cine-spoilers out there, let me warn you: The next time you cross paths with me wreaking your destruction, I won't be as kind as I was to the woman mentioned above. I won't leave your presence and enjoy a nice dinner with coworkers. I will follow you home, wait for you to go to bed, fall asleep myself in my car, wake up in my car, wait for you to wake up, wait for you to get ready for work, wait for you to eat your sugary cereal breakfast that contains nowhere near the required protein you need to start your day, wait for you to come back outside, wait for you to get into your car with way too many liberal bumper stickers, and then I will speed in front of you, and at the last minute, make a turn without using my directionals. That will show you. Fool.

DVD Review: Youth in Revolt

During my appearance on "I Survived a Japanese Game Show", as well as from friends prior, numerous people have compared me to Michael Cera. I am not necessarily offended by this, but I am not jumping for joy. He doesn't exactly scream tough guy, action hero, ladies man, or many of the other more flattering comments for a twenty-something guy to receive. That being said, I have kept tabs on his career as most of his films are very enjoyable. Last winter, I went to see Youth in Revolt which releases today on DVD, and here is my review.

Youth in Revolt is the story of a young man who is just too nice for his own good. He's the type who doesn't get the girl - not because he doesn't want a girlfriend, but because he respects women. I felt I could totally relate to his character.

When he meets a beautiful girl who actually takes an interest in him, he realizes (through not-too-subtle hints) he won't be able to keep this relationship going unless he changes his persona...or creates a second one. This new, badder version of himself must contend with a resurfaced ex-boyfriend of the girl he now has his sights on. The result is spilt-personality chaos as it's most enjoyable.

I really loved this movie. It's rated R for a couple of very graphic (and frankly unnecessary) sexual moments, but when it's not being graphic (and I'm talking like a total of five minutes in the movie), it's really really sweet and good-natured. There are times in the film that are so entertaining it's the stuff best picture contenders are made of. I'm not saying this will win anything, but I'll remember it for a while for it's originality and hilarity. It's a nice movie with edge, and I would highly recommend checking it out. 8.5 out of 10.

DVD Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

I am a sucker for time-travel movies. I love them actually. I love the whole mind bending nature to them. It probably taps into the whole "what if" nature everyone has - "what if" I could do something different, "what if" I could alter the future. So from films like The Terminator to The Lake House I watch them all. When I first saw the ads for The Time Traveler's Wife I was not impressed. It looked like a confusing, sappy romance, so I skipped it in theaters. One benefit to your local library however is the power to see movies for free. On a side note, why are so many people raving about Red Box? They charge you a dollar a day for a movie - whereas if you have patience (you already didn't want to see it in theaters bad enough) you can get it for free from your local library. So I checked this movie out, for free, and now in retrospect, I'm so glad I didn't spend a dime on a movie that was EXACTLY what I expected it to be.

It took me three sittings to finish this movie. I couldn't take it. It's hard for me to explain a plot because it jumps around like crazy. I'll try and just touch on a few things. My favorite element about most time-travel movies is the ability to change the present by altering the past. So when early on we learn that's something the time-traveler in question (Eric Bana) cannot do, it zapped a majority of the fun out of it right there. The relationship side of things was interesting for a little while, as we meet the 'wife' (Rachel McAdams) in question as a young girl. She meets her husband to be when he's naked, because for some reason the clothing never travels with the guy. I couldn't decide if these scenes with a grown man spending time with a little kid were really sweet or really creepy, so I'll let you decide on that one. Some time-travel movies end up sounding stupid when they try to explain the logic - TTTW doesn't even make the attempt, which I guess is okay if everything else went well.

The acting was good, but the story was just too confusing/dull to make this worth even watching for free. A critic on the outside of the DVD box stated that this was the most romantic movie since The Notebook. I didn't like that movie either (the most romantic movie in years is still Wall*E in my humble opinion!). So I wish I could go back in time, with my clothes on, and tell past self to skip this movie. 3.5 out of 10.

Movie Review: The A-Team

There is this common rule among critics - even many at home critics like myself. The rule goes that going into a movie that is a remake or retelling, one should need no prior knowledge of the original source. One should be able to be entertained and learn about the characters as if it was the first time they were introducing themselves to the world. I mention this because I have never seen "The A-Team" television show in my entire life - it was before my time. I mean I've heard about Mr. T and "I pity the fool", but beyond that the show is a mystery to me. That being said, if the movie was like the show, I am in no rush to play catch-up.

There is about as much plot here as a Transformers movie. A group of four very different alpha-unit soldiers are framed for a crime they didn't commit, and must fight to clear their names. I know the show was around a long time ago, but I've seen this set up a million times before. Funny enough, just a few months ago I saw The Losers which was very similar, and slightly more entertaining.

There are some cool action sequences, but there are also a lot more run on ones that almost put me to sleep. I hate to say it, but last summer's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was more entertaining. The A-Team's dialog wasn't nearly as clever or witty as the trailers suggested, and while you cannot expect complete logic in a film of this nature, there has to be some level of believability. There was almost none. You will laugh, you will be impressed at times, just not as much as you should. It's worth the price of a matinée, but don't spend the big bucks. In short, this was more "The Eh-Team" than "The A-Team", and I would give it a score of 5 out of 10.

My Problems with Films of Faith

God and movies don't often mix. As a Christian, one thing I've noticed is that Christians portrayed in mainstream films are often not-flattering or over the top. Christians portrayed in Christian films are often totally lost souls who end up finding God's grace in an unconvincing 90 minute story that spends more time preaching and less time being a movie. I don't have a problem with preaching, but when people go to the movies, they should not be insulted - entertainment doesn't have to be thrown out the window at the sake of education.

In addition to that complaint, I also wish not every Christian movie out there was for beginners. Every religious film seems to be about finding salvation - which is a very important topic. But in the vast world of movies, I would love to go to a movie now and then that dealt with Christian characters in their day to day life POST "I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior." Would it be too much to ask for a Christian romantic comedy where the characters didn't jump into bed on their first or second date? Would it be too much to ask for an action movie where the F-word wasn't dropped a dozen times in one fight sequence? Would it be too much to ask for a buddy-movie where the jokes didn't revolve around sexual humor? I won't sit here as a saint and say I don't like movies with some of that crap in them, but if there was a well-made alternative, I would happily buy a ticket.

I had big problems with films like Fireproof for one, because it was just so poorly made. It delivered a clear faith message, but amidst a Hallmark-y storyline that was borderline feminist (man is the only one at fault in a relationship where both partners had their problems). The movie To Save a Life actually had some very good acting - and some parts of the movie were very well done. My problem there though was that they tried to do way too much - they covered teen suicide, teen drinking, teen pregnancy, school bullying, dating, virginity, salvation, bomb scare at school, etc. They threw the kitchen sink at the screen trying to reach out to everyone, but they didn't develop a single message long enough to make it as potent as it could have been. I know some of my friends will argue that it's better to have that out there than not at all - but I say to them, if the movie as it stands touched 'x' amount of people, imagine how many more could have been touched had it been made with more respect to the viewing audience.

The couple of films of faith that I have enjoyed or appreciated were The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and The Passion of the Christ. The first one markets itself to kids, and while preachy, it provides a touching story for it's demographic. The latter is a historically accurate, if not overly violent but impeccably made movie about the death of Christ.

I think the problem is that most Christians tend to get behind anything marketed as a Christian movie. They organize screenings, youth group outings, bring-a-friend events. What they don't do is demand quality because they're just so excited about hearing the phrase "John 3:16 says..." while sitting in their local movie theater. So I would challenge Christian film makers to take the time to make films that are going to linger far after the credits have rolled. Make movies that touch the heart, not just the soul. Take some time to make films that can stand on BOTH cinematic merit and the message of coming into God's perfect grace. I don't know, I can hope, but maybe I'm just asking for a miracle.

Movies That I've Never Seen: The Karate Kid

When I decided to do the "My Month of Movies" project - which was to watch a different movie from a different year every day in the month of May, it was primarily to catch up on those movies that slip through the cracks - the ones everyone has seen except for you. I watched some classics and newer films that I just never got around to. But even me, who watches a gazillion movies a year, still hasn't seen some classics. This weekend, a remake of the 80's movie "The Karate Kid" hits theaters, which reminds me that I haven't seen the original.

Growing up, my parents weren't keen on karate due to it's Chinese mysticism and fighting nature. I don't remember ever asking to watch the movie, because I just assumed the answer would have been "no." So now that I am fully capable of watching whatever I want, I just haven't gotten around to it. Full disclosure here - I should have seen it by now because I even own it! I bought it in a discount bin for $2.44 a couple of years ago at a store that was having a major clearance sale. As I write this blog post, the movie is literally six feet away from me!

A couple of posts ago I talked about my feelings on sports movies, but this one does look like it has potential. Maybe I'll give it a try soon so then if I like it, I can make it to the new one while it's still in theaters. We'll see.

Movie That I Despise: The In Laws

Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks have made many good movies. The In Laws, a 2003 remake of an older comedy, is most certainly not one of them. Weddings seem to be go-to devices for comedies - from terrible ones like this, okay ones like The Wedding Planner, and really good ones like Wedding Crashers. There is nothing original about this rendition - a family comes together at a wedding and quirks ensue. What made this movie so terrible is that the quirks were either not funny at all, childish, and/or the greatest sin of all, boring. They have the audacity of billing it as an action comedy because of a few scenes that are by-the-book-put-on-any-show-after-ten-pm-on-CBS-and-you'll-see-the-same-thing-y, but really, it's just bad all around.

The supporting cast is appealing on paper, from Candice Bergen and Ryan Reyonds among others, but none of them can save this movie from being downright terrible. I really don't have much more to say than that, other than avoid this movie. I would give it a 1 out of 10. Rent Wedding Crashers or even Over Her Dead Body instead.

Review from the Past: Nurse Betty

Movie: Nurse Betty

Genre: Comedy - Black/Dark

Year: 2000

Compare To: It's hard to compare this - I guess it's a hybrid of Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Truman Show

Neil LaBute's last movie, Death at a Funeral, was one that I found to be hilarious. Critics were completely split on that movie, but Nurse Betty however was met with great reviews. It's one of the most twisted comedies I've seen. It's really dark, really violent, really uncomfortable, but ultimately extremely smart and even more hilarious.

We meet Betty, a nurse who is emotionally abused by her husband (The Dark Knight's Aaron Eckhart) and escapes into the world of her favorite soap opera starring Dr. David Revell (Greg Kinnear). After a brutal twist involving a pair of hitmen (played hilariously by Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock) Nurse Betty hits the road to meet Dr. Revell - not quite realizing that he's only a tv star.

I think I've used the word hilarious too many times already, but I'm going to again - the results of Betty's journey are both heartfelt and....wait for it... HILARIOUS. If you like comedies and can handle some profanity and violence, check this movie out. You'll love it. I did - I would give it a 9 out of 10.

The Best Ten Sports Movies Ever

There are some kinds of movies that I am tired of. Sports movies are one of them. Rarely is there a sports movie that isn't chock-full of clichés, by the book inspirational moments, and really one of two outcomes - a win or a loss. Even the "based on a true story" ones have been done in so many ways I have lost interest in seeing most of them. Every so often however a sports movie comes along that takes a different approach or like my number one selection, invented the moments that would go on to become the clichés in other sub-par films. And as a note, I did not include gambling movies on this list - as much as I would like to consider poker a sport, it is just as much a hobby/game so that will be a different list for a different day.

10) Death Race (2008)

Racing is a sport that I just don't get. Fans watch cars go 'round and 'round for a seemingly endless amount of loops until one person finishes first. Is it wrong of me to only enjoy the crashes? I guess that's why I found Death Race totally awesome. All of the cars are souped up with weapons, armor, and crashes (and destruction) are the main attraction. The end stakes elevate the win or lose scenario to where win = freedom and lose = death. It's far better and more interesting than it has any right to be.

9) Blades of Glory (2007)

You might not expect to see a figure skating movie on this list, but when you throw in Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, two of my favorite funny people out there today, things start to make sense. Ferrell makes movies that are very hit or miss for me, but this one was extremely clever and funny. Throw in "that guy from Napoleon Dynamite", Jon Heder, and there are additional laughs. It's a very smart comedy, and slightly under appreciated.

8) Seabiscuit (2003)

This movie wins a spot on this list for having some of the best acting in a sports movie that I've ever seen. Tobey Maguire, William H. Macy, Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper lead the cast in a very compelling story of a horse that overcomes the odds. I loved the acting and like the movie.

7) Cool Runnings (1993)

I cannot believe I was only ten when I saw this movie, and maybe that's why I like it so much. Sometimes when you watch and love a movie when you're young, you can forgive it's stupidity and replace it with fond childhood memories. The tale of the first Jamaican bobsled team is fun and John Candy turns in a memorable performance.

6b) Miracle (2004)

Sorry, when I wrote this post originally, I accidentally left off a great hockey movie. I didn't forget The Mighty Ducks mind you. Miracle however is a great uplifting true story of the U.S. Olympic hockey team's battle against the Russians in 1980. I am not a hockey fan at all but enjoyed this film far more than I expected to!

6) Chariots of Fire (1981)

This movie has potential to move up on my list as it's totally worth a rewatch as I haven't seen it since I was really young. I remember it was a powerful message of faith, but honestly - the one thing everyone remembers about it is the score - maybe the most popular score of all time.

5) Fever Pitch (2005)

Any Boston Red Sox fan has to include this great comedy on their list. Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon play one of the most likable duos in recent years. Fallon plays a character who is totally obsessed with the best baseball team of all time. This devotion gets in the way of the duos relationship, and hilarity ensues. It's a must-see.

4) Jerry Maguire (1996)

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's inspiring and engaging, and truly makes you think. As a sports movie, it's good. As an overall drama, it's phenomenal. It tells the story of a sports agent (Tom Cruise) who has a midlife crisis. It's one of the most quotable movies ever - with lines like "Show me the money!" and "You had me at hello".

3) The Natural (1984)

This is one of those great character movies that where Robert Redford is phenomenal as Roy Hobbs, a baseball player who quickly becomes the thing legends are made of. I dare anyone not to be moved by one of the best endings of any movie ever. If you think you don't like sports movies at all, watch this - it might change your mind.

2) Hoosiers (1986)

If this had been the last sports ever made, I would have been okay with that. This is the definitive sports movie, and while it relies on the standard "will they" or "won't they" win device, it's both compelling and inspiring. I loved every minute of it, and Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper (RIP) are both excellent.

1) Rocky (1976)

I love this movie. Plain and simple. It's in my top ten of all time for all movies, and it's a classic. It makes me a little jealous that Stallone wrote this movie in one night and it ended up as good as it did! It's a boxing movie. It's a movie about setting goals and smashing them. It has a message of hope, a message of perseverance. If you consider yourself a movie fan you need to see this.

Okay, those are my picks. What are yours?

Movie Review: GET HIM TO THE GREEK

Until recently, I didn't realize that "Get Him to the Greek" was a spinoff of the comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" which was released a couple of years ago. Had I known this, I would have been looking forward to GHTTG for a lot longer. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" was a sweet, raunchy, laugh-a-minute comedy that I really enjoyed - not loved mind you - but found very entertaining. GHTTG comes close to the same overall quality of it's predecessor, but falls a little short in the laughs department.

So was it funny? Yes. Was it hilarious? No. Telling the story of a failing record company trying to get back on top, a lowly assistant named Aaron (played by Superbad's Jonah Hill) comes up with the idea to give his favorite rock star Aldous Snow (an excellent Russell Brand) a reunion concert to help him regain his old glories. Getting Snow from Britian to the Greek theater in LA is easier said than done, and we follow the exploits, sexploits and otherwise in the attempt.

The movie's first half an hour is great. The movie's last fifteen minutes are great. In between, it's just okay. The makers spend way too much time trying to make the character of Aldous Snow seem like the "typical rock star", and we get that after the first ten minutes.

Another major problem I had with this movie is how the ads for it contains scenes or parts of scenes that aren't even in the movie. If you've seen the ad, the following scenes or parts are absent:

1. There's no scene where Aldous Snow asks Aaron to go for a jog.
2. There is no scene where P-Diddy gives Aaron the adrenaline and he responds with "Like in Pulp Fiction?" The injection scene IS in the movie, but the set up isn't.
3. There is no scene where other assistants talk about their ideas like the "Mexican Jonas Brothers" or "Flush Tones"
4. There is no scene where Aldous Snow is in a motorized car and says "I'm a motorist!"
5. There is no scene where Aldous Snow is dressed up as the Pope on the beach.
6. There is no scene where the two leads are "exercising" in Central Park.
7. There is no scene where Aaron is on a little league field.
8. There is no scene where Aldous Snow goes base-jumping.

I can assure you I didn't fall asleep, so don't you agree that if you put that much stuff in the trailer and it doesn't make it into the movie we've got a problem? I sure think so. I understand editing, but seriously, if you're making an ad to make it seem appealing to viewers, and cut all of those scenes out, that's nothing short of deceptive marketing.

So taking everything into account, I would give "Get Him to the Greek" a 6.5 rating out of 10, giving it half a star penalty for lying to me. I take those things personally - but the movie still was an enjoyable diversion.

Movie That I Despise: Gran Torino

I dedicate this review to Tammy and Tara.

I want to start off by saying I know a number of people that love this movie. I want to also say I know a number of people who like "The Real Housewives" series, smoking, consuming large amounts of alcohol, and other things that are hazardous to one's health. Gran Torino is a despicable little movie that should never have been made. I truly despise it.

The pathetic little story is about a cranky old racist (played by Clint Eastwood) who lives in a home with his one true love, his car (a Gran Torino, get it). He pretty much hates everything else around him - and makes that vocally clear with his endless racist remarks. He is portrayed as this nasty neighbor who won't be of assistance in any way - he just wants to die alone, probably in his car. And then one day an Asian kid tries to steal his car, so what does this gun-in-hand man do about it? He befriends the kid. Yeah, that makes PERFECT sense.

This movie defies stupidity. They work so hard to make you think this racist man is horrible, but then without warning there is an about face transformation. I hated this type of thing in the movie John Q, and I hate it here. Clint Eastwood is a great actor, and that's part of the problem. He totally sells old creepy racist - he has a harder time selling friendly, family guy.

Aside from plot problems, which I could fill an entire blog with, not just one post, the acting outside of Eastwood is terrible. It's like they cast cardboard cutouts in all of the other roles to make Eastwood look better. There is a young priest character who is seriously the most miscast person in the history of film. The people that play the old man's family are so stale and over the top that you wonder if they are really Clint Eastwood's kids. The pacing of the movie is also tiring and skiddish. I kept waiting for more to happen. And I won't spoil anything (although I wouldn't really feel bad if I did) but the ending is just pathetic.

BUT WAIT, there's more! The final nail in the coffin was when the end credits start to roll (normally the best part in a movie I hate), Clint Eastwood decides to start singing. SINGING. Dude, you may be talented, but I can assure singing is not one of your skills. I would give this piece of crap movie a 2 out of 10. I truly hated it.

Most Anticipated Summer Movies

This summer, there are tons of movies hitting theaters. I've done a lot of research and reading about the films opening from June-August, and here are the seven that sound the most promising.

7. Le Concert

Okay, I bet you've never heard of this movie. A week ago, I hadn't either. When I heard Melanie Laurent, the French actress who was amazing in Inglourious Basterds was going to be in another movie, I had to look into it. When I heard it was about overcoming Nazis to play a concert, it sounded really interesting. It was released in France last year to very good reviews - so we'll see. It might be great, it might not be. That's why it's at number seven on the list.

6. Dinner for Schmucks

Okay, I'm cheating. Originally, I was going to put the Katherine Heigl/Ashton Kutcher film Killers in this spot, but as it's at a 6% positive (out of 100%) on rottentomatoes.com, I'm jumping ship to another comedy that looks promising. The premise is simple - a businessman (played by Paul Rudd) must invite the biggest schmuck he can find to impress some other businessmen. The schmuck in question is played by Steve Carell. So it's going to be great - hopefully!

5. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

I am Michael Cera. Well, that's what a lot of people have told me. They say I talk and act like him, and I don't know if that's a compliment yet. This movie it looks like he kicks some serious butt, so I'm hoping to turn that questionable comment into a quality attribute. He plays the title character who meets the perfect girl, but to "get her" he must "defeat" her seven evil exes. It could be stupid, but chances are it will be amazing. I'll be here to report.

4. The Kids Are All Right

I predict this movie will be "the little indie that could" - an arthouse flick that catches fire and rakes in the dough. I think it will follow in the footsteps of "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Bella" and be revered as one of the best films of the year. That's what I hope anyways. It's the story of two married moms (so there goes the deep south viewership) whose two kids track down their sperm donor dad. Drama and laughs ensue - at least that's what it looks like from the trailers. The fact that the two moms in question are played by Julianne Moore and Annette Bening and the dad is played by Mark Ruffalo are three huge reasons alone to see this. I cannot wait.

3. Inception

From the previews, it's really hard to tell what Inception is about. From what I gather, Leo DiCaprio knows how to manipulate dreams, and he pairs up with Juno to do just that. Who cares really - it's from Christopher Nolan. He's most known for the very good (but overrated) The Dark Knight but I admire him most for his independent film, the revolutionary Memento. Yes, I used the word 'revolutionary' to describe a movie and I mean it - it's amazing. I just hope Inception can be half as good.

2. Salt

I love Angelina Jolie - I really do. I loved Wanted more than most action movies I've ever seen, and I liked Tomb Raider, Changeling, Mr.& Mrs. Smith, and many others in her collection of films. Salt is the movie she chose over a Wanted sequel, which originally pissed me off. Then I saw the preview for Salt and it looks incredible. It had better be or I will fly to L.A., track her down, and force her to sign a contract to do a Wanted 2. Mark my words. Okay, well, don't, cause I'm not a creepy stalker, but if you are a creepy stalker reading this that is the perfect idea for you. Oh, and after all of that rant, the movie is about Jolie's self-titled character who may or may not be a spy. Stuff blows up.

1. Toy Story 3 (June 18th)

First off all, it's a Pixar movie. Second of all, it's in the Toy Story franchise. And third...well, you shouldn't need a third reason to see this movie. I remember the first time I met Woody and Buzz in the first installment (I was twelve) and remember worrying when I heard there would be a sequel. How could they possibly risk tarnishing the original masterpiece?! Then the miracle happened - not only was Toy Story 2 good, it was great, and many critics hailed it better than the first. So with that track record, I have faith that this third installment will be phenomenal.

Review from the Past: Mulholland Drive

Movie: Mulholland Drive

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Romance/Noir (it's hard to put in a box)

Year: 2001

Notable Cast: Naomi Watts, Laura Elena Harring, Justin Theroux

Compare To: It's like if Magnolia and Donnie Darko had a baby....if that were possible.

When I am talking with friends about movies - which happens more often than I prefer to admit - Mulholland Drive often finds its way into the discussion. Few movies are so boldly questionable, so daringly awesome, and so down right confusing. The DVD actually comes with a card of clues to help you figure out what's what. I have seen the movie six or seven times and I still don't completely know what's going on, but that's the fun. It's a puzzle. This isn't some romantic comedy where you can leave your brain at the door to enjoy. It takes work.

The movie opens with an odd montage of swing dancing, bright lights, shifting colors, and some people we are destined to meet along the way. It then cuts to a car accident. And then a discovery. And then some crazy looking dude. It gets bizarre quickly, but then settles out for about an hour before completely losing control in the last quarter. At one moment, you think this movie could be set in the 50s. Another, in the near future. It's crazy, and so much fun.

The acting and directing are also top-notch. This was Naomi Watts breakout role before becoming the star she is today. David Lynch is also at the top of his game. Fun fact - this movie was originally supposed to be a TV series for ABC, but they scrapped the project. David Lynch then took what he had, added in some content he couldn't put on television, and created this movie. I'm so glad that he did!

So if you feel like a great mystery I would highly recommend Mulholland Drive. 9.5 out of 10.

Movie That I Despise: Enough

I decided I'm not going to simply send love out to my favorite movies, but also vent about some of the worst minutes I've spent in front of a screen. So, I figured I would kick this 'despise series' off with one of the worst movies that I've ever seen.

Movie: Enough

Genre: Thriller?

Year: 2002

Notable Cast: Jennifer Lopez

Compare To: Getting a root canal while listening to the "Hampster Dance" song on repeat.

Hey. No, that's not how I normally how I start movie posts - with the word 'hey' I mean. But that's exactly how "Enough" starts, with the word "hey" in white letters on a black screen. Why? I have no idea. Exactly the sentiment I feel towards why they made this horrible movie at all. Sometimes dramas are compared to Lifetime Television for Women movies. To compare "Enough" to that would be an insult to the Lifetime Network. To compare "Enough" to anything but a torture device to only use in the most extreme of circumstances would be an improper usage of the English language.

Now, I am a little fuzzy on the exact plot as I saw the movie eight years ago and once was...well...enough. I know that it's basically a man-hating movie where every female is made to look like a goddess and every male like someone who belongs in prison because they smile the wrong way. I'm pretty sure J.Lo gets beaten on by her husband so she escapes with her little girl while her husband pursues them. Something like that. It doesn't really matter. This isn't a review as much as it is time for me to vent a bit.

I hated the acting. I hated the "Fraiser" like chapters. The story has been done better before (try Not Without My Daughter with Sally Field). There is truly no good reason to watch this movie. I really want to save you 115 minutes of your life if you haven't seen it already. If you have, and you like it, well, we're done. Seriously. Get off this blog, turn off your computer, get in your car, and go drive off of a cliff. Hopefully as your car is careening downwards, you will land on a pile of "Enough" DVDs. I would rate "Enough" .5 out of 10 - POINT FIVE, as in HALF OF ONE STAR OUT OF THE TEN AVAILABLE STARS. And that's overly generous. There is only one movie that I hate more, and we'll get to that eventually.

Review from the Past: Northfork

Since it's June, and My Month of Movies is over (for May 2010 anyways), I decided I'm going to keep this movie blog going. As you may have noticed, I already posted a review for this weekend's "Splice" thanks to a special advanced screening I was able to attend. I decided that in addition to posting new movie reviews, I'm going to send out some love to other movies that I rave about. So, with that being said, here's my first review from the past. Feel free to post your thoughts or reviews of your own.

Movie: Northfork

Genre: Drama

Year: 2003

Notable Cast: James Woods, Nick Nolte, Daryll Hannah

Compare To: A Prairie Home Companion

Northfork is a great movie, but it's not a movie for everyone. I remember the first time I saw it - it was at the now out of business Bijou Cinema in Worcester, Massachusetts. First, let me have a moment of silence for the great independent cinema that once resided in the also defunct Worcester Common Fashion Outlets. They had free popcorn, awkward but awesome seating, and a friendly staff. I miss it. It's exactly at a theater like that one should experience Northfork, but if you haven't seen it, settling for your living room is still fine.

The layered film is a fable of sorts, dealing with angels, lost hope, and progress. It's really hard to peg down, and one reason I love it is that it's so original. All I can really say that would make sense in review form is that there is a priest caring for a dying boy as men arrive to move them both out of town, along with a handful of others. Now I said at the beginning of this review that this isn't a movie for everyone. Some will find it mind numbingly boring, and I can understand that. But for those that have the patience to watch the story unfold, the end result is completely worth it. I highly suggest checking out Northfork. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

Movie Review: SPLICE

Some movies consider themselves horror films because they slash people to death, rip them apart, and rely completely on cheap jumps and gasps. Other films, like Splice, don't go for cheap thrills, but instead horrify effectively by using a smart story and a device that can connect with viewers. There is almost no human gore seen in Splice, but it's addition to the horror genre is welcomed as it earns it's credibility for being both intelligent and relevant.

When two geneticists (Sarah Polley, Adrien Brody) try to "one up" their own experiments (and defy their employers) by splicing human DNA with animal DNA, they create a creature they never could have bargained for. At first this creature, "Dren", is as cute as a puppy - but then it evolves into something far less cuddly.

The movie does a near-perfect job of being entertaining and a very good job of making an extraordinary situation seem like it could really happen. That is it's strength as it causes viewers to think "I wonder if there are labs out there that are really trying this stuff?" Where the film falters a bit should have been the easiest part - the relationship between the two geneticists. We learn that the couple has been together for at least seven years, yet when things start to go crazy, one of the scientists informs the other that she has a house and barn she's never mentioned which they can use to get out of a predicament. It just seemed silly and unbelievable. That complaint aside, this is a very very good movie. I was intrigued the entire time, and while some elements were predictable, it remained original enough to earn a score of 7.5 out of 10.