Luis Gerardo Mendez and Connor Del Rio star in this Mexico themed mashup of Step Brothers meets Midnight Run.
See it in theaters now. Attendance has doubled... from 2 people to 4 in the theater.
* * * *
Die Hard (1988)
"Is this a Christmas movie?" One of the great film school questions.
Yes - it is set on Christmas Eve, there's a family potentially getting together, there's a Christmas party, Christmas music plays over the closing credits.
No - there's no greater theme of gifts, there's not much love to go around, no one really laments that they are about to die hard on Christmas Eve all alone, it could be any other of the 364 nights of the year.
Bruce Willis is John McLane, a New York City detective, on vacation in Los Angeles. He's visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) who has a good job with Nakatomi Industries and he attends their Christmas party on Christmas Eve. But when German robbers led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) take over the building to rob it, John becomes a one-man army and the movie turns into a cat and mouse game on who can beat the other first. The lead police office Sgt. Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) provides a nice best friend aspect.
This really set the playbook for the modern action movie: a wisecracking one man army, guns, fist fighting, acrobatics, death defying stunts, car crashes, explosions behind the running man, etc.
* * * * of 5
The Kid Detective (2020)
One of the few movies to open this year, its a Stranger Things look at an unsolved crime in a northern town. Adam Brodie stars as the "Encyclopedia Brown" all grown up. A lot of classic detective movie gags here, but it does have a few mystery twists. Sophie Nelisse plays a good sidekick.
* * * of 5
Gremlins (1985)
Produced by Steven Spielberg, it's got that familiar 80s set design of a dark, suburban maze (Goonies, ET) and a cast of kids dealing with the supernatural. Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates stars as two teenagers who find themselves dealing with a good gremlin named Gizmo which has spawned bad gremlins (e.g. Aliens) who are outlandish villains in the otherwise idyllic Kingston Falls.
Set at Christmas with the gremlin to be a Christmas present, it's kind of a movie with in a movie with various Christmas movies playing in the background.
Written by Christmas movie favorite Chris Columbus. Stay for the good ending.
**** of 5
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzeneggar plays Howard, an overworked dad, who waits until Christmas Eve to find the most popular toy for his neglected son.
The toy Turbo Man is of course sold out and Howard in his quest runs into Myron (Sinbad) and they competitively try and find the last one in town. Their quest takes them through the Mall of America, Santa's warehouse and culminates in the big downtown parade through Minneapolis.
A nice combo between an action movie, a family movie and cartoon. The Turbo Man plot is very well done. Produced by family movie extraordinaire, Chris Columbus. Also starring Rita Moreno and Phil Hartman.
* * * * * Merry Christmas!
Basic Instinct (1992)
Back in the day when movies were events, this one was talked up quite a bit. It was initially to get an NC-17 rating and still has a lot of violent sex in it. A Hitchcock/femme fatale/feel to it.
* * * * of 5
Almost Famous (2000)
20th anniversary of this movie this year - planning a rewatch.
Cast looks very Kevin Smith - Jason Lee, Frances McDormand
An autobiographic look at the 70s by Cameron Crowe, who did a similar memoir which turned into the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which I read for the 1st time in 1981 in Playboy magazine.
Shawshank Redemption (1993)
Regular chosen as a favorite movie of many, this prison story about thriving despite the bad situation probably makes many think "Perhaps I could handle it". Starring Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman (interesting name meaning!) as Red, Andy is sentenced to life for double murder that appears to be a railroad job. Red, the long-time inmate, shows him the ropes.
The period piece of this gothic prison look make the time look like something that probably never was. Interesting cinematography with many aerial shots and looking through long holes: a safe, the inevitable escape attempt. Similar 90s movies of that time were Forrest Gump and My Dog Skip.
* * * * of 5
Walk Hard (2007)
Billed as a biopic spoof, it turned out to be much more original that expected. John C. Reilly, an underrated comic actor stars as Dewey Cox, a singer who comes of age in the 1950s start of rock n' roll and has a storybook rise/fall/rise in the general story of Johnny Cash. Along the way he checks in Forrest Gump-style to every event along the way.
Best part was the original music. That time of the 00s had a lot of music creativity along with similar comedic movies Get Him to the Greek and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Also it was quite a star-making turn for just about every actor of the day: Jack Black, Jenna Fischer, Ed Helms, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and all the other Judd Apatow favorites.
Directed by Jake Kasdan and co-written with him and Judd Apatow.
Proudly R-rated!
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
A funny Rom Com from 2009 - 2 decades ago!
Starring Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson, among others...
but Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Connelly get top billing?
As noted things have changed in 2 decades,
but the battles between men and women dating do continue.
Tenet
Theaters have re-opened! Cinemark has good procedures in place for social distance, and they took it to the extreme - only 2 people in the theater on a Friday afternoon.
Tenet is a palindrome, spelled the same forwards and backwards. That is a clue as to this complex time travelling plot. The Protagonist (John David Washington) and Neil (Robert Pattinson) are members of a shadowy, extra-legal enforcement organization (like Men in Black, Blade Runner) who travel forwards and backwards fighting evil (so to speak), from a red to a blue world, and trying to figure out if what they do means anything or not.
Very much a Bond movie, John David (son of Denzel) is witty, suave and an athletic fighter, so he does well. His sidekick Neil is cast in the same mold.
Part of the complexity is the Storm Trooper aspect - you can't tell who is who, good or bad, in many of the group scenes, of which there are a lot.
* * * * of 5. Worth a rewatch to figure out the details.
Old School (2003)
An early effort of the 2000s bro crew, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, each playing their designated role of witty cut-up, over the top physicality, and droll straight man. Most of the plot is a reboot of Animal House (the fraternity, the schmucks, the dean, the revenge). But we can't be too hard on the filmmakers whose heart was probably in the right place.
On review, the fun parts were seeing Todd Phillips director cues, which were really developed in The Hangover, a top effort. Such as the van chase, the supporting characters, and the party scenes.
Good supporting performances by future stars Ellen Pompeo and Jeremy Piven.
A light snack of a movie.
* * *
Blades of Glory (2007)
Starring Jon Heder as Jimmy and Will Ferrell as Chaz, they are rival individual figure skaters who gets into a fight and are stripped of their gold medals. They have to go get terrible jobs, but a superfan discovers that they are still eligible to compete as Pairs figure skaters. Two men in an event traditionally done by a man and a woman.
A bit of a spoof (Karate Kid, Rocky) but a lot of originality with cameos by Olympic figure skaters, good stunts and a slightly homoerotic vibe. Maybe that would not fly as well now, but it was still funny. Laugh out loud in some points - a rare occurence these days.
Co-written by Busy Phillips, there a strong resemblance to Pitch Perfect (2010) which she was also involved in.
* * * * * (highest!)
Jason Bourne (2016)
Like Mission: Impossible, this series just keeps chugging along. Matt Damon is Jason Bourne/ David Webb, struggling with his origin story. The CIA led by Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) wants him gone and has Agent Lee (Alicia Vikander) and "The Asset" looking to rub Bourne out, or "have him come in".
It jumps around to various European locations before landing in Las Vegas. This movie was done before the Route 91 Harvest Festival killings on October 1, 2017 and so it is not so fun to watch scenes of snipers killing, crowds rushing in fear. Makes you think that movies might have more to do with violence than we would care to admit.
* * * *
Gentlemen Prefer Blonds (1953)
An early starring role for Marilyn Monroe, she play Lorelei, who is a musical performer with Dorothy (Jane Russell). Directed by Howard Hawkes.
Lorelei and Dorothy are looking for men, Dorothy is looking for a good time and true love, while Lorelei is strictly in it for the money. They take a voyage across the Atlantic to Paris where they meet all sorts of potential love interests. The rich baron, Mr. Pink, the Olympic rowing team, the caddish Malone (Eddie Reed), even Mr. Spofford.
There's a thin plot to hold together the singing and the dancing. Reminded me of the many Astaire/Rogers movies of the day. Also the wackiness of a Marx Brothers movie.
Contains the hit Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend. Based on a successful Broadway musical.
* * * *
They Were Expendable (1945)
My good friend Glenn Good told me that this movie was based on the life of his old skipper in the US Navy, Admiral John Bulkeley, who won the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Phillipines. So I found it on TCM and watched it this past Friday night.
An early "based on true events" story, Robert Montgomery is "Brick" and John Wayne is Rusty, two lieutentants in charge of a Torpedo boat squadron in the Phillipines in World War II. Things are not going well, and the general theme of the movie is one of Retreat, with an underlying Live to Fight Another Day theme.
So while there is heroism and brief successes, the arching story is how the sailors are dealing with orders they don't understand and a general sense of loss. Deep thought for the time.
Directed by John Ford, one of his early collaborations with John Wayne, who would both go to great movie heights. Also starring Donna Reed.
* * * * *
When I woke up this Saturday, I got the news that Glenn had died at age 87. Divine timing that I saw the movie on that same day.
Insomnia (2002)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, it's an early view of some of his themes: A twist on reality, a complex plot, a likeable villain.
An old retread, Al Pacino, plays Will, a detective sent with his partner Hap (Martin Donovan) up to Alaska to investigate a local murder over the heads of the small town police. They are escaping from internal affairs scrutiny for their planting of evidence in Los Angeles. Hap wants to take a plea, but Will doesn't want to concede.
As they investigate the local murder, Will starts getting calls from someone who knows so much that he must be the killer, right? That wily Walter is a local author, played by Robin Williams. It's a small town so they meet soon enough, and there is a definite Heat vibe between the cop and the robber. Walter gets into Will's head and the bad craziness is acerbated by Will's lack of sleep in the always daylight of Alaska summer.
Meanwhile the local young detective Ellie (Hillary Swank) is trying to do her best to do some independent investigation. All three converge at the end to solve the mystery.
A good story and camera work in the Alaska scenery.
* * * *
In the Heat of the Night (1967)
Starring Sidney Pointier and Rod Serling, this movie is about a black man in a white town, during a time of virulent racism. Viewed through today's mores, it is over the top, but the sad truth is that is was probably an accurate reflection of many, many years.
Pointier is Virgil Tibbs, a detective from Philadelphia passing through Sparta, MS. When a leading citizen is found dead, the deputy rounds up this black stranger for the crime. When Chief Gillespie finds out he is a homicide detective, he grudgingly allows Tipps to help in the crime investigation. They form an unlikely and delicate bond.
A great plot, and the racial boilings really add to the suspense. The cinematography is excellent as well. But again, be forewarned- it's not an easy watch.
Academy Award for Best Picture - 1967!
* * * * *
Pointier is Virgil Tibbs, a detective from Philadelphia passing through Sparta, MS. When a leading citizen is found dead, the deputy rounds up this black stranger for the crime. When Chief Gillespie finds out he is a homicide detective, he grudgingly allows Tipps to help in the crime investigation. They form an unlikely and delicate bond.
A great plot, and the racial boilings really add to the suspense. The cinematography is excellent as well. But again, be forewarned- it's not an easy watch.
Academy Award for Best Picture - 1967!
* * * * *
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
A real popcorn flick, directed by Brad Bird, it's got a "Why So Serious" vibe. Starring Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg
Threat Level Midnight
From the show The Office, this is a movie within a TV show, about Michael Scott writing a screenplay which is discovered by the gleeful office mates who do a table read of the screenplay to poke fun at its silliness. Episode 2:7
The joke's on them as the screenplay is actually "made into a movie" years later which stars all the co-workers of The Office, past and present. Michael is very thin-skinned about it and is upset if he preceives that people don't like it. Episode 7:17
Late last year, the full movie dropped and you can watch it right here:
It's a parody/spoof of every 80s and 90s action movie you can imagine. Some elements include:
Die Hard
Batman
Goldfinger
Shawshank Redemption
Karate Kid
Independence Day
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Lethal Weapon
Some talent involved: Starring Steve Carrel, John Krasinski, Jenna Fisher, Rashida Jones, plus voice over by Morgan Freeman, music by Billy Joel.
Wonder what the budget would be if you had to hire these actors on their current contract? Instead of Before they were Big?
The joke's on them as the screenplay is actually "made into a movie" years later which stars all the co-workers of The Office, past and present. Michael is very thin-skinned about it and is upset if he preceives that people don't like it. Episode 7:17
Late last year, the full movie dropped and you can watch it right here:
It's a parody/spoof of every 80s and 90s action movie you can imagine. Some elements include:
Die Hard
Batman
Goldfinger
Shawshank Redemption
Karate Kid
Independence Day
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Lethal Weapon
Some talent involved: Starring Steve Carrel, John Krasinski, Jenna Fisher, Rashida Jones, plus voice over by Morgan Freeman, music by Billy Joel.
Wonder what the budget would be if you had to hire these actors on their current contract? Instead of Before they were Big?
Wedding Crashers (2005)
Today is Will Ferrell's birthday and yesterday the anniversary of a fine movie release, Wedding Crashers, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as two buddies who make it a party to crash weddings and pretend like they are friends/family, all while drinking the host's booze, eating their food and boning their women.
They get in over their heads when they are invited back to the government official's home since Owen Wilson has become smitten with Rachel McAdams (who could blame him?) Vince Vaughn has to be the good wingman (Rule # 5, never leave a crasher behind). They are afraid of getting caught the whole weekend and Bradley Cooper is their nemesis who sets out to reveal their charade.
Where do the rules come from? They were laid down by Chaz, who is revealed at the end as Will Ferrell, uncredited, in perhaps his defining role.
They get in over their heads when they are invited back to the government official's home since Owen Wilson has become smitten with Rachel McAdams (who could blame him?) Vince Vaughn has to be the good wingman (Rule # 5, never leave a crasher behind). They are afraid of getting caught the whole weekend and Bradley Cooper is their nemesis who sets out to reveal their charade.
Where do the rules come from? They were laid down by Chaz, who is revealed at the end as Will Ferrell, uncredited, in perhaps his defining role.
Palm Springs
Andy Samberg and Cristin Millot star in this Sundance 2020 favorite to Hulu production. Samberg is Nyles, a wedding guest in Palm Springs. He's quite a goofball, who helps out Sarah (Millot) sister of the bride to avoid an embarrassing situation. The next thing, they are about to hook up on the beach, when.... the movie really starts.
I won't give anything else away, but suffice to say, it's a complicated plotline that part of the fun is t figure it out as you go.
Good choice to set in Palm Springs, a place that time stands still, and also the setting of the books Generation X and Less Than Zero, of a place of vapid existence.
* * * * *
I won't give anything else away, but suffice to say, it's a complicated plotline that part of the fun is t figure it out as you go.
Good choice to set in Palm Springs, a place that time stands still, and also the setting of the books Generation X and Less Than Zero, of a place of vapid existence.
* * * * *
Mallrats (1996)
Trying to bookend some Kevin Smith movies, I sprung for the $3.99 for this 80s/90s take on that great American edifice, the indoor shopping mall. The set was very on point, like Stranger Things, the Eden Prairie Mall had the B. Dalton books, the carpet store (Rug Munchers), the cookie place, the food court, the fashion men's store, and even a comic book store. That's where reality left off.
A couple of slackers Brodie (Jason Lee) and Jeremy London (T.S.) are reaching the end of their rope when their girlfriends Rene (Shannon Elizabeth) and Brandi (Claire Forlani) get sick of their vapid existence. To fight back they turn to two even greater slackers, Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith), to wreck the game show being set up at the mall. Their nemesises are all adult authority figures: fathers, teacher, mall security, employers, strong women. Kind of an Animal House plot.
Pretty silly but a pretty interesting period piece.
* * of 5
A couple of slackers Brodie (Jason Lee) and Jeremy London (T.S.) are reaching the end of their rope when their girlfriends Rene (Shannon Elizabeth) and Brandi (Claire Forlani) get sick of their vapid existence. To fight back they turn to two even greater slackers, Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith), to wreck the game show being set up at the mall. Their nemesises are all adult authority figures: fathers, teacher, mall security, employers, strong women. Kind of an Animal House plot.
Pretty silly but a pretty interesting period piece.
* * of 5
V for Vendetta (2005)
A surprisingly good movie, based in general on The Count of Monte Cristo, which is a elaborate revenge plot against the enemies who wrongly imprisoned our hero.
There are actually 2 heroes here Natalie Portman (Evey) as well as Hugo Weaving (V). V has been imprisoned and tortured as a political prisoner due to the fascist rise of Sutler. V, wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, blows up a building in dramatic fashion on November 5, Guy Fawkes Day, and promises to do more of the same a year later. His paths cross with Evey at the TV station that she works, and he kidnaps her, both for his and her protection.
It's a twisted relationship they have and it's tricky to say where one ends and the other begins.
A nice subplot with the detectives Finch and Ditrich trying to solve the crimes of V and find out who he is while uncovering deep state secrets about the Larkhill Prison.
Reminded me a lot of Batman, and it came out about the same time of the Dark Night trilogy of Batman moves.
* * * * * highest
There are actually 2 heroes here Natalie Portman (Evey) as well as Hugo Weaving (V). V has been imprisoned and tortured as a political prisoner due to the fascist rise of Sutler. V, wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, blows up a building in dramatic fashion on November 5, Guy Fawkes Day, and promises to do more of the same a year later. His paths cross with Evey at the TV station that she works, and he kidnaps her, both for his and her protection.
It's a twisted relationship they have and it's tricky to say where one ends and the other begins.
A nice subplot with the detectives Finch and Ditrich trying to solve the crimes of V and find out who he is while uncovering deep state secrets about the Larkhill Prison.
Reminded me a lot of Batman, and it came out about the same time of the Dark Night trilogy of Batman moves.
* * * * * highest
Independence Day (1996)
A good movie on basic cable TV, but it drags due to the many commercial breaks. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Jeff Goldblum, aliens invade the USA and the good ol' US Military is called in to Save the World. Some interesting subplots about a broken home and Area 51. A bit ahead of its time in that respect.
A prototypical 90s action movie, star studded, flag waving, alien-busting, feel-goodness. How did I miss it back then? I guess it's because Sarah was only 2 years old and action movies were not high on my list back then. I do remember my brother in law Rick liked it a lot and enjoyed watching it on his home theater, where he was certainly ahead of his time. Directed by Roland Emmerich.
* * * of 5
A prototypical 90s action movie, star studded, flag waving, alien-busting, feel-goodness. How did I miss it back then? I guess it's because Sarah was only 2 years old and action movies were not high on my list back then. I do remember my brother in law Rick liked it a lot and enjoyed watching it on his home theater, where he was certainly ahead of his time. Directed by Roland Emmerich.
* * * of 5
The Wrong Missy
An Adam Sandler production, it's got all his hallmarks but starring David Spade and Rob Schneider instead. Adam's probably got a part in there somewhere heavily disguised.
Spade plays Tim, a corporate executive who has a blind date with Missy (Lauren Lakpus) which goes wrong. Vowing never to see her again, he meets Melissa who he falls for. Via texting he invites Melissa to a corporate retreat in Hawaii (50 First Dates) and is surprised when Missy shows up on the plane. He confused the two on his phone contacts.
Tim is vying for a promotion and is pitted against his business rival (Jess - the Barracuda), interestingly played by Mrs. Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler who does a good job. The obligatory talent show is a highlight.
Rated MA, it's still pretty tame by our standards, but does include hand jobs, and a screwball threesome as well as a healthy attitude toward sex. Shocking!
Not a bad original comedy summer TV watch.
* * *
Spade plays Tim, a corporate executive who has a blind date with Missy (Lauren Lakpus) which goes wrong. Vowing never to see her again, he meets Melissa who he falls for. Via texting he invites Melissa to a corporate retreat in Hawaii (50 First Dates) and is surprised when Missy shows up on the plane. He confused the two on his phone contacts.
Tim is vying for a promotion and is pitted against his business rival (Jess - the Barracuda), interestingly played by Mrs. Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler who does a good job. The obligatory talent show is a highlight.
Rated MA, it's still pretty tame by our standards, but does include hand jobs, and a screwball threesome as well as a healthy attitude toward sex. Shocking!
Not a bad original comedy summer TV watch.
* * *
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Whenever a movie is picked up for a theatrical release from South By Southwest, it's either just weird enough or just mainstream enough to hit a sweet spot. Here we have both.
Zach Gottsagen plays Zac, and kudos to the filmmakers for casting an actual Down Syndrome Person in a lead role. Zac is holed up in a long term care facility for seniors, kind of cast on the scrap heap. With the help of his roommate Bruce Dern, he escapes and is symbolically reborn, even squeezing through the narrow opening and landing in his birthday suit looking like a baby in a diaper.
He crashes into Tyler (Shia LeBoauf) who is forced to go on the run after doing a bad thing to some bad men Marshall and Ratboy. Tyler is on the run and brings Zac along, for various reasons. Along the way they travel on foot and by raft, a la Huck Finn, while being chased by the bad men as well as Eleanor (Dakota Johnson) who worked at the seniors facility and was ordered to Find Him.
Zac is interested in wrestling and wants to go the the wrestling school advertised by the Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). The classic hero's journey that he must make it there. But what happens when he finds the Wizard?
Good casting, photography, a nice spin on a classic story
* * * * * (highest)
Zach Gottsagen plays Zac, and kudos to the filmmakers for casting an actual Down Syndrome Person in a lead role. Zac is holed up in a long term care facility for seniors, kind of cast on the scrap heap. With the help of his roommate Bruce Dern, he escapes and is symbolically reborn, even squeezing through the narrow opening and landing in his birthday suit looking like a baby in a diaper.
He crashes into Tyler (Shia LeBoauf) who is forced to go on the run after doing a bad thing to some bad men Marshall and Ratboy. Tyler is on the run and brings Zac along, for various reasons. Along the way they travel on foot and by raft, a la Huck Finn, while being chased by the bad men as well as Eleanor (Dakota Johnson) who worked at the seniors facility and was ordered to Find Him.
Zac is interested in wrestling and wants to go the the wrestling school advertised by the Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). The classic hero's journey that he must make it there. But what happens when he finds the Wizard?
Good casting, photography, a nice spin on a classic story
* * * * * (highest)
Crazy Heart (2009)
First the good news - The original music starring Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett was the best part. All the songs gave the story a nice arc.
- otherwise, it was a tired story about "Bad Blake" (Jeff Bridges) , a George Jones type figure, fading from prominence with the help of an alcohol and related problems. The withdrawn old man falls in love with Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young reporter and grows up. Hero's journey complete.
Another Six Degrees of Colin Farrell, who was a good part playing Tommy Sweet, the new country bro who is the nemesis of Blake, his protege who eclipses the old man's success.
* * * of 5 Best Actor for Jeff Bridges.
Moon (2009)
Sam Rockwell stars as "Sam" a space dweller on the Far Side of the Moon, working for a private mining company. Deployed for 3 years, he's coming to the end of his tour and is getting antsy. On a outing to one of the mining outposts, named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, he suffers an accident and wakes up in the infirmary, being tended to by GERTY, the computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey).
He later discovers there is another person on the space ship, his twin, although he does not recognize him as such. It turns out that the private forces of evil are cloning Sam. GERTY is the overseer of such activities.
Very reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey with the talking computer, the spare space ship, and the foreboding sense of what the future might actually look like. A selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, it certainly had the look of that.
However, it was a very thin version of 2001. * * of 5.
He later discovers there is another person on the space ship, his twin, although he does not recognize him as such. It turns out that the private forces of evil are cloning Sam. GERTY is the overseer of such activities.
Very reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey with the talking computer, the spare space ship, and the foreboding sense of what the future might actually look like. A selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, it certainly had the look of that.
However, it was a very thin version of 2001. * * of 5.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
On the heels of Won't You Be My Neighbor, a documentary, comes this other version which is "based on a true story" but takes a quite different look.
Tom Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, and Matthew Rhys (Lloyd) is a journalist send to interview Mr. Rogers. Lloyd is a hard-hitting investigative journalist and tries to size up Mr. Rogers as someone who is not what he appears. But Mr. Rogers turns out to be better than promised and helps to transform Lloyd into a better adult. What starts off as 400 words of fluff turns into 10,000 words of self help.
A nice story to wrap up a 40+ year career of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
* * * * * (no bad movie with Tom Hanks)
Tom Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, and Matthew Rhys (Lloyd) is a journalist send to interview Mr. Rogers. Lloyd is a hard-hitting investigative journalist and tries to size up Mr. Rogers as someone who is not what he appears. But Mr. Rogers turns out to be better than promised and helps to transform Lloyd into a better adult. What starts off as 400 words of fluff turns into 10,000 words of self help.
A nice story to wrap up a 40+ year career of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
* * * * * (no bad movie with Tom Hanks)
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)
Starring Ewan McGregor as Fred and Emily Blunt as Harriet, this is a somewhat stereotypical
a middle aged loser meets RomCom.
I might call it a true romantic comedy, between a man and a fish, or perhaps the two men, Fred and Sheik Muhammed (the very handsome Amr Waked). Harriet and her boyfriend Robert are in 3rd place. Harriet and Fred are the least appealing couple ever.
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, his signature languid and mystical style is apparent throughout.
This was a homework assignment for church so one of the discussion questions is the question of faith, whether you believe in transporting fish to the desert, and not wild fish but farmed fish. Fred starts off very doubtful but the power of the Sheik's money proves a strong incentive for everyone that controls Fred.
What else was sterotypical? The British invasion of the Middle East, the rich sheik who buys whatever he wants, the terrorism, the working woman who can't find love, the middle aged loser, the bossy politico(a) [Kristen Scott Thomas].
The bright point? No bad movie with Emily Blunt in it.
* * * of 5
a middle aged loser meets RomCom.
I might call it a true romantic comedy, between a man and a fish, or perhaps the two men, Fred and Sheik Muhammed (the very handsome Amr Waked). Harriet and her boyfriend Robert are in 3rd place. Harriet and Fred are the least appealing couple ever.
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, his signature languid and mystical style is apparent throughout.
This was a homework assignment for church so one of the discussion questions is the question of faith, whether you believe in transporting fish to the desert, and not wild fish but farmed fish. Fred starts off very doubtful but the power of the Sheik's money proves a strong incentive for everyone that controls Fred.
What else was sterotypical? The British invasion of the Middle East, the rich sheik who buys whatever he wants, the terrorism, the working woman who can't find love, the middle aged loser, the bossy politico(a) [Kristen Scott Thomas].
The bright point? No bad movie with Emily Blunt in it.
* * * of 5
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The original 3 Mad Max movies were a little ahead of my time - probably they were rated R. So I was not so keen to hurry and see this 30 years later.
My loss - this was super exciting, like a comic book come alive, not in a Marvel sense, but like a graphic novel. Most of the plot was somewhat derivative of movies I was not familiar with so I just settled in for the ride.
Max is a prisoner of war of Immortan Joe, who controls a kingdom protected by his armies. He has a harem of wives. He tasks Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to take the War Rig from one place to another. But when she goes off track, he finds out that Furiosa has taken his wives to break them out. He sends his armies on wheels to get them back.
Max (Tom Hardy) is taken into battle as a "bloodbag" for the skinheads Nux and Slit, who seeks glory in death in battle. Of course Max escapes, and is picked up in the War Rig which is chased for the rest of the movie.
Incredible stunts, vehicle chases, explosions, etc. make this an exciting chase. Like 1917, its a movie constantly on the move. Good character development makes this a fine watch.
* * * * * (highest)
My loss - this was super exciting, like a comic book come alive, not in a Marvel sense, but like a graphic novel. Most of the plot was somewhat derivative of movies I was not familiar with so I just settled in for the ride.
Max is a prisoner of war of Immortan Joe, who controls a kingdom protected by his armies. He has a harem of wives. He tasks Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to take the War Rig from one place to another. But when she goes off track, he finds out that Furiosa has taken his wives to break them out. He sends his armies on wheels to get them back.
Max (Tom Hardy) is taken into battle as a "bloodbag" for the skinheads Nux and Slit, who seeks glory in death in battle. Of course Max escapes, and is picked up in the War Rig which is chased for the rest of the movie.
Incredible stunts, vehicle chases, explosions, etc. make this an exciting chase. Like 1917, its a movie constantly on the move. Good character development makes this a fine watch.
* * * * * (highest)
Clue (1985)
At our book club my friend Martha said "Clue is my all time favorite movie". So, having not seen it, it was available on Amazon Prime.
Based on the classic board game, we have the familiar characters of Col. Mustard, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs White, Mrs Peacock and Miss Scarlet. A closed door murder in an old gothic house on a dark and stormy night. The butler Wadsworth summons each person there, giving them an alias. He says they are are related somehow and it turns out they are all being blackmailed to hide a secret and that gives them a motive for murder.
It was an inventive way to turn the game into a movie. In this case people starts dying at the hands of the familiar weapons, the knife, the candlestick, the rope, the pipe, the revolver and the poison. And there are many room and passageways between them to give a number of solutions as to "Whodunnit".
Certainly campy and somewhat slapstick, it was evocative of the comedy of those days - Mel Brooks, Rocky Horror, Monty Python. The casting was done with most characters in upper middle age, a much different look than today. Witty dialogue and rambunctious action made it kind of fun to watch.
Very clever ending.
* * * * of 5
Based on the classic board game, we have the familiar characters of Col. Mustard, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs White, Mrs Peacock and Miss Scarlet. A closed door murder in an old gothic house on a dark and stormy night. The butler Wadsworth summons each person there, giving them an alias. He says they are are related somehow and it turns out they are all being blackmailed to hide a secret and that gives them a motive for murder.
It was an inventive way to turn the game into a movie. In this case people starts dying at the hands of the familiar weapons, the knife, the candlestick, the rope, the pipe, the revolver and the poison. And there are many room and passageways between them to give a number of solutions as to "Whodunnit".
Certainly campy and somewhat slapstick, it was evocative of the comedy of those days - Mel Brooks, Rocky Horror, Monty Python. The casting was done with most characters in upper middle age, a much different look than today. Witty dialogue and rambunctious action made it kind of fun to watch.
Very clever ending.
* * * * of 5
Knocked Up (2007)
Hard to remember way back when Katherine Heigl was the next "it" star. Here's she takes a romcom turn as the up and coming TV star whose life takes a turn when she gets pregnant from a one-night stand.
This being a movie, Allison decides not to get a "shemsbortion" and keep the baby while trying to make something work with the schlub of a father Seth Rogen (Ben). Allison lives with her sister Debbie (Leslie Mann) and her husband Pete (Paul Rudd) whose life is not quite as good as it appears. Pete and Debbie would late get their own spin-off movie This is 40.
The real stars are Ben's stoner friends who would all go on to bigger things, Jason Segal, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Martin Starr.
Also memorable small performances by future stars Craig Robinson, Ken Jeoug, B.J. Novak.
* * *
Whatever happened to Katherine Heigl?
This being a movie, Allison decides not to get a "shemsbortion" and keep the baby while trying to make something work with the schlub of a father Seth Rogen (Ben). Allison lives with her sister Debbie (Leslie Mann) and her husband Pete (Paul Rudd) whose life is not quite as good as it appears. Pete and Debbie would late get their own spin-off movie This is 40.
The real stars are Ben's stoner friends who would all go on to bigger things, Jason Segal, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Martin Starr.
Also memorable small performances by future stars Craig Robinson, Ken Jeoug, B.J. Novak.
* * *
Whatever happened to Katherine Heigl?
The Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012)
It's a truism that some actors just never seem to be in a bad movie. Add Emma Watson to that list.
She stars with a few other no-names in this coming of age story telling a familiar tale: High school misfit moves to a new school, meets his new crew and comes into his own. Sprinkle with a good dose of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. Add some bullying, and a few other taboo topics and as they say in the movie "it becomes an after school special".
Logan Lerman is Charlie, a freshman, just returned from the mental hospital. He enters high school and after the obligatory false starts, he meets and is befriended by two seniors Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). Charlie of course falls for Sam, but they have a brother/sister relationship unlike Charlie's actual sister Candace (Nina Dobrev).
Suffice to say each character has a deep, dark secret that gets revealed as the school year goes by. As noted it is like the After School Specials of the 1970s where the teenagers would be faced with very adult problems and situations.
Set in the 90s, it's got some good music and is kind of old fashioned in a pre-social media world.
* * * * of 5
She stars with a few other no-names in this coming of age story telling a familiar tale: High school misfit moves to a new school, meets his new crew and comes into his own. Sprinkle with a good dose of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. Add some bullying, and a few other taboo topics and as they say in the movie "it becomes an after school special".
Logan Lerman is Charlie, a freshman, just returned from the mental hospital. He enters high school and after the obligatory false starts, he meets and is befriended by two seniors Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). Charlie of course falls for Sam, but they have a brother/sister relationship unlike Charlie's actual sister Candace (Nina Dobrev).
Suffice to say each character has a deep, dark secret that gets revealed as the school year goes by. As noted it is like the After School Specials of the 1970s where the teenagers would be faced with very adult problems and situations.
Set in the 90s, it's got some good music and is kind of old fashioned in a pre-social media world.
* * * * of 5
A League of Their Own (1992)
I watched this recently for the first time in a century and was so impressed with it! Five Stars!
Directed by Penny Marshall, it tells the story of Dottie and her sister Kit, who grew up on a farm in Oregon during the 40s. With the men away at war, a baseball team owner had the idea to form a Girl's Baseball League and scouts were sent out to find women for tryouts. Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty) were recruited by the weasly Jon Lovitz to tryout and off on the train to Chicago they went.
Four teams form up and the rest of the movie is their coming together, with the skipper a washed up ballplayer Jimmy (Tom Hanks) who eventually comes around to his job and captains the team all the way to the championship. There we have an epic showdown of pitcher v. batter which is well done.
Some great things: the story was told in flashback and it is neat to see the old women together at the end, remembering what they did when they were young. The cinematography is very neat, particularly the photos evoking the old times. And there's just enough drama to keep it interesting while maintaining a PG rating. Certainly an adult story. The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent as well, with original music by Madonna to boot.
Ahead of its time for an all-female cast, female director, strong female lead stories, with the men being interesting but not schlubs. Also starring Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman.
* * * * * Loved it!
Directed by Penny Marshall, it tells the story of Dottie and her sister Kit, who grew up on a farm in Oregon during the 40s. With the men away at war, a baseball team owner had the idea to form a Girl's Baseball League and scouts were sent out to find women for tryouts. Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty) were recruited by the weasly Jon Lovitz to tryout and off on the train to Chicago they went.
Four teams form up and the rest of the movie is their coming together, with the skipper a washed up ballplayer Jimmy (Tom Hanks) who eventually comes around to his job and captains the team all the way to the championship. There we have an epic showdown of pitcher v. batter which is well done.
Some great things: the story was told in flashback and it is neat to see the old women together at the end, remembering what they did when they were young. The cinematography is very neat, particularly the photos evoking the old times. And there's just enough drama to keep it interesting while maintaining a PG rating. Certainly an adult story. The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent as well, with original music by Madonna to boot.
Ahead of its time for an all-female cast, female director, strong female lead stories, with the men being interesting but not schlubs. Also starring Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman.
* * * * * Loved it!
Black Widow - May 1
This is the start of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Eternals scheduled as the next film in November.
No push back of this release date yet due to Coronavirus.
No push back of this release date yet due to Coronavirus.
Miss Americana
A Sundance Film Festival 2020 favorite, which used to suggest an air of exclusivity, but in the era of Netflix, you can watch it for free, at home, right now.
A documentary of Taylor Swift, an unusual choice given her major current success and high profile. Obviously had a lot of her participation so it shows the softer side. She cares about our political future! She loves her parents! And her cats! But she just needs someone to call after the show.
Some cool visuals: Taylor at the conference room table running the meeting, Taylor on her private plane with "13" embroidered into the headrests, Taylor on her smartphone. Does Taylor ever love her phone!
A fun little look into her life. She's been singing and writing songs a long time and she sure makes it look easy. The music production process was the best part. The producer seems like her best friend.
* * * * * of 5.
Some cool visuals: Taylor at the conference room table running the meeting, Taylor on her private plane with "13" embroidered into the headrests, Taylor on her smartphone. Does Taylor ever love her phone!
A fun little look into her life. She's been singing and writing songs a long time and she sure makes it look easy. The music production process was the best part. The producer seems like her best friend.
* * * * * of 5.
Getting into Sundance is like getting into Harvard, but it helps to have a billion dollar name behind it.
Ford v Ferrari
Set in the 1960s this is the car equivalent of the Race to the Moon, a bunch a clean-cut white Americans with a lofty goal, money to spend, and an enemy across the Atlantic. Ford Motor Company needs a hit and comes up with a goal to enter European racing. The big prize, 24 Hours of LeMans. They turn to former champ Carroll Shelby and give him a blank check to Git R Done.
Speaking of Larry the Cable Guy, this ended up being like a live action remake of Disney Pixar Cars, with Carroll Shelby playing Lightning McQueen and Christian Bale as Mater.
The live action looked good at some point, but the CGI just didn't translate back into the 1960s setting. The colors reminded me of La La Land, along with the strange ending. I almost didn't make it through to see the end.
Not nearly as good as others thought.
* * * of 5
Speaking of Larry the Cable Guy, this ended up being like a live action remake of Disney Pixar Cars, with Carroll Shelby playing Lightning McQueen and Christian Bale as Mater.
The live action looked good at some point, but the CGI just didn't translate back into the 1960s setting. The colors reminded me of La La Land, along with the strange ending. I almost didn't make it through to see the end.
Not nearly as good as others thought.
* * * of 5
I Still Believe - March 13
Release date is March 13. When your mother in law wants to go see it a month in advance, it's noteworthy!
Body Heat (1981)
A throwback of a film, this one was famously promoted as a tax shelter investment. Written by Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back, Big Chill) it's a modern film noir. Starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner and Mickey Roarke.
The Last Thing He Wanted * Sundance 2020
Having figured out the film festival setup, I enjoyed watching "The Last Thing He Wanted" starring Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck and Willem Dafoe. A lot of star for this entry in Narrative Film. Produced by Netflix, you should be able to see it likely for a short theater run then streaming.
Based on a novel by Joan Didion, it's the story of a woman who goes into El Salvador during the Contra era to help her father but becomes enmeshed in global intrigue.
Shades of Argo (2012) as well as Body Heat (1981). Three stars of 5
In other Sundance news the story of the year is that acting stars are being replaced in importance by producing stars. The grand jury prize went to Minari, a story about a Korean immigrant family in Arkansas. Brad Pitt is one of the Executive Producers.
The top documentary is Boys State, about the mock government activity for high schoolers. It was picked up for $12 million. Soon to be streaming.
Another Sundance favorite was "Crip Camp" produced by Higher Ground Productions (Barack and Michelle Obama). Wonder how that got selected?
There's definitely the Haves and have-nots at Sundance. With 100 flims you can't see all the winners and you are certainly not getting invited to the parties with Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington. In fact our film didn't even merit a Q&A! It was still fun, particularly buying a ticket out of the wait list area, like an old scalper at a rock concert.
Based on a novel by Joan Didion, it's the story of a woman who goes into El Salvador during the Contra era to help her father but becomes enmeshed in global intrigue.
Shades of Argo (2012) as well as Body Heat (1981). Three stars of 5
In other Sundance news the story of the year is that acting stars are being replaced in importance by producing stars. The grand jury prize went to Minari, a story about a Korean immigrant family in Arkansas. Brad Pitt is one of the Executive Producers.
The top documentary is Boys State, about the mock government activity for high schoolers. It was picked up for $12 million. Soon to be streaming.
Another Sundance favorite was "Crip Camp" produced by Higher Ground Productions (Barack and Michelle Obama). Wonder how that got selected?
There's definitely the Haves and have-nots at Sundance. With 100 flims you can't see all the winners and you are certainly not getting invited to the parties with Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington. In fact our film didn't even merit a Q&A! It was still fun, particularly buying a ticket out of the wait list area, like an old scalper at a rock concert.
Wonder Woman 1984
Coming in June 2020, is the anticipated Wonder Woman 1984 starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine
Here are the real movies that came out in 1984, when I was only still a teenager....
Sixteen Candles
Ghostbusters
The Terminator
The Karate Kid
Purple Rain
Each of these movies has something in common: all were teen friendly, with an hero/heroine you could root for. Each one was very quotable, because people rewatched good movies back then, even in that pre-VCR day. They all had future stars that would go on to do big things and multiple movies hence the sequels that are at least as familiar as the originals.
But each of these was original in its own way: Purple Rain: a predominately black cast with the best soundtrack ever, The Terminator: science fiction where the villian become the hero. Ghostbusters: Saturday Night Live alum humour crosses over into movies. Karate Kid and Sixteen Candles: ordinary kids do extraordinary things.
These was not only in the pre -VCR days but also pre- CGI/ FX. The production values are quaint by modern standards.
Let's see how WW84 stacks up against these 1984 classics.
Here are the real movies that came out in 1984, when I was only still a teenager....
Sixteen Candles
Ghostbusters
The Terminator
The Karate Kid
Purple Rain
Each of these movies has something in common: all were teen friendly, with an hero/heroine you could root for. Each one was very quotable, because people rewatched good movies back then, even in that pre-VCR day. They all had future stars that would go on to do big things and multiple movies hence the sequels that are at least as familiar as the originals.
But each of these was original in its own way: Purple Rain: a predominately black cast with the best soundtrack ever, The Terminator: science fiction where the villian become the hero. Ghostbusters: Saturday Night Live alum humour crosses over into movies. Karate Kid and Sixteen Candles: ordinary kids do extraordinary things.
These was not only in the pre -VCR days but also pre- CGI/ FX. The production values are quaint by modern standards.
Let's see how WW84 stacks up against these 1984 classics.
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