I discovered this gem while on vacation recently. Starring Michael Cera, one of my favorites, it's a Canadian story about Scott a nerdy 22 year old, living in a dingy apartment with no furniture. No money and no future. But he has a woman, actuallly 2, Knives Chau and Ramona.
Scott falls for Ramona but he has to defeat her Seven Evil Exes, and so the hero's journey begins. Directed by Edgar Wright, it reminded me of his other works, The World's End and Baby Driver.
Also the video game level reminded me of Inception. Good comparisons.
Good dialogue. Funny. I enjoyed the graphic novel aspect of it as well.
* * * * of 5
Tarantino in 2019 * Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Tarantino describes it as “a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood.
The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).
Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognize anymore.
But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor…Sharon Tate.
The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).
Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognize anymore.
But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor…Sharon Tate.
Best Picture nominees - Oscars
Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
Starring Meryl Streep as Florence, this "Based on True Events" bit of historical fiction tells of a New York socialite who has the hobby of opera singing. She is no good of course, but she surrounds herself with people who (deceive?) her into thinking otherwise.
Also starring Hugh Grant as her husband, who plays his type of the loving/unloving husband. Simon Helberg steals the show as Cosme, the knowning accompanist.
When Florence gets the idea to perform at Carnegie Hall on her own dime, the plot evolves into a bit from The Producers, so bad it must be good. Florence would be a hit on YouTube today.
* * * of 5
Also starring Hugh Grant as her husband, who plays his type of the loving/unloving husband. Simon Helberg steals the show as Cosme, the knowning accompanist.
When Florence gets the idea to perform at Carnegie Hall on her own dime, the plot evolves into a bit from The Producers, so bad it must be good. Florence would be a hit on YouTube today.
* * * of 5
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Best Actress Academy Award to Julia Roberts for this biopic of the self-titled legal assistant who helped win a big pollution case while keeping her uniquely feminine side in a man's world. Of course a role custom made for Julia Roberts. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
We were talking about this in relations to potential local pollution of Lake James. My friend Crystal noted the similarities when the discussion turned to a lawsuit. Great memory!
We were talking about this in relations to potential local pollution of Lake James. My friend Crystal noted the similarities when the discussion turned to a lawsuit. Great memory!
Dundee
Here's an interesting remake with a good cast. Same fish out of water story, but this time it's the American in Australia, not the other way around.
Hard to believe it was 1986 when the first one with Paul Hogan came out. And there were 2 sequels, Crocodile Dundee II and Crocodile Dundee: Los Angeles.
Summer 2018
Hard to believe it was 1986 when the first one with Paul Hogan came out. And there were 2 sequels, Crocodile Dundee II and Crocodile Dundee: Los Angeles.
Summer 2018
Up in the Air (2009)
Three interesting themes worked together here:
A period piece of the 2008 financial crisis and the personal tolls it took. Best line: "This is one of the worst times in American history. This is our moment!"
A travel story of the rootlessness and small pleasures of life on the road/in the airports - based on the book by Walter Kirn. Ryan (George Clooney) is seeking to acquire 1 million air miles and loves his life on the road to accomplish it. The worst part is having to return home. So therefore, it becomes...
A story of returning home to family - a place where no matter what you do, they always have to take you in.
Strong early performance by a young Anna Kendrick and good lead by George Clooney. Good casting including Zach Galifianikis, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Jason Bateman.
Directed by Jason Reitman who is good at subtle comedy and this generally hits the mark.
* * * * *
A period piece of the 2008 financial crisis and the personal tolls it took. Best line: "This is one of the worst times in American history. This is our moment!"
A travel story of the rootlessness and small pleasures of life on the road/in the airports - based on the book by Walter Kirn. Ryan (George Clooney) is seeking to acquire 1 million air miles and loves his life on the road to accomplish it. The worst part is having to return home. So therefore, it becomes...
A story of returning home to family - a place where no matter what you do, they always have to take you in.
Strong early performance by a young Anna Kendrick and good lead by George Clooney. Good casting including Zach Galifianikis, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Jason Bateman.
Directed by Jason Reitman who is good at subtle comedy and this generally hits the mark.
* * * * *
On review, I told a friend this was one of my favorites. I enjoyed the existentialist crisis and particulary the mentor/protege aspect.
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