Thanks for making April 2012 the busiest month yet on our blog.
My brother and I appreciate you stopping by ...
Monday, April 30, 2012
Happy Birthday: Lars and Kirsten
Lars von Trier - a very cutting edge Danish writer/director ... my favorites of his (not having seen all his movies yet) are The Element of Crime and Melancholia
Kirsten Dunst - my favorites of hers are Spiderman and Marie Antoinette
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Quick Look: ¡Three Amigos! (1986)
I will start off by noting that this is the only movie I have ever walked out of the theater prior to the ending, to date. While my initial contact with Three Amigos was not so great, time has somewhat softened my view of it. In fact, I would refer to it as a great "drunk movie" - meaning it gets funnier while consuming alcohol. Singing along while intoxicated with several of your friends is an experience worth having.
**spoiler alert** So let's start: with three Saturday Night Live alums starring in the film what could go wrong? In addition, the movie was written by Lorne Michaels and Steve Martin, and directed by John Landis. I am sure that is what the producers and director thought when they put this movie together, but very much like mixing your favorite foods on the same plate, what is in front of you just doesn't always look good.
The year is 1916, Lucky Day (Steve Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chevy Chase), and Ned Nederlander (Martin Short) are all silent film Hollywood stars, their on -screen characters are called the Three Amigos. Meanwhile in Mexico, a girl named Carmen sees an Amigos silent film, thinking they are "real heroes" and can/will help her village, Santa Poco, which is being extorted by a local thug named El Guapo and his gang. Carmen sends a telegram to the Three Amigos in Hollywood requesting their help. The Amigos accept the invitation, and clearly being dense, believe it to be an invitation to star in another movie - not to protect the village from a criminal gang. And the hilarity ensues.
The Amigos confront El Guapo but then scurry away when the realize it is not a "part in a movie", and their lives are in danger. However, the Amigos quickly grow the proverbial "pair" and end up prevailing at the end, transforming into the real heroes they previously pretended to be. Mixed in with this thin plot were ill-timed jokes, goofy musical bits, and a complete trashing of Mexican culture.
I believe my initial problem with the movie was expectation. I think that I hoped for either a tongue-in-cheek spoof of the Western movie genre (a-la Airplane), or I expected a complete madcap explosion of insanity that the three leads have put onto the big screen in the past. But neither of those things happened and instead we got a goofy PG-rated, lovable-lunkhead comedy. At the end I felt it was all the supporting actors, especially El Guapo and his gang, that put up the best comedic moments.
For truly idiotic fun, give it a try. I recommend Mexican beer or margaritas accompany your viewing. Watch again and sign along.
Extras:
- The film supposedly was written as a spoof of The Magnificent Seven
- Its release in Mexico was never authorized because of its demeaning portrayal of Mexicans
- Was originally supposed to star Steve Martin, Dan Ankroyd, and John Belushi
- El Guapo (the leader) means "the handsome" in spanish, while Jefe (the #2 guy) actually means "boss".
**spoiler alert** So let's start: with three Saturday Night Live alums starring in the film what could go wrong? In addition, the movie was written by Lorne Michaels and Steve Martin, and directed by John Landis. I am sure that is what the producers and director thought when they put this movie together, but very much like mixing your favorite foods on the same plate, what is in front of you just doesn't always look good.
The year is 1916, Lucky Day (Steve Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chevy Chase), and Ned Nederlander (Martin Short) are all silent film Hollywood stars, their on -screen characters are called the Three Amigos. Meanwhile in Mexico, a girl named Carmen sees an Amigos silent film, thinking they are "real heroes" and can/will help her village, Santa Poco, which is being extorted by a local thug named El Guapo and his gang. Carmen sends a telegram to the Three Amigos in Hollywood requesting their help. The Amigos accept the invitation, and clearly being dense, believe it to be an invitation to star in another movie - not to protect the village from a criminal gang. And the hilarity ensues.
The Amigos confront El Guapo but then scurry away when the realize it is not a "part in a movie", and their lives are in danger. However, the Amigos quickly grow the proverbial "pair" and end up prevailing at the end, transforming into the real heroes they previously pretended to be. Mixed in with this thin plot were ill-timed jokes, goofy musical bits, and a complete trashing of Mexican culture.
I believe my initial problem with the movie was expectation. I think that I hoped for either a tongue-in-cheek spoof of the Western movie genre (a-la Airplane), or I expected a complete madcap explosion of insanity that the three leads have put onto the big screen in the past. But neither of those things happened and instead we got a goofy PG-rated, lovable-lunkhead comedy. At the end I felt it was all the supporting actors, especially El Guapo and his gang, that put up the best comedic moments.
For truly idiotic fun, give it a try. I recommend Mexican beer or margaritas accompany your viewing. Watch again and sign along.
Extras:
- The film supposedly was written as a spoof of The Magnificent Seven
- Its release in Mexico was never authorized because of its demeaning portrayal of Mexicans
- Was originally supposed to star Steve Martin, Dan Ankroyd, and John Belushi
- El Guapo (the leader) means "the handsome" in spanish, while Jefe (the #2 guy) actually means "boss".
Awesome Video Game Cinematic Quote: Mass Effect (2007)
"I may be drunk, Krogan, but you're ugly. And tomorrow I'll be sober."
Awesome spoof quote: Alienators (a parody of Aliens 1986)
"This little girl survived longer than that with no weapons or training."
"That's 'cause she's got that doll's head. Gimme that doll's head kid. I'll trade you a grenade launcher for it."
"That's 'cause she's got that doll's head. Gimme that doll's head kid. I'll trade you a grenade launcher for it."
Happy Birthday: Hawkeye, Catwoman, and Mia Wallace
Daniel Day-Lewis - outstanding actor, my favorite roles of his are in The Last of the Mohicans, Nine, and The Gangs of New York
Michelle Pfeiffer - great roles in Batman Returns, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Scarface, Tequila Sunrise, Wolf, and What Lies Beneath
Uma Thurman - looking past Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, she has many other great roles in Jennifer 8, Beautiful Girls, Gattaca, and Henry & June
Michelle Pfeiffer - great roles in Batman Returns, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Scarface, Tequila Sunrise, Wolf, and What Lies Beneath
Uma Thurman - looking past Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, she has many other great roles in Jennifer 8, Beautiful Girls, Gattaca, and Henry & June
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: City Slickers (1991)
"No, that was 'I like your ass. Can I wear it as a hat?' "
Happy Birthday: 4 lovely ladies, and Bruno
Penelope Cruz - my favorite roles of hers are in Blow, Vanilla Sky and Nine
Jessica Alba - best roles in The Killer Inside Me, and Sin City
Bruno Kirby - highly underrated actor; great roles in City Slickers, Godfather II, and When Harry Met Sally.
Kari Wuhrer - remember her from MTV's Remote Control? I also liked her in Anaconda and Hellraiser: Deader
Elisabeth Rohm - TV vet from Law and Order and Angel
Jessica Alba - best roles in The Killer Inside Me, and Sin City
Bruno Kirby - highly underrated actor; great roles in City Slickers, Godfather II, and When Harry Met Sally.
Kari Wuhrer - remember her from MTV's Remote Control? I also liked her in Anaconda and Hellraiser: Deader
Elisabeth Rohm - TV vet from Law and Order and Angel
Friday, April 27, 2012
Bob's spotlight: Some movies we were promised, but have not yet been given
Beavis and Butthead Part 2 - Mike Judge said a number of times after the success of the first film that he would make a sequel, but it has never happened.
Sprockets - Mike Myers pulled out of this movie due to what he thought was an unacceptable script. Since then, Austin Powers and Shrek have pretty much kept him busy.
Metal Gear Solid - Announcements were made several times, but as of yet, no scripts have been announced.
Masters of the Universe reboot - Talk of a new He Man movie have been circulating ever since Transformers hit the box office. But as of yet, nothing.
The Breakfast Club 2 - The sequel would have taken place ten years after the infamous Saturday detention,, but time wore on, the original cast went their own ways and the movie was forgotten.
Halo - A movie based on the popular video game was planned, and budgeted, but never came into being.
King Conan - John Milius and Arnold Schwarzenegger were both on board to do a movie based on the later stories in which Conan is the King of Aquillonia, but the idea stayed in development Hell until Warner Bros. lost the rights to the character. What we got later was a crappy reboot that wasn’t worth anything.
Star Wars sequels - When George Lucas said he would be returning to the Star Wars film franchise, the original idea was to take the story forward, not go back to the beginning. At one point, it was rumored that a film trilogy based on the novels “Heir to the Empire” “Dark Force Rising” and “The Last Command” would be made, but what we got was a trio of crappy prequels. Hopefully we’ll get a good Star Wars movie sometime, but it hasn’t come yet.
Sprockets - Mike Myers pulled out of this movie due to what he thought was an unacceptable script. Since then, Austin Powers and Shrek have pretty much kept him busy.
Metal Gear Solid - Announcements were made several times, but as of yet, no scripts have been announced.
Masters of the Universe reboot - Talk of a new He Man movie have been circulating ever since Transformers hit the box office. But as of yet, nothing.
The Breakfast Club 2 - The sequel would have taken place ten years after the infamous Saturday detention,, but time wore on, the original cast went their own ways and the movie was forgotten.
Halo - A movie based on the popular video game was planned, and budgeted, but never came into being.
King Conan - John Milius and Arnold Schwarzenegger were both on board to do a movie based on the later stories in which Conan is the King of Aquillonia, but the idea stayed in development Hell until Warner Bros. lost the rights to the character. What we got later was a crappy reboot that wasn’t worth anything.
Star Wars sequels - When George Lucas said he would be returning to the Star Wars film franchise, the original idea was to take the story forward, not go back to the beginning. At one point, it was rumored that a film trilogy based on the novels “Heir to the Empire” “Dark Force Rising” and “The Last Command” would be made, but what we got was a trio of crappy prequels. Hopefully we’ll get a good Star Wars movie sometime, but it hasn’t come yet.
Worst movie end: Dirty Dancing (1987)
I like this movie, and I love the soundtrack. In fact, I would say song for song, and placement through the movie, it could be one of the best. My sole problem with this movie lies with the ending, so let me elaborate.
**spoiler alert**
The movie plays out as a "loss of innocence" of the main character, Baby. Some of her infractions include; partying and fraternizing with the staff of the resort her family is staying at, lying to her father to get money for an illegal abortion (remember this takes place in 1963), having pre-martial intercourse with gigolo-wannabe dance instructor, and creating a web of lies about her daily activities during the entire vacation. When her deceit comes to light she has to face the music. Literally.
Somehow... someway... putting on a dance show with her summer fling makes everything "ok" with her conservative father, who happens to be a doctor. Apparently he is no longer concerned with her being part of a criminal enterprise, or her sexual activity with staff member. Plus the owner of the resort also seems to want to put this rule breaking aside as it might be better for them monetarily speaking.
I don't think so. Being a father, I can state for the record if one of my kids got mixed up in a situation like that one, dancing the mambo would not pacify my anger or regain my trust.
Swayze and Grey had "The Time of their Life", in fantasy land.
**spoiler alert**
The movie plays out as a "loss of innocence" of the main character, Baby. Some of her infractions include; partying and fraternizing with the staff of the resort her family is staying at, lying to her father to get money for an illegal abortion (remember this takes place in 1963), having pre-martial intercourse with gigolo-wannabe dance instructor, and creating a web of lies about her daily activities during the entire vacation. When her deceit comes to light she has to face the music. Literally.
Somehow... someway... putting on a dance show with her summer fling makes everything "ok" with her conservative father, who happens to be a doctor. Apparently he is no longer concerned with her being part of a criminal enterprise, or her sexual activity with staff member. Plus the owner of the resort also seems to want to put this rule breaking aside as it might be better for them monetarily speaking.
I don't think so. Being a father, I can state for the record if one of my kids got mixed up in a situation like that one, dancing the mambo would not pacify my anger or regain my trust.
Swayze and Grey had "The Time of their Life", in fantasy land.
Happy Birthday: Shaggy
Casey Kasem - the long-time voice of Shaggy on the original Scooby Doo, also the voice of America's Top 40.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Bob's Quick Look: The Raid: Redemption (2011)
In this Indonesian action flick, a SWAT unit rushes in to clear an
apartment building which is the HQ for a local crime lord’s operation,
and is occupied with his hired muscle and an assortment of criminal
scum.
*Spoiler Alert* It doesn't take long to trim down most of the rookie SWAT team except for the young dashing hero, the wounded survivor, the ethically by-the-book sergeant, and the shifty, hidden agenda Lieutenant. With their team cut to pieces, the only way for them to survive is to push forward and complete their objective. The plot is very simple with a couple of twists in the second half.
The simplicity of the film, in my opinion, was nice departure from the layered, politically charged, and/or multi- faceted action flicks that have come out in the last few years that almost seem like they’re preaching about the state of the world as much as entertaining an audience. This movie is almost purely machine guns and martial arts, both of which are plentiful and awesome. The characters are about what you would expect. The good guys are honorable, the bad guys are horrible, and there are a couple of morally ambiguous characters to bring some humanity to the picture - but not too much, which in this case is good. One of my favorite characters, who should be included in a couple of most bad-ass bad guy lists, is Mad Dog, one of the crime lord’s lieutenants, who stands five foot nothing and can fight like nobody’s business. If you’re looking for any kind of social commentary, you’re not going to find it. But if you’re looking for some hard core, old fashioned, bloody violent, good guy vs. bad guy action, this is a good one to see.
*Spoiler Alert* It doesn't take long to trim down most of the rookie SWAT team except for the young dashing hero, the wounded survivor, the ethically by-the-book sergeant, and the shifty, hidden agenda Lieutenant. With their team cut to pieces, the only way for them to survive is to push forward and complete their objective. The plot is very simple with a couple of twists in the second half.
The simplicity of the film, in my opinion, was nice departure from the layered, politically charged, and/or multi- faceted action flicks that have come out in the last few years that almost seem like they’re preaching about the state of the world as much as entertaining an audience. This movie is almost purely machine guns and martial arts, both of which are plentiful and awesome. The characters are about what you would expect. The good guys are honorable, the bad guys are horrible, and there are a couple of morally ambiguous characters to bring some humanity to the picture - but not too much, which in this case is good. One of my favorite characters, who should be included in a couple of most bad-ass bad guy lists, is Mad Dog, one of the crime lord’s lieutenants, who stands five foot nothing and can fight like nobody’s business. If you’re looking for any kind of social commentary, you’re not going to find it. But if you’re looking for some hard core, old fashioned, bloody violent, good guy vs. bad guy action, this is a good one to see.
Happy Birthday: Jet, Channing, Kevin, Joan
Jet Li - martial arts star, great roles in Fearless and Hero
Channing Tatum - fast rising star in Hollywood. My favorite roles of his are in Step Up and The Eagle
Kevin James - good roles in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Hitch
Joan Chen - had a great role on TV Twin Peaks also good movie roles in Lust, Caution and The Last Emporer
Channing Tatum - fast rising star in Hollywood. My favorite roles of his are in Step Up and The Eagle
Kevin James - good roles in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Hitch
Joan Chen - had a great role on TV Twin Peaks also good movie roles in Lust, Caution and The Last Emporer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Heat (1995)
"You know, we are sitting here you and I, like a couple of regular fellas. You do what you do and I do what I gotta do. And now that we've been face to face, if I'm there and I gotta put you away, I won't like it. But I tell you, if it's between you and some poor bastard whose wife you're gonna turn into a widow, brother, you are going down."
Happy Birthday: Yo Adrian! The World is Mine!
Al Pacino - sometimes over the top, but always entertaining ... my favorite roles of his are in Scarface, Heat, The Devil's Advocate, and Sea of Love
Talia Shire - best roles of hers are in Rocky and The Godfather
Jason Lee - veteran of multiple Kevin Smith films, and TV's my name is Earl. My favorites of his are Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dreamcatcher
Hank Azaria - long time voice vet of the Simpsons, and good supporting actor in film. My favorite film roles of his are Mystery Men, Run Fatboy Run, and Mystery Alaska
Talia Shire - best roles of hers are in Rocky and The Godfather
Jason Lee - veteran of multiple Kevin Smith films, and TV's my name is Earl. My favorites of his are Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dreamcatcher
Hank Azaria - long time voice vet of the Simpsons, and good supporting actor in film. My favorite film roles of his are Mystery Men, Run Fatboy Run, and Mystery Alaska
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Happy Birthday: Noonan!
Michael O'Keefe - best know for his role in Caddyshack, but actually has over 90 acting roles to his credit in movies and TV
Monday, April 23, 2012
Happy Birthday: Kumar & Shakespeare
Kal Penn - best know as Kumar from the Harold and Kumar movies
William Shakespeare - yes, that one. From England. Whose works have been portrayed on the stage and in film countless times.
William Shakespeare - yes, that one. From England. Whose works have been portrayed on the stage and in film countless times.
(More than a) Quick Look: Sucker Punch (2011)
I just recently watched this movie and was pleasantly surprised, considering all the negative feedback I have read about it. I must note that I watched the PG-13 version, so I do not know how much the extended version improves (or detracts) from the story-line.
The Basics: A group of 5 girls in a mental institution fantasize about escaping their current incarceration and formulate a plan. Their names are Baby Doll (Emily Browning), sisters Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish) and Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), and Amber (Jamie Chung). The audience witnesses these girls delve into sub-reality where they are all captive dancers/prostitutes in a brothel - again trying to escape their confines - and while in this sub-reality, when music is playing, they enter 4 different fantasy realms where: they fight on against German soldiers on a WWI battlefield; fight against giant samurai demons; fight in castle courtyard against an orc army and a dragon; and attack a train to defuse a bomb being guarded by robots. Each of these 4 action sequences coincide with missions in their "realities" to get an object to aid in their escape.
The Good: The action sequences are fast, fun, and entertaining. The effects are proverbial eye-candy, and do not go completely overboard (as can be the tendency in movies like this), as well as tightly choreographed fights scenes and combat. The cinematography had a great feel to it; the settings were very dreary and really draws your attention to the characters and action taking place. In many ways I would say it is like a graphic novel or comic book come to life. The soundtrack was excellent, and in my opinion made the movie flow very well.
The Questionable: I was a little unclear if the sub-reality and the fantasy realms were driven purely in Baby Doll's mind (she was the main character) or if the sub-reality and fantasy realms were metaphoric.
Almost all the male characters, except for the Wise Man (Scott Glenn) were portrayed as evil rapists. Literally. Looking at it from a story-telling, metaphoric position there is nothing wrong with this, however, I felt it did detract from the overall plot.
I wanted to note here that most of the aforementioned criticism I had read about the movie, was about the sexual objectification of the girls. The five leads spend most of the movie in "male fantasy" outfits, or tight dancer's garb, and I will acknowledge that even their names do not conjure the image of heroes. My counter-point is this: the girls, especially Baby Doll, were the most powerful characters in the movie. And I will note that female characters in comic books and graphic novels, especially in the fantasy genre, are often in various states of undress. I believe both of these points were exactly what writer/ director Zack Snyder was going for with this big screen, big budget production. I mention this now, only to inform that the opinions are out there - I personally do not believe that the intent of this film is to put forward a rape fantasy or to portray the objectification of teenage girls.
Overall/Final Thoughts: I recommend it for the action sequences and the soundtrack alone. The acting holds up, but no actors in this film are going to be up for any awards. While I would not say it is hard to follow plot-wise, I would say there is a slightly disjointed feel, in that there is no explanation as to how or why these girls venture between their realities in the manner they do. But, there does not always need to "a reason", in fact half the fun of an alternate reality film is seeing the imagination of the writer/producer come out visually.
I have read the extra footage in the extended version makes the film even "darker" than it is now, and anyone who has it feel free to post your thoughts.
The film supposedly will sync up with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" similar to how the Wizard of Oz will. Again, if anyone has tried this with Sucker Punch, let me know.
The Basics: A group of 5 girls in a mental institution fantasize about escaping their current incarceration and formulate a plan. Their names are Baby Doll (Emily Browning), sisters Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish) and Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), and Amber (Jamie Chung). The audience witnesses these girls delve into sub-reality where they are all captive dancers/prostitutes in a brothel - again trying to escape their confines - and while in this sub-reality, when music is playing, they enter 4 different fantasy realms where: they fight on against German soldiers on a WWI battlefield; fight against giant samurai demons; fight in castle courtyard against an orc army and a dragon; and attack a train to defuse a bomb being guarded by robots. Each of these 4 action sequences coincide with missions in their "realities" to get an object to aid in their escape.
The Good: The action sequences are fast, fun, and entertaining. The effects are proverbial eye-candy, and do not go completely overboard (as can be the tendency in movies like this), as well as tightly choreographed fights scenes and combat. The cinematography had a great feel to it; the settings were very dreary and really draws your attention to the characters and action taking place. In many ways I would say it is like a graphic novel or comic book come to life. The soundtrack was excellent, and in my opinion made the movie flow very well.The Questionable: I was a little unclear if the sub-reality and the fantasy realms were driven purely in Baby Doll's mind (she was the main character) or if the sub-reality and fantasy realms were metaphoric.
Almost all the male characters, except for the Wise Man (Scott Glenn) were portrayed as evil rapists. Literally. Looking at it from a story-telling, metaphoric position there is nothing wrong with this, however, I felt it did detract from the overall plot.
I wanted to note here that most of the aforementioned criticism I had read about the movie, was about the sexual objectification of the girls. The five leads spend most of the movie in "male fantasy" outfits, or tight dancer's garb, and I will acknowledge that even their names do not conjure the image of heroes. My counter-point is this: the girls, especially Baby Doll, were the most powerful characters in the movie. And I will note that female characters in comic books and graphic novels, especially in the fantasy genre, are often in various states of undress. I believe both of these points were exactly what writer/ director Zack Snyder was going for with this big screen, big budget production. I mention this now, only to inform that the opinions are out there - I personally do not believe that the intent of this film is to put forward a rape fantasy or to portray the objectification of teenage girls.
Overall/Final Thoughts: I recommend it for the action sequences and the soundtrack alone. The acting holds up, but no actors in this film are going to be up for any awards. While I would not say it is hard to follow plot-wise, I would say there is a slightly disjointed feel, in that there is no explanation as to how or why these girls venture between their realities in the manner they do. But, there does not always need to "a reason", in fact half the fun of an alternate reality film is seeing the imagination of the writer/producer come out visually.
I have read the extra footage in the extended version makes the film even "darker" than it is now, and anyone who has it feel free to post your thoughts.
The film supposedly will sync up with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" similar to how the Wizard of Oz will. Again, if anyone has tried this with Sucker Punch, let me know.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Batman (1989)
"Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
Happy Birthday: Jack Nicholson
One of the great American actors of all time. He has done too many great roles to name here, but my "all time" favorites of his are Batman, The Shining, Chinatown, As Good As It Gets, and A Few Good Men
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Little known fact: Clerks (1994)
The original ending Kevin Smith had planned and filmed was for Dante to be shot during a robbery right at closing time.
Happy Birthday: Randall and Rita
Jeff Anderson - best role is Randall in Clerks
Andie MacDowell - best roles in Groundhog Day and St Elmo's Fire
Andie MacDowell - best roles in Groundhog Day and St Elmo's Fire
Friday, April 20, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Back to the Future (1985)
".. if my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit."
Happy Birthday: Sulu, Gollum, and McFly
George Takei - will forever be Sulu from the 1st generation Star Trek
Crispin Glover - my favorite roles of his are in Back to the Future, and The Doors
Andy Serkis - the human behind the role of Gollum in Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Cesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Crispin Glover - my favorite roles of his are in Back to the Future, and The Doors
Andy Serkis - the human behind the role of Gollum in Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Cesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Quick Look: La Balance (1982)
If you like Miami Vice (the 80's TV series) and you like foreign films, then you will like La Balance. It takes place in Paris, and the spoken language is French. It is a police/crime drama, with a bit of action, it moves at a good pace, and at 98 minutes the story plays out well without too much fluff.
The movie opens with the murder of a police informant, a "balance", so the detectives who were using him must quickly find a replacement. The police having been trying to take down a local mob boss named Roger Massina (Maurice Ronet) but with very little success. They settle on a low level street hood named Dede (Philippe Leotard); they storm his apartment and blackmail him into helping them try to set up Massina.
The attempt to take down Massina goes wrong and turns into a shoot out and foot chase - a nice little action sequence. Some other elements that make this worth seeing: the police are portrayed as the bullies who are as lawless as the criminals, and there is a great dynamic in the main characters that Dede's streetwalker girlfriend Nicole (Nathalie Baye) is desired by Massina. As with most foreign films the ending is not Hollywood, making it twice as enjoyable.
The movie opens with the murder of a police informant, a "balance", so the detectives who were using him must quickly find a replacement. The police having been trying to take down a local mob boss named Roger Massina (Maurice Ronet) but with very little success. They settle on a low level street hood named Dede (Philippe Leotard); they storm his apartment and blackmail him into helping them try to set up Massina.
The attempt to take down Massina goes wrong and turns into a shoot out and foot chase - a nice little action sequence. Some other elements that make this worth seeing: the police are portrayed as the bullies who are as lawless as the criminals, and there is a great dynamic in the main characters that Dede's streetwalker girlfriend Nicole (Nathalie Baye) is desired by Massina. As with most foreign films the ending is not Hollywood, making it twice as enjoyable.
Awesome movie quotes: Kiss the Girls (1997)
"Multiply your anger by about a hundred, Kate, that's how much he thinks he loves you."
Awesome movie quotes: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A classic moment/exchange -
Dr.Scott: Janet!
Janet: Dr. Scott!
Brad: Janet!
Janet: Brad!
Frank N Furter: Rocky!
<Rocky grunts>
Dr. Scott: Janet!
Janet: Dr. Scott!
Brad: Janet!
Janet: Brad!
Frank N Furter: Rocky!
<Rocky grunts>
Dr.Scott: Janet!
Janet: Dr. Scott!
Brad: Janet!
Janet: Brad!
Frank N Furter: Rocky!
<Rocky grunts>
Dr. Scott: Janet!
Janet: Dr. Scott!
Brad: Janet!
Janet: Brad!
Frank N Furter: Rocky!
<Rocky grunts>
Happy Birthday: Dr Frank-N-Furter, and 3 others
Kate Hudson - my favorite roles of hers are in The Skeleton Key, Almost Famous, and Nine
Ashley Judd - great roles in Kiss the Girls, Twisted, and Heat. Her new TV series Missing is very entertaining.
Tim Curry - all time classic role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, also like him in Clue
James Franco - good roles in the recent Spiderman trilogy as Harry Osborne, better role in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Ashley Judd - great roles in Kiss the Girls, Twisted, and Heat. Her new TV series Missing is very entertaining.
Tim Curry - all time classic role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, also like him in Clue
James Franco - good roles in the recent Spiderman trilogy as Harry Osborne, better role in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Bob's Taboo Subjects: Nudity in Film
(Please Note: I’m focusing on American cinema in this piece.)
Nudity in film is not a new phenomenon. The earliest known American film to contain nudity was “Inspiration” released in 1915 in which a model poses nude for an artist. But just like today, the presence of nudity in films of the silent era was controversial and subject to scrutiny by social and religious groups. In 1930, the Motion Picture Association of America enacted the Motion Picture Production Code, also know as the Hays code, which regulated the content of motion pictures. Nudity was outright banned.
When the MPAA introduced the rating system in 1968, filmmakers jumped at the chance to include the content that had been outlawed for nearly 40 years. The first known film release under the new system to contain a nude scene was “Romeo and Juliet” in 1968 in which, on the morning after their secret wedding vows, the star crossed lovers awake, Romeo goes to the window treating the audience with a glimpse of his bare buttocks and says something to effect of “oh no” and Juliet gets up quickly, allowing a flash of her bare breasts.
Even though nudity was now legally permitted in mainstream American film, filmmakers still had to be careful with the content of the scenes as to avoid an X rating (now NC-17,) because most theaters still refused to run movies carrying this rating. Nevertheless, movies began coming out more and more with nude scenes involving both sexual and non-sexual subject matter.
Now, when I first started watching movies back in the early 80's, a movie could get away with a brief, non-sexual nude scene or two and still avoid an R rating, which (among other reasons) eventually lead the MPAA creating the PG-13. But as I grew older, the MPAA grew tighter and tighter on what they would allow in a PG-13 film to the point that now even the slightest sign of a butt crack will earn the movie an R rating. Nowadays, PG-13 movies resemble the PG movies that James and I watched when we were kids. But, every year, there are a good number of movies that are released every year with varying amounts of nudity and other “controversial content.”
So what do I think of nudity in film? It’s hard to say. When reviewing a movie I don’t tend to rate it’s quality on how much or little nudity can be found, I.e. I’m not going to say a movie is good just because there is naked people in it, nor am I going to say a movie is bad just because of it’s nude content.
It boils down to the tone of the movie itself for me. Should there be nudity in this movie or not? I very rarely say, “why was there no nudity in that flick?” The one example I use as the exception is “Scream”, which could have used some gratuitous nudity to further satirize the slasher genre. Some of my favorite movies contain no nudity at all, while several of my highest picks contain lots of it.
So I guess my stance is that I’m for it, because I’ve never seen a movie that contains nude scenes and said to myself, “there should not have been nudity in that movie.” Now, I’m not saying that every movie should have some, but I do not think that the image of a nude body should incite such feeling of shock and disgust as it seems to in our “friends” in the MPAA, who would have probably rated “Porky’s” NC-17 if reviewed today.
I think the ratings board could lighten up a little bit on the subject, but there is a time and a place fore everything. I’m also a big fan of the philosophy, “if you don’t like it, turn it off.” So I guess I could say I’m all for nudity in film as long as it belongs there.
*Thank you to Wikipedia.org and IMDB.com
Some of my favorite American movies that contain nude scenes:
Conan the Barbarian - The original, not the remake.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula - The darkly erotic tone of the movie called for it.
Animal House - College antics sometimes involve the absence of clothing.
Halloween - Both versions.
Caddyshack - “Madonna with meatballs.”
Nudity in film is not a new phenomenon. The earliest known American film to contain nudity was “Inspiration” released in 1915 in which a model poses nude for an artist. But just like today, the presence of nudity in films of the silent era was controversial and subject to scrutiny by social and religious groups. In 1930, the Motion Picture Association of America enacted the Motion Picture Production Code, also know as the Hays code, which regulated the content of motion pictures. Nudity was outright banned.
When the MPAA introduced the rating system in 1968, filmmakers jumped at the chance to include the content that had been outlawed for nearly 40 years. The first known film release under the new system to contain a nude scene was “Romeo and Juliet” in 1968 in which, on the morning after their secret wedding vows, the star crossed lovers awake, Romeo goes to the window treating the audience with a glimpse of his bare buttocks and says something to effect of “oh no” and Juliet gets up quickly, allowing a flash of her bare breasts.
Even though nudity was now legally permitted in mainstream American film, filmmakers still had to be careful with the content of the scenes as to avoid an X rating (now NC-17,) because most theaters still refused to run movies carrying this rating. Nevertheless, movies began coming out more and more with nude scenes involving both sexual and non-sexual subject matter.
Now, when I first started watching movies back in the early 80's, a movie could get away with a brief, non-sexual nude scene or two and still avoid an R rating, which (among other reasons) eventually lead the MPAA creating the PG-13. But as I grew older, the MPAA grew tighter and tighter on what they would allow in a PG-13 film to the point that now even the slightest sign of a butt crack will earn the movie an R rating. Nowadays, PG-13 movies resemble the PG movies that James and I watched when we were kids. But, every year, there are a good number of movies that are released every year with varying amounts of nudity and other “controversial content.”
So what do I think of nudity in film? It’s hard to say. When reviewing a movie I don’t tend to rate it’s quality on how much or little nudity can be found, I.e. I’m not going to say a movie is good just because there is naked people in it, nor am I going to say a movie is bad just because of it’s nude content.
It boils down to the tone of the movie itself for me. Should there be nudity in this movie or not? I very rarely say, “why was there no nudity in that flick?” The one example I use as the exception is “Scream”, which could have used some gratuitous nudity to further satirize the slasher genre. Some of my favorite movies contain no nudity at all, while several of my highest picks contain lots of it.
So I guess my stance is that I’m for it, because I’ve never seen a movie that contains nude scenes and said to myself, “there should not have been nudity in that movie.” Now, I’m not saying that every movie should have some, but I do not think that the image of a nude body should incite such feeling of shock and disgust as it seems to in our “friends” in the MPAA, who would have probably rated “Porky’s” NC-17 if reviewed today.
I think the ratings board could lighten up a little bit on the subject, but there is a time and a place fore everything. I’m also a big fan of the philosophy, “if you don’t like it, turn it off.” So I guess I could say I’m all for nudity in film as long as it belongs there.
*Thank you to Wikipedia.org and IMDB.com
Some of my favorite American movies that contain nude scenes:
Conan the Barbarian - The original, not the remake.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula - The darkly erotic tone of the movie called for it.
Animal House - College antics sometimes involve the absence of clothing.
Halloween - Both versions.
Caddyshack - “Madonna with meatballs.”
Happy Birthday: what do Rick Moranis, Eric Roberts, James Woods and Maria Bello all have in common
James Woods - my favorite films of his are The General's Daughter, Scary Movie 2, and Vampires.
Eric Roberts - brother of Julia Roberts, and veteran of over 200 TV and movie roles.
Rick Moranis - great roles in Ghostbusters, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Spaceballs
Maria Bello - very underrated actor, my favorite roles of hers are in A History of Violence and Coyote Ugly
Eric Roberts - brother of Julia Roberts, and veteran of over 200 TV and movie roles.
Rick Moranis - great roles in Ghostbusters, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Spaceballs
Maria Bello - very underrated actor, my favorite roles of hers are in A History of Violence and Coyote Ugly
Awesome movie quotes: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
"Low Rider Donny... um, Donny, Low Rider? "
<song begins playing>
<song begins playing>
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
"One book entitled: 'Swedish Made Penis Enlarger Pumps and Me. This Sort of Thing is My Bag, Baby'. By Austin Powers. "
Happy Birthday: Rooney & Sean
Rooney Mara - star of the Nightmare on Elm St reboot, and Girl with Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Sean Bean - great roles in Lord of the Rings: FOTR, Ronin, Silent Hill, and the TV show Game of Thrones
Sean Bean - great roles in Lord of the Rings: FOTR, Ronin, Silent Hill, and the TV show Game of Thrones
Monday, April 16, 2012
Happy Birthday: David, Ellen and Charlie
David Graf - veteran of all the Police Academy movies as Tackleberry. Also a former resident of my home state of Ohio.
Ellen Barkin - my favorite roles of her are in The Big Easy, Sea of Love, and Drop Dead Gorgeous
Charlie Chaplin - of the greatest of the silent film era
Ellen Barkin - my favorite roles of her are in The Big Easy, Sea of Love, and Drop Dead Gorgeous
Charlie Chaplin - of the greatest of the silent film era
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Happy Birthday: Emma times 2
Emma Thompson - my favorite roles of hers are Dead Again and Love, Actually
Emma Watson - I have note seen her in anything beyond the Harry Potter movies. So happy birthday Hermione.
Emma Watson - I have note seen her in anything beyond the Harry Potter movies. So happy birthday Hermione.
Awesome Movie Quote: Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country
"If I were human, I believe my response would be...go to Hell."
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Event Horizon (1997)
"You know nothing. Hell is only a word. The reality is much, much worse."
Review: Event Horizon (1997)
People in the Movie: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill
Director: Paul Anderson
Pigeonhole: Horror / Sci-Fi
The Basics: Set in 2047, a rescue crew aboard the spaceship Louis & Clark proceeds to the orbit of Neptune having received a distress signal from another ship called Event Horizon. Dr. William Weir (Neill) informs the crew that 7 years earlier the Event Horizon disappeared on its maiden voyage while testing a “gravity drive” which he had designed and built. No one knew where Event Horizon has been, and it was probably better that way.
Recommendation: This is a very underrated horror film, with some very intense scenes. ‘R’ rating is for violence, gore, and brief nudity.
My Take: The first time I saw this movie, I admittedly did not think that much of it, because I went into with wrong expectations – thinking of it more as sci-fi action movie, as opposed to a horror movie set in space. Having seen it again several times, I really like the way it plays out as “haunted house” type horror film, and while teasing the audience with brief scary images of what happened, it does not bathe us in the gore of more recent horror films.
**spoiler alert** The movie has nice crescendo of intensity from start to finish. Upon arrival and boarding of the Event Horizon, things start off small; sounds, light and dark, artifacts left from the first crew, but then gradually build as the reveal is made: upon activation of the gravity drive during the maiden voyage, the ship ended up in a “hell dimension” where the original crew were tortured and mutilated to death (or possessed and proceeded to torture and mutilate themselves and each other). The Event Horizon has now returned from this dimension, itself possessed, and wanting to get back to the aforementioned place of evil. The crew of the Louis & Clark begins experiencing the horrors of their own fears and regrets in life, and the “ghost in the machine” also begins to lash out at them in physical ways, as well. The Louis & Clark is destroyed, and the crew is killed off one at a time. To top it off there is limited breathable air left, so decisions are made how the remaining crew is to survive this journey of consuming madness. The “evil” on Event Horizon, however, does not agree with their plan.
The original cut of this film submitted to the MPAA was 130 minutes. It is presently 95 minutes. I have wondered exactly how much of this story was lost on the cutting room floor. While it is a good entertaining film right now, I feel like there could have been true horror movie greatness that will never be seen. Sadly, the “lost footage” has supposedly been destroyed so there will not be a director’s cut of this film surfacing.
Check out the extra featurettes on the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of what “could have been”.
Final Thought/Extras/For Fun: The ship was modeled after Notre Dame Cathedral… The ending was re-filmed twice after test audiences reactions...
Happy Birthday: Farmer Ted, Buffy, and Gaz
Anthony Michael Hall - hit the John Hughes trifecta with great roles in Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, and Weird Science. As with many child stars, I don't know if he ever really captures that on screen magic again.
Sarah Michelle Gellar - seems to have a touch for the horror genre, which is awesome. Perfect for the Buffy TV show, but great roles in I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Grudge, and Cruel Intentions (yes, not a horror movie).
Robert Carlyle - my favorite roles of his are in Trainspotting and The Full Monty
Sarah Michelle Gellar - seems to have a touch for the horror genre, which is awesome. Perfect for the Buffy TV show, but great roles in I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Grudge, and Cruel Intentions (yes, not a horror movie).
Robert Carlyle - my favorite roles of his are in Trainspotting and The Full Monty
Friday, April 13, 2012
Happy Birthday: to 4 (good)fellas
Paul Sorvino - father of Mira Sorvino... best role was in Goodfellas
Rick Schroder - despite his many TV and film roles, he will always Ricky Stratton on Silver Spoons, to me
Ron Perlman - highly underrated actor who has done many great roles on TV and in film... my favorites of his are the Hellboy movies, Alien Resurrection, and Blade II
William Sadler - another underrated actor.. great roles in Shawshank Redemption and Die Hard 2
Rick Schroder - despite his many TV and film roles, he will always Ricky Stratton on Silver Spoons, to me
Ron Perlman - highly underrated actor who has done many great roles on TV and in film... my favorites of his are the Hellboy movies, Alien Resurrection, and Blade II
William Sadler - another underrated actor.. great roles in Shawshank Redemption and Die Hard 2
13th post on Friday the 13th
You may be thinking, "Why didn't James include Freddy vs. Jason" on the list of movies here.
The answer is simple; I consider that movie more Nightmare on Elm Street, than Friday the 13th. Freddy drives the plot of the movie, Jason is an element.
The answer is simple; I consider that movie more Nightmare on Elm Street, than Friday the 13th. Freddy drives the plot of the movie, Jason is an element.
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th (2009) reboot
- biggest opening weekend of any of the whole 13th series
- biggest opening weekend for a horror remake ever
- Derek Mears makes the 8th actor to portray Jason
Trivia: How many actors from the prior Friday movies showed up in this film?
- biggest opening weekend for a horror remake ever
- Derek Mears makes the 8th actor to portray Jason
Trivia: How many actors from the prior Friday movies showed up in this film?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 10
- the title of the film is Jason X
- the first of the series to cross over into science fiction (along with the comical moments)
- takes place in space in the year 2455
- last appearance of Kane Hodder as Jason
Trivia: This film has the highest body count of any of the series. How many?
Trivia: There is a kill scene reprised from an earlier Friday installment. Which scene, and which film?
- the first of the series to cross over into science fiction (along with the comical moments)
- takes place in space in the year 2455
- last appearance of Kane Hodder as Jason
Trivia: This film has the highest body count of any of the series. How many?
Trivia: There is a kill scene reprised from an earlier Friday installment. Which scene, and which film?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 9
- the title is Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday
- this film introduces family members of Jason's other than his mother
- an early concept for this film was Jason goes to LA, where the street gangs would have to team up to fight Jason.
- the introduction of ludicrous idea that a Voorhees family member must kill Jason with a sacred dagger
Trivia: Another horror film icon makes a "brief appearance" in this film. Who is it?
- this film introduces family members of Jason's other than his mother
- an early concept for this film was Jason goes to LA, where the street gangs would have to team up to fight Jason.
- the introduction of ludicrous idea that a Voorhees family member must kill Jason with a sacred dagger
Trivia: Another horror film icon makes a "brief appearance" in this film. Who is it?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 8
- The title is Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan
- This the lowest grossing film of the series
- The prolouge shows all the places Jason chase the victims
Trivia: How is Jason "killed" at the end of this installment?
- This the lowest grossing film of the series
- The prolouge shows all the places Jason chase the victims
Trivia: How is Jason "killed" at the end of this installment?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 7
- the title is Friday the 13th part VII: The New Blood
- this film, like several of its predecessors, had to be edited down 9 times to receive the R rating. Allegedly the most edited of all the series.
- first appearance of horror vet Kane Hodder as Jason
- The film was originally imagined to be Jason Voorhees vs. Freddy Kruger - which would finally happen in 2003
Trivia: What is the final body count of this film?
Bonus Trivia: One of my all-time favorite Jason kills is in this film. Which one?
- this film, like several of its predecessors, had to be edited down 9 times to receive the R rating. Allegedly the most edited of all the series.
- first appearance of horror vet Kane Hodder as Jason
- The film was originally imagined to be Jason Voorhees vs. Freddy Kruger - which would finally happen in 2003
Trivia: What is the final body count of this film?
Bonus Trivia: One of my all-time favorite Jason kills is in this film. Which one?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th part 6
- the title is Jason Lives: Friday the 13th, Part VI
- this is the first movie where Jason "comes back to life" after being dead, and hence "superhuman"
- there is no nudity in this installment (a rarity for the horror/slasher genre)
- this is the first film that Jason is shot
- The original idea of this film was to have Tommy Jarvis be the new villain, but after a poor box office showing in the prior film, it was decided Jason should return.
Trivia: What was the body count of this film?
- this is the first movie where Jason "comes back to life" after being dead, and hence "superhuman"
- there is no nudity in this installment (a rarity for the horror/slasher genre)
- this is the first film that Jason is shot
- The original idea of this film was to have Tommy Jarvis be the new villain, but after a poor box office showing in the prior film, it was decided Jason should return.
Trivia: What was the body count of this film?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 5
- The title is Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
- Corey Feldman was slated to return as his character, Tommy Jarvis, but was working on The Goonies. He does show up in a small cameo
- The MPAA required 16 cuts to get the movie from an X rating, to an R rating
Trivia: Jason Voorhees was not the killer. Who was?
Trivia: How many different hockey masks were "featured" for this movie?
- Corey Feldman was slated to return as his character, Tommy Jarvis, but was working on The Goonies. He does show up in a small cameo
- The MPAA required 16 cuts to get the movie from an X rating, to an R rating
Trivia: Jason Voorhees was not the killer. Who was?
Trivia: How many different hockey masks were "featured" for this movie?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part 4
- The movie title is Friday the 13th: The Fianl Chapter, and was intended (again) to be the last of the series.
- Released on Friday the 13th
- Had the most nudity (at that time) of any of the series
Trivia: Who was the biggest star to come out of this film?
Trivia: What was the final body count of this installment?
- Released on Friday the 13th
- Had the most nudity (at that time) of any of the series
Trivia: Who was the biggest star to come out of this film?
Trivia: What was the final body count of this installment?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th, part III
- the movie was released on Friday the 13th, and in 3D
- excluding the scenes shown from part 2, no characters actually say the name "Jason"
- like part 2, scenes had to be cut to avoid an X rating
- the first appearance of the iconic hockey mask
- the film was "intended to" end the series
- Trivia: Excluding the scenes shown from #2, who was the first character killed?
- Trivia: Prior to hockey mask, what else did Jason wear on his head/face?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th part 2
- 48 seconds had to be cut from this film to avoid an X rating (for violence)
- Jason was dressed to look exactly like the killer from the movie "The Town that Dreaded Sundown"
- The actors stayed in the cabins on set.
Trivia: How many characters survived from the first film and were in this one? Name them.
Trivia: What was the final body count for this film?
Trivia/Fun Facts: Friday the 13th part 1
-the writer Victor Miller admits to using the success of John Carpenter's Halloween to launch this film
-Victor states he did not intend this film or the Jason character to launch a whole series
- the working title for the script was "Long Night at Camp Blood"
Trivia: What was the final body count at the end of this movie?
Trivia: Jason was not the killer. Who was?
Trivia: The most successful actor to come out of this film?
Unlucky? Hardly... I'm going to Crystal Lake
It's Friday the 13th, always a fun day for horror movie fans.
I will be posting some fun trivia today with answers coming tomorrow.
=> The earliest documented reference of Friday the 13th being unlucky was 1869. The theory of the rise of the superstition is that 13 is an unlucky number and Friday is an unlucky day, so naturally the 2 together equals bad mojo. Machetes and hockey masks come later.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Manhunter (1986)
"Have you ever seen blood in the moonlight Will? It appears quite black."
Happy Birthday: Al Bundy, Juliet, The Tooth Fairy, and Vincent Mancini
Ed O'Neill - best know for his comic TV roles in Married With Children and Modern Family, but had a good role The Bone Collector, and a great TV role on L.A. Dragnet
Andy Garcia - my favorite roles of his are in Untouchables, Godfather III, and Dead Again
Claire Danes - very underrated actress, good roles in Romeo & Juliet and Terminator 3
Tom Noonan - my favorite roles of his are in Manhunter, The Last Action Hero, and an X-Files episode called 'Paper Hearts'
Andy Garcia - my favorite roles of his are in Untouchables, Godfather III, and Dead Again
Claire Danes - very underrated actress, good roles in Romeo & Juliet and Terminator 3
Tom Noonan - my favorite roles of his are in Manhunter, The Last Action Hero, and an X-Files episode called 'Paper Hearts'
Awesome movie quotes: Ghostbusters (1984)
"What did you do Ray?"
"Oh sh!t"
"It's the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man."
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Worst Movie End: Rocky 4 (1985)
**spoiler alert**
Aside from the movie being absurdly predictable, as well as the whole fight between Drago and Rocky, the ending was bordering on stomach churning.
Let's set this up - Drago, the Russian fighter, kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition match at the beginning of the film. Rocky then goes to Russia to train (dramatically, I must say) and eventually fight Drago. The Russian crowd throughout the fight slowly warms to Rocky taking a beating from Drago (yes, a bit of stretch), and Drago, who is younger, bigger and stronger than Rocky, still manages to lose the fight - another stretch.
We all knew Rocky was going to win, especially with the whole Cold War metaphor, but the "anybody can change" speech Rocky gave was icing on the proverbial cake to ruin this otherwise "proud to be an American" moment.
The Rocky character is an American movie icon, but that moment hurt. Sorry, Sly.
Aside from the movie being absurdly predictable, as well as the whole fight between Drago and Rocky, the ending was bordering on stomach churning.
Let's set this up - Drago, the Russian fighter, kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition match at the beginning of the film. Rocky then goes to Russia to train (dramatically, I must say) and eventually fight Drago. The Russian crowd throughout the fight slowly warms to Rocky taking a beating from Drago (yes, a bit of stretch), and Drago, who is younger, bigger and stronger than Rocky, still manages to lose the fight - another stretch.
We all knew Rocky was going to win, especially with the whole Cold War metaphor, but the "anybody can change" speech Rocky gave was icing on the proverbial cake to ruin this otherwise "proud to be an American" moment.
The Rocky character is an American movie icon, but that moment hurt. Sorry, Sly.
Who is going to see the Raven?
This has the potential to be a very entertaining movie.
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi6922521/
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi6922521/
Happy Birthday: Joel Grey
Father of Jennifer Grey, and best known for his role as the MC in Cabaret.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Happy Birthday: Max & Steven
Max Von Sydow - best roles were in The Exoricist, Citizen X, and Shutter Island
Steven Seagal - best films are Under Siege and Hard to Kill
Steven Seagal - best films are Under Siege and Hard to Kill
Monday, April 9, 2012
Happy Birthday: Dennis Quaid
My favorite roles of his are in Innerspace, The Big Easy, Wyatt Earp, and The Day After Tomorrow
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Quick Look: Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise (1987)
As with most (even somewhat) successful films, there inevitably comes a sequel - or worse, multiple installments. Revenge of the Nerds spawned 3 sequels, and none of them even came close to the fun and on screen comedy of the first.
For Revenge of the Nerds 2, most of the main cast of the Tri-Lambs return, although Anthony Edwards had a very small part compared to his co-starring role in #1. Ogre (Donald Gibb) from the Alpha Betas returns, as well. The main premise is that the Tri-Lambs, led by Lewis (Robert Carradine) go to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to represent Adams college at the United Fraternity conference, in a spring-break atmosphere. They are bullied by the Alpha Betas there, and some antics ensue.
While there are a few funny scenes, the feel of the movie comes off more like an SNL episode; a few comical bits with some filler. The flow felt "forced", and the plot moved along at a very predictable pace, not to mention the actors all look somewhat older than college students, further detracting from it. The thing that made #1 funny was the nerds using their brains to overcome the abuse from the jocks, but in #2 that seemed to be missing. But, if you liked the characters from #1, and want to see them cavort about in Florida, then give Nerds 2 a once over. It's only 98 minutes long, so it moves quick enough. It is 'PG-13' for language, brief nudity, and gross-out humor.
For Revenge of the Nerds 2, most of the main cast of the Tri-Lambs return, although Anthony Edwards had a very small part compared to his co-starring role in #1. Ogre (Donald Gibb) from the Alpha Betas returns, as well. The main premise is that the Tri-Lambs, led by Lewis (Robert Carradine) go to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to represent Adams college at the United Fraternity conference, in a spring-break atmosphere. They are bullied by the Alpha Betas there, and some antics ensue.
While there are a few funny scenes, the feel of the movie comes off more like an SNL episode; a few comical bits with some filler. The flow felt "forced", and the plot moved along at a very predictable pace, not to mention the actors all look somewhat older than college students, further detracting from it. The thing that made #1 funny was the nerds using their brains to overcome the abuse from the jocks, but in #2 that seemed to be missing. But, if you liked the characters from #1, and want to see them cavort about in Florida, then give Nerds 2 a once over. It's only 98 minutes long, so it moves quick enough. It is 'PG-13' for language, brief nudity, and gross-out humor.
Happy Birthday: Kane, Robin and Patricia
Kane Hodder - very accomplished stuntman, with almost 100 films under his belt, and has been Jason Vorhees in about half of the Friday the 13th movies
Robin Wright - my favorite roles of her are in The Princess Bride, Unbreakable, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Patricia Arquette - made her film debut in Nightmare on Elm St 3. My favorite roles of her are in Stigmata, Lost Highway, and said Nightmare on Elm St.
Robin Wright - my favorite roles of her are in The Princess Bride, Unbreakable, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Patricia Arquette - made her film debut in Nightmare on Elm St 3. My favorite roles of her are in Stigmata, Lost Highway, and said Nightmare on Elm St.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Happy Birthday: Maximus and a director extraordinaire
Francis Ford Coppola - director of some of the best films of all time including the Godfather films, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now
Russell Crowe - of the great actors in his prime right now. My favorites of his are Gladiator, LA Confidential, Robin Hood, and Mystery Alaska
Russell Crowe - of the great actors in his prime right now. My favorites of his are Gladiator, LA Confidential, Robin Hood, and Mystery Alaska
Friday, April 6, 2012
Awesome movie quotes: Mallrats (1995)
My Grandmother always used to say, "why buy the cow, when you can get the sex for free".
Happy Birthday: Billy Dee & Paul
Billy Dee Williams - forever will be Lando Calrissian... and spokesperson for Colt 45
Paul Rudd - a mainstay in comedy films for the last 10+ years... my favorite roles of are in The 40 Year Old Virgin, Kncoked up, and Halloween (6): The Curse of Michael Myers
Paul Rudd - a mainstay in comedy films for the last 10+ years... my favorite roles of are in The 40 Year Old Virgin, Kncoked up, and Halloween (6): The Curse of Michael Myers
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Happy Birthday: Mitch & Lisa
Mitch Pileggi - best role was on TV's X-Files, but interesting role as the bad guy in Shocker
Lisa Zane - Billy Zane's sister, great role in Nightmare on Elm St 6
Lisa Zane - Billy Zane's sister, great role in Nightmare on Elm St 6
Awesome movie quotes: The Cable Guy (1996)
mimicking Star Trek : "..two friends forced to do battle.."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Happy Birthday: the Joker, V, the 'original' Psycho, and more
Robert Downey Jr - my favorire roles of his are in Back to School, Weird Science, and Tropic Thunder
Heather Ledger - absolutely classic role as the Joker in The Dark Knight
Anthony Perkins - the original Norman Bates from Psycho
Craig T Nelson - great role in Poltergeist, and on TV's Coach
Hugo Weaving - Agent Smith from the Matrix trilogy and V from V for Vendetta
Heather Ledger - absolutely classic role as the Joker in The Dark Knight
Anthony Perkins - the original Norman Bates from Psycho
Craig T Nelson - great role in Poltergeist, and on TV's Coach
Hugo Weaving - Agent Smith from the Matrix trilogy and V from V for Vendetta
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Bob's Quick Look: Jeff; Who Lives at Home (2011)
This indie comedy shows the day in the life of a mother (Susan Sarandon) and her two sons, Pat (Ed Helms) and Jeff (Jason Segel.)
*Spoiler Alert* Jeff, who lives in his mothers basement, is sent on an errand to buy wood glue. After smoking a bong hit or two he sets out on his chore, but is quickly lured away by what he believes to be destiny (the name on a kid’s basketball jersey.) After being jumped he walks on and meets up with his brother. The two are sidetracked when they see Pat’s wife eating lunch with another man. Their quest takes a turen to prove that she is being unfaithful and confronting her with her crime.
While this is going on, Sharon is at her job on her birthday contemplating her life when she receives an im from a secret admirer. Having not been romanced in quite some time, she is not sure what to do other than to find the identity of her secret suitor.
This movie is an example of why I like indie films. Most of the Hollywood comedies that have been released over the past ten years have something in common; there is nothing to them other than what you can read on the back of the dvd case. I hate to use the term “no substance” because if a movie’s gags can at least make me laugh, the movie is worth at least that. But, Hollywood seems to be content with that, and I think this mentality is a disservice to the movie goer, because what we get from that is a collection of weak movies whose gags get old quickly.
What makes this movie stand out to me is the fact that the surface plot I just described is part of a much larger story involving a cast of very well developed and interesting characters, complete with motivation and backstory which seems to be missing from many films today. The movie takes place on one particular day, and this day is a turning point for all three of them, and they learn and grow from their experience, not only in their personal pursuits but in their relationships with each other.
This film is both funny and moving and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of comedy and/or indie films, and/or fans of the aforementioned principle cast members because all three of them deliver excellent performances.
Rated R for language, including sexual references, and some drug use.
*Spoiler Alert* Jeff, who lives in his mothers basement, is sent on an errand to buy wood glue. After smoking a bong hit or two he sets out on his chore, but is quickly lured away by what he believes to be destiny (the name on a kid’s basketball jersey.) After being jumped he walks on and meets up with his brother. The two are sidetracked when they see Pat’s wife eating lunch with another man. Their quest takes a turen to prove that she is being unfaithful and confronting her with her crime.
While this is going on, Sharon is at her job on her birthday contemplating her life when she receives an im from a secret admirer. Having not been romanced in quite some time, she is not sure what to do other than to find the identity of her secret suitor.
This movie is an example of why I like indie films. Most of the Hollywood comedies that have been released over the past ten years have something in common; there is nothing to them other than what you can read on the back of the dvd case. I hate to use the term “no substance” because if a movie’s gags can at least make me laugh, the movie is worth at least that. But, Hollywood seems to be content with that, and I think this mentality is a disservice to the movie goer, because what we get from that is a collection of weak movies whose gags get old quickly.
What makes this movie stand out to me is the fact that the surface plot I just described is part of a much larger story involving a cast of very well developed and interesting characters, complete with motivation and backstory which seems to be missing from many films today. The movie takes place on one particular day, and this day is a turning point for all three of them, and they learn and grow from their experience, not only in their personal pursuits but in their relationships with each other.
This film is both funny and moving and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of comedy and/or indie films, and/or fans of the aforementioned principle cast members because all three of them deliver excellent performances.
Rated R for language, including sexual references, and some drug use.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Breaking News: Nightmare on Halloween?
Freddy Kruger and Michael Myers, together? Say it ain't so reality TV....
A recent rumor has flown around that Freddy and Michael would come out of retirement to commit a year-long reign of terror by slaughtering all reality TV hosts, producers, directors, and obsessive fans in a horror movie free for all.
The film release will feature interactive remote controls given to each member of the audience with the ability to award points for each "act" for: blood splatter, appropriateness of the kill, and/or best one liners during and after. The winner will be announced Halloween 2013!
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
A recent rumor has flown around that Freddy and Michael would come out of retirement to commit a year-long reign of terror by slaughtering all reality TV hosts, producers, directors, and obsessive fans in a horror movie free for all.
The film release will feature interactive remote controls given to each member of the audience with the ability to award points for each "act" for: blood splatter, appropriateness of the kill, and/or best one liners during and after. The winner will be announced Halloween 2013!
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
Breaking News: Tom Hanks' next film
Tom Hanks has recently agreed to star in a film directed by Spike Lee, focusing on the rise to power of Suge Knight and Death Row Records in the 90's.
Hanks will play a character based on Suge Knight.
Denzel Washington will play a character based on Dr. Dre.
Mel Gibson will play a character based on Snoop Dogg.
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
Hanks will play a character based on Suge Knight.
Denzel Washington will play a character based on Dr. Dre.
Mel Gibson will play a character based on Snoop Dogg.
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
Breaking News: there was no massacre in Texas?
Inside sources have now revealed that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre actually took place in Delaware. But quote "it just didn't sound cool to say Delaware chainsaw massacre".
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
Breaking News: injured on the set of the next Indiana Jones film
Harrison Ford has broken his hip while filming the next Indiana Jones sequel.
He has stated (unconfirmed) that "..maybe I should stop doing action films like these, and focus on more dramatic roles which I am very good at, too."
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
He has stated (unconfirmed) that "..maybe I should stop doing action films like these, and focus on more dramatic roles which I am very good at, too."
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
Breaking News : Star Trek fans a reboot
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have agreed to do Star Trek reboot which takes place in a parallel universe in which Nimoy plays Kirk, and Shatner plays Spock. The Klingons are peaceful, mild-mannered intellectuals that are attacked by a bunch gun slinging cowboys on the Enterprise led by the two leads.
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
April Fools Day! This is in no way shape or form, true. It is a complete fabrication meant to entertain.
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