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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)