"Bitches man...." haha, great line. Zombies that can barely communicate. Struggling to think. And one of them musters up the line -- "Bitches man....". Funny.
I haven't bought a soundtrack in a while, but I bet this one is pretty good. Lots of music involved for a romantic zombie flick. Even a song off the Pretty Woman soundtrack, or wait, was that Dirty Dancing? You know what else? This love story could have used perhaps Information Society's (c) Pure Energy or maybe The Order of Death by PIL (youtube (c)). Yeah Hardware reference!
I needed to tell you that I am beginning to like Dave Franco. But I'm not sure why he was in this movie. As in, not sarcastic dripping, they could have cast Brendan Sexton III to play his role, or maybe that guy who played Napoleon Dynamite....Jon Heder. I guess Dave Franco is still just a role player and not a featured actor yet. Also, why was John Malkovich in this piece? I thought he was busy filming Red 3 with Bruce. But seriously, the main girl...who is she? She reminds me of a mix between Kristen Stewart and Amanda what's her name from that Stepfather movie.
I guess this movie was fun. But not amazing. More of a slow plodding thinker, that really requires zero thought. I think my favorite part was thinking about what if I were a zombie or perhaps dead and my ashes were sent flying into oblivion, or in this case, a zombie ate my brain; and then said zombie got to live my life for a few minutes - as a rotisserie of still art photos. That is what I hope happens. Either one. If'm I'ma a zombie in the future, I would like to be able to get a quick movie of someone's life when I eat their brains. But moreover, when I'm dead and my ashes are flung all over, I want each worm....hell every member of the detritus world, to get a piece of me in them. And I will be famous!!
09 September 2013
08 September 2013
The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane (1976) (A) #194
Very good. Creepy. Anathema.
"This slow plodding thriller could suit normal movie-goers who are looking for a quiet, intense and blood-tingling cult classic." Qlog Sept 2013
Where did this film come from I ask? How have I never heard of it? Especially with a epic cast of Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen....coupled with some great supporting characters in Mort Shuman (cop) and Scott Jacoby (magician), both I've never heard of before but they were really good. This movie had the rhythm of The Abominable Dr. Phibes, the intensity of Calvaire, yet was still cloaked with the classic 70's thriller-style feel - where you see minimal yet you don't see what you need to.... Essentially, not all answers are given which forces the imagination of the viewers to create their own vivid imagery....awh man, I'm still just thinking about some of the craziness that ensued.
The basic plot is a young Jodie Foster lives by herself. Both of her parents are dead, most recently her father. But she is independently able to fend for herself, and makes it her mission to ensure others in the town think that her father is still alive - per Jodie's character Rynn, he is just 'not available' at the moment (out of town, writing/transcribing and can't be disturbed, or resting). A pedophile, played by Martin Sheen, spends the entire movie attempting to get Jodie to be his. Left alone in the world, all by herself, Rynn befriends a teen magician named Mario and boooooom, they become lovers. Together they attempt to cover up a giant tangled mess and fend off pedophiles. There is an apparent tone throughout the movie consisting of that old-school thinking....such as 'I-am-your-superior/elder,-you-will-listen-to/obey-me', which occurs between the adults and Jodie.
Each film I watch like this ends up opening so many doors. As in, 'Oh, you liked THAT@!? Well if you liked that then you will most certainly like this....(fill in next awesome movie journey/tangent).' So, I'm happy to have found it and will look up some new classics based on this theme. I don't know how to place this one on the list, but I think it might be top 30-40?? Could that be possible? I might need to sleep on this, watch it a few more times, and then judge where this will fit within the grand picture.
Quickly, just to mention a few taboo type items as I read about this film. Apparently Jodie disliked filming this and thought the director (I think) was creepy and took things too far. Even if asked till this day, she barely refers to the film and says she wasn't acting at her best. She didn't like the nude scene that was requested of her - which ended up being played by her stunt double older sister....and she didn't love the scene with the hamster.
"This slow plodding thriller could suit normal movie-goers who are looking for a quiet, intense and blood-tingling cult classic." Qlog Sept 2013
Where did this film come from I ask? How have I never heard of it? Especially with a epic cast of Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen....coupled with some great supporting characters in Mort Shuman (cop) and Scott Jacoby (magician), both I've never heard of before but they were really good. This movie had the rhythm of The Abominable Dr. Phibes, the intensity of Calvaire, yet was still cloaked with the classic 70's thriller-style feel - where you see minimal yet you don't see what you need to.... Essentially, not all answers are given which forces the imagination of the viewers to create their own vivid imagery....awh man, I'm still just thinking about some of the craziness that ensued.
The basic plot is a young Jodie Foster lives by herself. Both of her parents are dead, most recently her father. But she is independently able to fend for herself, and makes it her mission to ensure others in the town think that her father is still alive - per Jodie's character Rynn, he is just 'not available' at the moment (out of town, writing/transcribing and can't be disturbed, or resting). A pedophile, played by Martin Sheen, spends the entire movie attempting to get Jodie to be his. Left alone in the world, all by herself, Rynn befriends a teen magician named Mario and boooooom, they become lovers. Together they attempt to cover up a giant tangled mess and fend off pedophiles. There is an apparent tone throughout the movie consisting of that old-school thinking....such as 'I-am-your-superior/elder,-you-will-listen-to/obey-me', which occurs between the adults and Jodie.
Each film I watch like this ends up opening so many doors. As in, 'Oh, you liked THAT@!? Well if you liked that then you will most certainly like this....(fill in next awesome movie journey/tangent).' So, I'm happy to have found it and will look up some new classics based on this theme. I don't know how to place this one on the list, but I think it might be top 30-40?? Could that be possible? I might need to sleep on this, watch it a few more times, and then judge where this will fit within the grand picture.
Quickly, just to mention a few taboo type items as I read about this film. Apparently Jodie disliked filming this and thought the director (I think) was creepy and took things too far. Even if asked till this day, she barely refers to the film and says she wasn't acting at her best. She didn't like the nude scene that was requested of her - which ended up being played by her stunt double older sister....and she didn't love the scene with the hamster.
03 September 2013
The Baby 1973 (B-) #193
1973 was a good year for movies, but at first I was not fully sold on this one. The end had me feeling the vibe of Rosemary's Baby (not just because of the titles)....so it got better. But for my first impressions however, I had a few gripes. The actor that plays "Baby" makes this dreadful fake baby noise throughout the film. Some part of me feels any actor could do a better job then this guy. Even Jim Caviezel or Brendan Sexton III. Actually, in a remake effort, Brendan would be a great choice. Anyway, I tried my best to get by the whiney adult baby noise aspect. Now onto the plot. It seemed weak. I'm used to the more elaborate plots of today, even when not always done well. I ended up really rooting for the crazy family. Opposite of what the director probably had in mind. To me, they were more entertaining and had a more robust character build. As the movie droned on, I just found myself hoping for them to win. Perhaps it would make the movie good? With that said, I could have used some more crazy 'Pink-Flamingo-type' events rising out of them - to give it that whacky edge it seemed to be missing throughout the first hour. This was part of the hype I thought would endure in The Baby prior to pushing play. The family was fairly tame compared to today's sick movie portrayals existing on the big screen.
There was some 70's thriller suspense towards the end, with added in awesome music, as the family searched around for Baby in the case workers house. It seemed like a 20 minute scene, with congo drums, and tenor saxophones - perhaps some fancy oboe work. Then they classically cued up the rapid psycho violins and ordered jars of splatter ketchup for the actors to share!!
Then came the ending. Wow, totally awesome demented ending! Great job 70's movie! Pretty typical for a thriller from this era, build slowly, not much happens worth getting excited about....and then WAM. The ending happens and you smile realizing that the people who were the forefathers of horror had it right back then. They knew how to create suspense and capitalize on it. I can't stop smiling right now. Seriously this movie took me for a ride I didn't expect. If only they could put The Baby into a 25 minute short film, I would not have had to waste so much time with the first hour of the film. I suppose it was necessary, but just tedious. Worth a watch.
There was some 70's thriller suspense towards the end, with added in awesome music, as the family searched around for Baby in the case workers house. It seemed like a 20 minute scene, with congo drums, and tenor saxophones - perhaps some fancy oboe work. Then they classically cued up the rapid psycho violins and ordered jars of splatter ketchup for the actors to share!!
Then came the ending. Wow, totally awesome demented ending! Great job 70's movie! Pretty typical for a thriller from this era, build slowly, not much happens worth getting excited about....and then WAM. The ending happens and you smile realizing that the people who were the forefathers of horror had it right back then. They knew how to create suspense and capitalize on it. I can't stop smiling right now. Seriously this movie took me for a ride I didn't expect. If only they could put The Baby into a 25 minute short film, I would not have had to waste so much time with the first hour of the film. I suppose it was necessary, but just tedious. Worth a watch.
19 August 2013
Spring Breakers #192 (D)
After 30 minutes I paused and realized the plot so far has solely focused on the theme of a giant party. That is, minus a quick church scene to show that Selena Gomez is wholesome. AND when they got arrested the scene was totally anti-clamatic. I didn't even see what happened?! Basically they were partying through the night and it cuts to a scene of them in the daylight getting cuffed. Almost as if the entire "police catching them" part, including what they did to deserve it, was totally skipped in the plot summary. At this stage I said to myself, "I'm not sure I like this movie so far".
I also noted two things that were annoying and happened essentially throughout the entirety of the film. There was a constant 'conversation-is-happening-in-the-background-but-they-are-showing-another-scene-to-the-viewer' aspect of this movie. It was almost as if they were narrating over the scenes. But really it was Korine's vision I assume. Constantly flipping from scene to scene, including backwards in time (reminiscing) - yet with this never-ending narrating overtone. And the other thing that annoyed me was there was a droning music that was played throughout - like a soft trance music, instrumental. It would have been fine if it wasn't constant, but really it was overkill. Since I focused on both, I probably half ruined the movie for myself. A movie I was really looking forward to watching.
Ok, so then I get to about 1 hour in and I think this movie has to be a joke. What is happening? Better yet, why? This plot is awful. Rob a store, get money, go to spring break...meet James Franco....1 hour later....??? WTF is going on? I'm pretty sure this movie sucks. Speaking of "sucks", James Franco just gave a BJ to two silencers. And I'm not kidding when I say, that there have been two Britney Spears sing alongs in the movie, one including James Franco playing the piano. But please know that this Franco playing piano and singing Britney scene is better than an "evil" Toby McGuire skipping and dancing through the streets in Spidey part 3.
At the end of the movie comes the plot climax...."wow". Cue an old gang guy, not involved with the movie AT ALL thus far, and he doesn't like James Franco on his turf - so now after 1+ hours there is a plot twist/addition/??. Just bad.
Man...I'm going to ruin this movie for you likely so stop reading. Girl #1 (Gomez) goes home because she is too whimpy (I'm with her) and then girl #2 goes home because she was shot. But girls 3 and 4 stay around to see what happens in thug world???? Really?
Harmony Korine fail. I love you normally man, but this was sub-par. The ONLY cool part of this movie was the fact that James Franco was a gold toothed gangsta, and he did a pretty swell job. The people on review web-sites either loved or hated this film. The ones who loved it seem to think that Korine has some vision that is just plain amazing. I don't get it. The movie was bad. The end.
Dredd (D-) #191
Wow...truly bad. Dreadful actually. There are maybe two cool scenes throughout but generally a very poorly acted movie coupled with a horrible plot. The scene with the three gatling-type guns shooting from one balcony across to the other side of the building was probably one of the cooler scenes in the movie. It actually looked like they were shooting fire bullets (yet the bullet casings were standard looking) and essentially these fire bullets shot through many layers of concrete and building. I'm not sure if that can really happen or not. Can it? Everyone in the entire block of the building were killed, minus the two Judges and their perp. Awful. They evaded all fire blasts by ducking, running and dodging. While 200 people caught their fate.
Karl Urban....bad. Bad bad bad. His character was a mix between Christian Bale's deep Batman (c) voice coupled with droopy dog's (c) inverted smile. Great mean face Karl! And the scene where he is shot and mends himself? Is this something that the fan boys can explain to me? Is Dredd known for being able to mend himself with a first aid kit, even if a bullet goes straight through him? Don't worry about healing the middle of his body or the back of the wound where the bullet entered, just mend the exit location and carry on. Wow. The end scene where he throws Ma-Ma through the window (sorry for the plot spoiler, but it doesn't matter really. In all honesty the movie is so dumb and not worth watching so I didn't ruin anything), he stands there like he is holding in a poop, with his hand out like a crossing guards stop sign.
Ma-Ma.....bad. I should probably get the thesaurus out for this because I keep using bad and awful. Ma-Ma was played by Lena Headly. Such a atrociously crummy "evil" character. The casting director should retire. Sorry if that is mean, but really this was one of the weaker parts of the movie (well...the characters and the plot. Ha!). No fear is created by this person to me when watching. She has some scars and tattoos, and dirty teeth. Crazy! She doesn't look scary at all. And the rest of her clan were basically forgettable. They didn't even have a main thug to root for (from a bad guy sense). There was a perp that they carted around for the entire movie, but he was just as forgettable as the rest of the cast.
I guess there are some movies that I watch where I rave about how good they are - and perhaps they are just considered so-so to most viewers. Yet something about that particular movie I review either made me laugh or I just dug it, felt the vibe if you will. Then the reverse happens. Where I will watch a movie and I end up thrashing it in my review, like wet noodles on the dock...however somehow the masses end up loving the film despite my views and stating that I feel the movie is royal crap. I mean, all should go by my reviews, right? But this one. I'm not sure how anyone could like this one. Even the blind sheep masses who are lured to and end up loving rotten movies should also hate this one. Rotten Tomatoes (c) gave it a 78. Metacritic.com (c), who is even more accurate because there isn't a pass/fail system involved, gave it a 59. I just don't get it. It was so very ghastly (yeah thesaurus!). There are some cool killing scenes, but the rest of the movie is beyond awful. I tried to read some reviews to find a few who are on my side. Not easy to find. Almost each normal human review (not critic) loves the movie and raves about how spot on Urban is with his portrayal of Dredd, and how they are so happy he stayed true to the role by keeping his helmet on, blah blah blah. Well, I guess these people also liked G.I. Joe and Chop then. Crazy.
I didn't even remember to comment on the slow motion "awesome effects" (sarcasm) used when the people use the street drug. And I didn't comment on the cheesy effects portrayed when the girl Dredd uses here stupid mental abilities. I have to stop, I could go on and on. Bye.
Karl Urban....bad. Bad bad bad. His character was a mix between Christian Bale's deep Batman (c) voice coupled with droopy dog's (c) inverted smile. Great mean face Karl! And the scene where he is shot and mends himself? Is this something that the fan boys can explain to me? Is Dredd known for being able to mend himself with a first aid kit, even if a bullet goes straight through him? Don't worry about healing the middle of his body or the back of the wound where the bullet entered, just mend the exit location and carry on. Wow. The end scene where he throws Ma-Ma through the window (sorry for the plot spoiler, but it doesn't matter really. In all honesty the movie is so dumb and not worth watching so I didn't ruin anything), he stands there like he is holding in a poop, with his hand out like a crossing guards stop sign.
Ma-Ma.....bad. I should probably get the thesaurus out for this because I keep using bad and awful. Ma-Ma was played by Lena Headly. Such a atrociously crummy "evil" character. The casting director should retire. Sorry if that is mean, but really this was one of the weaker parts of the movie (well...the characters and the plot. Ha!). No fear is created by this person to me when watching. She has some scars and tattoos, and dirty teeth. Crazy! She doesn't look scary at all. And the rest of her clan were basically forgettable. They didn't even have a main thug to root for (from a bad guy sense). There was a perp that they carted around for the entire movie, but he was just as forgettable as the rest of the cast.
I guess there are some movies that I watch where I rave about how good they are - and perhaps they are just considered so-so to most viewers. Yet something about that particular movie I review either made me laugh or I just dug it, felt the vibe if you will. Then the reverse happens. Where I will watch a movie and I end up thrashing it in my review, like wet noodles on the dock...however somehow the masses end up loving the film despite my views and stating that I feel the movie is royal crap. I mean, all should go by my reviews, right? But this one. I'm not sure how anyone could like this one. Even the blind sheep masses who are lured to and end up loving rotten movies should also hate this one. Rotten Tomatoes (c) gave it a 78. Metacritic.com (c), who is even more accurate because there isn't a pass/fail system involved, gave it a 59. I just don't get it. It was so very ghastly (yeah thesaurus!). There are some cool killing scenes, but the rest of the movie is beyond awful. I tried to read some reviews to find a few who are on my side. Not easy to find. Almost each normal human review (not critic) loves the movie and raves about how spot on Urban is with his portrayal of Dredd, and how they are so happy he stayed true to the role by keeping his helmet on, blah blah blah. Well, I guess these people also liked G.I. Joe and Chop then. Crazy.
I didn't even remember to comment on the slow motion "awesome effects" (sarcasm) used when the people use the street drug. And I didn't comment on the cheesy effects portrayed when the girl Dredd uses here stupid mental abilities. I have to stop, I could go on and on. Bye.
31 May 2013
#190 After Earth (A)
What is wrong with critics? This movie was great! Let's start at the beginning however. Prior to the beginning actually. The previews that were on display prior to this movie were horrendous looking. Of course, I haven't seen these movies yet (and probably never will) but they just seem like a HUGE waste of millions of dollars. I'm speaking specifically about Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and Pacific Rim. The latter being a fail by del Toro. Remind me in 2 years to rent Real Steel and Pacific Rim, make sock puppets, and have all my buddies over for a laugh fest. That sentence is great and I'm not changing it. Onto After Earth...
I read a few reviews on Flixster/Rotten Tomatoes (c) and noted that the experts gave it a splat of 14%. C'mon and wow. That is harsh. I guess when a movie is tagged by M. Night Shyamalan, people just go crazy. Hell, they even gave the Croods a tomato rating of 69% and that SUCKED. Don't be frightened by the talk of bad CGI or green screens in After Earth....or by the speak towards lack of plot. I had a great time watching this, in fact, a wild adventure. Re: the green screens I can say, I barely noticed anything. Just go and let your hair down. Enjoy it. Maybe others have an eye for this but I wasn't focused on it and didn't notice anything bad. Also as you're watching, realize how hard it would be to film a movie on the planet Earth (ha). Re: the plot, it was tremendous. I even shed a tear at the end. In classic old-style M. Night fashion, the story revolved around the eyes of a family - and all that this family could see, but not much more. Loved it. Put this one up there with other epic adventures like Clash of the Mohicans and Die Hard III.
At the very beginning, being my first Jaden Smith film, I was worried. He starts the movie with some sort of crazy accent. Perhaps this is his actually voice? I'm not sure, but it seemed forced and fake? I wondered for about 26 minutes if they were pretending that people on this other planet (not Earth) lost the accents of Earth, and talked strange now. After he was back on Earth however, I didn't notice anymore. Actually Jaden did a really good job. He is the primary character, so don't be fooled like others (stinking critics) who were depressed that Will wasn't the primary focal point.
Mid-way through I was taken a back by a quote by Will, and here it is: "Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice. We are all telling ourselves a story. That day, mine changed." Word to that. I will live my life by this motto and plan to get it tattooed onto my stomach likely. Very powerful. And after looking it up online, I guess it is a pretty popular quote.
I'm so glad I took a half day today. Best bleeping day of my fucking life.
11 April 2013
189 Jack Reacher (B+)
I never read the book, or comic, or whatever...I never even heard of Jack Reacher to be honest. Is he a famous super hero type of guy? Like a James Bond type? I think so. The end result is that this movie was good. Like a Bond movie, a bit unbelievable, but still action packed and to me, a great flick to watch. Full of excitement and stories.
My friends said it was just okay, a bit better than okay maybe to me....B+ is my rating...totally on board and loved it. "Was Mesmerized" says HorrorMovieRevierwGuy at Twit.com.
A few notes, I'm anxious to see the end of the newer Batman. So far, he's been a puss and barely fights or leaves his house. And also, Kick Ass 2? Really? Ok, if you say so....this time I might see it in the theatre. If things go well that is.
03 April 2013
The Corridor #188 (B-)
The preview for this movie made it look cool. I think I saw the preview when I rented Kill List. Then I started watching, and immediately I knew...actually that's a lie, it started poorly and I didn't immediately know anything. But I continued to give it a chance and found, this was one of those movies that are a notch above a Cinemax (c) release, yet still no Deathrace 2000, yet the ending becomes one worth watching...so I give it a B-. For a lazy Saturday (sans kids) it's worth a pusha playa. But, it's not the strongest B- ever.
29 March 2013
Zero Dark Thirty #187 (B+)
The explosion at the Marriott (c) scared the shit out of me. I haven't jumped like that since I watched the Corridor the other night. LOL. Two jumps within the same week or so.
I wonder if this is really what occurred, specifically the heli crashing etc. And the way they found the lead to his whereabouts. I'm assuming yes. Then the next question I have is, does creating a movie about this really make sense? Do other countries create movies about stuff they do like this? Is it too soon to have a movie out about this topic?
I love Katherine Bigelow, that is once I realized who she was and looked back on her body of work. Starting from Near Dark (awesome) through Point Break, and Hurt Locker - all very impressive.
Jessica Chastain. She's quickly becoming someone who I respect and want to view on the screen.
That is all. Good flick. See it. Predictable, obviously.
Number 187 on the..........block.
I wonder if this is really what occurred, specifically the heli crashing etc. And the way they found the lead to his whereabouts. I'm assuming yes. Then the next question I have is, does creating a movie about this really make sense? Do other countries create movies about stuff they do like this? Is it too soon to have a movie out about this topic?
I love Katherine Bigelow, that is once I realized who she was and looked back on her body of work. Starting from Near Dark (awesome) through Point Break, and Hurt Locker - all very impressive.
Jessica Chastain. She's quickly becoming someone who I respect and want to view on the screen.
That is all. Good flick. See it. Predictable, obviously.
Number 187 on the..........block.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch #186 (C-)
Hi buddy. Is it okay for me to put "The New Batch" as part of the title of this movie/post? :) Please do confirm for me...because I love referring to this as Gremlins 2: The New Batch, not just plain Gremlins 2. How else would you know what movie I'm referring to? Are you in or out with this?
I was anticipating that this would be fairly good. Or even perhaps borderline superb - in an 80s sort of way (yet released in 1990). But as you can see from the rating, I didn't love this movie. I would have liked to give it something in-between C- and D+ if that existed, but in the end stuck with the C- because I did laugh some throughout. Why did I pick this movie to watch? Well, I received a tip from a web-site that mentioned the director basically had carte blanche to do what he wanted. Apparently this was the director's demand to agree to do the movie. So per the unnamed web-site, this was in turn, supposed to make this movie in the 'bizarre and awesome' genre. I can agree there were some zany occurrences throughout - but nothing that makes G2: The New Batch, something that someone needs to run out and watch.
I just don't understand Gizmo. Man. Take the Gremlins....aka the bad guys. They were done very well for 1990. All of their mannerisms and maneuvers were pretty smooth and easy to watch. Actually fun to watch because of their odd behaviors. They did add on a bunch of unnecessary roles for each Gremlin to fill, but hell. Then you have this Gizmo creature.....just bad. I feel like Gizmo was controlled by sticks or something. And the only way to make him move was to put on an odd glove which had the sticks imbedded, making all movements awkward and ridiculous. His one arm seemed half stuck, as if it couldn't move in full motion, yet the other one could move around. Then you throw in that his mouth looks like a parrot beak and that he's a plain wuss (which we all know but still....). I wasn't sure how to act when he was on the screen??
It's funny, as I write this post my son is watching Flushed Away and I hear someone who sounds like Christopher Lee's voice coming out of the TV, and it reminded me that Christopher Lee was in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Quite an odd role to be honest. Dr. Catheter I believe, that his name was. He was the director of the strange laboratory mixed within the high-rise business building. Why they needed an experimental laboratory within a business building is beyond me.
A special shout out to Howie Mandel for being the voice of Gizmo.
I was anticipating that this would be fairly good. Or even perhaps borderline superb - in an 80s sort of way (yet released in 1990). But as you can see from the rating, I didn't love this movie. I would have liked to give it something in-between C- and D+ if that existed, but in the end stuck with the C- because I did laugh some throughout. Why did I pick this movie to watch? Well, I received a tip from a web-site that mentioned the director basically had carte blanche to do what he wanted. Apparently this was the director's demand to agree to do the movie. So per the unnamed web-site, this was in turn, supposed to make this movie in the 'bizarre and awesome' genre. I can agree there were some zany occurrences throughout - but nothing that makes G2: The New Batch, something that someone needs to run out and watch.
I just don't understand Gizmo. Man. Take the Gremlins....aka the bad guys. They were done very well for 1990. All of their mannerisms and maneuvers were pretty smooth and easy to watch. Actually fun to watch because of their odd behaviors. They did add on a bunch of unnecessary roles for each Gremlin to fill, but hell. Then you have this Gizmo creature.....just bad. I feel like Gizmo was controlled by sticks or something. And the only way to make him move was to put on an odd glove which had the sticks imbedded, making all movements awkward and ridiculous. His one arm seemed half stuck, as if it couldn't move in full motion, yet the other one could move around. Then you throw in that his mouth looks like a parrot beak and that he's a plain wuss (which we all know but still....). I wasn't sure how to act when he was on the screen??
It's funny, as I write this post my son is watching Flushed Away and I hear someone who sounds like Christopher Lee's voice coming out of the TV, and it reminded me that Christopher Lee was in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Quite an odd role to be honest. Dr. Catheter I believe, that his name was. He was the director of the strange laboratory mixed within the high-rise business building. Why they needed an experimental laboratory within a business building is beyond me.
16 March 2013
The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey #185 (C-)
I think I saw this movie in January. Been not so good at keeping up with this blog...
Peter, I love you man...really I do. But holy hell, this one was long. The Orks were cool. I enjoyed the scenes and battles with them. And also down in their lair. But otherwise this movie could have used a few frames on the editing room floor. Perhaps 1 hour worth.
Wingnut (c) represent though, I'm happy to see that after all these years - popping up on a main stream movie like this. That made me smile for sure!
The movie opens up, I'd say within the first 10 or so minutes, with crooked nosed guys meeting up at the main hobbit's house - sort of without his invite. But then Peter proceeds to have this outing, a sort of 3D dinner gathering, which last for about 25 minutes. No lie. This scene was soooooooo long, and really the point could have been captured with a quick 3 minute clip. So now we were about 40 minutes in and I'm about to fall asleep and the first main scene is finally over. Really not fun. Sad to say. And I wonder, of the gathering dwarves - why are 10 of them hobbity-dwarf like, and 3 of them are just normal guys with warrior garb on? I'm confused.
Then the "unexpected" journey begins. And basically for 2 hours this goes on. The end. There are some cool scenes for sure, they did a good job with the special effects - and if that is what you like then please proceed to see this movie and enjoy the hell out of it. But be warned, if you want a good plot and a flowing story that doesn't lull you to sleep, you have come to the wrong place. I recall symphony type music. Many stringed instruments...picture Frodo, longingly looking into Sam's eyes for 12 minutes....with fairies fluttering around behind them and little CGI hearts popping all around as they gaze at each other....and then add this lulling music, trance like. Now that you have that picture in your head, this is what the transition scenes felt like to me. While that didn't happen, I just felt the going from stage 1 of their journey to stage 2 of their journey was long, drawn out, and overly symphonied. Ha.
And then there were 10 more scenes where I almost fell asleep.
Oh, and then I almost fell asleep.
THEN there was a scene in the Ork lair where they rode this falling ladder/scaffolding down into a giant gorge in the cave, almost like that scene where Vin Diesel rides the car hood down a mountain as an avalanche follows closely behind him, only to grab onto a radio antenna of a building and save himself from dying (hahaha, aka, both amazing scenes!!). It was like an Ork surfboard. And, none of the good guys died. Ok, I found that Vin Diesel scene from XXX, apparently I'm slightly confused because in this scene he is riding a snow board. I swear it was a car hood: vin riding an avalanche
Aidan Turner, who plays Kili in the movie: Aidan Turner on IMDB (c) reminded me of the great Will Keenan. I was confused the entire movie. And, actually was happy that Will got the part. Unfortunately I was wrong. Hey Peter - instead of having Aidan be Kili in the next two, please consider having Will join the troop: Will Keenan on IMDB (c)
Plot Spoiler: and then it ends....as I think super fans likely realized (because I think it's either 2 or 3 movies long) - and the story just stopped half way, without resolution. 2.7 hours of my life is now stuck on a story that ends with them staring off at a mountain in which someday, perhaps 2 years from now, they will travel to. Ugh. AND, no one died! Sure Orks did, but none of the 13 or whatever travelers died. C'mon! Peter, in the next movie, can you please open up with a scene where 3 of these guys bite it? C- is my rating, and that is ONLY because the graphics were good. The plot and the story should be a D or an F. I'm curious how the public is rating this. Oh and I saw it in 3D with this special HFR (high frame rate) filming. Please. A waste. There were a few cool things, and I guess I "felt" more like I was in the film when compared to other 3D movies??? But really, it was just not worth it. I can tell you that I bet this movie made 500000000000000 billion dollars, right? Haha, it's so funny how things work.
Peter, I love you man...really I do. But holy hell, this one was long. The Orks were cool. I enjoyed the scenes and battles with them. And also down in their lair. But otherwise this movie could have used a few frames on the editing room floor. Perhaps 1 hour worth.
Wingnut (c) represent though, I'm happy to see that after all these years - popping up on a main stream movie like this. That made me smile for sure!
The movie opens up, I'd say within the first 10 or so minutes, with crooked nosed guys meeting up at the main hobbit's house - sort of without his invite. But then Peter proceeds to have this outing, a sort of 3D dinner gathering, which last for about 25 minutes. No lie. This scene was soooooooo long, and really the point could have been captured with a quick 3 minute clip. So now we were about 40 minutes in and I'm about to fall asleep and the first main scene is finally over. Really not fun. Sad to say. And I wonder, of the gathering dwarves - why are 10 of them hobbity-dwarf like, and 3 of them are just normal guys with warrior garb on? I'm confused.
Then the "unexpected" journey begins. And basically for 2 hours this goes on. The end. There are some cool scenes for sure, they did a good job with the special effects - and if that is what you like then please proceed to see this movie and enjoy the hell out of it. But be warned, if you want a good plot and a flowing story that doesn't lull you to sleep, you have come to the wrong place. I recall symphony type music. Many stringed instruments...picture Frodo, longingly looking into Sam's eyes for 12 minutes....with fairies fluttering around behind them and little CGI hearts popping all around as they gaze at each other....and then add this lulling music, trance like. Now that you have that picture in your head, this is what the transition scenes felt like to me. While that didn't happen, I just felt the going from stage 1 of their journey to stage 2 of their journey was long, drawn out, and overly symphonied. Ha.
And then there were 10 more scenes where I almost fell asleep.
Oh, and then I almost fell asleep.
THEN there was a scene in the Ork lair where they rode this falling ladder/scaffolding down into a giant gorge in the cave, almost like that scene where Vin Diesel rides the car hood down a mountain as an avalanche follows closely behind him, only to grab onto a radio antenna of a building and save himself from dying (hahaha, aka, both amazing scenes!!). It was like an Ork surfboard. And, none of the good guys died. Ok, I found that Vin Diesel scene from XXX, apparently I'm slightly confused because in this scene he is riding a snow board. I swear it was a car hood: vin riding an avalanche
Aidan Turner, who plays Kili in the movie: Aidan Turner on IMDB (c) reminded me of the great Will Keenan. I was confused the entire movie. And, actually was happy that Will got the part. Unfortunately I was wrong. Hey Peter - instead of having Aidan be Kili in the next two, please consider having Will join the troop: Will Keenan on IMDB (c)
Plot Spoiler: and then it ends....as I think super fans likely realized (because I think it's either 2 or 3 movies long) - and the story just stopped half way, without resolution. 2.7 hours of my life is now stuck on a story that ends with them staring off at a mountain in which someday, perhaps 2 years from now, they will travel to. Ugh. AND, no one died! Sure Orks did, but none of the 13 or whatever travelers died. C'mon! Peter, in the next movie, can you please open up with a scene where 3 of these guys bite it? C- is my rating, and that is ONLY because the graphics were good. The plot and the story should be a D or an F. I'm curious how the public is rating this. Oh and I saw it in 3D with this special HFR (high frame rate) filming. Please. A waste. There were a few cool things, and I guess I "felt" more like I was in the film when compared to other 3D movies??? But really, it was just not worth it. I can tell you that I bet this movie made 500000000000000 billion dollars, right? Haha, it's so funny how things work.
Jessica Biel version of Texas Chainsaw
Sometimes I "take notes" during a movie, which leaves a very raw output of my rambling thoughts. Reading something like this through isn't really that good, because it all mashes together rather than telling a nice story about the movie or a side tangent about my thoughts regarding the plot or one of the characters. Instead, mish mosh comes flying out. If in the future you so choose to watch this film and read along with my blog as you watch, you might be able to figure out what I'm talking about here. Because when I read this back - I barely understand what I was rambling about. Haha - here you go, enjoy this madness:
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No previews...very nice, I like it. So far so good. Haven't seen this movie in a looooooong while...there is no crazy annoying sound on the master screen. So having it on and loading this blog made me chill, versus pent up if there was a crazy, busy, dialog of music that taints one's brain.
Yep, they just slowly used the word macabre...holy hell, they done it right. Subtract the fact that I've seen this before, folks, I'm about to be scared again! Macabre might be the scariest word in the English language.
What's the best song you can think of? Best ever? That brings together all kinds of people in a woodstock field of wonderment? Kidd Rock?? Nah...not quite. (He STILL only has 1 good song) But could they play it? Noooooooooo...what's the 2nd best song you could think of? Sweet Home Alabama by Skynard? Yes! It's playing in the movie, so we get our wish...
ok, back to the movie....we were "going the wrong way"....on shit. Clues clues clues. Don't go forward. LEATHER MUTHA FUCKING FACE is there....DO NOT GO BACK! YOU ARE GOING TO GET THE SHIT KICKED OUT OF YOU!!!!!
hahaha......bad choice. Mother licker!
Remember that movie with Rory Cochrane? the one about woodstock? well, they cast this movie like that, but for horror fans. The crazy inbred kid says, and wins, like some crazy hipnotist, "promise you won't hurt me?" LOL. Nah, we won't hurt you, but I sure hope your inbred brothers and cousins don't drool on us, after our limbs are missing....nah, that won't happen, trust the kid.
OK...my bad for the beginning of this blog entry. We are at a crossroads in the story and it's getting boring. The 70's kids are just looking for some help. And there I go, joking around. Call the sherriff. That's the right move. Yep. That way, you can buy some time and get the sheriff on your side. Ohhhhhhh, scary base. Shit, what am I missing?? Oh, that's right....the sheriff is R. mother effing Lee Emry. Only known for being around when people are supposed to be shitting their shorts.
Oh god, the squeel of a pig. And what do I care about? They are in a mansion from texas, in the middle of now where...and a grandfather without most appendage function, is tricking Jessica Biel, meanwhile...Leatherface just nabbed one of her friends in the lobby....and the others are by the van with R. Lee Emry who is putting celophone on the ladies face. Wrap wrap wrap. you guys are okay country folk. Don't worry, you won't be raped by the seed of the country in 40 minutes....yeah, don't worry. That movie with the blade in the field ain't got nothing on this. For reaal.
Getting separated, in the day time, is the best possible scary movement ever. I hope this never happens in real life. totally the best possible scare that exists for me - day time scares in movies that is.
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No previews...very nice, I like it. So far so good. Haven't seen this movie in a looooooong while...there is no crazy annoying sound on the master screen. So having it on and loading this blog made me chill, versus pent up if there was a crazy, busy, dialog of music that taints one's brain.
Yep, they just slowly used the word macabre...holy hell, they done it right. Subtract the fact that I've seen this before, folks, I'm about to be scared again! Macabre might be the scariest word in the English language.
What's the best song you can think of? Best ever? That brings together all kinds of people in a woodstock field of wonderment? Kidd Rock?? Nah...not quite. (He STILL only has 1 good song) But could they play it? Noooooooooo...what's the 2nd best song you could think of? Sweet Home Alabama by Skynard? Yes! It's playing in the movie, so we get our wish...
ok, back to the movie....we were "going the wrong way"....on shit. Clues clues clues. Don't go forward. LEATHER MUTHA FUCKING FACE is there....DO NOT GO BACK! YOU ARE GOING TO GET THE SHIT KICKED OUT OF YOU!!!!!
hahaha......bad choice. Mother licker!
Remember that movie with Rory Cochrane? the one about woodstock? well, they cast this movie like that, but for horror fans. The crazy inbred kid says, and wins, like some crazy hipnotist, "promise you won't hurt me?" LOL. Nah, we won't hurt you, but I sure hope your inbred brothers and cousins don't drool on us, after our limbs are missing....nah, that won't happen, trust the kid.
OK...my bad for the beginning of this blog entry. We are at a crossroads in the story and it's getting boring. The 70's kids are just looking for some help. And there I go, joking around. Call the sherriff. That's the right move. Yep. That way, you can buy some time and get the sheriff on your side. Ohhhhhhh, scary base. Shit, what am I missing?? Oh, that's right....the sheriff is R. mother effing Lee Emry. Only known for being around when people are supposed to be shitting their shorts.
Oh god, the squeel of a pig. And what do I care about? They are in a mansion from texas, in the middle of now where...and a grandfather without most appendage function, is tricking Jessica Biel, meanwhile...Leatherface just nabbed one of her friends in the lobby....and the others are by the van with R. Lee Emry who is putting celophone on the ladies face. Wrap wrap wrap. you guys are okay country folk. Don't worry, you won't be raped by the seed of the country in 40 minutes....yeah, don't worry. That movie with the blade in the field ain't got nothing on this. For reaal.
Getting separated, in the day time, is the best possible scary movement ever. I hope this never happens in real life. totally the best possible scare that exists for me - day time scares in movies that is.
Escape from Planet Earth #184 (D)
Average at best. Basically it was a let down compared to the other animated kids movies of late. I suppose kids will like this though. After all, mine said it was good. Yet in my opinion, over time it will be realized that it has nothing when compared to movies like Wreck It Ralph, Toy Story, or Cars, etc. I am having some issues pointing directly at the issue which I had with this film. Perhaps the plot was the biggest reason. It basically just lacked umph. The main Baabian leader, played by Jessica Alba, was a weak character. The mom and son struggling in an attempt to rescue their dad was pretty bad as well. From a plot standpoint, it just didn't work for me. Heck, even the two main characters (the brothers) and their relationship was bad. And then you throw a mediocre personality like Brendan Fraser into the mix, and you pretty much have a flop. Not much laughing from the full theatre either.
I liked at the end (sorry, not trying to ruin it for you, but honestly it doesn't matter....oh and this is sarcasm. I didn't really like this part) how they stopped the evil human from destroying planets and then they were back on their planet immediately, with barely any excitement or viewer draw in...then they spent another 5 wasted minutes on having Brendan Fraser's blue monster character get married. The climax was so abrupt, and silly....just done poorly. My description cannot portray well enough how bad it was.
The Baabian people walked weird too. Not on purpose, as in - the animators wanted to portray these aliens which have a certain gate - rather it was as if the animators couldn't figure out how to make it flow smoothly. A la someone trying to fake a Bigfoot video. It was a mix between too stiff and awkward. I am probably the only one noticing stuff like this, but it bothered me.
So far it's made 16.1 million (note: most of this post was written on opening weekend, which is when this dollar amount was listed). I believe it opened three days ago. So, the joke is on us.
I liked at the end (sorry, not trying to ruin it for you, but honestly it doesn't matter....oh and this is sarcasm. I didn't really like this part) how they stopped the evil human from destroying planets and then they were back on their planet immediately, with barely any excitement or viewer draw in...then they spent another 5 wasted minutes on having Brendan Fraser's blue monster character get married. The climax was so abrupt, and silly....just done poorly. My description cannot portray well enough how bad it was.
The Baabian people walked weird too. Not on purpose, as in - the animators wanted to portray these aliens which have a certain gate - rather it was as if the animators couldn't figure out how to make it flow smoothly. A la someone trying to fake a Bigfoot video. It was a mix between too stiff and awkward. I am probably the only one noticing stuff like this, but it bothered me.
So far it's made 16.1 million (note: most of this post was written on opening weekend, which is when this dollar amount was listed). I believe it opened three days ago. So, the joke is on us.
10 January 2013
Brainscan #183 (B)
I like that this started right off, without hesitation....when he calls the hotline and the guy is right there, and says point blank "it's been decided..."
Do I have this correct? Music by George Clinton? If so, wow...doesn't sound like George Clinton. Ok, I checked with a music friend and he said it is a different George Clinton...George K. Clinton I think. The soundtrack was pretty fun, some Primus among others.
I've heard a lot about this movie over time, well mostly that it is one to watch. So I finally decide to try it out. And I was not disappointed. The main bad guy, aka Trickster, was awesome. I realize it was mostly hair and makeup. So I looked him up a bit on IMDB (c) and he really hasn't done much - a lot of TV and shorts. Too bad. If I was creating a movie and needed a creepy guy I might give this guy a ring. His name was T. Ryder Smith. For the record he's not nearly as strange or good as the crazy guy they got to play in the movie Shadow. Nuot Arquint kicks T. Ryder's ass. Do yourself a favor and do a google (c) search for Nuot. CRAZY!
Ok, back to Brainscan. A boy (Edward Furlong) is so into everything horror that it basically bores him. He then hears from his best friend that there is a new thing out there called Brainscan, which you have to order on-line (actually I guess it's over the phone, did they have the internet in the 80's??). So he gets the first disk and boooooom, Trickster enters his life and his bedroom. What happens then is basically Edward goes into a bunch of seemingly real horror scenarios, all within his own neighborhood, while he's "within" this game. He thinks he's sleeping, but then when the murders become real and his town is rampant with reporters and cops, he starts to question what has happened and wants Trickster and this game to get out of his life. A good love story is also built in.
Do I have this correct? Music by George Clinton? If so, wow...doesn't sound like George Clinton. Ok, I checked with a music friend and he said it is a different George Clinton...George K. Clinton I think. The soundtrack was pretty fun, some Primus among others.
I've heard a lot about this movie over time, well mostly that it is one to watch. So I finally decide to try it out. And I was not disappointed. The main bad guy, aka Trickster, was awesome. I realize it was mostly hair and makeup. So I looked him up a bit on IMDB (c) and he really hasn't done much - a lot of TV and shorts. Too bad. If I was creating a movie and needed a creepy guy I might give this guy a ring. His name was T. Ryder Smith. For the record he's not nearly as strange or good as the crazy guy they got to play in the movie Shadow. Nuot Arquint kicks T. Ryder's ass. Do yourself a favor and do a google (c) search for Nuot. CRAZY!
Ok, back to Brainscan. A boy (Edward Furlong) is so into everything horror that it basically bores him. He then hears from his best friend that there is a new thing out there called Brainscan, which you have to order on-line (actually I guess it's over the phone, did they have the internet in the 80's??). So he gets the first disk and boooooom, Trickster enters his life and his bedroom. What happens then is basically Edward goes into a bunch of seemingly real horror scenarios, all within his own neighborhood, while he's "within" this game. He thinks he's sleeping, but then when the murders become real and his town is rampant with reporters and cops, he starts to question what has happened and wants Trickster and this game to get out of his life. A good love story is also built in.
Blue Sunshine #182 (B-)
Great line..."Do you remember Rodan?" "The artist?" "ha, no, the monster"... I had to push pause after this and listen to a Rodan album, so that prompted about a 40 minute delay. Luckily I refrained from watching the movie Rodan on instant stream (yes, it's available folks!).
So, I watched 28 minutes thus far and I'm totally confused. I had to start again. I was confused why the guy went nuts at the party...and I also can't tell these 70's actors apart. Is the guy that comes into the kitchen and overhears his wife and another guy making fun of his hair loss the same guy that is singing in the next scene at the party? And are any or all of these guys the senator? Perhaps my 2nd viewing of the first 28 minutes will help me. Ugh. (no, they are all different)
Let me get this straight, so everyone in this town essentially went to Stanford?
Oh and, everyone is losing their hair....??
Ok, I watched all but the last 25 minutes if this movie (it's a game called 'fun movie watching with Q-Slice'...in which you do it in as many fragmented stages as possible and win!!!!!) and was totally engaged and loving it, AND I even understood all of the pending questions above (minus the random Stanford happenstance, like, how would they all just be living near each other?)...but then, the movie left instant stream and I couldn't view the end. So, I needed to rent it! Blue Sunshine became a real challenge all of a sudden!!! Meanwhile.....the movie arrived in the mail and I finished it (starting from the beginning of coarse). It was quirky and odd...fun and exciting. I am happy I watched the beginning three times though because I would have been really confused if not.
The basic plot is people in this town are starting to go crazy, and lose their hair. They are committing murder when they "go crazy" and really not acting like themselves. There is a link back to their college days, to an acid they all took at Stanford called Blue Sunshine. Apparently there is a delayed degenerative and psychogenetic effect if you took Blue Sunshine years prior. How the main guy, who's acting like a detective the entire movie, randomly picks up on this is beyond me. But, it was still good to watch. Most of the reviews on Netflix (c) are negative though - and lots of "waste of my time" talk. Lots of 3 stars. Not very many 4 and 5. Oh well. I liked it. It's only about 90 minutes long, from 1978....I do recommend to those who branch from the mainstream.
So, I watched 28 minutes thus far and I'm totally confused. I had to start again. I was confused why the guy went nuts at the party...and I also can't tell these 70's actors apart. Is the guy that comes into the kitchen and overhears his wife and another guy making fun of his hair loss the same guy that is singing in the next scene at the party? And are any or all of these guys the senator? Perhaps my 2nd viewing of the first 28 minutes will help me. Ugh. (no, they are all different)
Let me get this straight, so everyone in this town essentially went to Stanford?
Oh and, everyone is losing their hair....??
Ok, I watched all but the last 25 minutes if this movie (it's a game called 'fun movie watching with Q-Slice'...in which you do it in as many fragmented stages as possible and win!!!!!) and was totally engaged and loving it, AND I even understood all of the pending questions above (minus the random Stanford happenstance, like, how would they all just be living near each other?)...but then, the movie left instant stream and I couldn't view the end. So, I needed to rent it! Blue Sunshine became a real challenge all of a sudden!!! Meanwhile.....the movie arrived in the mail and I finished it (starting from the beginning of coarse). It was quirky and odd...fun and exciting. I am happy I watched the beginning three times though because I would have been really confused if not.
The basic plot is people in this town are starting to go crazy, and lose their hair. They are committing murder when they "go crazy" and really not acting like themselves. There is a link back to their college days, to an acid they all took at Stanford called Blue Sunshine. Apparently there is a delayed degenerative and psychogenetic effect if you took Blue Sunshine years prior. How the main guy, who's acting like a detective the entire movie, randomly picks up on this is beyond me. But, it was still good to watch. Most of the reviews on Netflix (c) are negative though - and lots of "waste of my time" talk. Lots of 3 stars. Not very many 4 and 5. Oh well. I liked it. It's only about 90 minutes long, from 1978....I do recommend to those who branch from the mainstream.
Argo #181 (B+)
Argo fuck yourself!
Despite knowing the plot - almost in it's entirety prior to arriving at the theatre...due to the promos/trailers - this was a well put together and well played out movie. Good acting, well except for one person. But I sort of blame Mr. Affleck for this, since he was the bearded director. What I'm referencing here was that I saw that Rory Cochrane was in the movie and I got excited. We all know him as Lucas from Empire Records, or as Ron Slater from Dazed and confused....or perhaps most notably as Brad from Right At Your Door. Anyway, the reason I'm mad at Mr. Affleck is because Rory said 3 FULL SENTENCES THE ENTIRE MOVIE! I admit, he's not the greatest actor, but he's good enough that he could have talked more than 3 times! I know for a fact that this was based on real events, but what happened during those real events couldn't have been known, not cleanly anyway. So Rory could have been more...that's what I'm saying.
But, it was a good action movie. Fun to watch and exciting all at the same time. Even with the whole idea already in my head. Which is sort of odd. I'd recommend it...thanks!
ARGO FUCK YOURSELF...
Despite knowing the plot - almost in it's entirety prior to arriving at the theatre...due to the promos/trailers - this was a well put together and well played out movie. Good acting, well except for one person. But I sort of blame Mr. Affleck for this, since he was the bearded director. What I'm referencing here was that I saw that Rory Cochrane was in the movie and I got excited. We all know him as Lucas from Empire Records, or as Ron Slater from Dazed and confused....or perhaps most notably as Brad from Right At Your Door. Anyway, the reason I'm mad at Mr. Affleck is because Rory said 3 FULL SENTENCES THE ENTIRE MOVIE! I admit, he's not the greatest actor, but he's good enough that he could have talked more than 3 times! I know for a fact that this was based on real events, but what happened during those real events couldn't have been known, not cleanly anyway. So Rory could have been more...that's what I'm saying.
But, it was a good action movie. Fun to watch and exciting all at the same time. Even with the whole idea already in my head. Which is sort of odd. I'd recommend it...thanks!
ARGO FUCK YOURSELF...
Kill List #180 (A)
I heard this was a good one...and I'm exited to push play. Let's see what happens, and see if I give it a high rating...
Woah! Poor librarian. Holy cow. What an intense scene!
This flick starts, probably for about 40 minutes or a bit less, showing the life of a small family (a mom, dad, and small child) and their friends. It depicts normal life for them, draws you in a bit...they aren't perfect, but also are semi-normal. Or so it seems. After a dinner party the dad (main character) flips out a bit, with some yelling and screaming...then leaves the party to go and chill out in the garage. His buddy comes out to join him, and at this point everyone has pretty much calmed down. And then the dude grabs a bunch of huge weaponry out of a box in his garage and they both start checking out the guns and scopes and such. At this point I realized they were more than they seemed and my very very very smart brain, recalled that the movie was titled 'Kill List' and hence, I pieced together that they were hit men of sorts. Anyway, after this epiphany (happy epiphany by the way), the movie turned to the two lads leaving their loved ones behind and going off to do a series of "jobs". The above referenced librarian was one of the jobs. They totally messed up his day/life. Wow, craziness. One review used the words, "disturbingly realistic" to describe this one. I agree.
Then, the plot turns once again and there is a mix of the Wickerman spun in. Totally unexpected ending for me. That made the movie an A though, I will tell you that. If you know the kind of movies I like and recommend (thriller-wise) then you should also try this out. The very very end is a bit not good though so...just know that. But once you see it please notify me so we can talk about it. Thanks. Lastly, I wish they talked a bit clearer. Hard to understand at parts due to their thick dialog. Rock on.
Woah! Poor librarian. Holy cow. What an intense scene!
This flick starts, probably for about 40 minutes or a bit less, showing the life of a small family (a mom, dad, and small child) and their friends. It depicts normal life for them, draws you in a bit...they aren't perfect, but also are semi-normal. Or so it seems. After a dinner party the dad (main character) flips out a bit, with some yelling and screaming...then leaves the party to go and chill out in the garage. His buddy comes out to join him, and at this point everyone has pretty much calmed down. And then the dude grabs a bunch of huge weaponry out of a box in his garage and they both start checking out the guns and scopes and such. At this point I realized they were more than they seemed and my very very very smart brain, recalled that the movie was titled 'Kill List' and hence, I pieced together that they were hit men of sorts. Anyway, after this epiphany (happy epiphany by the way), the movie turned to the two lads leaving their loved ones behind and going off to do a series of "jobs". The above referenced librarian was one of the jobs. They totally messed up his day/life. Wow, craziness. One review used the words, "disturbingly realistic" to describe this one. I agree.
Then, the plot turns once again and there is a mix of the Wickerman spun in. Totally unexpected ending for me. That made the movie an A though, I will tell you that. If you know the kind of movies I like and recommend (thriller-wise) then you should also try this out. The very very end is a bit not good though so...just know that. But once you see it please notify me so we can talk about it. Thanks. Lastly, I wish they talked a bit clearer. Hard to understand at parts due to their thick dialog. Rock on.
Django Unchained #179 (B)
I can't help but wonder how this movie is doing among the masses? It was really good acting - that is minus the cameo by Quentin. About Quentin and his acting, it's so apparent that there is an actor on the screen who isn't "really an actor" and who basically sucks. I'm not sure why he insists on being on screen. I guess I would do the same so I can understand, but perhaps I would not have myself talk if I wasn't any good. Be on screen like Peter Jackson is on screen in most of his movies, in the background (minus Bad Taste, one of the best movies in the world). Anyway, Quentin did ensure that he goes out in style - in the form of an over the top explosion death. The theatre (and myself) laughed at that.
The main bounty hunter reminded me of an older Jason Schwartzman. Apparently he was one of the main characters in Inglorious Basterds, but I can't recall exactly. I'm sure if I put it on I would recall very quickly. Anyway, he did a good job. His name is Christopher Waltz. Re: Leonardo, he does swell too...Samuel L. also. It's really good acting, all of it. Jamie Foxx was superb. I just read something where Leo describes his character as rotting from the inside. That's funny.
Along with the acting being grand all around was the story - which was also good. And there was a lot of Quentin's famous blood and guts and explosions. But I guess there was something that just bothered me, hence my question at the top about wondering how this flick did among the masses. What bothered me was the language used. That's why I'm a tiny bit down on this movie. I think I heard that there is some criticism on the movie about this - and that was my qualm as well. It made me uncomfortable. I left the theatre saying to myself that I honestly don't know that I'd want to see the movie again, specifically because of the non-stop language used. I know it was about a time period in history where slavery was the norm...but every sentence and phrase (it felt like) had unnecessary language used to describe the slaves. Maybe unnecessary is the wrong word, just over the top. Too much. For me anyway.
Still, hell of a movie. So I have to give it a B. Pretty typical Tarantino, with the normal quirks and filming. Including one of his famous 'spin-around-the-characters-with-the-camera-while-they-converse' scenes. I just looked on RottenTomatoes.com (c) and they show that the critics give it an 89% and the viewers a 94%.
The main bounty hunter reminded me of an older Jason Schwartzman. Apparently he was one of the main characters in Inglorious Basterds, but I can't recall exactly. I'm sure if I put it on I would recall very quickly. Anyway, he did a good job. His name is Christopher Waltz. Re: Leonardo, he does swell too...Samuel L. also. It's really good acting, all of it. Jamie Foxx was superb. I just read something where Leo describes his character as rotting from the inside. That's funny.
Along with the acting being grand all around was the story - which was also good. And there was a lot of Quentin's famous blood and guts and explosions. But I guess there was something that just bothered me, hence my question at the top about wondering how this flick did among the masses. What bothered me was the language used. That's why I'm a tiny bit down on this movie. I think I heard that there is some criticism on the movie about this - and that was my qualm as well. It made me uncomfortable. I left the theatre saying to myself that I honestly don't know that I'd want to see the movie again, specifically because of the non-stop language used. I know it was about a time period in history where slavery was the norm...but every sentence and phrase (it felt like) had unnecessary language used to describe the slaves. Maybe unnecessary is the wrong word, just over the top. Too much. For me anyway.
Still, hell of a movie. So I have to give it a B. Pretty typical Tarantino, with the normal quirks and filming. Including one of his famous 'spin-around-the-characters-with-the-camera-while-they-converse' scenes. I just looked on RottenTomatoes.com (c) and they show that the critics give it an 89% and the viewers a 94%.
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