When - 19 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Netflix, via NXE
This was a nice documentary. While most of it was familiar information, I still enjoyed hearing it straight from the Pixar mouths themselves. It's great to see a studio tackle each challenge with the same vigor and excitement as the last, because they do their darndest to have everyone equally as passionate about the film as the film's heads. I heard Ed Catmull speak to us about the trials of getting Toy Story 2 on the screen, and each time it amazes me how scrappy these folks are, and what a great filmmaker John Lasseter is. I want to work for these people some day, hopefully doing something that counts, but until then, I'll gladly partake of things like this.
Buy - Yes, on the Wall-E Blu-Ray...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
When - 19 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
This film helps make Part II better. Why? Because without Part II, this film wouldn't have the suspense and tension that made the first film so wonderful. This film plays a lot like the first film, with Marty going back in time to stop Doc's murder, getting stuck, and the two of them having to find a creative and one in a million shot to get them back to the future. There's also a cute romance with Mary Steenburgen, some great Clint Eastwood references, and ZZ Top. I've probably seen this one more than the others, so it has a special place in my heart, thanks to nostalgia, but even now, after having watched the trilogy all of the way through, it is a pretty strong entry. Of course, it's not the first film, but it does enough to correct the sins of movie two, and that's might fine in my book.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
This film helps make Part II better. Why? Because without Part II, this film wouldn't have the suspense and tension that made the first film so wonderful. This film plays a lot like the first film, with Marty going back in time to stop Doc's murder, getting stuck, and the two of them having to find a creative and one in a million shot to get them back to the future. There's also a cute romance with Mary Steenburgen, some great Clint Eastwood references, and ZZ Top. I've probably seen this one more than the others, so it has a special place in my heart, thanks to nostalgia, but even now, after having watched the trilogy all of the way through, it is a pretty strong entry. Of course, it's not the first film, but it does enough to correct the sins of movie two, and that's might fine in my book.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
When - 18 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
Not as fantastic. The biggest issue with this film, for me, is that it just feels forced. It's unfortunate that Bob Zemeckis and Bob Gale decided to start this film right after the first one ends. Why? Because it doesn't give the audience much time to jump back into this world. We're given a brief look back at the final moments of the first film, and then we're shot into the future to solve some conflict that has very little consequence for any of the characters (except for their future selves). This film's first act acts as a McGuffin for the real meat, and in the end, it just feels like an excuse to postulate about the future, and have Michael J. Fox play multiple parts. However, it must be said that thanks to the events of this film, we get a fantastic conclusion in Part III... It's too bad that this film had to merely be a bridge to a better story.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray... It's the trilogy!
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
Not as fantastic. The biggest issue with this film, for me, is that it just feels forced. It's unfortunate that Bob Zemeckis and Bob Gale decided to start this film right after the first one ends. Why? Because it doesn't give the audience much time to jump back into this world. We're given a brief look back at the final moments of the first film, and then we're shot into the future to solve some conflict that has very little consequence for any of the characters (except for their future selves). This film's first act acts as a McGuffin for the real meat, and in the end, it just feels like an excuse to postulate about the future, and have Michael J. Fox play multiple parts. However, it must be said that thanks to the events of this film, we get a fantastic conclusion in Part III... It's too bad that this film had to merely be a bridge to a better story.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray... It's the trilogy!
Back to the Future (1985)
When - 17 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
Fantastic. What's funny about this movie is it's relative simplicity is really a mask for an incredibly well-thought out and plotted script. The set-ups in Act One are clear to anyone who's seen the film before, but transparent to newcomers. Act Two balances two major conflicts, each with pretty dire consequences, but never taken too seriously. Act Three is an exciting nail-biter, as the second major conflict comes to an end. The pacing is fantastic, and the film is engaging throughout. The simple mask may at times appear dorky, old fashioned, or incredibly 80s, but all of that now adds to the charm of the quintessential time-travel film of our time. It is amazing how many films have borrowed similar elements. Awesome.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray.
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
Fantastic. What's funny about this movie is it's relative simplicity is really a mask for an incredibly well-thought out and plotted script. The set-ups in Act One are clear to anyone who's seen the film before, but transparent to newcomers. Act Two balances two major conflicts, each with pretty dire consequences, but never taken too seriously. Act Three is an exciting nail-biter, as the second major conflict comes to an end. The pacing is fantastic, and the film is engaging throughout. The simple mask may at times appear dorky, old fashioned, or incredibly 80s, but all of that now adds to the charm of the quintessential time-travel film of our time. It is amazing how many films have borrowed similar elements. Awesome.
Buy - Yes, on Blu-Ray.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tommy (1975)
When - 12 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - On Palladia.
As a fan of The Who, this was essential viewing. However, I found myself fast forwarding through most of it, because it's seriously wacky. At one point, Ann Margaret finds herself covered in beans, chocolate, soap suds, and maybe a few other things I can't remember, all of which came flying through the TV. It's an interesting message about Celebrity Worship, and also Media Worship, but it doesn't even try to make the message at all subtle. It's pretty obvious by the end what The Who is trying to say about their Pinball Wizard/Media Messiah. Still, some great musical numbers, specifically Pinball Wizard, with Elton John. Great stuff. But, overall, it was too much. Way too much.
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - On Palladia.
As a fan of The Who, this was essential viewing. However, I found myself fast forwarding through most of it, because it's seriously wacky. At one point, Ann Margaret finds herself covered in beans, chocolate, soap suds, and maybe a few other things I can't remember, all of which came flying through the TV. It's an interesting message about Celebrity Worship, and also Media Worship, but it doesn't even try to make the message at all subtle. It's pretty obvious by the end what The Who is trying to say about their Pinball Wizard/Media Messiah. Still, some great musical numbers, specifically Pinball Wizard, with Elton John. Great stuff. But, overall, it was too much. Way too much.
Buy - No.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
When - 13 November 2008
Where - Regal Cinemas, Parkway Plaza
How - w/ Andrea and Cavan
I dug it. Yes, first and foremost, it's not Casino Royale, and it pales in comparison, but aside from any comparisons, it was entertaining. It was very Bourne, but I have no issues with that. I love the Bourne films, and Bond certainly has benefited from imitating this obviously successful style. Still, it must be said that this film's continuation of the main narrative thrust of Royale makes it hard to put it high on the list of favorite Bond films. But, this is a high class action thriller, and I liked it. 'Nuff said...
Buy - Yes
Where - Regal Cinemas, Parkway Plaza
How - w/ Andrea and Cavan
I dug it. Yes, first and foremost, it's not Casino Royale, and it pales in comparison, but aside from any comparisons, it was entertaining. It was very Bourne, but I have no issues with that. I love the Bourne films, and Bond certainly has benefited from imitating this obviously successful style. Still, it must be said that this film's continuation of the main narrative thrust of Royale makes it hard to put it high on the list of favorite Bond films. But, this is a high class action thriller, and I liked it. 'Nuff said...
Buy - Yes
Transsiberian (2008)
When - 12 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Netflix
I feel conflicted. While this film had me engaged for most of it, I don't know if I liked it. It was depressing. It's one of those, "Someone innocent does something unexpectedly awful, and we squirm as this person's awful doing almost comes to light. Cue lots of inner turmoil and crying in solitude." Typical indie fare with a hint of a thriller. It's familiar territory, with a Russian aesthetic. Shrug. It was just okay. I think that's how I feel....
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - Netflix
I feel conflicted. While this film had me engaged for most of it, I don't know if I liked it. It was depressing. It's one of those, "Someone innocent does something unexpectedly awful, and we squirm as this person's awful doing almost comes to light. Cue lots of inner turmoil and crying in solitude." Typical indie fare with a hint of a thriller. It's familiar territory, with a Russian aesthetic. Shrug. It was just okay. I think that's how I feel....
Buy - No.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Before Sunrise (1995)
When - 10 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Nice film. I'd seen it's sequel, Before Sunset, about two years ago, and I enjoyed it. I never had a desire to see this film, mostly because it didn't take place in Paris like the sequel, but I caved, and I enjoyed it. Very talky, but I knew that going in. A sweet romance, with some interesting thoughts on life, typical of director Richard Linklater.
Buy - No
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Nice film. I'd seen it's sequel, Before Sunset, about two years ago, and I enjoyed it. I never had a desire to see this film, mostly because it didn't take place in Paris like the sequel, but I caved, and I enjoyed it. Very talky, but I knew that going in. A sweet romance, with some interesting thoughts on life, typical of director Richard Linklater.
Buy - No
Sunday, November 9, 2008
French Kiss (1995)
When - 8 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
I love this movie. I don't know what else to say about it. It's funny, it's romantic, and it takes place in Paris and the French countryside... I mean, really, people, this one's pretty obvious. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but this is probably about number five or six. Great, fun film.
Buy - Already own it.
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from collection
I love this movie. I don't know what else to say about it. It's funny, it's romantic, and it takes place in Paris and the French countryside... I mean, really, people, this one's pretty obvious. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but this is probably about number five or six. Great, fun film.
Buy - Already own it.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Ex (2007)
When - 6 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
This movie was weird. The tone was off. I snickered (not a laugh, mind you) probably once. Most of the time I just felt uncomfortable. I thought this was about Zach Braff and Jason Bateman, but instead we get bits of Amanda Peet and her baby, and this weird neighbor kid, and Donal Logue shows up for a bit to be all earthy and granola... It's all kind of a mess. Shame, considering the cast (Braff, Bateman, Logue, Peet, Amy Poehler, Amy Adams, Charles Grodin, Mia Farrow, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Fred Armisen...). Just a waste.
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
This movie was weird. The tone was off. I snickered (not a laugh, mind you) probably once. Most of the time I just felt uncomfortable. I thought this was about Zach Braff and Jason Bateman, but instead we get bits of Amanda Peet and her baby, and this weird neighbor kid, and Donal Logue shows up for a bit to be all earthy and granola... It's all kind of a mess. Shame, considering the cast (Braff, Bateman, Logue, Peet, Amy Poehler, Amy Adams, Charles Grodin, Mia Farrow, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Fred Armisen...). Just a waste.
Buy - No.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
When - 6 November 2008
Where - Landmark La Jolla
How - Free promotional screening
Pretty fantastic. Danny Boyle's style is unmistakable and he uses it here to full effect, accentuating a wonderful coming of age story with a palate that visually represents what this sort of powerhouse romance, sprinkled with bits of destiny, would feel like. This film uses its environment to grand effect, making India look both devastating and illuminating, almost all at once. This is a very visceral film, leaving the viewer almost exhausted with its pace and its substance. A wonderful, wonderful film from an incredibly talented filmmaker who has made some of the most intriguing and interesting films of the past decade. Bravo.
Side Note: The actress who played the female lead, Freida Pinto, is absolutely gorgeous, and should this film do well, I see a bright future for her in American film...
Buy - Sho nuff!
Where - Landmark La Jolla
How - Free promotional screening
Pretty fantastic. Danny Boyle's style is unmistakable and he uses it here to full effect, accentuating a wonderful coming of age story with a palate that visually represents what this sort of powerhouse romance, sprinkled with bits of destiny, would feel like. This film uses its environment to grand effect, making India look both devastating and illuminating, almost all at once. This is a very visceral film, leaving the viewer almost exhausted with its pace and its substance. A wonderful, wonderful film from an incredibly talented filmmaker who has made some of the most intriguing and interesting films of the past decade. Bravo.
Side Note: The actress who played the female lead, Freida Pinto, is absolutely gorgeous, and should this film do well, I see a bright future for her in American film...
Buy - Sho nuff!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Indian Summer (1993)
When - 5 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Meh. It's like The Big Chill, but without the iconic soundtrack and consensual adultery. It's a tad predictable once you figure out what the relationships these people have and had with one another, thanks to similarly plotted ensemble dramedies. No surprises here. Still, Diane Lane is as beautiful as ever, Alan Arkin is perfectly sardonic, and I still hate Bill Paxton('s acting. I'm sure he's a nice fella).
Side Note: Sam Raimi is in this, acting, and he's awesome. He's up there as one of my favorite filmmakers, so to see him in front of the camera for more than just a glorified cameo is nice, and fun.
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Meh. It's like The Big Chill, but without the iconic soundtrack and consensual adultery. It's a tad predictable once you figure out what the relationships these people have and had with one another, thanks to similarly plotted ensemble dramedies. No surprises here. Still, Diane Lane is as beautiful as ever, Alan Arkin is perfectly sardonic, and I still hate Bill Paxton('s acting. I'm sure he's a nice fella).
Side Note: Sam Raimi is in this, acting, and he's awesome. He's up there as one of my favorite filmmakers, so to see him in front of the camera for more than just a glorified cameo is nice, and fun.
Buy - No.
Vanilla Sky (2001)
When - 4 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Bluh. This is my second time seeing this. Hated it the first time. Didn't hate it too much this time. I think it helped that I'd seen the Spanish version, Abre Los Ojos in between these two viewings, which helped clarify a few muddy points in the American version. Still, not a great movie, but an intriguing one nonetheless. I like Cameron Crowe for the most part, so that helps.
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
Bluh. This is my second time seeing this. Hated it the first time. Didn't hate it too much this time. I think it helped that I'd seen the Spanish version, Abre Los Ojos in between these two viewings, which helped clarify a few muddy points in the American version. Still, not a great movie, but an intriguing one nonetheless. I like Cameron Crowe for the most part, so that helps.
Buy - No.
Monday, November 3, 2008
License to Wed (2007)
When - 2 November 2008
Where - Home
How - Library DVD
Not bad. I laughed quite a bit, and enjoyed John Krasinski and Mandy Moore's cuteness together. Robin Williams didn't make me cringe, which always bodes well for me in the end. Still, it falls apart in the end, because suddenly, there's this concern that arises that I never felt was an issue. It was certainly a part of the film, but was it a crucial part? Not really, but the last 15 minutes sure made it HUGE. Oh well. I had some good laughs.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is not in this one, but half the cast of The Office is. It's like Where's Waldo, but with supporting TV semi-celebrities.
Buy - No.
Where - Home
How - Library DVD
Not bad. I laughed quite a bit, and enjoyed John Krasinski and Mandy Moore's cuteness together. Robin Williams didn't make me cringe, which always bodes well for me in the end. Still, it falls apart in the end, because suddenly, there's this concern that arises that I never felt was an issue. It was certainly a part of the film, but was it a crucial part? Not really, but the last 15 minutes sure made it HUGE. Oh well. I had some good laughs.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is not in this one, but half the cast of The Office is. It's like Where's Waldo, but with supporting TV semi-celebrities.
Buy - No.
Fun With Dick And Jane (2005)
When - 2 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - On TBS in HD
I didn't see all of it, but I did see enough to get a good opinion of it: it wasn't half bad. I laughed a bit, and was genuinely interested in the plight of the two leads. However, things get a bit muddled towards the end, and we soon realize that the thief angle is just a hook, and the real consequences of this choice are never explored. Instead, it's about corporate greed and the little man fighting back. A nice theme, but poorly executed. Overall, not bad.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is also in this. He's not as enjoyable as in other things, but still fun.
Buy - No.
Where - Home (SD)
How - On TBS in HD
I didn't see all of it, but I did see enough to get a good opinion of it: it wasn't half bad. I laughed a bit, and was genuinely interested in the plight of the two leads. However, things get a bit muddled towards the end, and we soon realize that the thief angle is just a hook, and the real consequences of this choice are never explored. Instead, it's about corporate greed and the little man fighting back. A nice theme, but poorly executed. Overall, not bad.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is also in this. He's not as enjoyable as in other things, but still fun.
Buy - No.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Trapped in Paradise (1994)
When - 1 November 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
This was actually pretty enjoyable. It's a nice feel-good Christmas film about how goodness can inspire change in even the most vile of humans. Not quite as funny as I'd hoped, but still pretty great. Richard Jenkins practically steals the show as an FBI agent hunting down the three bank robber brothers; he's unbelievably hilarious. And, surprisingly enough, I didn't hate Nic Cage all that much in this. Dana Carvey was awesome, and it makes me ask à la Stewie "Brian... What ever happened to Dana Carvey? He used to be in movies, but he's not in movies anymore..." A pretty nice holiday treat that I wouldn't mind seeing again.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is also in one of the best films of this past year, The Visitor, in which he is also phenomenal, and I hope that the Oscar buzz surrounding the film actually goes somewhere, especially for Jenkins and his amazing co-stars (specifically Hiam Abbass).
Buy - Maybe, if the price is right.
Where - Home (SD)
How - Library DVD
This was actually pretty enjoyable. It's a nice feel-good Christmas film about how goodness can inspire change in even the most vile of humans. Not quite as funny as I'd hoped, but still pretty great. Richard Jenkins practically steals the show as an FBI agent hunting down the three bank robber brothers; he's unbelievably hilarious. And, surprisingly enough, I didn't hate Nic Cage all that much in this. Dana Carvey was awesome, and it makes me ask à la Stewie "Brian... What ever happened to Dana Carvey? He used to be in movies, but he's not in movies anymore..." A pretty nice holiday treat that I wouldn't mind seeing again.
Side Note: Richard Jenkins is also in one of the best films of this past year, The Visitor, in which he is also phenomenal, and I hope that the Oscar buzz surrounding the film actually goes somewhere, especially for Jenkins and his amazing co-stars (specifically Hiam Abbass).
Buy - Maybe, if the price is right.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Hitman (2007)
When - 31 October 2008
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from the Library
Awful. That's all I need to say. Disgusting, reprehensible, violent, and full of everything that's wrong with film these days. Don't ask me why I rented it. Waste of time. Big waste of time.
Side Note: Timothy Olyphant creeps me out, big time... And he's not a very good actor either. At least not in this. And speaking of actors, Dougray Scott, you're very much above garbage like this. Trust me on this one...
Buy - Not a chance in hell
Where - Home (SD)
How - DVD from the Library
Awful. That's all I need to say. Disgusting, reprehensible, violent, and full of everything that's wrong with film these days. Don't ask me why I rented it. Waste of time. Big waste of time.
Side Note: Timothy Olyphant creeps me out, big time... And he's not a very good actor either. At least not in this. And speaking of actors, Dougray Scott, you're very much above garbage like this. Trust me on this one...
Buy - Not a chance in hell
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