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GENERIC FIGHT THE SYSTEM AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IF FILMS - "The Rage in Placid Lake"

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:02:05 -0800

Well this is a new one on me… you can watch this movie on youtube. In fact, the full 90 minutes have been embedded into this post. I, however, watched this film on Netflix, like a normal person, advertisement free. But feel free to watch it wherever you like. Just as long as you watch it.

“The Rage in Placid Lake” is an interesting film considering my life seems to reflect a lot of the statements being made. The focus hangs out with the idea of what should be normal and how do we deal with our emotions. Placid Lake is actually the name of the main character so it’s primarily about his emotions, and at times the lack thereof.

I liked this film because Placid copes with being different by trying to become normal, which ultimately has little more to offer. It’s a great statement about understanding how to be yourself and especially how to understand your own emotions, which I am a strong advocate of.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I think this is a bit of both. Broad audiences could understand this movie, but may not care to watch it. It errs more on the side of independent since the story is a little obtuse. It’s not some weird rompus, however, like a lot of independent films tend to be.

WATCHABILITY - I felt like the pacing was rather nice. A lot of the conflict develops very naturally and the characters never seem to take on too much or too little. I’d say it’s fairly engaging but the dialogue is a touch heavy for the casual viewer.

WHEN TO WATCH - Weekday night movie, for sure. This isn’t one you’ll go home raving about, but you’ll be pleased you watched it. Not a waste of your time and the perspective it offers is interesting and challenging, enough to leave you with new thoughts but not so much that you’ll sell your car and move into the wild.

A STAND UP GUY - "Words, Words, Words."

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:50:00 -0800

A STAND UP GUY - "Words, Words, Words.":

I don’t watch a lot of stand up lately. As much as I love stand up, a lot of it is pretty bad or I’ve already heard it. Today, I’m happy to share a top notch comedian available on Watch Instantly through Netflix. Bo Burnham is 19 (on this recording) which is insane considering his fusion style of comedy feature intellectual wordplay with hip/hop style delivery. Highly recommended

NOTE: I had originally stated that Bo Burnham is 19. He is currently 21.

IT'S FRIDAY, FRIDAY, WATCH A FOREIGN FILM ON FRIDAY - "Shaolin Soccer"

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:14:40 -0800

Oh man - boy am I happy to bring you something good for today’s Funtastic Friday, “Shaolin Soccer”. The name reminded me of a Bend It Like Beckham knock off or one of those Disney “Johnny Tsunami” kind of films, but I was happily mistaken.

“Shaolin Soccer” falls into the slapstick genre of kung-fu. A mixture of “The Big Green”, “The Matrix” and “Kung Pow: Enter the Fist”… but a little less South Park. The stunts were great, the jokes were well executed and the film relies on sarcasm or exaggeration for it’s delivery which is one of my favorites.

“Shaolin Soccer” follows an out of work Kung Fu master hoping for a Kung Fu reformation but he can’t find the hook to make it popular again. He has the “Steel Leg” which an injured drunkard by the name of “Golden Leg” discovers and decides that they can kill two birds with one stone by starting a soccer team. I can’t tell you how much fun this film was… you’ll just have to trust me on this and give it a go.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I place this in the more broad area of film. Anyone can enjoy this movie. It’s a comedy film that gets its laughs from silly situations and exaggerated outcomes. No foul humor and no weird sex jokes. My kind of film.

WATCHABILITY - Easy. Something new and goofy is always happening. The characters are these wild kung fu heroes with borderline super powers which offers an “anything goes” feel to the movie. You may find a brief lull here and there but they had to include a story somewhere.

WHEN TO WATCH - This is a late night movie for sure. Not because of it’s vulgar or anything, but because you’ll want to have gotten everything else done and out of the way so that you can just sit down and have a laugh with no interruptions. I think this is the kind of movie your friends will enjoy as well. Highly recommended.

I don’t even care about Star Wars that much… but the...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:01:14 -0800

I don’t even care about Star Wars that much… but the fan art is always incredible. Nice use of GIFs and photosets

WTF AM I WATCHING - "Four Rooms"

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:40:11 -0800

Are you kidding me on this one? So many big names and amazing actors and actresses… such a crazy impossible story. I don’t understand how they got so many strong reviews on this one. It was directed by Tarantino AND Rodriguez… I don’t know what to do with this one.

First of all, “Four Rooms” wasn’t bad. It wasn’t a horrible film. It was just a highly disconnected film that lacked story and replaced it with shock factor and oddity. The film takes place in four separate rooms in which four very different problems arise. It felt like a thrown together script made out of over the top sketch comedy and mild horror.

I don’t know how to review a film like this that inherently isn’t a bad movie, but at the same time I have no idea what audience to direct this towards. Four Rooms is a rompus of a film. It’s everywhere. The one moment of the film that created a real tension for me was over as soon as it started.

More than anything, Ione Skye has now been ruined due to her topless seen where she acts alongside Madonna… if that tells you anything about this film. You can watch this movie if you like, but if you really want to see Tim Roth at his finest, watch bloody “Lie to Me”

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs NICHE - WTF am I watching films are typically niche films written for an audience that I can’t define. Definitely not a broad concept film and honestly, not the best work coming from a guy who previous to this had written Reservoir Dogs.

WATCHABILITY - It was rather watchable, and I did appreciate the longwinded single angle shots that I miss from a lot of older independent films (specifically “Clerks”) but a lot of the chaos felt a little stretched for the same reason. I was comfortable finishing this film, but often times I was just hoping it would soon be over.

WHEN TO WATCH - Watch this… when you’re alone by yourself and you feel sad. This movie will remind you that there are sadder things in life so don’t be as unhappy. It’s really bonkers. I don’t know when you should watch a film like this, to be honest.

fuckyeahmovieposters: The Princess Bride by Adam Juresko

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:16:44 -0800

fuckyeahmovieposters:

The Princess Bride by Adam Juresko

BEST USE OF TOM HANKS AS COLIN HANKS DAD AWARD GOES TO... - "The Great Buck Howard"

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:02:06 -0800

Oh that’s where John Malkovich has been hiding. He’s been hanging out with supporting characters in a feature film with Zulu and Ben from Parks and Rec. And nothing satisfies a film more than seeing Tom Hanks play the father of a character portrayed by his son Colin Hanks. One of those, “I see what you did there” moments… but I digress

“The Great Buck Howard” was actually a fun film. It’s hard to find Netflix movie with strong talent and well known actors considering a lot of the popular films are still DVD only or in theaters now. It was refreshing to see Malkovich in something a little toned down and to catch another Colin Hanks film in which the main character is avoid law school in order to become a writer… It’s like Orange County 2 without John Lithgow.

The events in the film were inspired by a true mentalist known as the Amazing Kreskin who is still alive and kicking and predicting crazy stuff like the weather and losing streaks to this day. What makes the movie enjoyable is that John Malkovich may very well be insane and he displays that in his characters. So give him the role as a 50 something out of work mentalist with an ego and the rest will fall into place. Plus, I just love Colin Hanks and why shouldn’t I.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I think this is a broad movie. It was a good film, not too strange like Burn After Reading and not too much of a cult following like Orange County seemed to acquire. I’d put this more in the family category and I’m pleased to annoucne that I think I’ve found a movie that anybody can enjoy.

WATCHABILITY - I found this rather watchable, but at times I lost some interest as a lot of the story requires patience for development. You can’t just jump in and see a struggling entertainer, you have to see him struggle and that takes time. But the introduction of new characters helps ease that process and the cast is a great ensemble of my favorites [Adam Scott, Steve Zahn, Emily Blunt…] so I was quite amused to catch their performances scattered throughout.

WHEN TO WATCH - I have no idea. This is a weekday movie, or perhaps something to cozy up to on a Sunday evening with the family when there’s nothing else going on and you just want something to watch together. Pretty wholesome more or less and an entertaining film to say the least. If you’re still captivated by the intrigue of illusion and magic, you will probably enjoy this film.

Photo

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:51:37 -0800

Photo

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:39:32 -0800

DOUBLE DIPPING - "Cool As Ice" + HDTGM

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:38:21 -0800

DOUBLE DIPPING - "Cool As Ice" + HDTGM:

Just had the pleasure of watching then listening to a podcast about “Cool As Ice”. this movie falls into the “It’s Good to be Bad” category of films and the podcast, which features Vanilla himself is well worth your time. But be sure to watch the film first. It is worth your time.

And now it’s time for… How Did This Get Made

Must Be Good It's Monday - "City Island"

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:44 -0800

Sorry to give a full poster opposed to the normal trailer. I just feel like A.) This movei might be a hard sell because it appears very generic at first glance. and B.) The trailer is way too long and tells too much of the story. All that to say, I really loved City Island and am proud to add it to my highly recommended films on my Netflix Instant Queue.

The premise behind “City Island” is that your main character, played by Andy Garcia, is a prison guard who recognizes one of the inmates’ names and realizes that it is his son from a relationship 24 years past. Knowing that the inmate could be released on parole if there was any remaining family, Garcia’s character takes this as an opportunity to make up for his early absence as well as break the news to his wife at home.

I didn’t classify this as an independent film at first glance, but after viewing, this definitely fits in with the Little Miss Sunshine genre of dysfunctional families with a feel good ending. I laughed, cried, and left with a warm heart. Strongly recommend this film.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - This movie isn’t really either. It’s not a family move per se, and it’s not some gritty difficult indy film. It falls somewhere in between little miss sunshine and World’s Greatest Dad, only because there are a few strange sexual situations that take place in the film. I think this is a great college level film seeing as how college folk are not too mature to feel uncomfortable while mature enough to understand the emotion of the film.

WATCHABILITY - Hooked for the full length of this film. I kept hoping it would be longer and that rarely happens with a movie. I wish this was a television series. I could have watched this family perform all day.

WHEN TO WATCH - I think this is a superb college dorm film. Put it on on a Friday night right after all your shenanigans and just before the fourth meal taco bell run.

IT'S NOT QUITE THE FUGITIVE FRIDAY - "The Double"

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:11:55 -0800

I wanted to add the trailer like normal, but it kind of gives away the entire story. So if you like knowing anything, i.e. my wikipedia friends out there, then you can watch the trailer and feel totally informed before watching this film. Otherwise, just give it a try.

“The Double” fits my generic movie profile, and by generic I mean blockbuster / high budget / contains actors you’ve heard of with a story that makes sense to the average consumer. I like watching movies like this on occasion because they’re usually decent at best and worst case scenario they’re just a tad predictable.

The Double was cool. I was mostly drawn to the idea of Topher Grace and Richard Gere in an action movie together. Didn’t make sense on paper and it didn’t make too much sense in practice either, but it’s enjoyable at the least. It’s one of those murder mystery chase down the serial killer but there’s a twist kind of films. So if you like things like that, Borne Identity… I don’t know what else. It’s like that though.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - A broad audience movie! Hurray! Anybody can watch this film and the violence isn’t overbearing. Even the throat slit kills lack gore or any obvious blood. The action is simple and relies more on riddles and conspiracy to draw you in opposed to anxiety and tension.

WATCHABILITY - Fairly watchable. This film was slow at first, but once I understood the direction they were taking this I became quickly involved and then once again hit a brief lull as the story begins to resolve and the pieces align.

WHEN TO WATCH - This is definitely a weekend nighttime film. I don’t think anyone will hate you for putting this movie on. They might not be impressed, but it’s a good film to say the least.

Everything good is happening right now… and by that I mean...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:52:59 -0800

Everything good is happening right now… and by that I mean this looks so fantastic.

scottlava: “The Beast got it.”

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:52:24 -0800

scottlava:

“The Beast got it.”

Jean-Ralphio is the Amazing Spiderman

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:13:47 -0800

rejectedjokes:

The wonderful people at CollegeHumor edited this together at breakneck speed after so many people tweeted/posted about Jean-Ralphio kinda looking like the Amazing Spiderman. To those editors (especially Sam Jacobson, I know it was you, you sly dog) I say kudos and thank you. To everyone else I say enjoy the trailer now as it will inevitably be taken down for breaking 1000 copyright laws.

Jean-Ralphio is the Amazing Spiderman

RED:NESDAY - "The Guard"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:02:06 -0800

I really liked The Guard. I knew very little about it, and police comedies somehow never amuse me on paper, but about 10 minutes in, I’m glued. After checking its rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its easy to see why nearly everyone I’ve talked to knows about this movie. First of all, I LOVE Brendan Glesson, for his roles in both the Harry Potter series and In Bruges. The man is strikingly comedic and has excellent line delivery in everything I’ve seen.

The film, which also stars Don Cheadle as an FBI agent on investigation in rural Ireland, is a touch slow at times, but I wouldn’t say that it became bothersome. The plot won’t amaze you, but the antics of Gleeson’s eccentric character, “Gerry Boyle” will definitely entertain. Watch it with subtitles, maybe, it’s common knowledge that rural Irish accents are tough to wade through.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE- I’d say it’s a bit of both! I feel like a large portion of the humor is a little off, maybe culturally specific and doesn’t appeal to all audiences. At the same time, the plot isn’t anything new, save a few funny happenings.

WATCHABILITY- I can’t say I was 100% focused on it, drinking coffee and chatting a touch, but I think that was the beauty of the movie. It allowed me to do that without feeling left out.

WHEN TO WATCH- Go ahead and watch this on a weeknight after you’ve made some sort of easy meal, or gotten take-away with your significant other.

DOCUMEN:TUESDAY - "Which Way Home"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:47:35 -0800

DOCUMEN:TUESDAY - "Which Way Home":

The concept is fascinating, but it lacked a call to action or direction for growth. More of a showcase film to a very unique and complex culture of kids train-hopping from Central America to the United States.

I’ve kind of been moving away from the whole reblogging...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:49:01 -0800

I’ve kind of been moving away from the whole reblogging thing… but sometimes it’s just good fun.

DIDN'T CATCH A WORD - "Elling"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:38:28 -0800

I would love to show you a trailer here, but it’s a Norwegian film so the picture has a little more to say. Click it to watch instantly with Netflix or give the rest of the review a little browse.

“Elling” is about two patients from an institution who receive permission to take care of themselves in government housing. I think Elling’s mom has passed away recently which threw him into this new situation. Neither of the characters have any discernable disabilities, just social setbacks and difficulty with emotions which leads to a lot of challenges and a lot of growth.

Fortunately, “Elling” doesn’t allow any physical drama to occur. None of the characters lash out and attack anybody or themselves which made the film more pleasant than tense. Elling’s inner monologue is rather clever as well. He speaks as if the world around him has gone crazy, not him, and the dialogue is surprisingly self-aware.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - It’s a foreign film about people with learning disabilities… I would say this one is niche. I don’t need to say anything more.

WATCHABILITY - The thing about characters who function poorly in social situations or without precedent is that there is always something new around the corner. Simple tasks such as answering the phone or using a public restroom feel as overwhelming as Kilimanjaro. Very entertaining indeed.

WHEN TO WATCH - I enjoyed this film during the day. It’s all subtitles so it will require a bit of reading to keep up so I would suggest a time when you have a little patience and interest. I liked the film and I felt like it was never overwhelming, and the end has a feel good vibe. You can really watch this movie anytime, but it also may be the kind of film you end up watching alone, unless you have open minded niche audience friends.

RED:NESDAY - "Everything Must Go"

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:02:05 -0800

“Everything Must Go” must go nowhere. I loved this movie. I can always tell a good film when listening to the trailer gets me excited all over again. “Everything Must Go” feels like a low budget film with a new side of Ferrel that stumps “Stranger Than Fiction”, which I know is saying a lot.

The trailer doesn’t allude much to the fact that Ferrel’s character is an alcoholic. I am assuming that this would have pushed a lot of folks away from the film. We like our heroes to be likable, not self-destructive. But the alcoholism doesn’t take away from the character or become too much of the focus in this film. It just offers a well rounded, honest character.

The color and look of this film are great, as you can see a preview of that in the cover art. The set is small which keeps the film interesting and the talent is so high that it captivates you. It’s funny to see a film where a garage sale is the climax, but similar to the film “In Good Company”, you don’t need a happy ending to walk away from this one feeling great. The character development and new perspective does that for you.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I don’t think this is a hard movie to grasp, so I would suggest it to anyone. I put it in the broad category, but also understand that this is a bit of a drama and the topic of alcohol can feel a little overbearing or uncomfortable for some people.

WATCHABILITY - Very high. Interested in this film from start to finish.

WHEN TO WATCH - I watched this at 7:00 am on a Saturday morning and it felt great. I would definitely suggest a weekend morning to take this one in. It’s an interesting film that I really enjoyed, but the subject matter and characters were a little depressing so I’m not sure it really livens up a Friday night and might be too weighty for a weekday evening.