I know I’m a little outside of the loop here in suggesting a Red Box film on a Friday, but unfortunately my timing is completely off. I also didn’t suggest any films on any of the other days this week so I’m just going to count it as a restocking week and start suggesting films that are actually good instead of just reviewing every damn thing I see.

“Apollo 18” started out as a joke in my house. We set up the podcast gear, popped in the film, and immediately ran the banter. It’s a documentary style sci-fi thriller that uses “real” footage (questionable?) to tell the true story of what happened on Apollo 18. Let me just say… it was a little terrifying. The closest frame of reference is that it’s like “Paranormal Activity” meets “The Blair Witch Project” at Space Camp.

I think the “real” element to the film helped define a strong concern or emotional investment in the safety of these astronauts because they felt like more than characters in a movie. The hazard itself was a little less believable in my opinion, but the suspense of the film helped evoke a strong response. It’s hard to say too much about this movie though without giving too much away. To put in plainly, it’s a great sci-fi thriller movie and one that I feel comfortable suggesting.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I think this is a great across the board movie. I would even let some younger kids see this film if you trust them around scary stuff and monsters and all that jazz. It’s not a typical “Alien” thriller so it shouldn’t have the same long lasting effect as something like “Signs”. But seeing as how this isn’t a gore-fest or soft core porn disguised as a horror film, I feel great suggesting this movie to anyone.

WATCHABILITY - It’s a suspense movie. So the beginning was slow and then about 20 minutes in you’re hooked. The pacing and development is timed out well enough that you should remain pretty interested even in some of the duller moments of the film.

WHEN TO WATCH - Any day of the week after 9:00 pm. It’s a nighttime film. I would definitely suggest a group of friends isnce it’s a fun movie, but watching this by yourself may create the same rush or element of fear so don’t be afraid to pick this up on your own… or maybe, do be afraid because it’s scary… but rent it anyway.

You would be hard pressed to say you’ve seen anything like this film… ever. I’m pretty sure that after this film I’ve become a MAGNET fanboy. I love everything they put out because I rarely understand it. That an Oscilloscope. Either way, “Rubber” makes its way to that list at that back of my mind in which I store my greatest treasures, waiting for that glorious question… “What are some of the movies you’ve seen lately?”

“Rubber” is a hard movie to explain, but the opening monologue says it best. If nothing else, put the movie on for the first few minutes and then if you find yourself hating your life… please go find something else to do. If you don’t have the patience for this film than don’t expect it to do you any favors. 

It’s funny in a very dry way. I felt that a lot of the jokes were undersold considering I was in a room by myself. There is a lot of dry humor, a lot of “why did that just happen” followed by “Oh My goodness… did that just happen?!?!” sort of moments. All in all, a very entertaining film.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I feel like the word niche was invented to define moveis like these. I loved it absolutely, but I’m very aware that I can only suggest this film to a handful of people. 

WATCHABILITY - A touch slow at times, but the shock appeal blow your head off moments help carry you through the lulls.

WHEN TO WATCH - Build your own weird screening of this film and talk about it. Digest this film. I think the film itself works as a commentary on story telling so if you have no dialogue afterward you’re missing out on a lot of interesting discussion and debate. I would definitely suggest this for an interesting Friday night film. And bring some beer.

Don’t let the cover scare you into thinking this is another Hamlet 2, which is on its way to my mailbox today via Netflix. “Nativity!” is an easy to digest Christmas comedy starring the ever so popular Martin Freeman (i.e. Sherlock, Hitchhiker’s Guide, The Office) and supported by a room full of amazing children and the lovely Ashley Jensen.

In my opinion, a good comedy is hard to find. Too often independent films err on the side of dramatic and typical comedies err on the side of “Jack and Jill” or “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”. It was so refreshing, and unfortunately just a couple of weeks behind, to watch a delightful British comedy that offered both a creative story in which entertainment is fueled by believable conflicts caused by an elementary school teacher who’s just a bit over his head during the Holiday season.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I definitely thought this was a wonderful broad audience comedy. I think indie kids and soccer moms alike can take something away from this story. Whether you need a good laugh or a hearty cry, “Nativity!” has it all.

WATCHABILITY - “Nativity!” offers a pretty nice pace with an assortment of storyline arcs with nothing too outside of the ordinary. The less traditional teacher’s aid helps ensure that plans are never as they seem guaranteeing  a good time.

WHEN TO WATCH - Obviously, watch this during Christmas… but since that time has passed, give it a gander when you’d like a good laugh and then store this away in your Christmas Movie Vault for XMAS 2012.

Only seconds into the trailer, you can feel the intensity of this film. The talent… is amazing. The story is so simple and yet so complex as well. Rabbit Hole is a great, great drama worth the emotional hardships required to enjoy this film.

The plot is slowly revealed over time, but more or less it’s a story about a couple dealing with loss in a very honest way. The series of emotional roller coasters to follow are so spontaneous and piercing you can’t help but to stay on your toes for the entire hour and a half. While the tension may be high at times, the pacing allows room for rest and vulnerability assuring a full depth of senses.

All the characters in this film are so beautifully drawn that you can’t help falling in love with them in spite of their numerous emotional downfalls and poorly made decisions. “Rabbit Hole” had me hooked from the start and desperate for more.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I would attribute this to being a broad audience drama. I don’t think any of the concepts are too imaginative or complex, but the level of intensity may be too high for your average movie-goer.

WATCHABILITY - I would watch this again, immediately. The story is great, but the acting is phenomenal. Kidman and Eckhart demand you attention immediately.

WHEN TO WATCH - I think this is a fantastic film to put on when you actually want to enjoy a movie. It is intense, but not overwhelming. The pacing and tone allow room to rest before providing too much tension. Could make for an interesting after dinner movie when friends are feeling a little more intellectual or artistic. 

I officially quit watching this movie. This blog is for enjoyment and since only about 10 people read it to begin with… I’m not going to waste 2 hours of my life to affirm something I’m already fairly sure of. That being, “Bunraku” is the worst movie I’ve watched in a long time.

I wasn’t even fully aware of the premise when the film started, even after the 45 minutes of voice over exposition on top of poorly executed martial arts [block a punch, wood staff to the chest, duck, throw a guy, pose like a crouching tiger for dramatic effect]. It wasn’t until I played the trailer that I realized, the set up could have been cool, but the execution was a complete miss.

The entire time I’m watching this movie, I’m thinking of Six String Samurai and Black Dynamite. It looks like the kind of film that could have been made as a joke or that at the bare minimum play out as another campy action movie with over the top creative characters and fight scenes. Instead you get Woody Harrelson as a barkeep who makes pop up “funnies” for adults about spiders, super powers and “the power of responsibility” a.k.a. Spiderman.

[STATUS REPORT]

BOMB AND A HALF - This movie is garbage, and with a million and one Jackie Chan and Japanese Low Budget films available on Instant Queue with REAL Martial arts and not just dancers with wooden swords… There is no reason that you should watch this movie, ever. Seriously, you’re better off watching day time television or reruns of the Mummy films with Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson.