Need a movie review for Knight and Day? Three words for you: I got this! That’s Tom Cruise’s confidently funny, but reassuring line throughout the movie and my new catch phrase. Just when you thought Killers had the inside track on the best Action Comedy of the season, Knight and Day quite literally blows it out of the water. Yeah, I liked Killers, but the difference between it and this Cruise/Cameron Diaz flick is, well…night and day.
It’s really about a battery. It’s more than a souped up Duracell. This one would shoot the Energizer Bunny to the moon. That’s why everyone wants it, including alleged rogue agent Roy Miller. But he’s a government spy, so believing anything he says is kin to believing anything a cop would say. Enter June (Cameron Diaz). On the contrary, she is not a professional liar. However, in a classic mixture of fortune/misfortune that only Hollywood can weave, June is caught up in the chase for the Zephyr (the big bad, well little actually, battery). The two get swept in and out of exotic locations while Roy protects the battery and tries to rescue it’s creator (Simon, played by Paul Dano). Or is Roy really the rogue agent he’s made out to be who is looking to sell the Zephyr to the highest bidder? That’s a question only June needs to answer as she starts to fall for Roy and his quest.
It’s unique. It’s funny. It’s one of the best flicks I’ve seen this year. I loved Roy and Cruise’s portrayal of the character. Roy is in control—to put a fine point on it. Regardless of the peril…danger…death awaiting antics, hey, “I got this!” He’s fun—but has little-to-no intention of being so. He’s just here to save the day in an ‘Oh, don’t mind me…wait…duck so I can shoot 18 bad guys real quick…yeah…there ya go…no worries, I got this’-mode. Meanwhile, Cameron Diaz is solid, as well. She quite nearly lives up to Cruise’s Roy in this one. June is suffering a little shock from seeing her world turn upside down until she starts to go with the flow and transforms from easily freaked tomboy but all-girl chicky, to well, you’ll have to check it out. Finally, Dano is his typically talented self and Sarsgaard is keen as well.
It’s 4.5 stars…and a solid four-point-five it is. So, thank you Knight and Day for giving me a solid hour and fifty minutes of entertainment and my new summer catch phrase! Hey…I got this!
True
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Big Screen Blurb: Karate Kid
It’s always tough to remake a classic. Just ask Coca-Cola after their New Coke vs. Classic Coke fiasco of the 80’s. The same is true with the big screen and the 2010 edition of Karate Kid. Although it never made a huge splash in my movie pool, the original 1984 hit has achieved classic status. The remake is good. However, ultimately we’ll hear the same cries that Coke heard from consumers when changing their beloved formula: “This one just doesn’t have the same kick!!!”
Jaden Smith replaces Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan swaps with Pat Morita in the role of mentor. Instead of moving across country, Dre (Smith) and his mom are moving across the world. China to be exact. From there, it’s pretty much the same. Dre gets bullied. Mr. Han (Chan) saves the day and to help remedy the bullying problem concedes to have Dre fight in a big time Kung Fu tournament….yadayadayada Karate Kid, the remake.
It’s on the positive side of okay…3.0 Stars. It’s funnier than the original; I’ll give it that. It was entertaining to watch and Jaden Smith does a very good job. Jackie Chan makes for a great Miyogi-like mentor. There are your inspirational moments. There are plenty of ‘wow’ moments from the cine-scape (it was actually shot in Beijing). And, as already mentioned, there is a lot more humor. If there never would have been an original, I would probably be scoring it a full star ahead of this report card.
My main issue with the remake is really the age of the kids. It just doesn’t translate from the original. They’re 12-ish. I certainly understand that bullying is a huge issue in today’s culture. In the “Miyogi comes to the rescue” scene, Han (Chan) staves off a pint-size crew with his classic mixture of comedic-kung fu, but it just lacks. You’re not really left in awe of what Mr. Han has done. Rather, you’re left thinking, “Why didn’t he just take off his kung-fu belt and spank the little boogers.” In the original, you’re talking about a fit, 18-year old whose picking on a wimpy, 15-year old and you know the latter is in some trouble. I guess it’s just tough to be intimidated by a little 12-year old Chinese kid. Sure, identifying with Dre (and I did), it would be a pretty daunting situation. But, ultimately, it just lacks.
My other issue: it’s TOO long. Two hours and twenty minutes is about 45-minutes too long. Plenty could have been taken to the karate block on this one.
There are plenty of options out there so rent this one unless you’re just clamoring to try that New Coke taste.
True…out
P.S. This wasn’t the weekend for the yard…a weekend reprieve!!!
Jaden Smith replaces Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan swaps with Pat Morita in the role of mentor. Instead of moving across country, Dre (Smith) and his mom are moving across the world. China to be exact. From there, it’s pretty much the same. Dre gets bullied. Mr. Han (Chan) saves the day and to help remedy the bullying problem concedes to have Dre fight in a big time Kung Fu tournament….yadayadayada Karate Kid, the remake.
It’s on the positive side of okay…3.0 Stars. It’s funnier than the original; I’ll give it that. It was entertaining to watch and Jaden Smith does a very good job. Jackie Chan makes for a great Miyogi-like mentor. There are your inspirational moments. There are plenty of ‘wow’ moments from the cine-scape (it was actually shot in Beijing). And, as already mentioned, there is a lot more humor. If there never would have been an original, I would probably be scoring it a full star ahead of this report card.
My main issue with the remake is really the age of the kids. It just doesn’t translate from the original. They’re 12-ish. I certainly understand that bullying is a huge issue in today’s culture. In the “Miyogi comes to the rescue” scene, Han (Chan) staves off a pint-size crew with his classic mixture of comedic-kung fu, but it just lacks. You’re not really left in awe of what Mr. Han has done. Rather, you’re left thinking, “Why didn’t he just take off his kung-fu belt and spank the little boogers.” In the original, you’re talking about a fit, 18-year old whose picking on a wimpy, 15-year old and you know the latter is in some trouble. I guess it’s just tough to be intimidated by a little 12-year old Chinese kid. Sure, identifying with Dre (and I did), it would be a pretty daunting situation. But, ultimately, it just lacks.
My other issue: it’s TOO long. Two hours and twenty minutes is about 45-minutes too long. Plenty could have been taken to the karate block on this one.
There are plenty of options out there so rent this one unless you’re just clamoring to try that New Coke taste.
True…out
P.S. This wasn’t the weekend for the yard…a weekend reprieve!!!
Big Screen Blurb: Get Him to the Greek
As the credits started to roll on Judd Apatow’s latest, I’m sitting there with a nice smile on my face. My first thought was: “I don’t know exactly what I just saw!” My second thought followed closely: “But, I liked it!”
I don’t know if this was a story of redemption, a story about someone finding themselves or a story that was just meant to toe or cross the line of vulgarity. Regardless, you can throw them all out of the window, because I basically enjoyed this with varying levels of chuckle-ness from start to finish. Maybe it’s Apatow. After all, the only production of his that I’ve given a thumbs down to was Talledega Nights.
Get Him to the Greek is the typical…tried-and-true story of a record company employee whose charge is to lasso and drag a London rock star’s ass to Los Angeles to perform in a “revive your career” concert. The trouble is he has just 72-hours to get the job done. Plenty of time to pump your system full of drugs, alcohol and sex (I guess you reverse the pump for the latter, but I digress), and still get the ever-quirky and borderline insane rock star to the stage.
Yeah, it’s funny. Okay…it’s over-the-top funny and crosses the line on more than one ocassion. But—it’s entertaining stuff. Nothing for the kiddies, of course, but fine for a solid laugh.
Jonah Hill is Jonah. The lovable and off-witted, but hilarious chunky guy that always manages to put a smile on the ole face. Russell Brand plays the pre-maddona, narcissistic rock star to perfection; and P. Diddy did a solid job as Jonah’s boss.
Again, I didn’t really know what I had just seen. I didn’t really identify with any characters. I didn’t really know what points were unfolding with the story, but I’m sure there were several that could be made. It did, however, make for a solid escape from a stressful week and for that I’ll give it 3.5 stars. Not Apatow’s best stuff, but, hey, nothing can beat the 40-Year Old Virgin or Superbad, right?
If you can only see one movie this summer…well, go ahead and see something else, but if you can see several, then this would make for a fun-filled escape.
Thanks for reading…
True
I don’t know if this was a story of redemption, a story about someone finding themselves or a story that was just meant to toe or cross the line of vulgarity. Regardless, you can throw them all out of the window, because I basically enjoyed this with varying levels of chuckle-ness from start to finish. Maybe it’s Apatow. After all, the only production of his that I’ve given a thumbs down to was Talledega Nights.
Get Him to the Greek is the typical…tried-and-true story of a record company employee whose charge is to lasso and drag a London rock star’s ass to Los Angeles to perform in a “revive your career” concert. The trouble is he has just 72-hours to get the job done. Plenty of time to pump your system full of drugs, alcohol and sex (I guess you reverse the pump for the latter, but I digress), and still get the ever-quirky and borderline insane rock star to the stage.
Yeah, it’s funny. Okay…it’s over-the-top funny and crosses the line on more than one ocassion. But—it’s entertaining stuff. Nothing for the kiddies, of course, but fine for a solid laugh.
Jonah Hill is Jonah. The lovable and off-witted, but hilarious chunky guy that always manages to put a smile on the ole face. Russell Brand plays the pre-maddona, narcissistic rock star to perfection; and P. Diddy did a solid job as Jonah’s boss.
Again, I didn’t really know what I had just seen. I didn’t really identify with any characters. I didn’t really know what points were unfolding with the story, but I’m sure there were several that could be made. It did, however, make for a solid escape from a stressful week and for that I’ll give it 3.5 stars. Not Apatow’s best stuff, but, hey, nothing can beat the 40-Year Old Virgin or Superbad, right?
If you can only see one movie this summer…well, go ahead and see something else, but if you can see several, then this would make for a fun-filled escape.
Thanks for reading…
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: The Greatest
I’ve been told by family and friends, that I’m an onion. Since I don’t have a problem with chronic halitosis, I’m assuming they mean that I have many layers. It’s true. There are many sides to Matthew Scott Trueblood. To people who know me, I’m funny. To people I like, I’m laid back. To people I really like (if you know what I mean), I’m a stumbling, bumbling ass. But beyond the public phases of my persona, I am, indeed a complex guy. I’m the same at the core, mind you, but I can be a complete goofball one minute while at other times be reflective and quite deep. The Greatest really brings out that strong reflective nature and depth.
Put simply, I cried like a baby on more than one occasion during this very good movie. The Greatest is about a family dealing with the untimely death of their teenage son. However, he’s left something behind: a pregnant girlfriend, who comes to live with the family. That sets the stage.
Ultimately, this movie is about death and coping. I’ve had to deal with both more than I care to think about. I experienced myself…my own dealing with death…in each of the four main characters. The dad, Allen (Pierce Brosnan), the mom, Grace (Susan Sarandon), the brother (Johnny Simmons) and the girlfriend, Rose (Carey Mullligan) make up the cast. Each is fighting the circle of life in their own way while trying to come to terms with the loss of young Bennett Brewer (Aaron Johnson).
Dad is coping by, well, by not coping. He doesn’t deal with it at all. Mom is all kinds of messed up and little brother turns to any and all measures of escape (his escape of choice is drugs). Meanwhile, Rose is just trying to learn more about the father of her baby amidst the storm.
This movie is tenaciously compelling. Each of the four main cast members deliver powerful performances as their characters are trying to find there way and come to grips with what has been ripped from them so prematurely. Losing a son, a brother, a boyfriend is the definition of pain. Coping with the death of a loved one is a process for all humans. We see that process unfold through each of the four characters.
I give it 4-stars. This movie goes somewhere. It takes you to the darkened depths of coping with death—something that no human truly understands. The Greatest simply manages to light a match. It provides that flicker of light so desparately needed in an otherwise dark tunnel.
Yes, I did have some problems with certain aspects of the story. Several elements just didn’t seem plausible. Utimately, those elements didn’t bother me because they didn’t really detract from the foundation of what the movie was trying to get across. In other words, it was such an emotionally compelling watch, that I didn’t get caught up in those implausible dots left gapingly unconnected.
If you want action…comedy or even a light drama…keep on walking Blockbuster’s aisles. If you want something that is profoundly thought-provoking, with layers of its own…well, check out The Greatest. After all, sometimes a flicker of light is all you really need to peel that onion.
Thanks for reading.
True
Put simply, I cried like a baby on more than one occasion during this very good movie. The Greatest is about a family dealing with the untimely death of their teenage son. However, he’s left something behind: a pregnant girlfriend, who comes to live with the family. That sets the stage.
Ultimately, this movie is about death and coping. I’ve had to deal with both more than I care to think about. I experienced myself…my own dealing with death…in each of the four main characters. The dad, Allen (Pierce Brosnan), the mom, Grace (Susan Sarandon), the brother (Johnny Simmons) and the girlfriend, Rose (Carey Mullligan) make up the cast. Each is fighting the circle of life in their own way while trying to come to terms with the loss of young Bennett Brewer (Aaron Johnson).
Dad is coping by, well, by not coping. He doesn’t deal with it at all. Mom is all kinds of messed up and little brother turns to any and all measures of escape (his escape of choice is drugs). Meanwhile, Rose is just trying to learn more about the father of her baby amidst the storm.
This movie is tenaciously compelling. Each of the four main cast members deliver powerful performances as their characters are trying to find there way and come to grips with what has been ripped from them so prematurely. Losing a son, a brother, a boyfriend is the definition of pain. Coping with the death of a loved one is a process for all humans. We see that process unfold through each of the four characters.
I give it 4-stars. This movie goes somewhere. It takes you to the darkened depths of coping with death—something that no human truly understands. The Greatest simply manages to light a match. It provides that flicker of light so desparately needed in an otherwise dark tunnel.
Yes, I did have some problems with certain aspects of the story. Several elements just didn’t seem plausible. Utimately, those elements didn’t bother me because they didn’t really detract from the foundation of what the movie was trying to get across. In other words, it was such an emotionally compelling watch, that I didn’t get caught up in those implausible dots left gapingly unconnected.
If you want action…comedy or even a light drama…keep on walking Blockbuster’s aisles. If you want something that is profoundly thought-provoking, with layers of its own…well, check out The Greatest. After all, sometimes a flicker of light is all you really need to peel that onion.
Thanks for reading.
True
Big Screen Blurb: Killers
Killers. Hmm…let’s see. Think True Lies, but swap a ‘horse-chase through Manhattan’ for a ‘car chase through suburbia’. Actually, Killers is funnier. It’s cuter and the actors are hotter. All in all it’s a fairly fun ride.
We start off with Spencer (Ashton Kutcher). He’s your run-of-the-mill assassin; typically brought in to take the bad guy out. Trouble is…well, he’s tired of it. The killing…the exotic, but eventually messy locations….yadayadayada. He seeks a little ‘normalcy’ and finds it in the beautiful, but otherwise boring, Jen (Katherine Heigl). They fall in love and set up shop in a subdivision near you. The problem is simple: It’s kinda tough to put in your two-week notice on the corporate job labeled HIRED GUN. That’s when all hell breaks lose and our plot unfolds.
I enjoyed it. I laughed. I ducked. I peed. Okay, I didn’t really pee, but you get the picture. It’s genuinely enjoyable. Catherine O’Hara, who plays Jen’s mother, is hilarious. She plays the lovable lush whose never met a Bloody Mary for breakfast that didn’t quickly disappear. Kutcher and Heigl share a pretty good on-screen chemistry. No, she’s not Demi, but they’re fairly believable and both hit the mark. Tom Selleck even chimes in a solid performance as Jen’s over-protective father…and probably one of the chief reasons ole mamma has been driven to the sauce.
All in all, it is what it is, and it is...entertaining. It’s 3-stars and worth a big screen view if you’re looking for something fun.
Well—the yard is, indeed, mowed…weed-eating done and even the spiders have been asked nicely to relocate—a message delivered by a swift broom. Have a great weekend…
True…OUT!
We start off with Spencer (Ashton Kutcher). He’s your run-of-the-mill assassin; typically brought in to take the bad guy out. Trouble is…well, he’s tired of it. The killing…the exotic, but eventually messy locations….yadayadayada. He seeks a little ‘normalcy’ and finds it in the beautiful, but otherwise boring, Jen (Katherine Heigl). They fall in love and set up shop in a subdivision near you. The problem is simple: It’s kinda tough to put in your two-week notice on the corporate job labeled HIRED GUN. That’s when all hell breaks lose and our plot unfolds.
I enjoyed it. I laughed. I ducked. I peed. Okay, I didn’t really pee, but you get the picture. It’s genuinely enjoyable. Catherine O’Hara, who plays Jen’s mother, is hilarious. She plays the lovable lush whose never met a Bloody Mary for breakfast that didn’t quickly disappear. Kutcher and Heigl share a pretty good on-screen chemistry. No, she’s not Demi, but they’re fairly believable and both hit the mark. Tom Selleck even chimes in a solid performance as Jen’s over-protective father…and probably one of the chief reasons ole mamma has been driven to the sauce.
All in all, it is what it is, and it is...entertaining. It’s 3-stars and worth a big screen view if you’re looking for something fun.
Well—the yard is, indeed, mowed…weed-eating done and even the spiders have been asked nicely to relocate—a message delivered by a swift broom. Have a great weekend…
True…OUT!
Big Screen Blurb: Prince of Persia
You never really know what to expect when a video game hits the big screen. It’s usually the plot that fails as quickly as my three “lives” did in Super Mario Brothers. Prince of Persia, however, wins big with a solid story…good performances…effects…and plenty of action.
The story follows Prince Dastan. He’s not your typical “born on third base and thinks he hit a triple” prince. No, Dastan was a peasant who became a prince by winning the favor of the good King Sharaman. Dastan was 12 or so when he joined a family that already contained two sons. Not your typical drama here though, as all three brothers get along fine amidst some healthy and playful sibling rivalry. At any rate, the sons grow up and jointly win a big battle over an alleged enemy who has amassed weapons illegally. However, the weapons can’t be found and it appears the whole warring dilemma has been a mere set-up. Sounding familiar? No—don’t worry, former Prez G. Bush…this isn’t the Persian version of Green Zone. There’s more to the story. During the celebration, the good King is murdered and all swords point erroneously to Dastan. He flees and in the process discovers a magical dagger, which as it turns out is the key to the whole shabang. Dastan then teams, rather reluctantly, with Queen Tamina and yadayadayada, another Gameboy has found the big screen.
Admittedly, I had low expectations going into this flick. I like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina is usually good for a hoot and a half, but I really was afraid that this story would lack the caliber that $20 justifies (yeah, $20…a boys gotta have his p-corn, right?). This one more than hit the mark. There was good story depth that included more than a magical weapon and potentially sappy love story that was billed in some critiques.
My only concern was the length of this movie. Too long. Thirty to forty minutes could have easily have been chucked, leaving a more than glowing movie experience. I would have chopped a lot of the gratuitous action sequences of the “wow…he barely survived that fall—again” variety.
All things considered, I give 3.5 stars and I will see the sequel, to boot.
Thanks for reading…
True
The story follows Prince Dastan. He’s not your typical “born on third base and thinks he hit a triple” prince. No, Dastan was a peasant who became a prince by winning the favor of the good King Sharaman. Dastan was 12 or so when he joined a family that already contained two sons. Not your typical drama here though, as all three brothers get along fine amidst some healthy and playful sibling rivalry. At any rate, the sons grow up and jointly win a big battle over an alleged enemy who has amassed weapons illegally. However, the weapons can’t be found and it appears the whole warring dilemma has been a mere set-up. Sounding familiar? No—don’t worry, former Prez G. Bush…this isn’t the Persian version of Green Zone. There’s more to the story. During the celebration, the good King is murdered and all swords point erroneously to Dastan. He flees and in the process discovers a magical dagger, which as it turns out is the key to the whole shabang. Dastan then teams, rather reluctantly, with Queen Tamina and yadayadayada, another Gameboy has found the big screen.
Admittedly, I had low expectations going into this flick. I like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina is usually good for a hoot and a half, but I really was afraid that this story would lack the caliber that $20 justifies (yeah, $20…a boys gotta have his p-corn, right?). This one more than hit the mark. There was good story depth that included more than a magical weapon and potentially sappy love story that was billed in some critiques.
My only concern was the length of this movie. Too long. Thirty to forty minutes could have easily have been chucked, leaving a more than glowing movie experience. I would have chopped a lot of the gratuitous action sequences of the “wow…he barely survived that fall—again” variety.
All things considered, I give 3.5 stars and I will see the sequel, to boot.
Thanks for reading…
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: The Road
Someone told me The Road, “…started dark and stayed dark and I loved it!” My first thought was, “okay…what a sadist!” My next thought, after viewing the film was: “WOW…he wasn’t only right, he was UNBELIEVABLY DEAD ON!” (no pun intended!) The Road, does indeed, start dark…stay dark and flaunt dark throughout.
It’s another “aftermath” flick. The world, as we know it, has been obliterated. It’s cut from the same recent post-apocalypse tails, ranging from 9 to The Book of Eli. Left behind are the unfortunate few, including a father and son (Viggo Motensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee).
In The Road, the world has been reduced to the very foundation of Maslow’s chart. You can forget about the top four in the heirarchy. This is all about those basic physiological needs: air, food, water, etc. With animals all but extinct, food is incredibly scarce and cannibalism is running rampant. Bands of humans seek to catch and eat their prey.
With that in mind, no place is really safe and no one is to be trusted. At least that is the dad’s take on the matter. He’s taught his young son (age eight or so) that they are the good guys. Everyone else is bad; and, for the most part, he’s right. His son sees something else: the potential for good in others. Of course, this is something that could greatly benefit those who share a belief in the unspoken, and rarely followed, new first commandment: Thou shalt not eat others. Unfortunately, most seem to stick to the dad’s philosophy where division has meant being easily conquered. Meanwhile, the pair attempt to make their way south to the ocean. Why? Not sure…but that is the plan and everyone needs a road to follow.
All in all, I really liked this flick. Four-stars easy. It’s brilliantly acted. Mortensen and Smit-McPhee are both tremendous. Robert Duvall, who has a brief extended cameo, is equally tremendous. Furthermore, I liked Book of Eli, but this was even better. There seemed to be a lot of gratuitous violence in Eli that didn’t exist in The Road. Sure there was violence, but it seemed to serve as a reflection of the culture and not just as a fanciful action sequence.
The Road provides much food for thought. It’s a movie that really invited me into that environment. What would I do? How would I react? In this particular post-apocalypse, it seems that humanity has been left without any sense of spirituality. I’ve often been critical of organized religion for basically missing the point of Jesus’ compassion-centered message.Growing up in the Church of Christ, (…yeah, that’s the one that tells the Southern Baptists that they are going to hell) I got a good dose of fundamentalism. However, that upbringing, as much as I challenge aspects of that school of thought now, did lay a positive, albeit judgmental, foundation (don’t worry, I broke away from the judgmental aspects!!!). In The Road, it seems that all aspects of spirituality went kaboom with the rest of civilization. Everything has been reduced to the bare essentials. The inviting question becomes: How would I react? Like the dad—paranoid; or like the son—cautious, but willing to help, offer compassion and love. Strong and powerful stuff, indeed.
The Road is not a light-hearted flick, so be prepared. It is, however, quite powerful and thought provoking. Enjoy this 4-Star with caution!
True
P.S. The yard is mowed…I even pressure washed a little so now I’m firing up the grill to soak in the Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy everyone…
It’s another “aftermath” flick. The world, as we know it, has been obliterated. It’s cut from the same recent post-apocalypse tails, ranging from 9 to The Book of Eli. Left behind are the unfortunate few, including a father and son (Viggo Motensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee).
In The Road, the world has been reduced to the very foundation of Maslow’s chart. You can forget about the top four in the heirarchy. This is all about those basic physiological needs: air, food, water, etc. With animals all but extinct, food is incredibly scarce and cannibalism is running rampant. Bands of humans seek to catch and eat their prey.
With that in mind, no place is really safe and no one is to be trusted. At least that is the dad’s take on the matter. He’s taught his young son (age eight or so) that they are the good guys. Everyone else is bad; and, for the most part, he’s right. His son sees something else: the potential for good in others. Of course, this is something that could greatly benefit those who share a belief in the unspoken, and rarely followed, new first commandment: Thou shalt not eat others. Unfortunately, most seem to stick to the dad’s philosophy where division has meant being easily conquered. Meanwhile, the pair attempt to make their way south to the ocean. Why? Not sure…but that is the plan and everyone needs a road to follow.
All in all, I really liked this flick. Four-stars easy. It’s brilliantly acted. Mortensen and Smit-McPhee are both tremendous. Robert Duvall, who has a brief extended cameo, is equally tremendous. Furthermore, I liked Book of Eli, but this was even better. There seemed to be a lot of gratuitous violence in Eli that didn’t exist in The Road. Sure there was violence, but it seemed to serve as a reflection of the culture and not just as a fanciful action sequence.
The Road provides much food for thought. It’s a movie that really invited me into that environment. What would I do? How would I react? In this particular post-apocalypse, it seems that humanity has been left without any sense of spirituality. I’ve often been critical of organized religion for basically missing the point of Jesus’ compassion-centered message.Growing up in the Church of Christ, (…yeah, that’s the one that tells the Southern Baptists that they are going to hell) I got a good dose of fundamentalism. However, that upbringing, as much as I challenge aspects of that school of thought now, did lay a positive, albeit judgmental, foundation (don’t worry, I broke away from the judgmental aspects!!!). In The Road, it seems that all aspects of spirituality went kaboom with the rest of civilization. Everything has been reduced to the bare essentials. The inviting question becomes: How would I react? Like the dad—paranoid; or like the son—cautious, but willing to help, offer compassion and love. Strong and powerful stuff, indeed.
The Road is not a light-hearted flick, so be prepared. It is, however, quite powerful and thought provoking. Enjoy this 4-Star with caution!
True
P.S. The yard is mowed…I even pressure washed a little so now I’m firing up the grill to soak in the Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy everyone…
Big Screen Blurb: Robin Hood
So, I’m sitting in the theatre watching the 12th century English version of Braveheart when I realized that it was actually Robin Hood. Yes, another Robin Hood. Indeed, it was the Prince of Thieves, but it wasn’t. This tale is essentially a prequel—a prelude to the Robin Hood story.
When this came out, I wasn’t sure that we really needed another Robin Hood to add to the pile. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Kevin Costner version from the early 90’s; although his 2 1/2 hour long struggle with attempting an English accent was almost as fierce as his battle with the Sheriff. The updated Rigley Scott version, however, is the equivalent to Christopher Nolan’s revival of the Batman story. It’s authentic. It’s bloody. It’s not Robin Locksley.
Russell Crowe plays Robin Longstride, a disgruntled archer in King Richard’s army. After the death of the not-so-good king during a fateful battle, Robin encounters a group of knights whose charge is to return the crown to England. They’ve been ambushed by our villain, Godfrey (Mark Strong). One of the fallen knights is none other than Robin Locksley. Longstride trades last names with him, picks up the fumbled crown and heads for the castle. This leaves us with an even worse king (King John…yeah, power really does corrupt, doesn’t it?) and a deepening story. Longstride assumes Locksley role, including husband to Marion Locksley (Cate Blanchett) to help out against a tyrannical ruler (that would be big, bad John).
Godfrey is busy creating a war on two sides that comes to a head as the plot unfolds and war brews. Meanwhile, King John is on one side of that war and is left with attempting to rally the people, who he has royally overtaxed and grossly mistreated. Robin saves the day. rallying the troops by having King John agree to create a decree that will create the 12th century version of Life, Liberty and Happiness. Of course, this is a decree that he promptly trashes after the war is won. This leaves Robin an outlaw and me ready for the Robin Hood that I’ve come to know and love.
All in all, I really enjoyed it. Plenty to sharpen my arrows on, for certain. My only issue with it would be the lack of real rivalry between Godfrey and Robin. Sure, they hate each other in the end, but there were few moments that would allow the audience to take a vested interest in their distaste. What’s wrong with these rivals squaring off in a more ‘in-your-face’ way from the outset? I mean, you know Batman hated the Joker; and why. In The Patriot, you know Benjamin Martin hated Colonel Travington; and why. You know the Lakers hate the Celtics; and why. With this Rivalry, we don’t get enough interaction between the two. The only other down note would be the following: It was long; nearly 2 1/2 hours to be exact, but it does go quickly.
I’ll give it 3.5-stars and a free pass through Sherwood Forest.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading…
True
When this came out, I wasn’t sure that we really needed another Robin Hood to add to the pile. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Kevin Costner version from the early 90’s; although his 2 1/2 hour long struggle with attempting an English accent was almost as fierce as his battle with the Sheriff. The updated Rigley Scott version, however, is the equivalent to Christopher Nolan’s revival of the Batman story. It’s authentic. It’s bloody. It’s not Robin Locksley.
Russell Crowe plays Robin Longstride, a disgruntled archer in King Richard’s army. After the death of the not-so-good king during a fateful battle, Robin encounters a group of knights whose charge is to return the crown to England. They’ve been ambushed by our villain, Godfrey (Mark Strong). One of the fallen knights is none other than Robin Locksley. Longstride trades last names with him, picks up the fumbled crown and heads for the castle. This leaves us with an even worse king (King John…yeah, power really does corrupt, doesn’t it?) and a deepening story. Longstride assumes Locksley role, including husband to Marion Locksley (Cate Blanchett) to help out against a tyrannical ruler (that would be big, bad John).
Godfrey is busy creating a war on two sides that comes to a head as the plot unfolds and war brews. Meanwhile, King John is on one side of that war and is left with attempting to rally the people, who he has royally overtaxed and grossly mistreated. Robin saves the day. rallying the troops by having King John agree to create a decree that will create the 12th century version of Life, Liberty and Happiness. Of course, this is a decree that he promptly trashes after the war is won. This leaves Robin an outlaw and me ready for the Robin Hood that I’ve come to know and love.
All in all, I really enjoyed it. Plenty to sharpen my arrows on, for certain. My only issue with it would be the lack of real rivalry between Godfrey and Robin. Sure, they hate each other in the end, but there were few moments that would allow the audience to take a vested interest in their distaste. What’s wrong with these rivals squaring off in a more ‘in-your-face’ way from the outset? I mean, you know Batman hated the Joker; and why. In The Patriot, you know Benjamin Martin hated Colonel Travington; and why. You know the Lakers hate the Celtics; and why. With this Rivalry, we don’t get enough interaction between the two. The only other down note would be the following: It was long; nearly 2 1/2 hours to be exact, but it does go quickly.
I’ll give it 3.5-stars and a free pass through Sherwood Forest.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading…
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: Daybreakers
It’s a brief fast-forward into the future…2019 to be exact. The world, however, has changed drastically. America is now over-run with vampires. Think of it as a paler, fangier nation with eerily colorful eyes. There’s no need for the capitalists of the good ole USA to worry though. Industry is alive and well. There’s still a coffee shop on every corner. It’s just served with blood instead of cream. And farming is still big. Although, humans are one of the leading crops.
You see, with the vampires running every show, two things emerge: 1) daytime traffic is a non-factor; and 2) there is a severe blood shortage. That’s where Edward (Ethan Hawke) comes in. He’s a vampire/hematogolist and working for head honcho, Charles (Sam Neil) to develop a blood alternative to help the undead stay, well…alive.
That’s when we meet Elvis (Willem Defoe)—who was outstanding, by the way, and frankly I haven’t seen him ‘outstanding’ in anything since 2002’s Spiderman. At any rate, Elvis has stumbled upon something that might save the day. He meets Edward and yadayadayada, dinner is served. The two work together to, well, take the bite to other side.
It’s okay…pretty good actually. I’ll give it 2.5 stars…okay, 3 since it’s Saturday and I’m feeling generous. A pretty good plot, considering the bazaar platform that it’s diving from, and plenty of action. If you like gross (and I don’t) there are a few good feasting scenes with those ever-thirsty blood suckers chomping at the necks of we poor fleshies. It held my attention throughout most of 1:37, although I might have been drawn into a texting session or two. Hawke is good. Neil professionally eerie. And I’ve already sung Defoe’s praises. If you like the vampy’s go for it.
Thanks for reading and yeah, the yard has been mowed—looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.
True
You see, with the vampires running every show, two things emerge: 1) daytime traffic is a non-factor; and 2) there is a severe blood shortage. That’s where Edward (Ethan Hawke) comes in. He’s a vampire/hematogolist and working for head honcho, Charles (Sam Neil) to develop a blood alternative to help the undead stay, well…alive.
That’s when we meet Elvis (Willem Defoe)—who was outstanding, by the way, and frankly I haven’t seen him ‘outstanding’ in anything since 2002’s Spiderman. At any rate, Elvis has stumbled upon something that might save the day. He meets Edward and yadayadayada, dinner is served. The two work together to, well, take the bite to other side.
It’s okay…pretty good actually. I’ll give it 2.5 stars…okay, 3 since it’s Saturday and I’m feeling generous. A pretty good plot, considering the bazaar platform that it’s diving from, and plenty of action. If you like gross (and I don’t) there are a few good feasting scenes with those ever-thirsty blood suckers chomping at the necks of we poor fleshies. It held my attention throughout most of 1:37, although I might have been drawn into a texting session or two. Hawke is good. Neil professionally eerie. And I’ve already sung Defoe’s praises. If you like the vampy’s go for it.
Thanks for reading and yeah, the yard has been mowed—looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.
True
Big Screen Blurb: Iron Man 2
Word number one to remember: Expectations. They have ruined many an entertainment experience, haven’t they? It’s true in sports and it’s certainly true with movies, especially movie sequels. The original sets the standard and few sequels are ever able to rise to the challenge. So it seems. Empire Strikes Back did it, and so did The Dark Knight. Now, Iron Man 2 comes quite close.
Word number two to remember: Caffeine. You’re going to need it. Not because of a boring story plot or a lack of action. Far from it on both counts. Just grab a Mountain Dew instead of a glass of wine because you’re going to need to be quite alert to follow this story. Plenty of “…but wait a second…oh yeah…” moments follow this roller-coaster ride of action.
Jon Favreau plays the role of player-coach in this one, serving as both actor (Happy) and director. He had a lot to work with and got a lot done. A great returning cast, highlighted by The Robert Downey, Jr, and a franchise newby Mickey Roarke, along with a solid story line, plenty of action and special fx make for a sequel that just about matches the original…almost. Downey plays the narcissistic Tony Stark in a way that actually makes me root for someone that insanely self-absorbed—which is not easy. Actually, the entire cast is great—save Sam Rockwell, who plays Justin Hammer. Yes, I realize the character is supposed to be dastardly annoying, but Rockwell adds far too many pinches of ‘moron’ to the character and ruined a salty role. But then again, I haven’t actually liked this guy in anything since Galaxy Quest…so maybe I’m biased.
We pick up where the last left off. Stark is a global hero and celebrity with all except the US Government, who wants a piece of the Iron Man action. ”No” says Stark. Enter Ivan Vanko (Roarke), a pissed russian whose daddy helped develop the original Iron Man technology. He comes after Iron Man…yadayadayada…the war is on bitches!
My issues with Iron Man 2 are two-fold. I’m not familiar with the comic book, so Nick Fury’s presence was a “who the heck is this guy” moment. Further, his mental and emotional captivation of our hero, Stark, just befuddled me. Samuel L. Jackson (Fury) appears for a few cameos, most assuredly to set up Iron Man 3, but I really had no idea who he was, what he was doing and why Stark bowed to him as he did. Again, I’m sure if I had a little more comic geek in my blood, I would get it—I don’t and I didn’t.
The only other irksome moment was the brotherly feud between Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and Stark, which was necessary to a certain extent, but was really overplayed as a messy and tangled lull in the story. It just made me go, “Ehh…please don’t do that…don’t go there!” But alas, they did…they went.
Word number three to remember: well, it’s…FOUR! I give it 4…what the heck, 4.5 stars—because I will definitely see it again.
Thanks for reading…and, as a free tip just for you, remember…never kiss a moving freight train or a moving Iron Man.
True
Word number two to remember: Caffeine. You’re going to need it. Not because of a boring story plot or a lack of action. Far from it on both counts. Just grab a Mountain Dew instead of a glass of wine because you’re going to need to be quite alert to follow this story. Plenty of “…but wait a second…oh yeah…” moments follow this roller-coaster ride of action.
Jon Favreau plays the role of player-coach in this one, serving as both actor (Happy) and director. He had a lot to work with and got a lot done. A great returning cast, highlighted by The Robert Downey, Jr, and a franchise newby Mickey Roarke, along with a solid story line, plenty of action and special fx make for a sequel that just about matches the original…almost. Downey plays the narcissistic Tony Stark in a way that actually makes me root for someone that insanely self-absorbed—which is not easy. Actually, the entire cast is great—save Sam Rockwell, who plays Justin Hammer. Yes, I realize the character is supposed to be dastardly annoying, but Rockwell adds far too many pinches of ‘moron’ to the character and ruined a salty role. But then again, I haven’t actually liked this guy in anything since Galaxy Quest…so maybe I’m biased.
We pick up where the last left off. Stark is a global hero and celebrity with all except the US Government, who wants a piece of the Iron Man action. ”No” says Stark. Enter Ivan Vanko (Roarke), a pissed russian whose daddy helped develop the original Iron Man technology. He comes after Iron Man…yadayadayada…the war is on bitches!
My issues with Iron Man 2 are two-fold. I’m not familiar with the comic book, so Nick Fury’s presence was a “who the heck is this guy” moment. Further, his mental and emotional captivation of our hero, Stark, just befuddled me. Samuel L. Jackson (Fury) appears for a few cameos, most assuredly to set up Iron Man 3, but I really had no idea who he was, what he was doing and why Stark bowed to him as he did. Again, I’m sure if I had a little more comic geek in my blood, I would get it—I don’t and I didn’t.
The only other irksome moment was the brotherly feud between Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and Stark, which was necessary to a certain extent, but was really overplayed as a messy and tangled lull in the story. It just made me go, “Ehh…please don’t do that…don’t go there!” But alas, they did…they went.
Word number three to remember: well, it’s…FOUR! I give it 4…what the heck, 4.5 stars—because I will definitely see it again.
Thanks for reading…and, as a free tip just for you, remember…never kiss a moving freight train or a moving Iron Man.
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: Brothers
Strong stuff.
Usually I try to make these reviews one part informative and two parts funny. If you’re expecting a few chuckles from this read, however, I suggest scrolling down to another review. Quite frankly, there was nothing humorous in Brothers and, subsequently, nothing of the sort in this post.
The story begins by painting the picture of a typical family. Yes, typical (at least in America) does equate with ‘dysfunctional’. Brother number one is Sam (Toby Maguire), a captain in the US Marines and family hero. Brother number two is Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal). He has recently been released from prison and anchors the role of family black sheep. Grace (Natalie Portman) is Sam’s wife and very much in love with Sam. The couple has two daughters (7-ish and 5-ish). The brother’s Dad (Sam Shepherd) is glowingly proud of Sam and equally boisterous about his disappointment with Tommy, while step mom (Mare Winningham) attempts the role of peacemaker.
Going into this, I really thought Brothers was a story about a soldier who is presumed dead. His wife moves on…falling in love with said soldier’s brother, only to learn that the soldier never really died. I was wrong. That is not what this story is really about. Tommy and Grace have a moment, yes. Tommy really comes into his own and grows up a lot while stepping up to fill some family roles vacated by Sam’s presumed death. However, the two don’t really fall in love or even hook-up for that matter. That’s not necessarily what Sam thinks, mind you, but he is battling many demons and that particular paranoid suspicion haunts his mind in regard to the Grace-Tommy bond, which brings all demons to light.
It’s a good movie, but very tough to watch at times, only because the subject matter is so disturbing, so depressing and so real. It speaks to the horrific experiences of war that are next to impossible for people to overcome. It showcases the struggles of a family dealing with a loved one being pulled from them to serve. And finally, it reveals the insanity of trying to merge those sides back together after all have suffered in their own way.
Yes, it was a good movie, but I did experience a few ups and downs with Brothers. I really thought that ‘Death’ was going to be a strong undercurrent in this flick. Which is one reason I probably avoided it as long as I did. Losing my Mom when I was 15 and my Dad ten years later, I understand the difficulty of losing someone you love. Brothers did a good job of handling the devastating emotions of losing someone, but I felt came up way short in handling the re-emergence of the presumed dead, Sam. It seemed to be more of a “…this happens everyday” reaction than the range of emotions I would have felt were I told that my Mom was still alive or that Dad really survived that accident.
An even bigger issue to me was with the development of aspects of the story. On at least four occasions, there was a slap-in-the-face “jump to conclusion” that left me asking: ”Where did that come from? How do you get from here to there based on this information?” There was no standard montage of flash-scenes that provided a basis for the conclusion—just an off-the-wall occurrence or comment that seemingly came with an unfounded basis, or was completely out-of-character for the actor. All of which left me scratching my head and damaging the film’s credibility in the process.
Ultimately, it’s 4-Stars. Yeah, I really liked it. It delved into a wide-range of emotions and even helped me remember why I always wanted a brother. If you want a relaxing little escape, well, it’s not Brothers. But—if you are seeking a thought-provoking charge that will lead you into a bevy of emotions, you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for reading…
True
Usually I try to make these reviews one part informative and two parts funny. If you’re expecting a few chuckles from this read, however, I suggest scrolling down to another review. Quite frankly, there was nothing humorous in Brothers and, subsequently, nothing of the sort in this post.
The story begins by painting the picture of a typical family. Yes, typical (at least in America) does equate with ‘dysfunctional’. Brother number one is Sam (Toby Maguire), a captain in the US Marines and family hero. Brother number two is Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal). He has recently been released from prison and anchors the role of family black sheep. Grace (Natalie Portman) is Sam’s wife and very much in love with Sam. The couple has two daughters (7-ish and 5-ish). The brother’s Dad (Sam Shepherd) is glowingly proud of Sam and equally boisterous about his disappointment with Tommy, while step mom (Mare Winningham) attempts the role of peacemaker.
Going into this, I really thought Brothers was a story about a soldier who is presumed dead. His wife moves on…falling in love with said soldier’s brother, only to learn that the soldier never really died. I was wrong. That is not what this story is really about. Tommy and Grace have a moment, yes. Tommy really comes into his own and grows up a lot while stepping up to fill some family roles vacated by Sam’s presumed death. However, the two don’t really fall in love or even hook-up for that matter. That’s not necessarily what Sam thinks, mind you, but he is battling many demons and that particular paranoid suspicion haunts his mind in regard to the Grace-Tommy bond, which brings all demons to light.
It’s a good movie, but very tough to watch at times, only because the subject matter is so disturbing, so depressing and so real. It speaks to the horrific experiences of war that are next to impossible for people to overcome. It showcases the struggles of a family dealing with a loved one being pulled from them to serve. And finally, it reveals the insanity of trying to merge those sides back together after all have suffered in their own way.
Yes, it was a good movie, but I did experience a few ups and downs with Brothers. I really thought that ‘Death’ was going to be a strong undercurrent in this flick. Which is one reason I probably avoided it as long as I did. Losing my Mom when I was 15 and my Dad ten years later, I understand the difficulty of losing someone you love. Brothers did a good job of handling the devastating emotions of losing someone, but I felt came up way short in handling the re-emergence of the presumed dead, Sam. It seemed to be more of a “…this happens everyday” reaction than the range of emotions I would have felt were I told that my Mom was still alive or that Dad really survived that accident.
An even bigger issue to me was with the development of aspects of the story. On at least four occasions, there was a slap-in-the-face “jump to conclusion” that left me asking: ”Where did that come from? How do you get from here to there based on this information?” There was no standard montage of flash-scenes that provided a basis for the conclusion—just an off-the-wall occurrence or comment that seemingly came with an unfounded basis, or was completely out-of-character for the actor. All of which left me scratching my head and damaging the film’s credibility in the process.
Ultimately, it’s 4-Stars. Yeah, I really liked it. It delved into a wide-range of emotions and even helped me remember why I always wanted a brother. If you want a relaxing little escape, well, it’s not Brothers. But—if you are seeking a thought-provoking charge that will lead you into a bevy of emotions, you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for reading…
True
Big Screen Blurb: The Back-Up Plan
I spent 70 percent of my time thinking, “Run, Stan…RUN!” I spent 29 percent of my time thinking, “Run, Zoe…RUN!” And, I spent the remaining one percent of my time thinking, “…what a cute dog!” Yeah, I was raised with the ole, “If you’ve got nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”-philosophy, so this may be a significantly short post.
It’s the same ole story with a new twist. The Back-Up Plan is a romantic comedy about a woman, Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) taking charge of her life by getting artificially inseminated to start the family she has always wanted. She gets knocked up by some Irish dude’s sperm-in-a-tube only to meet the man of her dreams, Stan (Alex O’Loughlin). A few break-ups later…yadayadayada…wedding bells, more babies, etc. It’s insanely predictable and what wasn’t easily foretold was stupidly and ridiculously moronic. The only highlight came from seeing brief stints from proverbial blasts from the past. There’s Tom Bosley, the ‘Jan’ from the Brady Bunch re-makes (Yes—I kept expecting her to say ‘Marsha, Marsha, Marsha’ to no avail) and Linda Lavin, who delivered the only worthwhile line in the movie. “I’m going to throw your f%*&-ing phone in the holy water!” This, of course, was when Lavin’s character was being walked down the aisle by the maddeningly narcisstic Zoe as she incessantly attempts to call her lover, Stan.
You never really connect with either of the main characters. This is mainly because you’re sincerely hopeful that one of them will wake up and realize that they are hyperly crazy. It’s like they’re attempting to play Uno with two cards.
This one does well to score one star, well deserving of the: “You’re kidding me, right?”-meaning behind the ranking. If this is anything close to relationships, (—and admittedly I’m new to the whole relationship-thing) then I’d rather plant my testicles in a microwave than experience anything close to either one of these plunky characters!
Well, have a great one…avoid The Back-Up Plan, and you just might!
True
BTW…the dog, ‘Nut’, was an adorable saving grace, but whattaya gonna do, I love animals!
It’s the same ole story with a new twist. The Back-Up Plan is a romantic comedy about a woman, Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) taking charge of her life by getting artificially inseminated to start the family she has always wanted. She gets knocked up by some Irish dude’s sperm-in-a-tube only to meet the man of her dreams, Stan (Alex O’Loughlin). A few break-ups later…yadayadayada…wedding bells, more babies, etc. It’s insanely predictable and what wasn’t easily foretold was stupidly and ridiculously moronic. The only highlight came from seeing brief stints from proverbial blasts from the past. There’s Tom Bosley, the ‘Jan’ from the Brady Bunch re-makes (Yes—I kept expecting her to say ‘Marsha, Marsha, Marsha’ to no avail) and Linda Lavin, who delivered the only worthwhile line in the movie. “I’m going to throw your f%*&-ing phone in the holy water!” This, of course, was when Lavin’s character was being walked down the aisle by the maddeningly narcisstic Zoe as she incessantly attempts to call her lover, Stan.
You never really connect with either of the main characters. This is mainly because you’re sincerely hopeful that one of them will wake up and realize that they are hyperly crazy. It’s like they’re attempting to play Uno with two cards.
This one does well to score one star, well deserving of the: “You’re kidding me, right?”-meaning behind the ranking. If this is anything close to relationships, (—and admittedly I’m new to the whole relationship-thing) then I’d rather plant my testicles in a microwave than experience anything close to either one of these plunky characters!
Well, have a great one…avoid The Back-Up Plan, and you just might!
True
BTW…the dog, ‘Nut’, was an adorable saving grace, but whattaya gonna do, I love animals!
Big Screen Blurb: Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass is the product of a one-night stand between Napoleon Dynamite and Quentin Tarantino. Don’t ask me how I know that and don’t get me wrong, I liked it…a lot actually. Once I figured out that it wasn’t the routine spoof on a comic book-eseque flick, and it wasn’t your standard-fare superhero movie, nor was it another addition in the teen attitude-flexing category, or a….well, you get the picture—it’s just kind of out there shopping around for a genre to fit into. It’s funny at times. It’s over-the-top violent always and filled with plenty of the typical teen stuff. It’s a teen superhero flick gone, well, real. It was actually refreshing to see a teenager turned superhero who was more concerned with getting laid than living out his utopic worldview—which, again, let’s face it, is: REAL.
Dave (Aaron Johnson) is your typical comic book nerd—yeah, original, right…but hang in there, it gets better. He’s got his nerd posse who has never seen a broad daylight mugging they didn’t like, or expect. Which is one of many things that prompts Dave to say, “You know what, why doesn’t someone just really be a superhero?” Therefore, he emerges as: Kick-Ass, helping wayward kittens and trying to put a stop to car thievery, et al. Trouble is, it takes some semblance of talent, supernatural or otherwise, to be a superhero. Unfortunately, Dave has none.
With that, we see our would-be/wannabe hero flopping around on the scene with great popularity while real superheroes begin executing a plan to catch the bad guys. Sure, Dave is still around—playing gay as some master plan to get those rocks erupting with his crush (Lyndsy Fonseca)—but Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and his side-kick daughter, Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) move center stage from there. Plot unfolds…plenty of blood shed (good guy and bad guy) and yadayadayada, it scores 4 stars on True’s ole movie scale.
Aaron Johnson is good. Not his best role, but it’s clear he’s trying to take up the gauntlet left vacated by legend Heath Ledger as an offshore acting talent trying to make it big in Hollywood. He even uses a quirky voice thing to accentuate the nerdy Dave—so much like Heath’s voice ticks in his Ennis (Brokeback Mountain) or Joker (Dark Knight) portrayals. As for the rest…yeah, Nicholas Cage has gotten on my nerves since National Treasure and Bangkok Dangerous, and he lived up to that billing as Big Daddy. Chloe Moretz was solid as Hit Girl. Admittedly, it’s a little painful watching a 10-year old, little girl cuss in a similar fashion to what we would hear if Bob Knight got hit in the gnads. But—she did okay with what she had.
Well—I won’t say that’s my latest effort at avoiding the lawn, because I just finished mowing the sucker. Thanks for reading…
True
Dave (Aaron Johnson) is your typical comic book nerd—yeah, original, right…but hang in there, it gets better. He’s got his nerd posse who has never seen a broad daylight mugging they didn’t like, or expect. Which is one of many things that prompts Dave to say, “You know what, why doesn’t someone just really be a superhero?” Therefore, he emerges as: Kick-Ass, helping wayward kittens and trying to put a stop to car thievery, et al. Trouble is, it takes some semblance of talent, supernatural or otherwise, to be a superhero. Unfortunately, Dave has none.
With that, we see our would-be/wannabe hero flopping around on the scene with great popularity while real superheroes begin executing a plan to catch the bad guys. Sure, Dave is still around—playing gay as some master plan to get those rocks erupting with his crush (Lyndsy Fonseca)—but Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and his side-kick daughter, Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) move center stage from there. Plot unfolds…plenty of blood shed (good guy and bad guy) and yadayadayada, it scores 4 stars on True’s ole movie scale.
Aaron Johnson is good. Not his best role, but it’s clear he’s trying to take up the gauntlet left vacated by legend Heath Ledger as an offshore acting talent trying to make it big in Hollywood. He even uses a quirky voice thing to accentuate the nerdy Dave—so much like Heath’s voice ticks in his Ennis (Brokeback Mountain) or Joker (Dark Knight) portrayals. As for the rest…yeah, Nicholas Cage has gotten on my nerves since National Treasure and Bangkok Dangerous, and he lived up to that billing as Big Daddy. Chloe Moretz was solid as Hit Girl. Admittedly, it’s a little painful watching a 10-year old, little girl cuss in a similar fashion to what we would hear if Bob Knight got hit in the gnads. But—she did okay with what she had.
Well—I won’t say that’s my latest effort at avoiding the lawn, because I just finished mowing the sucker. Thanks for reading…
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: Pirate Radio
Last night’s movie was a comedic little gem called Pirate Radio. I love Phillip Seymour Hoffman—he’s an incredible actor with tremendous range and admittedly why I rented this flick. Besides…I needed a laugh after a rough week and trusted him to deliver. He did, indeed. It was a pretty entertaining ride through the British airwaves of the 1960’s, following a group of pirate radio dj’s (of which Seymour Hoffman is one) who are broadcasting from the North Sea aboard the Radio Rock.
As Rock-N-Roll was dubbed “Heaven’s NOOO!” by the stodgy Brits in the 60’s, the Beatles, Stones and Who are all disallowed on the descent airwaves. This group of pirates, and evidently many other groups, make it their life’s mission to deliver the goods to those millions of fun-loving Brits that have taken their nose out of the stratosphere long enough to enjoy the musical side of life.
With that in mind, the main plot here unfolds as the British government attempts to navigate law…creating regulation where needed…to blast the pirates out of the sea. That in and of itself may have lacked a little “funny” on the plot side, so we have a “BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!” We also see several other sub-plots fall in line, including Carl’s (Tom Sturridge) quest to lose his virginity (cute ass there btw, Tom) and discover the true identity of his father. There’s also Simple Simon’s (Chris O’Dowd) 17-hour marriage and Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke), who is there time and again with his own unique brand of personality humor. Great English (mainly) cast, including Bill Nighy and even a brief appearance by Emma Thompson.
It’s a little long (1:53 and had more than 45 minuties of deleted scenes so it could have been even longer), but delivers more than a few laughs and even an unexpected ending as the Johnnies close in on our hero Buccaneers. The seas are a little choppy at times—I caught myself online a few times on the iPhone, but overall it kept me fairly zoned in.
I’ll give it 3.5 stars and a jolly-ho. Thanks for reading!
True
As Rock-N-Roll was dubbed “Heaven’s NOOO!” by the stodgy Brits in the 60’s, the Beatles, Stones and Who are all disallowed on the descent airwaves. This group of pirates, and evidently many other groups, make it their life’s mission to deliver the goods to those millions of fun-loving Brits that have taken their nose out of the stratosphere long enough to enjoy the musical side of life.
With that in mind, the main plot here unfolds as the British government attempts to navigate law…creating regulation where needed…to blast the pirates out of the sea. That in and of itself may have lacked a little “funny” on the plot side, so we have a “BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!” We also see several other sub-plots fall in line, including Carl’s (Tom Sturridge) quest to lose his virginity (cute ass there btw, Tom) and discover the true identity of his father. There’s also Simple Simon’s (Chris O’Dowd) 17-hour marriage and Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke), who is there time and again with his own unique brand of personality humor. Great English (mainly) cast, including Bill Nighy and even a brief appearance by Emma Thompson.
It’s a little long (1:53 and had more than 45 minuties of deleted scenes so it could have been even longer), but delivers more than a few laughs and even an unexpected ending as the Johnnies close in on our hero Buccaneers. The seas are a little choppy at times—I caught myself online a few times on the iPhone, but overall it kept me fairly zoned in.
I’ll give it 3.5 stars and a jolly-ho. Thanks for reading!
True
Big Screen Blurb: The Bounty Hunter
Jennifer Aniston. She’s really the only reason that I went to see The Bounty Hunter. Admittedly, I was a little nervous. Jen was also my logic behind renting Management—a move that backfired stronger than my brother-in-law after a visit to White Castle. My nervousness really had nothing to do with her as much as it did with Gerard Butler, whose very name in the intro credits usually makes me vomit a little and want to shave. Yeah, he was okay in Law Abiding Citizen, a movie that I actually liked despite the Tarantino levels of violence. Other Butler flicks such as Gamer or The Ugly Truth made me regret downing so much popcorn before even the trailers began to roll. The Bounty Hunter, however, provided a pretty good mid-week escape.
Jen plays Nicole, a reporter who’s onto something. A puzzle of a story that, if pieced together, would be a whopper. The trouble is, she missed a court date for a traffic misdee (that’s “misdemeanor” for the cool-challenged) and is on the lam…albeit, unknowingly. That’s where Milo comes in (Butler). He’s her ex who has left the police force to take over for Boba and Jengo Fett after their untimely demises from the Star Wars saga. (yeah, I guess I’m the uncool one now) Milo has the enjoyable task of bringing his ex-wife to jail while collecting a cool 5g’s in the process—a real win-win that would put a smile on the face of anyone who has ever been rejected. (…food for thought, but I digress…)
Milo captures his bounty, but in the process of bringing her in—he gets caught up in Nicole’s effort to break this big story. In the meantime, she’s got a little too close to solving the ole puzzle which has hacked off the thugs who would be just as satisfied if she didn’t. Chase ensues…story develops from there and yada-yada-yada.
A little romance. Plenty of action. And some nicely timed humor makes for a pretty good flick. Yeah, The Bounty Hunter is pretty entertaining…nothing that screams BIG SCREEN, mind you—rent it and you’ll be fine. Especially if you are a fan of Jen’s or Butlers (although make sure you stop by for a cat scan on the way home from Blockbuster if you’re a fan of the latter’s! Just kidding!) That reminds me, I better go shave!
All in all—I’ll give it 3.5 stars (I liked it) See below for the scale range)
True
STAR SCALE:
5 stars—I loved it and will buy the BLU-Ray!
4.5 stars—I loved it and will watch it again!
4 stars—I REALLY liked it!
3.5 stars—I liked it.
3 stars—It falls on the sunny side of okay.
2.5 stars—Eh, it was so-so...the down-side of okay.
2 stars—You mean, I could have slammed my head in the door rather than watching this crap!?! (In other words, I didn’t like it)
1.5 stars—You mean, I could have slammed my head in the door twice instead of watching this crap!?! (For those who can’t read between the lines, I really did not like this movie)
1 star—You’re kidding me, right?
.5 star—DON’T EVER MENTION THIS F#%*-ing MOVIE TO ME AGAIN!
Jen plays Nicole, a reporter who’s onto something. A puzzle of a story that, if pieced together, would be a whopper. The trouble is, she missed a court date for a traffic misdee (that’s “misdemeanor” for the cool-challenged) and is on the lam…albeit, unknowingly. That’s where Milo comes in (Butler). He’s her ex who has left the police force to take over for Boba and Jengo Fett after their untimely demises from the Star Wars saga. (yeah, I guess I’m the uncool one now) Milo has the enjoyable task of bringing his ex-wife to jail while collecting a cool 5g’s in the process—a real win-win that would put a smile on the face of anyone who has ever been rejected. (…food for thought, but I digress…)
Milo captures his bounty, but in the process of bringing her in—he gets caught up in Nicole’s effort to break this big story. In the meantime, she’s got a little too close to solving the ole puzzle which has hacked off the thugs who would be just as satisfied if she didn’t. Chase ensues…story develops from there and yada-yada-yada.
A little romance. Plenty of action. And some nicely timed humor makes for a pretty good flick. Yeah, The Bounty Hunter is pretty entertaining…nothing that screams BIG SCREEN, mind you—rent it and you’ll be fine. Especially if you are a fan of Jen’s or Butlers (although make sure you stop by for a cat scan on the way home from Blockbuster if you’re a fan of the latter’s! Just kidding!) That reminds me, I better go shave!
All in all—I’ll give it 3.5 stars (I liked it) See below for the scale range)
True
STAR SCALE:
5 stars—I loved it and will buy the BLU-Ray!
4.5 stars—I loved it and will watch it again!
4 stars—I REALLY liked it!
3.5 stars—I liked it.
3 stars—It falls on the sunny side of okay.
2.5 stars—Eh, it was so-so...the down-side of okay.
2 stars—You mean, I could have slammed my head in the door rather than watching this crap!?! (In other words, I didn’t like it)
1.5 stars—You mean, I could have slammed my head in the door twice instead of watching this crap!?! (For those who can’t read between the lines, I really did not like this movie)
1 star—You’re kidding me, right?
.5 star—DON’T EVER MENTION THIS F#%*-ing MOVIE TO ME AGAIN!
Big Screen Blurb: Date Night
Come on…Steve Carell and Tina Fey with minor roles from Mark Whalberg and James Franco?!?!?! Can’t go wrong, right? Well…RIGHT! Good stuff! Plenty of comedic stingers with a constant barrage of subtle humor that Carell and Fey both bring to the screen make for a fun date night—or if you’re scoring alone, for that matter.
The Fosters (Steve and Tina) are trying to break out of the duldrums that define marriage (why anyone does that, I have no idea!). So, realizing that their vows have them reaching for record-setting heights in marital duldrums, the Fosters try to spice things up. They go into the city (NYC) for a night out at a trendy restaurant. Unfortunately, they haven’t trended well and find themselves on the outside looking in, until they take matters into their own hands and steal the Triplehorns reservations. A rollercoaster ride follows when the Fosters not only get the Triplehorn’s table, but also the mob cronies that are after them.
Good stuff all around. I love Franco as the burnout, stoner character (think Pineapple Express with Carell along for the ride calling him a whore). Carell and Fey are as good as advertised.
All things considered, I laughed…I cried…I save $11 (I used my free soda and free popcorn vouchers)! Okay, I didn’t cry, but it was touching realizing that at day’s end, whether you’re being chased by the mob or having to take out your saliva-stringed retainer for some routine sex…at the core of a great relationship is love and friendship. Everything else is just kinda in details that we probably shouldn’t worry too much about anyway.
Well, thanks for reading and yeah, I mowed the yard yesterday!
True
The Fosters (Steve and Tina) are trying to break out of the duldrums that define marriage (why anyone does that, I have no idea!). So, realizing that their vows have them reaching for record-setting heights in marital duldrums, the Fosters try to spice things up. They go into the city (NYC) for a night out at a trendy restaurant. Unfortunately, they haven’t trended well and find themselves on the outside looking in, until they take matters into their own hands and steal the Triplehorns reservations. A rollercoaster ride follows when the Fosters not only get the Triplehorn’s table, but also the mob cronies that are after them.
Good stuff all around. I love Franco as the burnout, stoner character (think Pineapple Express with Carell along for the ride calling him a whore). Carell and Fey are as good as advertised.
All things considered, I laughed…I cried…I save $11 (I used my free soda and free popcorn vouchers)! Okay, I didn’t cry, but it was touching realizing that at day’s end, whether you’re being chased by the mob or having to take out your saliva-stringed retainer for some routine sex…at the core of a great relationship is love and friendship. Everything else is just kinda in details that we probably shouldn’t worry too much about anyway.
Well, thanks for reading and yeah, I mowed the yard yesterday!
True
BLU-Ray REE-Vu: The Fourth Kind
Okay…here’s my latest effort at avoiding mowing the grass: a BLU-Ray REE-VU of The Fourth Kind—yeah, let me clarify, the review won’t be like a fourth kind experience so don’t freak out or anything—no probing (of any kind!) and your jaw won’t swallow your face either, so breathe easy!
MOVIE NIGHT last night featured that freaky-deaky docu-drama: THE FOURTH KIND. Yes, in the same ”reality-horror” genre as Blair Witch and Paranormal Activity (at least what PA was trying to accomplish), we find this flick about a series of alien abductions/encounters and the psychologist trying to sort it all out. Striving to accomplish that ”we’re gonna freak your freak” goal, in the context of “this is real”, we see plenty of “actual footage”. Some of this “real” stuff is pretty, hmm, let’s say, unsettling, but eventually you enter a mindset of wondering how much of this actual footage is actual. But nonetheless, it accomplishes it’s goal: Make you think, while putting you on edge-alert for at least a couple of hours.
If you totally buy into Doc Tyler’s story—well, “DOUBLE YIKES!” (I don’t by the way) But if you’re someone who likes to get scared and can remotely buy into the alleged real nature of what’s presented in the context of good conversation, then “YIKES-OLA!”
I love scary movies and typically don’t get scared easily, but I was a little freaked. I was even extra cautious when going downstairs and around corners to return the empty pizza plate and A&W VC Mug to the kitchen. Actually, I was wishing that I left on a few lights downstairs!
At any rate, it’s not close to any of my favs in the SCARY genre (Sixth Sense, The Others, etc.), but not a bad watch if you’re in the mood to stair at the sheets from the underneath for a few hours before dozing off. (Get creative…I’m sure you’ll find something to occupy your time with under there!!!)
The acting…where there is acting is “…eh, okay”—not Oscar stuff, a little cheddar, but not too much. The true entertainment value with The Fourth Kind really revolves around exactly how much credibility one gives this ‘true’ story and then segueing into the ole ‘are we alone’ conversation. I guess the real hook is watching to see if you do give it any credibility. Call it a docu-drama…a reality motion picture or whatever. I’ll call it 3 stars and actually kind of enjoyed it. (And yes…my freak was soon restored, although I admit that I didn’t make the usual midnight trip to the hot tub!)
Thanks for reading and enjoy the day as I continue to watch the grass grow…
True
MOVIE NIGHT last night featured that freaky-deaky docu-drama: THE FOURTH KIND. Yes, in the same ”reality-horror” genre as Blair Witch and Paranormal Activity (at least what PA was trying to accomplish), we find this flick about a series of alien abductions/encounters and the psychologist trying to sort it all out. Striving to accomplish that ”we’re gonna freak your freak” goal, in the context of “this is real”, we see plenty of “actual footage”. Some of this “real” stuff is pretty, hmm, let’s say, unsettling, but eventually you enter a mindset of wondering how much of this actual footage is actual. But nonetheless, it accomplishes it’s goal: Make you think, while putting you on edge-alert for at least a couple of hours.
If you totally buy into Doc Tyler’s story—well, “DOUBLE YIKES!” (I don’t by the way) But if you’re someone who likes to get scared and can remotely buy into the alleged real nature of what’s presented in the context of good conversation, then “YIKES-OLA!”
I love scary movies and typically don’t get scared easily, but I was a little freaked. I was even extra cautious when going downstairs and around corners to return the empty pizza plate and A&W VC Mug to the kitchen. Actually, I was wishing that I left on a few lights downstairs!
At any rate, it’s not close to any of my favs in the SCARY genre (Sixth Sense, The Others, etc.), but not a bad watch if you’re in the mood to stair at the sheets from the underneath for a few hours before dozing off. (Get creative…I’m sure you’ll find something to occupy your time with under there!!!)
The acting…where there is acting is “…eh, okay”—not Oscar stuff, a little cheddar, but not too much. The true entertainment value with The Fourth Kind really revolves around exactly how much credibility one gives this ‘true’ story and then segueing into the ole ‘are we alone’ conversation. I guess the real hook is watching to see if you do give it any credibility. Call it a docu-drama…a reality motion picture or whatever. I’ll call it 3 stars and actually kind of enjoyed it. (And yes…my freak was soon restored, although I admit that I didn’t make the usual midnight trip to the hot tub!)
Thanks for reading and enjoy the day as I continue to watch the grass grow…
True
Greetings
Yes, It's True! Hello all! One brief note about me: I LOVE MOVIES! This is my movie blog entitled: True's Yadayadayada...this blog represents my latest effort to avoid mowing the lawn or some other household chore! Enjoy and feedback is welcome!
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