These are two movies I really enjoy and I'm hoping you'll enjoy, they're a couple of hidden gems that I feel deserved to be seen.
My First Mister is the story of an alienated goth teen who forms an unlikely friendship with a lonely men's clothing store owner. The film stars Leelee Sobieski and Albert Brooks as the unlikely duo who are perfectly cast and learn they have more in common despite their age difference.
To me the story is about connection and finding that someone whom you can truly be yourself with and really talk to and be heard. I liked how the story stayed with the main characters and didn't add a bunch of subplots that tend to muddle a script, especially when teens are involved.
Leelee Sobieski really broke out with this performance and I felt she was on her way especially considering the roles she had played which were good but similar.
Albert Brooks who I always enjoy has great chemistry and keeps the movie grounded in a performance that could have been played as a romantic interest or more in lesser hands but fortunately the filmmakers stayed true to the story they were trying to tell.
Cherish is the story of a shy twenty-something computer animator named Zoe who spends countless hours listening to KXCH Cherish radio, a mixture of 70's and 80's pop. Zoe is involved in a mysterious car accident that has her facing vehicular homicide and gets her confined to house arrest while awaiting trial. Her parole officer becomes enamored with her as she tries to prove her innocence.
Robin Tunney plays Zoe and makes this part her own, something I would have never seen coming considering the roles she'd played prior. I was really taken aback and hoping I'd see more from her but that hasn't happened, but at least you can watch this movie and appreciate her.
Tim Blake Nelson plays her parole officer and adds a quirky yet endearing quality to his character who must keep his growing attraction in check while doing his job.
For an independent film I was surprised at the music they were able to acquire for this film because for me that is another reason I enjoyed it so much. I have to admit I really liked those 70's and 80's pop songs played throughout the film but ultimately I really liked the chemistry between Robin Tunney and Tim Blake Nelson and the story the filmmakers made.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Romantic Comedies/ Movies
I must apologize for my absence on my own blog, but it's a new year and I'm going to try to be writing a lot more because I love talking about movies.
I recently saw two movies, No Strings Attached and The Dilemma which were mediocre at best nothing you should pay full price for, better yet wait for the rental.
No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher just never resonated with me and it has to do with the leads who I don't think have any chemistry. My first question is why are studios still giving Aston Kutcher roles, he's been playing that same annoying character in these types of movies since he started. I understand that certain actors or actresses play only certain roles but even they make the most out of there roles and I quite enjoy them in those movies but Ashton Kutcher I don't get it or see it, he doesn't have the talent.
Natalie Portman is another actress whom I've thought was okay in the movies she's played but was never blown away by. I thought she was going to be a lot better since she started out so well with her first two movies, The Professional and Beautiful Girls but she kind of just fell into the middle and never blossomed. Of course that's changed with Black Swan but in this movie it's the same Natalie Portman the one who feels as if she's been miscast because frankly she isn't believable.
The movies premise of friends with benefits is one thing because you can see the ending a mile away but it's the way the story is played out that just doesn't work, in fact they should have kept the script and kept working on it because it really feels contrived, not that most romantic comedies aren't contrived. It all starts with the leads and if they have chemistry they can make the story believable even if it's contrived. Another complaint is the movie isn't funny and I kept waiting to laugh as this is supposed to be a romantic comedy.
The Dilemma is the other movie I saw and talk about disjointed, it can't decide what it wants to be, a comedy or a drama. The movie is based on the premise of what would you do if you caught your best friends significant other cheating on them. Vince Vaughn is one of the leads and does his usual shtick which in this movie feels out of place, if the movie was a straight comedy that would be one thing but when you add drama like this it doesn't work. Vince Vaughn can do drama so it isn't a question of his talent, I'm just shocked that Ron Howard could make this poor of a movie.
Kevin James is miscast in this movie because him playing his usual King of Queens role is getting old quick and I have yet to see if he can handle a dramatic role, because this role required someone with a little more acting chops.
I feel there were two performances that were wasted and they belonged to Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder because they keep the movie grounded and centered playing the love interest for the two lead characters. Jennifer Connelly brings her immense talent to the role as Vince Vaughn's girlfriend that gets wasted because this movie can't figure out if it's trying to be funny or serious. Winona Ryder shows she still has what it takes especially in a scene in a diner opposite Vince Vaughn that makes you wonder why she isn't acting more.
Queen Latifah is thrown in to add more comedy or laughs which doesn't add or work in the movie and then there's the Channing Tatum character which is just ridiculous and stupid, all this in a Ron Howard film, I'm shocked because he's a great filmmaker just not here.
Now I'd like to recommend some romantic comedies that are some of my favorites and never get old.
Notting Hill
Untamed Heart
Mystic Pizza
Never Been Kissed
When Harry Met Sally
There's more but I'll save those for another time.
I recently saw two movies, No Strings Attached and The Dilemma which were mediocre at best nothing you should pay full price for, better yet wait for the rental.
No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher just never resonated with me and it has to do with the leads who I don't think have any chemistry. My first question is why are studios still giving Aston Kutcher roles, he's been playing that same annoying character in these types of movies since he started. I understand that certain actors or actresses play only certain roles but even they make the most out of there roles and I quite enjoy them in those movies but Ashton Kutcher I don't get it or see it, he doesn't have the talent.
Natalie Portman is another actress whom I've thought was okay in the movies she's played but was never blown away by. I thought she was going to be a lot better since she started out so well with her first two movies, The Professional and Beautiful Girls but she kind of just fell into the middle and never blossomed. Of course that's changed with Black Swan but in this movie it's the same Natalie Portman the one who feels as if she's been miscast because frankly she isn't believable.
The movies premise of friends with benefits is one thing because you can see the ending a mile away but it's the way the story is played out that just doesn't work, in fact they should have kept the script and kept working on it because it really feels contrived, not that most romantic comedies aren't contrived. It all starts with the leads and if they have chemistry they can make the story believable even if it's contrived. Another complaint is the movie isn't funny and I kept waiting to laugh as this is supposed to be a romantic comedy.
The Dilemma is the other movie I saw and talk about disjointed, it can't decide what it wants to be, a comedy or a drama. The movie is based on the premise of what would you do if you caught your best friends significant other cheating on them. Vince Vaughn is one of the leads and does his usual shtick which in this movie feels out of place, if the movie was a straight comedy that would be one thing but when you add drama like this it doesn't work. Vince Vaughn can do drama so it isn't a question of his talent, I'm just shocked that Ron Howard could make this poor of a movie.
Kevin James is miscast in this movie because him playing his usual King of Queens role is getting old quick and I have yet to see if he can handle a dramatic role, because this role required someone with a little more acting chops.
I feel there were two performances that were wasted and they belonged to Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder because they keep the movie grounded and centered playing the love interest for the two lead characters. Jennifer Connelly brings her immense talent to the role as Vince Vaughn's girlfriend that gets wasted because this movie can't figure out if it's trying to be funny or serious. Winona Ryder shows she still has what it takes especially in a scene in a diner opposite Vince Vaughn that makes you wonder why she isn't acting more.
Queen Latifah is thrown in to add more comedy or laughs which doesn't add or work in the movie and then there's the Channing Tatum character which is just ridiculous and stupid, all this in a Ron Howard film, I'm shocked because he's a great filmmaker just not here.
Now I'd like to recommend some romantic comedies that are some of my favorites and never get old.
Notting Hill
Untamed Heart
Mystic Pizza
Never Been Kissed
When Harry Met Sally
There's more but I'll save those for another time.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Going to the movies
Today it seems like the movie going experience is lost on many people, now with all are gadgets and smart phones, it seems that no longer is the only illumination from the screen but from every seat around you. I know this is a constant complaint from many people and I'm just adding my two cents but something has to change. I think it's one reason actual ticket sales have gone down, what I mean is that because today's ticket prices are inflated and you see how much a movie grossed that weekend doesn't actually mean a lot of people saw the movie. This is another reason people are deciding to stay at home and watch movies, but I'm getting off track here.
I guess one of my questions is why do these people even buy tickets when they aren't even going to watch the movie and ruin my experience by being on their stupid phone. What makes things worse is after telling this person or persons to be quiet things can escalate into violence, I read not too long ago about some getting shot for telling someone to be quiet. All this because you wanted to go and enjoy a movie.
I have a pet peeve I'll share with you, why is it people seem to have to seat themselves right next to you. I can understand when it's a packed movie but not when you're the only ones in the theater. I purposely sit in a certain area because I don't want other people next to me. Yet what is it with some people who think you all of a sudden want company. When people have sat next to me and the theater is pretty empty, I'll look around at all the other empty seats and look back at them like "Hello, you didn't have any of the other hundred or so seats to chose from!" Sorry that's my little vent. I have a friend who whatever reason just has to pick the top or near the top and sit in the middle seats and this drives me crazy because basically I'm helpless.
Where did we lose sight of going to the movies to escape from our life for just a couple of hours and not ruin it by talking or being on our phones, texting, whatever, just allowing the rest of us to enjoy the movie. I wish I could tell people if you can't be respectful of others then don't go especially with the cost of going to the movies or for people who only go to watch certain movies.
Ultimately it's up to us and I'd rather you stay home then ruin my fun, just remember if it's an empty theater don't sit next to me.
I guess one of my questions is why do these people even buy tickets when they aren't even going to watch the movie and ruin my experience by being on their stupid phone. What makes things worse is after telling this person or persons to be quiet things can escalate into violence, I read not too long ago about some getting shot for telling someone to be quiet. All this because you wanted to go and enjoy a movie.
I have a pet peeve I'll share with you, why is it people seem to have to seat themselves right next to you. I can understand when it's a packed movie but not when you're the only ones in the theater. I purposely sit in a certain area because I don't want other people next to me. Yet what is it with some people who think you all of a sudden want company. When people have sat next to me and the theater is pretty empty, I'll look around at all the other empty seats and look back at them like "Hello, you didn't have any of the other hundred or so seats to chose from!" Sorry that's my little vent. I have a friend who whatever reason just has to pick the top or near the top and sit in the middle seats and this drives me crazy because basically I'm helpless.
Where did we lose sight of going to the movies to escape from our life for just a couple of hours and not ruin it by talking or being on our phones, texting, whatever, just allowing the rest of us to enjoy the movie. I wish I could tell people if you can't be respectful of others then don't go especially with the cost of going to the movies or for people who only go to watch certain movies.
Ultimately it's up to us and I'd rather you stay home then ruin my fun, just remember if it's an empty theater don't sit next to me.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Beautiful Girls
Beautiful Girls is one of those hidden gem movies that I recommend seeing, it has some insight into the minds of men.
It stars Timothy Hutton as guy who goes back to his hometown because he's at crossroads in his life and it's his first high school reunion. He catches up with friends whom are also in the same boat and together they discover aren't all that different.
Timothy Hutton plays Willie who is unsure about his relationship with his girlfriend because she's getting serious and he's not sure he's ready. While back home Willie befriends a young girl whom he sees a lot of potential and even questions that if he waits till she gets older they could be together.
Matt Dillon is a guy who keeps having an affair with his old high school girlfriend even though she's married and he's involved with someone else.
Michael Rapaport plays a guy who has pictures and posters of super models all over his walls, can't say I wasn't guilty of that myself.
It shows that even when you try to escape from life and try to go back home, that life waits for no one and it keeps happening no matter where you go.
Uma Thurman pops up in a small role and brings some insight and perspective for these guys.
Natalie Portman fresh from her role in The Professional plays the young girl whom Willie has an attraction for.
It's one of those movies you look at and remember those same conversations you had and are amazed how far you've come.
It stars Timothy Hutton as guy who goes back to his hometown because he's at crossroads in his life and it's his first high school reunion. He catches up with friends whom are also in the same boat and together they discover aren't all that different.
Timothy Hutton plays Willie who is unsure about his relationship with his girlfriend because she's getting serious and he's not sure he's ready. While back home Willie befriends a young girl whom he sees a lot of potential and even questions that if he waits till she gets older they could be together.
Matt Dillon is a guy who keeps having an affair with his old high school girlfriend even though she's married and he's involved with someone else.
Michael Rapaport plays a guy who has pictures and posters of super models all over his walls, can't say I wasn't guilty of that myself.
It shows that even when you try to escape from life and try to go back home, that life waits for no one and it keeps happening no matter where you go.
Uma Thurman pops up in a small role and brings some insight and perspective for these guys.
Natalie Portman fresh from her role in The Professional plays the young girl whom Willie has an attraction for.
It's one of those movies you look at and remember those same conversations you had and are amazed how far you've come.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Remakes continued
I just wanted to add that it's a shame that with all this rich literary source material and even some very original material that's probably been created as we speak, why does Hollywood insist on making remakes. And of course the obvious reason is to resell it to a new generation and thus cash in again.
Again as I stated I think people should give foreign films or even independent films a chance, especially when you can easily research what the movies about on the internet.
It's my hope on future blogs I'll be able to recommend movies to you that you've never heard of or even considered and how pleasantly surprised you'll be in your delight at these hidden treasures.
Again as I stated I think people should give foreign films or even independent films a chance, especially when you can easily research what the movies about on the internet.
It's my hope on future blogs I'll be able to recommend movies to you that you've never heard of or even considered and how pleasantly surprised you'll be in your delight at these hidden treasures.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Remakes
What is it with all these remakes of foreign films? I know people tell me that they get tired of reading while watching a film, but if the film is really good then I don't think they'll get lost in the story line.
This whole aversion to foreign films is lost on me because there have been some great films that I've seen this year that were stand alone films and should be easily recognized by the academy. When I say recognized by the academy, I don't mean best foreign film either, these are films that should be seen by everybody.
What got me going on this topic was that I just read how they are going to remake "The secret In their Eyes", which is ironic because I was just talking about this same thing with my friend Chris last night. The original is a great movie that I raved about to many people and posted about on Facebook. My fear is that they are going to butcher it and destroy a great story because unfortunately they will probably dumb it down because they don't feel that we as Americans are that bright.
Of course "The Departed" was a phenomenal film because it had a great filmmaker like Martin Scorsese make that film and it was a very sharp and smart movie. That's what it would take to make these remakes great, renowned filmmakers. I am curious to see how "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" turns out because David Fincher is making that remake. But this goes back to what I was saying why remake a great movie, why can't people just take a chance on a film that they might actually enjoy. Of course the opposite could be true and that is we have short attention spans, so of course people are going to complain about having to read while watching a movie. I hope I'm wrong and maybe it's that these films don't get enough advertising and that they only play at the independent theaters.
As a person who loves movies I implore you to try checking out a foreign film, it might actually surprise you how good it is and maybe even how superior it might be to what's out.
This whole aversion to foreign films is lost on me because there have been some great films that I've seen this year that were stand alone films and should be easily recognized by the academy. When I say recognized by the academy, I don't mean best foreign film either, these are films that should be seen by everybody.
What got me going on this topic was that I just read how they are going to remake "The secret In their Eyes", which is ironic because I was just talking about this same thing with my friend Chris last night. The original is a great movie that I raved about to many people and posted about on Facebook. My fear is that they are going to butcher it and destroy a great story because unfortunately they will probably dumb it down because they don't feel that we as Americans are that bright.
Of course "The Departed" was a phenomenal film because it had a great filmmaker like Martin Scorsese make that film and it was a very sharp and smart movie. That's what it would take to make these remakes great, renowned filmmakers. I am curious to see how "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" turns out because David Fincher is making that remake. But this goes back to what I was saying why remake a great movie, why can't people just take a chance on a film that they might actually enjoy. Of course the opposite could be true and that is we have short attention spans, so of course people are going to complain about having to read while watching a movie. I hope I'm wrong and maybe it's that these films don't get enough advertising and that they only play at the independent theaters.
As a person who loves movies I implore you to try checking out a foreign film, it might actually surprise you how good it is and maybe even how superior it might be to what's out.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Spider-Man Reboot
Can it be that it was not even ten years ago that Spider-man finally graced our screens and yet here there's talk of rebooting the franchise. I always thought a reboot was needed after the franchise had played itself out and this is definitely not the case with the Spider-man franchise.
Andrew Garfield the actor the studio picked as the new Peter Parker/Spider-Man is the same age Tobey Maguire was when he started Spider-Man. The studio originally wanted to start over with the franchise having Peter Parker back in high school and going from there, but with this new actor taking over the franchise, the Peter Parker character again will be in college. If your thinking like I was, the question is WHY?!
Sam Raimi's version and vision of Spider-Man were great, I liked his choices for the villains, he was old school and that was definitely the way to establish this franchise.
When I saw the first Spider-man movie come to life on the big screen it's what I was hoping for, it was like seeing my comics come to life especially since it was stuck in development hell forever. I would read I don't know how many times that a Spider-Man movie was being attempted to be made but in 2002 there it was finally for all to see.
Spider-Man 2 was even better than the first one and developed the characters even more, fleshed them out and made me care for them. Spider-Man 2 is still one of my favorite super hero movies easily in the top two.
Unfortunately for Sam Raimi Spider-Man 3 is a bit muddled and has too many villains in it, which I don't blame on him because he was forced to use a character which he didn't want to use.
Yes, that character is Venom. I always felt they should have saved that character for future sequels but the studio rushed it into Spider-Man 3 where you can see it feels rushed.
If the studio was smart they would have let Raimi finish his vision of Spider-Man and then brought in a new director and possibly recast Peter Parker, but I think Tobey Maguire still had a couple films left in him. I think Tobey Maguire was cast perfectly as Peter Parker and I thought Kirsten Dunst did a decent job as Mary Jane Watson.
So instead of rebooting this franchise, now is when you bring in a new director and allow his vision to come to life, a fresh, new perspective on this still great franchise. At least with a new director you'd have a better choice for the Venom character then Topher Grace.
I can't help thinking what Spider-Man 3 could have been without studio interference, maybe for once a great number three in a series instead of a miss.
One more thing, I wonder how great James Cameron's version of Spider-Man might have been especially since the studio called his script that he wrote too violent. Perhaps Mr. Cameron might grace us with a version of Spider-Man one of these days, as long as those idiots in Hollywood don't destroy it first.
Andrew Garfield the actor the studio picked as the new Peter Parker/Spider-Man is the same age Tobey Maguire was when he started Spider-Man. The studio originally wanted to start over with the franchise having Peter Parker back in high school and going from there, but with this new actor taking over the franchise, the Peter Parker character again will be in college. If your thinking like I was, the question is WHY?!
Sam Raimi's version and vision of Spider-Man were great, I liked his choices for the villains, he was old school and that was definitely the way to establish this franchise.
When I saw the first Spider-man movie come to life on the big screen it's what I was hoping for, it was like seeing my comics come to life especially since it was stuck in development hell forever. I would read I don't know how many times that a Spider-Man movie was being attempted to be made but in 2002 there it was finally for all to see.
Spider-Man 2 was even better than the first one and developed the characters even more, fleshed them out and made me care for them. Spider-Man 2 is still one of my favorite super hero movies easily in the top two.
Unfortunately for Sam Raimi Spider-Man 3 is a bit muddled and has too many villains in it, which I don't blame on him because he was forced to use a character which he didn't want to use.
Yes, that character is Venom. I always felt they should have saved that character for future sequels but the studio rushed it into Spider-Man 3 where you can see it feels rushed.
If the studio was smart they would have let Raimi finish his vision of Spider-Man and then brought in a new director and possibly recast Peter Parker, but I think Tobey Maguire still had a couple films left in him. I think Tobey Maguire was cast perfectly as Peter Parker and I thought Kirsten Dunst did a decent job as Mary Jane Watson.
So instead of rebooting this franchise, now is when you bring in a new director and allow his vision to come to life, a fresh, new perspective on this still great franchise. At least with a new director you'd have a better choice for the Venom character then Topher Grace.
I can't help thinking what Spider-Man 3 could have been without studio interference, maybe for once a great number three in a series instead of a miss.
One more thing, I wonder how great James Cameron's version of Spider-Man might have been especially since the studio called his script that he wrote too violent. Perhaps Mr. Cameron might grace us with a version of Spider-Man one of these days, as long as those idiots in Hollywood don't destroy it first.
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