Every time I think about this movie I have to smile because I find myself remembering various scenes that are just hilarious. To me the movie is genius, it stars Robert De Niro as bounty hunter Jack Walsh and Charles Grodin as the Duke.
Bounty hunter Jack Walsh is sent to find and return bail jumper and former Mafia accountant, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas. The FBI have had no success in locating The Duke, so when Jack finds him in next to no time, they are a little embarrassed. In order to collect his $100,000 fee, Jack must take The Duke from New York to Los Angeles. However, the Mafia and the FBI have other ideas, as does Marvin, a rival bounty hunter. On their long cross-country trip to LA, the two get to know each other and they build up a strange friendship.
The success of this movie is the chemistry between the two leads which are truly an odd couple yet are comedic gold. This was Robert De Niro's first true stab at comedy and I think the precursor for his future comedic roles such as Meet the Parents and Analyze This. Prior to this movie all De Niro had done or was known for was heavy dramas, there was The King of Comedy but that was a black comedy and not a comedy like Midnight Run.
Charles Grodin is not an actor I would've thought of for a movie like this and that's what makes this movie so good, watching his reactions and the dialogue between the two leads is something special.
Also along for the ride are Dennis Farina as mobster Jimmy Serrano with his two hench men Tony and Joey played by Richard Foronjy and Robert Miranda. Yaphet Kotto as FBI agent Alonzo Mosely, John Ashton as Marvin Dorfler, and Joe Pantoliano as Eddie Moscone.
All these actors come together to make an action/comedy like no other and one that when ever I see that it's on I always catch myself watching and revelling in it's brilliance. If you haven't ever seen this movie I highly recommend it because in my opinion it's a great movie and one of my all time favorites. What also makes this film so special is that it has heart and how two people from different worlds could become friends, in the next life.
I recently read that there have been talks to do a sequel to this classic and I hope that doesn't happen because that would destroy what has already been established and twenty something years too late, besides the movie is a stand alone and ended perfectly, Hollywood needs to stop grasping at straws.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Let's talk about movies: My Favorite Movie
Let's talk about movies: My Favorite Movie: "I'm often asked by friends and people who know me 'What's your favorite movie?' and quite honestly I don't have one particular favorite amon..."
My Favorite Movie
I'm often asked by friends and people who know me "What's your favorite movie?" and quite honestly I don't have one particular favorite among all the movies I've seen. That's such a hard decision because to me it diminishes my enjoyment from the movies I've seen and arbitrarily places them in some category or order that means one particular film was better then another film.
For most people they need that symbol or structure of defining what's great in descending order, but it doesn't work that way for me, especially when it comes to movies because each film touches me in a different way.
Watching movies throughout the years has brought me a lot of pleasure and experiences that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Some of those movies have been heavy dramas that have brought me to tears and amazed by the performances like in "The Color Purple", which is one of my favorite movies, it's just an incredible story. That's it also, incredible stories that have been told by some remarkable filmmakers over the years and more that I'm sure I'll enjoy for years to come and yet people expect you to name one film to rule them all.
So here's a list of some of my all time favorite movies in no particular order:
The Shawshank Redemptioin
The Godfather 1 & 2
The Departed
Citizen Kane
The 400 Blows
Magnolia
On The Waterfront
The Apartment
Glory
Pulp Fiction
The Bicycle Thief
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The Best Years of Our Lives
I'm sure people who read this will tell me that I missed this movie or that movie on my list and as I said it's a partial list, also it's MY LIST and that's the thing about movies they touch us all differently.
For most people they need that symbol or structure of defining what's great in descending order, but it doesn't work that way for me, especially when it comes to movies because each film touches me in a different way.
Watching movies throughout the years has brought me a lot of pleasure and experiences that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Some of those movies have been heavy dramas that have brought me to tears and amazed by the performances like in "The Color Purple", which is one of my favorite movies, it's just an incredible story. That's it also, incredible stories that have been told by some remarkable filmmakers over the years and more that I'm sure I'll enjoy for years to come and yet people expect you to name one film to rule them all.
So here's a list of some of my all time favorite movies in no particular order:
The Shawshank Redemptioin
The Godfather 1 & 2
The Departed
Citizen Kane
The 400 Blows
Magnolia
On The Waterfront
The Apartment
Glory
Pulp Fiction
The Bicycle Thief
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The Best Years of Our Lives
I'm sure people who read this will tell me that I missed this movie or that movie on my list and as I said it's a partial list, also it's MY LIST and that's the thing about movies they touch us all differently.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
My First Mister/ Cherish
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)