Sam Mendes has become one of my new favorite directors. He really has a knack for imagery and character that tells stories in subtle ways through pictures. Case in point, Jarheadbrought back shocking memories of oil being everywhere and that infuriating feeling of the senseless Operation Desert Storm (and Shield). The air is misting with oil in much of this film and that is so amazingly claustrophobic... it almost just gives us a hint of what a nightmare it must have been.
And there are other subtleties about the film that echo what those troops must have felt as they walked around the desert without any real action at all. How their fight was with themselves and with the missions from the air and sea that really defined each move of the chess piece and that showcased how a war could be fought and won through technology and literally left these guys in the dust. With no action, it leaves for great performances like Jamie Foxx's Oscar-winning, ball-bustin' Staff Sargent Sykes and for a number of key interstitial moments that help demonstrate who these men were and how the mind can and will wander when it's left to its own devices.
Always a good idea to take the little people in your life out to the movies. Popcorn, soda, candy and a little escapism are always at the top of the list of priorities we should instill onto today's youth. Bolt totally delivers on the promise of safe action and adventure that won't bore the parents to death. In fact, I think you'll like it.
It's amazing to me how real they make everything look in these movies now-a-days. Sure, the skin and faces and the animals don't totally look real. I assume that's partly intentional, but everything else is literally impossible to tell whether that's actually hard stuff or software behind it. Reflections, each hair on the fur, the way things move. Amazing.
But this movie's story is much like The Truman Show, of which, I didn't know about at all before walking into the show. Total coincidence that I reviewed that Jim Carrey movie a week ago today. That's a great story... suppose it's ok to knock it off ten years later.
Tropic Thunder is as funny as most of the other spoof movies that have come to screen. The story gimmick is ok but doesn't really lend that much to everything that is good and funny and edgy about the movie.
The characters are all what generate the laughs in this one. Matthew McConaughey kicks *ss as the slimy agent... and I didn't really know much about this movie before I sat down to watch it, so this was a surprise to me. Ben Stiller is always great in that naive dude he always plays, and he directed as well, which is pretty impressive for a dumb f*ck with such a big concept. Jack Black as a heroine addict is hilarious... I'll always laugh at that guy. Nick Nolte is the gruff vet and totally fits the part. And the cameo from Tom Cruise is awesome... even down to the rolling credits when he's dancing around... that guy may be a total freak in real life, but I suppose he can act.
And finally, then there's Robert Downey Jr. Hilarious. Just watch the trailer.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Those "for your consideration" spoofs at the beginning of the movie are funny and help with the set up, but again, Robert Downey Jr. is the one that really has the juicy part and the great lines, and probably like Cruise, the skill to totally pull it off. Funny movie, but just for these two roles, totally worth watching. (Surprised they didn't figure out a way to put some hot babes into the film... a movie like dis kinda needs dat.)
I'm gonna do a Tropic Thunder review later this week, but until then, enjoy a better one from Boobies at the Movies on Mongo Nation.
I know, I know, I always send you over to Bullz-Eye for theatrical movie reviews like this one on Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise, but that site always has hot babes... so just show some restraint and read a review first.
Big Smudge helps us know what's cool, hot and funny... ok... what's hilarious.
GorillaMask.net... anyone who is only half in the know, knows about this site.
I can't wait for The Wrestler from Darren Aronofsky with Mickey Rourke... Premium Hollywood, as always, beat me to it.
And this can't be real... The Bachelor Guy has a nunchuck ping pong master -- a la Bruce Lee -- that's amazing.
For those of you too young to know much about the British comedy troupe, Monty Python, you also probably won't have heard of Terry Gilliam -- member and animator for the bonkers bunch of blokes. He turned director for a giant cult film that carries their strange and snakey name that I won't spend any time on today, rather, on Brazil-- a surreal, bureaucratic dystopia that is far stranger than what Terry was able to conjure up to date.
But yet, he surely wasn't close to where we are today either -- a quarter century into the future from when he created the film. Actually, Gilliam was really putting a lens on the movie that had the Orwellian perspective of the future from the late 40's (I think) -- well more than half a century into the future from George's 1984. I don't believe anyone has quite imaged quite accurately where we've ended up.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Bob Hoskins, Robert De Niro, Michael Palin and Jonathan Pryce are all in the movie. It hardly matters who's in it though, the vision and imagery take you to places and times that transcend the flesh and blood of the actors and of what your synapses are likely able to process. I look around at the pollution, the terrorism and the vanity of where we are today and think, after watching this movie, "there's no place like home." Awesome movie.
There are two stars in this movie (pictured). At first glance, seems totally harmless. But then you realize that a monotone Spaniard with a Monkee's haircut walking around today is a little scary. And then when you find out what that haircut's scuba tank is all about, you're pretty much f*cked. No Country for Old Men is a great story that's told well with a ton of great performances and surprises and more-than-cameo appearances from people you want to see that deliver way more than just meat and potatoes to the film. A tension blankets the film that is indescribable and captivating, but seriously, if it weren't for Javier Bardem and his haircut and his scuba tank, this movie would be a solid notch below the high mark.
Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones and Kelly Macdonald are solid, as noted, and under the extremely capable and well direction of the Coen brothers. It's an Oscar-winner and is extremely satisfying and is an argument to never step foot in Texas.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. The most controversial thing, though, besides the lead character/s is the ending. I hear it's faithful to the book. It basically worked for me, but for some, it could wipe away much of the good will the movie won us over with leading all the way up to the, er, final cut.
I gotta watch this one again. Runaway Jury is an awesome movie that has great talent contributing from every end. Starting from behind, Rachel Weisz is the critically acclaimed hottie from The Constant Gardener. Kind of mousy, but I'm sure she squeaks. [Homage to Mr. Skin.] Also in the cast are oldies but goodies Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, Gen X to middle-ager, John Cusak, and mister relevance and razor tongue Jeremy Piven.
Manning the pen is puppet master of the court room thriller, John Grisham... I mean... sure... it's formulaic, but it's almost always exciting and entertaining. Always. Lots of his stuff, obviously, never gets adapted for screen. Take The Testament, for example -- great book you've never heard of that's spewed from the mind of Grisham and will likely become a hit movie as soon as someone gets around scooping it up.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Anyway, about the only thing that's not super qualified to making a hit movie is the director himself. Gary something. If you ask me, this movie was among the best of these types, but I don't believe it was much of a hit. Maybe its because of Hoffman feeling a little awkward or Hackman being overexposed and cliche. Maybe its because of Gary. Search me. Great movie Gary [Fleder]. Lame review Bender.
It's not like this movie predicted the world's obsession with reality shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Hills, and America's Next Top Model because MTV's The Real World was well under way; but The Truman Show sure did realize that reality was here to stay. Though there hasn't been a show with such a high concept, the total number and variety are certainly more than could have ever been thought possible back in 1998 when the movie was released. Just check out TV.com for the most popular reality TV shows ever... hardly a single one was from the last millennium.
Jim Carrey's affable way truly lends to the believability that he's unknowingly living in an unreal world. Laura Linney and Ed Harris are solid too. I have a few issues with the ending and the boat ride and even with Ed's character, but it can't take away, in my eyes, one of the most imaginative and well executed movies of its type.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Peter Weir directed it... he's had a few solid films, but I would say it's a bit of a surprise how easily he contains this potentially unwieldy and colossal concept in a nice and neat hermetically sealed stage. You've probably seen the movie, so I'm not sure why I'm even telling you about it. If you haven't, then come back to reality and give it a spin. If so, you should watch it again. Reality shows are addictive. God knows that I've watched The Girls Next Door episodes a few times over... well... maybe that's for a different reason though.
Brad Pitt is old. Wonder if that's why he took the role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-- to cover his own wrinkles. Kind of a joke, but frankly, he plops out as a wrinkly old infant and grows up in this movie (er, grows down). Look... I'm all for gimmicks, but this one is kinda half baked. I'm not sure it lends much to the movie besides hogtie Pitt from being able to show any real ability to act his age. I mean, have you ever seen a four-year-old boy?... come on, they are a f*cking loud, wild handful until they hit adolescence, and then boys just talk about t*ts and *ss and f*rts until they get married and their wives tell 'em to shut the f*ck up. Here, old and crusty kid Brad is just a calm and quiet bore.
Hey, I dig the epic. Yo, I dig the love story through the ages. I'm a sensitive guy. The movie's great on many levels. The effects are good (how they screw Pitt's head on that little body is beyond me). And Cate Blanchett is totally watchable and actually looks hot in this one... not sure if it's because she's a ballerina or if I'm warmin' up to those cheekbones. I can tell you the latter can't be the case 'cause Tilda Swinton is in this one as well, and queen chisel-cheek still can't warm milk if you ask me.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. David Fincher directed this one... he did some of the coolest movies ever -- Seven, The Game, and Fight Club to name a few -- and put just as much care into this one. Sure I had some issues with it, but give it a try, and let me know what you think. I liked it. It's a long one though, and final note... they don't even attempt to put Brad's head on a "younger" version of himself at the end of the film. Could he be too old for f/x to make that happen? Curious.
Eyes are bloodshot from watching all these movies... every weekend, I take a break... meanwhile, visit these killer places stuffed inside your browser:
Matthew McConaughey stars in Surfer, Dude, and Buzz-Eye chat's with him about that movie and other concerns of having your pick of the litter.
Jim Carrey was never funnier than when he was "Fire Marshall Bill"... Premium Hollywood says he's still funny in Yes Man.
I have been fortunate enough to stand outside of the Coliseum. Mind you, I took my kids, and we were standing in line; and it was 99 degrees outside; and there were a thousand people; and after a half an hour, I was about to tell the kids that we were about to step inside one of the most amazing, ancient and meaningful structures built by man; and they said, "can we go home now?" Needless to say, I said, "no f*cking way."
So you get inside, and you are wearing your headphones trying to hear the details from the tour-guide; and the dust is accumulating in your mouth; and you are trying to keep your hand on your passport; and you are trying to keep track of your three kids; and you are trying to grasp the history of the place you are standing on top of, and unfortunately, you simply can't even come close -- even in perfect circumstances. Thank God there are great movies like Gladiatorstarring great talents like Russell Crowe and having historical responsibility beyond the threshold of detail of what I am even concerned about or even capable of discerning. Thank you Ridley Scott.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. My trust is with Ridley, of whom, I'd let guide my way into the future, into the war zone, into the mob, and as noted, into the past with the lions and the best interpretation of what this amazing reality of what was called, life back in the days of glory, of which, where formerly called The Roman Empire. Yes... movies can "teach" (comparatively speaking). I was there, and maybe the movie even gave me more than the actualy experience. Joaquin Phoenix, hair lip and all, helps guide us on this 6th grade lesson with the action and the glory and the ugly, of which, were the days before the iPhone and, quite amazingly, the rotary version thereof. Amazing movie. Recommended in HD and not on your Nano.
I really want to find a great science fiction film that's different and exciting. Children of Men can't quite pull that off, but it is pretty f-ing scary for the simple fact that it could happen, and it could start tomorrow. Any sort of pandemic is so possible. Ugh.
Here, Clive Owen and the rest of the population are just waiting until they all die off because women stopped having babies for some f*ing reason around eight years ago. Now that's great and all for not having to worry about contraceptives, but for human existence, it kinda s*cks. Ultimately, as you'll see in the trailer, he finds a pregnant woman.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Some great scenes in here though. The one when they're all in the car is a white-knuckler. And running through a war zone with a baby in your arms is pretty intense, in fact, it's almost too overwhelming. Michael Caine plays a hippie dude that's pretty groovy. By the end, you'll really want to contribute to mankind and a new mission statement: impregnate or die. Julianne Moore's in it too. She'll do.
Ok... I have a challenge for you. This is a good one that I guarantee will actually sound like a complete mind-f*ck but is totally doable. Rent or buy the entire five-disc set of the BBC documentary, Planet Earth. Take a sh*t. Order a pizza (and a salad too). Make sure there are plenty of beers, etc. available within arms reach. Close the blinds and power down your mobile device. If you are married, have kids or have a job, then maybe you'll need to do this one night instead of sleeping. Get ready for a movie that's a little over nine hours that will blow you away. Again, I told you how to do it, and it's totally doable, so you have no excuses.
They literally used an HD camera mounted onto a helicopter with a super-duper telephoto lens (plus plenty of cameras "in the field") to capture the most amazing moving pictures of life on earth that you've NEVER seen before -- herds of animals from above as far as the eye can see... like ants crawling over the top of each other on a sea of spilled Slurpee; context brought, quite eloquently, to the chase of predator and prey like you won't believe; animals and their lives that seem like something from another planet or from a comic book; gi-f*cking-gantic great white sharks jumping completely out of the water like dolphins; and plenty of other interwoven stories about this incredible planet.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Just watch the trailer... I think you'll see what I mean. I like documentaries a lot, and I also can appreciate wildlife ones I suppose, but I have been putting this one off because it seemed like such a commitment. I am more than satisfied. I'm in total movie nirvana. Now if you don't like to get totally wasted on film like me, then maybe you'll have to wait to see the abbreviated version of this (also with an abbreviated title, Earth) hitting theaters Spring 2009 -- have a decaf and some tofu while you're at it.
Pretty entertaining movie, Criminal, but there's quite a few flaws that keep it from being great. John C. Reilly is a master con man, but the reality is, he just feels too much like Baby Huey. I actually like him a ton as an actor, but I'm not sure he physically works as the slick d*ck that this slimy character is supposed to be.
Diego Luna becomes his "grass hopper" and is a pretty solid trickster on his own right. Maggie Gyllenhaal is also in this one, but really just a side player. And she doesn't do a ton for me, so the eye candy is a bit sour. Lots of yelling during some of the cons too which gets a little annoying.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. So I ended up pretty soft on this movie. It was entertaining, and I have heard others say they do like it, so you should give it a shot. But for me, it just stays average all the way to the final minute... the last scam doesn't quite add up for me... I feel like I should check my pockets. Let me know what you think.
Should have known Sam Mendes directed Revolutionary Road. Got this DVD Academy Screener before it even hits theaters. Feel like a big shot for a couple of hours. Anyway, Sam made American Beauty as well... think that was his first. This one's not quite as good as that, but man, it's a beaut too.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are everything the suburban 50's has to offer -- especially the lack of communication. It's a little story about these two and the textured journey from love at first sight to marital bliss to f*cking around on your spouse to death. Life ain't easy, and it can be painful. Same as watching this movie... because it's just that good. You'll live it. Very heavy. If it doesn't crush and kill you, you will absolutely love it.
FilmBender is Funny Movie Reviews. Mendes can sure capture the dysfunctional suburban family period piece. Man, he must have had an f-ed up childhood. And he shows how the same cycles pervade all families and all generations in exactly the same way. And Kate, in her little Stepford pastel dresses, looks totally hot... best I can recall. Right now I'm a little blind though, as another babe in the movie gave us a peek at what's behind her Cross Your Heart Bra. Gulp.
I've watched over 20 movies this week... I'm gonna f*cking barf. If you could see me. I'm lookin' pretty fugly. That's why I take weekends off. Let's see if I can sleep 48 hours straight. Dare me? Here goes. See you Monday morning. Until then, enjoy what the web has to offer:
