Sunday, August 30, 2009
Inglorious Basterds References
Tarantino loves films and it shows in all of his work with Inglorious Basterds being no exception. So Obviously, there are many, many little wink-winks in the movie and i found a cool little site that shows all the movies that are either referenced or given homage in Basterds, or are just fitting companions. So check out this cool little site
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Final Destination Review
I felt that this is the best way to express how i felt about The Final Destination in 3d....
Inglorious Basterds Review!
Inglorious Basterds
Cast: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent
Directed: Quentin Tarentino
Length: 155 Min
This movie is pure fun.From everything, the title, ripped off from a 1978 war movie, to the Ennio Morricone music, the deep, rich colors of 35mm film, the acting (Brad Pitt is Fantastic but Christoph Waltz as the Jew Hunter steals the show!)...I can go on and on, The Fact is Quentin Tarantino Loves films and makes movies that show why he loves movies.
The first time i saw this, I was on the edge of my seat, loving everything but couldn't grasp everything in one viewing. I went home and wanted to see it again. So, I went back on Monday, saw it again and Immediately, I wanted to watch it again. This is what a movie should do! Make you want to watch it over and over and over again.
While I love his films, I do think he borrows heavily from films he loves. However, I can't argue the simple fact that I love what he puts on screen, mainly for the fact that we don't get films like this anymore. Movies that need to be seen in a Movie Theatre!
Grade A-
P.S - If you live in NY, see this at the Zeigfeld. It's worth it!
Men Who Stare!!!
I love weird, dark comedies AND with this cast, i just got really excited bout this flick. Plus the title is awesome!
Check out this trailer
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Taking Woodstock
I saw taking woodstock yesterday and the verdict is this: BLAH!
It was ok....slow and just kinda pointless. Episodic and boring. Not horrible but not really worth it. But, I can see where some people might enjoy it. However, I wish i saw Inglorious Basterds again!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Best of 2002!
Ok, so it seems that this year was an insanely good year for films. I just kept adding to the list, but here it is....THE BEST OF 2002
2. Adaptation
3. The Pianist
4. Minorty Report
5. Chicago
6. Road to Perdition
7. LOTR: Two Towers
8. Catch Me If You Can
9. Talk To Her
10. Punch Drunk Love
Honorable Mentions: The Piano Teacher, TheBourne Identity, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Far From Heaven, , The Hours, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Bowling For Columbine, 25th Hour, About Schmidt, Spider-Man, Lilo And Stitch
Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Fistful of Dollars
Foreign Film Of The Week: Y Tu Mama Tambien
Unheard Film Of The Week: Let the Right One In
Horror Film Of The Week: The Shining
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Adventureland
Check out these trailers!
INCEPTION - From Director Christopher Nolan (Director of The Dark Knight)!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Shutter Island Moved
Well one of my most anticipated movies of 2009 has now become one of my most anticipated movies of 2010. Shutter Island, Scorsese next film, has been moved to Feb 2010. This isn't good news for a movie that had a prime release date for award season then moved to a date that is usually for movies that...well, suck. The preview had me thinking two things, either that it was going to be one hell of a thriller or one huge disappointment. This move means i am starting to believe that it could be the latter.
Attention Cheap People!
We can all agree movies are getting really freaking expensive exp. if you live in NYC. So i just wanted to let people know of an awesome deal AMC is doing right now. Movies that play before noon only cost 6 dollars! That's half of what they usually are! So, if you want to see a movie but can't really afford it, you no longer have an excuse to miss movies like The Hurt Locker, 500 Days, District 9, UP, Inglorious Basterds and G-FORCE!!!!!!!
P.S. Inglorious Basterds review coming soon! I promise!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Movie of the Summer
After two weeks of votes, the winner of the best film of the summer goes to
UP!
check out the new poll!
Short Reviews
It Might Get Loud - A very well-made documentary about the electric guitar and the effects it has on three different musical legends ( Jimmy Page, The Edge from U2, and Jack White). From the Director of An Inconvenient Truth. -
B
B-
Trailer
Adam - I liked this film even though it took me a while to get into it. Hugh Dancy is very good in this movie about a man struggling with a condition that makes it hard to do things that most of us take for granted. However, where the trailers sell it as a cute romantic comedy, this movie is a lot more serious than the trailers lead on.
Grade B-
Lorna's Silence - A french film from the Dardenne Brothers, this quiet, sometimes captivating slow thriller, has some very interesting moments and is well-made but to be honest, i was left bored and underwhelmed.
C+
Gigantic - A typical quirky movie with no real plot or substance.However, John Goodman was very funny in this. Starring Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel. Skip It.
C-
Last House On The Left - A sadistic, brutal, over-the-top remake. Some of the gory deaths are fun but other than that, a typically lazy remake of a classic cult film. Skip it unless you find movies like The Hills have Eyes as entertainment, which i don't.
C-
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Best Of 2001!
Well, its a new week and here is a new list...i also updated my list of 2000 ( i forgot about the contender and billy elliot). Anyway, Here is my top ten of 2001!
1. Memento
2. Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
3. Amelie
4. Moulin Rouge
5. In the Bedroom
6. Royal Tenenbaums
7. Shrek
8. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
9. Beautiful Mind
10. Ghost World
Honerable Mentions: Monster's Ball, Man Who wasn't There, Monster's Inc., Training Day, Iris, Donnie Darko
Movies of the Week!
Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Annie Hall
Foreign Film Of The Week: Tell No One
Unheard Film Of The Week: King of Kong
Horror Film Of The Week: Evil Dead
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Goodbye, Solo (Filmed in NC! GREAT MOVIE!)
Check out these trailers!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My Favorite Sci-Fi Films!
I am not the biggest fan of science fiction films, but I love it when a good science fiction film comes along. Since District 9 was such a fantastic science fiction film, I thought i would list my top Twenty favorite science ficition films! What are yours?
20. City of Lost Children
20. Moon
19. Terminator
18. Close Encounters
17. Ghostbusters
16. Wall-E
15. Road Warrior
14. Planet of the Apes
13. Lord of The Rings
12. Jurassic Park
11. E.T
10. Metropolis
9. Brazil
8. Children of Men
7. Terminator 2
6. Back To The Future
5. Empire Strikes Back
4. Alien
3. The Matrix
2. Blade Runner
1. Star Wars
Friday, August 14, 2009
District 9 Review!
DISTRICT 9
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
Directed By Neil Blomkamp
Rated R
Running Time: 111 minutes
Believe the hype. This movie is pretty fantastic. I love when movies like this comes along when all summer we have been let down by movies we have been anticipating all year and then out of nowhere a film comes to knock us on our ass. District 9 is that type of film. A film that was made for almost 150 million dollars less than Transformers 2 but is 10 times more exciting, moving and captivating than any summer blockbuster to come out this year (besides Star Trek).
This film was made as a try-out for first time director Neill Bloomkamp (who was suppose to make his debut with the film adaptation of the hit video game "Halo" but studios didn't want a rookie director to handle a big blockbuster film like that so they handed him 30 million to see what he's got and believe me, we will see a sequel to this and a Halo film.)
A City of God Meets Alien Nation,District 9 takes place in present-day South Africa where humans and aliens are forced into an uneasy co-existence and like most Alien films bring out the violent worst in each other. However, what makes this film unlike any other, is that it takes it's time to tell it's story but at the same time throws you into this world as soon as the film begins. The film starts as a kind of faux-documentary about what is going on with the aliens and we are introduce to our "hero", an amazing performance from newcomer Sharlto Copley, who is trying to evict the aliens out of Johannesburg, where they have been living for almost 20 years. Twenty years ago, an spaceship came to into Johannesburg( Not New York or Los Angeles like in most alien films), which now is a urban slum. Since then, the ship's inhabitants, referred to as "prawns", have been moved into the slums and placed under the control of MNU, a private corporation, who tries to find out what the aliens want and how to use there weapons.
I was loving every part of the beginning because instead of jumping into the chaos and gore (which this film has plenty of), the film opens on a note of edge of your seat uncertainty and humor as it shows the hostility of the humans and the prawns. Though compelling throughout, "District 9" never becomes outright terrifying and really lets the story get set before he blows shit up! I had no idea that the first 30 minutes was just a small set up to what was coming. There is an event that happens in this film, where at first seems small but later turns out to completely change the course of the movie. The documentary style effortlessly is dropped and the film becomes a short of "fugitive-type" film and from there on in, the movie is incredible. The action in this film is awesome (hard to believe it was only made for 30 million. Gory yet not to much, it really has some of the best action sequences of the year.
This film is one of the best of the year. A film that is entertaining as hell but also a film that works on many levels. While the end might set up a sequel that is defiantly unnecessary and some of the dialogue can go over the top. This film is one hell of a fun strange, thrill ride and a movie i want to see again.
GRADE: A-
When and Where should i see it: RIGHT NOW IN THEATRES!
Similar Movies:
Alien Nation
Starship Troopers
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
District 9
Wow. This movie is getting fantastic reviews. Some people calling it the best of the summer and one review called it the best of this decade. Is it that good? Are you going to see it?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Movies of The Week!
Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: The Third Man
Foreign Film Of The Week: Amores Perros
Unheard Film Of The Week: You Can Count On Me
Horror Film Of The Week: Hard Candy
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: I Love You, Man
Check out these trailers!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Best Films of the decade: 2000!
Everyone has an obsession. Of course, some people like to call there certain obsessions "Hobbies" but I am going to be honest here, I am addicted to film. My obsession started early when i didn't even knew you could be obsessed with something. I would always love to escape to the movies and even at a young age, I didn't mind going to the theatre by my self. However, I did have a partner in crime and his name is John Michael Sullivan (Mike). Mike and I are two completely different people, we share very different view points on religion, politics and giraffes but with the subject matter being film, i couldn't trust anyone more than him. I will never forget his first recommendation he gave me. He called me from his dad's house in Florida during Christmas break in the year 1999, he had just saw American Beauty and could not stop raving about it. I took his advice and went to see the film (of course, i had to sneak in) and as soon as the credits rolled, i realized that I had found my movie soul mate (This is becoming a gay love letter, isn't it?). Anyway, Mike is infamous for making lists, we even created our own awards ceremony. Every year since the year 2000, we have the Sullivan-Gooley Awards we we can feel better about the Academy Awards fuck ups by honoring the films we feel deserve the awards .
Anyway, a new list is being made. The best films of this decade. This is a great idea because for me, this is the decade i grew up on movies and while it isn't even close to the best decade of films, it is the decade where i grew up as a movie lover and probably out of any year i will be alive, will be the decade i have seen the most films from. So each week, I will release the top ten films i feel are the best of that year and when i am finished, will release the top twenty of the decade. So, I will stop rambling and here is the list of the best films from the year 2000!
1. Untitled: Almost Famous (The Director's Cut)
2. Gladiator
3. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
4. Traffic
5. Requiem For A Dream
6. Amores Perros
7. You Can Count On Me
8. Cast Away
9. American Psycho
10. O Brother Where Art Thou
Honorable Mentions: High Fidelity, Meet The Parents, Erin Brockovich, Chicken Run, Emperor's New Groove, Wonder Boys
NEXT WEEK: 2001!!!!! (MEMENTO, MOULIN ROGUE, SHREK, LORD OF THE RINGS)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Third Man
I got to go see the Third Man in theatres yesterday and GOD DAMN, what a great film.
That is ALL
P.S I was going to write a review and talk about this film but ebert says it all
Quick Reviews!
Most people when reading a review just want to see if the person liked it and if they should go see it. So i decided to try out this format for reviews. Comment on it if you like it or if you like to see longer, more thought provoking, more amazing, detailed to the bone, brillantly written reviews that i normally can give let me know!
Reviews of the Week!
COLD SOULS
Starring Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson, David Strathairn
Directed By: Sophie Barthes
Running Time: 1hr and 40 min
Basic Synopsis: Paul Giamatti plays himself, agonizing over his interpretation of Uncle Vanya. Paralyzed by anxiety, he stumbles upon a solution via a New Yorker article about a high-tech company promising to alleviate suffering by extracting souls. Giamatti enlists their services - only to discover that his soul is the shape and size of a chickpea - intending to reinstate it once he survives the performance. Complications ensue when a mysterious, soul-trafficking “mule” borrows Giamatti's stored soul for a talentless, Russian soap-opera actress. Rendered soulless, Paul is left with no choice but to follow the trail back to St. Petersburg.
This film is based on a dream the writer/Director had about Woody Allen and the film is like a pseudo-woody type of film. A very interesting idea with an amazing performance by Paul Giamatti, this film is a hit and miss type kinda like Synecdoche, NY. It hits more than misses, however once the films idea is established, this mildly funny film starts to wander and has very little places to go. A thing i really enjoyed about this film was the way it was shot. The cinematography really helped create the chilling, soulless mood this film has. It is a very clever idea and while this movie will keep you entertained it will leave you with a feeling like something was missing...maybe the film's soul.
Where to see it
In theatres if you can make it but also worth checking out on video.
Similar Films like it
Synecdoche, Ny
Being John Malkovich
Grade: B-
WORLDS GREATEST DAD (Movie is released in theatres on August 21st but can be watched on demand right now!)
Starring: Robin Williams
Directed By Bobcat Goldthwait (Yes, That Bobcat Goldthwait)
Running time: 1hr 35 Min
Basic Synopsis: A comedy about a man (ROBIN WILLIAMS) who learns that the things you want most may not be the things that make you happy, and that being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone.
Ok, I don't want to give anything away here. Just see this film. It is probably the darkest comedy i have ever seen. That doesn't mean it is the greatest darkest comedy ever made but def. the darkest. This is one hell of a disturbing film. Robin Williams is fantastic. The subject matter is something that has never been put on film in this way before ever. It is one fucked up movie but a fantastic fucked up movie. The film looks great and the script is borderline genius(the movie finally becomes predictable and putters out in the end). However, this film able to bring a tenderness and humainty to such a disturbing premise. I want to say more and talk about it with you but do not want to ruin it. So just see it and we will talk.
p.s this movie is not for everyone. If you are easily disturbed and offended...i would probably skip this one.
P.P.S - YOU CAN watch this film now on amazon. Right here!
Where to see it:
In theatres! or also rent in on Movies on Demand in the pre-release category!
Similar Films:
Heathers
Virgin Suicides
Grade: B+
John Hughes
I can't say i was a big John Hughes fan. Not that i didn't like his films, I actually own a few and never really disliked any of his movies, I just didn't really follow his movies that much. However, I can't argue the fact that he was a gifted storyteller and contributed to many classic comedies of the 80's and really reached a audience that needed to be reached. I looked to put up a obit for John Hughes but ended up finding this link to a story which, in itself, sounds like it could be a John Hughes film. It's about how a John Hughes film's reached and spoke to a young girl and help shape her life. Check it out, it's very touching.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Cove
I Saw "The Cove" last night and it was one hell of a documentary. It's really horrifying that this stuff is happening and very little people know about it. It's not just a film to get people awar but it's also a funny, exciting thriller. Yeah, its propraganda but it could be this year's Man On Wire.
check out the trailer here
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Hate going to pee and afraid of missing parts of the movie!
So during Funny People, i had to pee really bad but was afraid i was going to miss parts of the movie that were important which is a problem i have always had. And on my way to the bathroom, i was thinking about figuring out a way to fix this situation. However, someone already did it. Go check out Runpee.com, this site is awesome. It will tell you when is the best time to go pee and what you missed when you did. Awesome Site!
Funny People Review!
Funny People - Rated R; 2 hours and 20 minutes; Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen; Directed by Judd Apatow.
Should I See it and Where: See it in theatres...but know that it's long.
If you know me at all, you would know that I have been a die-hard, obsessed Sandler fan since i was like 10. I've see everyone of his films and also own all of them (yes all of them including Going overboard and Little Nicky). I've also been a huge fan of Judd Apatow because i really think he knows how to make modern day comedies that are relatable and hilarious at the same time. So obviously when these two announce that they were joining forces, I instantly got excited even sexually excited (JK). So I knew regardless of how that movie was I was going to somewhat enjoy it because I usually love everything these two people touch so I will acknowledge that i might be a little biased when reviewing this movie.
Overall, I really liked it. However, I didn't love it. It is very possible that with more viewings of this film, I will eventually love it but as of right now, I thought it was a really good but flawed film.
What Works.
Adam Sandler is fantastic. And i am not just saying that. Everyone i saw this with agreed. It is the best thing he has ever and might ever do. He is perfect in this role, maybe because he is playing a slightly different version of himself but he nails every moment with clarity and perfection.
The supporting Cast is great. I really enjoyed how every character has major flaws.
The first 90 minutes. If the movie ended here, it would of been the best film of the year. The first 90 minutes is one of the darkest, deepest types of comedy films I have seen.
I loved the Opening of the Film. Just something that happened and what could of seem a little phony and weird, but worked to perfection. I won't give it away but it is awesome.
The way Adam Sandler's character handles the news of his illness. When most characters in movies handle death in ways we only wish we could, Sandler's George Simmons handles it in a way not really told before. This movie isn't about discovering who you are or trying to make up for all the mistakes you've made in your life. he handles like most people would.
The film is one of the most authentic looks at the world of stand-up comedy I've ever seen.
The movie looks fantastic. This is Apatow's best looking feature which probably is because he hired Jansuz Kaminski (Spielberg's Cinematographer)
What Doesn't Work
Really, there is only one big problem which makes this movie suffer in a way.It is way too long. And if the movie needed to be 2 hours and 20 minutes, I would be fine with that but it didn't have to be. This movie almost feels like 2 films in 1. The problem might be that it is Apatow's first time with final cut which means he had final say in how the film turns out. This can be a problem with any director when they are tackling something that personal to them. The last Hour of the film really could of been tighten down to make this movie flow and fit a lot better than it does. Not saying that the stuff is bad, it just deflates the movies story and just flatlines.
The movie also can be a little vulgar but not nearly as much as Knocked Up or Superbad
Funny People is not just about George Simmons' struggle with death. It sees that struggle within the world of being a performer, a society that has no rules where everything is a competition and where when being a successful performer means you might not have any real friends. Funny People has many big laughs, punctuated by some really striking moments of contemplation and reflection, i just wished it was a little shorter.
B+/B
These Trailers Will Make Your Day!!!
Ok, It's official, I'm in love with The Coen bros! Seriously, every movie they put it immediatly becomes my most anticipated movie of the year. This one is no exception. And the trailer for the film is worth paying admission for because it is one of the best trailers put together in a looooooooong time. I've watched this trailer already 87 times. Check out A Serious man and look at this F'N genius that is the Coen Brothers! INSANE.
P.S Most of this film's cast in made up of unknowns and New York city Character actors including the lead Michael Stulbarg (Last year's Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Park)
And here is a very interesting trailer for Wes Anderson's New Film! With this and Where the wild things are coming out this year. I am getting pretty excited about where kid films are going these days!
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