Samuel L. Jackson loves to make movies, and he makes a lot of them. Jackson sometimes lucks out and and takes a good movie like "Lakeview Terrace," his most recent onscreen venture.
In "Terrace," Jackson plays Abel Turner, a single father who is trying to raise his children to be good people while serving the city of Los Angeles as a police officer. However, Turner's world and conservative views are turned upside-down when an interracial couple moves in next door.
Chris Mattson [Patrick Wilson] and his wife Lisa [Kerry Washington] purchase the home next to Jackson and he is none to pleased about what he sees. The couple quickly find themselves to be the victims of what starts as harmless pranks and snide comments from Jackson informing them they are not wanted in his neighborhood. The couple and Jackson find their worlds colliding and soon find it quite literally burning around them.
A symbolic background plot of the film is a raging fires reminiscent of the fires of San Diego in late 2007. As the film begins, the fires are far away, but are still noticeable. However, as tensions rise between the neighbors the fires draw nearer to their homes ending in a fiery climax both literally and figuratively.
The film takes an interesting turn which has not presented itself in many films leading to this point. It is a touchy subject, but the filmmakers charge right into it and shove it in the audiences face. The idea of an interracial couple is not an uncommon idea in today's world, but Jackson's character makes it clear his world is not the same. Throughout the film, Jackson makes racist remarks to Wilson's character and does everything in his power to make his life a living hell. The film tests the audience's ideas about race and challenges moviegoers to take a long, hard look at themselves in the process.
Despite having a heavy-handed political undertone, the film is actually a decent thriller to boot. When the couple realize Jackson's "pranks" are becoming more dangerous and intrusive, they also realize there is nothing that can be done. Lisa's father in the film [Ron Glass] tells the couple there is nothing to be done because "There is the issue of color, and that color happens to be blue."
Because Jackson is a police officer, he comes across as even more terrifying. Not only are the filmmakers showing the audience the one group they can trust can be untrustworthy, they can also make sure you are never safe. At one point Washington threatens to call the police to which Jackson hands her his phone and says, "Go ahead, I will tell you who is on duty."
I have always known Jackson had great "crazy eyes" and he uses them to perfection in this film. His chilling performance is even more scary when he isn't using the "crazy eyes," but a sly smile informing everyone he has nothing to fear.
Wilson and Washington are both great actors, but they don't hold a candle to Jackson in this film. He knows being a tough guy can be intimidating, but being a tough guy who is slick and has nothing to lose is terrifying and he plays the part to perfection. The idea of living next door to his character is enough to make me want to move now, even though I don't even live in the same state.
On the down side, there are moments where his acting is somewhat over-the-top, but this is expected from Jackson. This would have been fine if it hadn't changed some of the more poignant moments in the movie into a scene which is almost comedic.
I knew this film was either going to be great or terrible with little to no in-between area. But, I was wrong. In the end, the film is good, but had the potential to be great. There are a few obvious tweaks the filmmakers could have made to ensure a great film, but as it is, the film just lands in the arena of a good time instead of as a great movie.
Lakeview Terrace
Rated PG-13 for language, violence some sexual content and intense thematic material
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington
Rating: Three stars
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Hawaii Fun Time
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Here is some details about my recent trip to Hawaii.
I have been on several vacations in my life, but I have never been able to fully appreciate them until now.
I recently traveled to the great state of Hawaii with my wife and my in-laws to take a break from the working world and "hang loose." This is my first vacation since joining the working world and I took full advantage of it. I love working at the Burleson Star and especially all of the wonderful people I meet and interact with on a daily basis in the great city of Burleson, but I didn't miss it while I was gone.
I graduated from college in May 2007 and got hitched a month later. After returning home from my honeymoon, I immediately began working at my internship in Wimberley. While interning, I interviewed at the Burleson Star and received a job offer. I left my internship on a Wednesday and began working in Burleson the next day. I say all that to say I haven't had much time off in the past year.
I know this makes me sound young and many of the people reading have been in the working community for many years, but waking up everyday is a new experience for me. Even in college, just because my alarm went off did not mean I was going to get up and go to class [don't worry, I have a much better track record at the Star].
After a year of hard work and many new experiences, I was happy to turn off my brain for a week and enjoy the Hawaii sun. Well, I actually didn't enjoy the sun because I am a smidge overweight and the sun didn't really do anything for me except burn my skin and make me sweat for a week straight. And I didn't even lose any weight!
I thought there was a magical portal people stepped through when they went to Hawaii which made them tan with a defined abdomen. No such luck on my end of the magical portal. When I got to Hawaii and just started sweating. It was nice for me to be in a place where not wearing a shirt was commonplace because I believe this to be my natural state. However, I'm not sure how nice it was for my in-laws.
When I go on vacations I always go with little to no expectations to make my trip enjoyable no matter what and Hawaii was no different. All I wanted to do on the trip was sit on my big Texas booty and play in the ocean.
I succeeded.
If this was all I did, I would have chalked Hawaii up to a great vacation, but I did even more because my wife is persistent. And it was great. Sarah tried to convince me to go snorkeling, but I am not much of a snorkeler. Maybe its because I can never get the mask on right and end up almost drowning in a life jacket in two feet of water or because people always end up pointing at my belly trying to figure out what new kind of whale species has come to the Hawaii shore.
The family did go to a luau, which was a fantastic experience. The food was amazing and several locals were available to tell the history of the island and sell their wares. The entertainment was also exciting, but hula dancing gets somewhat old after about one minute. The mai tai's helped with that.
Sarah and I also went cliff jumping which was a fantastic experience for both of us because Sarah had never done it before and because I got to watch Sarah's face right before and as she jumped off the rock. Priceless.
Swimming in the ocean was also a treat for the whole family. My idea of a good time in the ocean is just letting the waves crash down on me and tumble me to the shore. The other people on the beach who enjoyed this activity ranged in ages from 3 to 5 years old. And Sarah. That is why I love her.
Some of the in-laws decided to boogey board during the week, which I considered until my father-in-law almost broke his nose on a particularly harsh wave. I figured I got Sarah to love me with my face in its current condition and I shouldn't be pushing my luck.
I also took Sarah on a date to the Ritz-Carlton for dinner during the week, which she loved but my wallet hated. I'm not normally a nice restaurant kind of guy and my order usually goes something like, "and can you replace the vegetables with french fries?" Don't worry ladies, I was on my best behavior and ate everything placed in front of me, which my taste-buds were happy with half the time and angry the other half. But Sarah had a great dinner and that was all that mattered.
Now my favorite thing about Hawaii [and this is going to make some people want to shoot me] was the pizza. There was a pizza place across the street from where we were staying which served the best pizza I had ever eaten. I was in Hawaii for eight days and I ate there at least five times. At the end of the week, the owner gave me a free t-shirt and took a picture with me — one of the highlights of the week. I found out the owner was actually from Texas, which made the experience all the better.
My trip taught me an important lesson — even the best things in other states come from Texas. It also taught me as much as it is nice to go on a trip to Hawaii and enjoy a change of scenery for a week, it always feels great to come home. And what better home to come back to then Burleson?
I have been on several vacations in my life, but I have never been able to fully appreciate them until now.
I recently traveled to the great state of Hawaii with my wife and my in-laws to take a break from the working world and "hang loose." This is my first vacation since joining the working world and I took full advantage of it. I love working at the Burleson Star and especially all of the wonderful people I meet and interact with on a daily basis in the great city of Burleson, but I didn't miss it while I was gone.
I graduated from college in May 2007 and got hitched a month later. After returning home from my honeymoon, I immediately began working at my internship in Wimberley. While interning, I interviewed at the Burleson Star and received a job offer. I left my internship on a Wednesday and began working in Burleson the next day. I say all that to say I haven't had much time off in the past year.
I know this makes me sound young and many of the people reading have been in the working community for many years, but waking up everyday is a new experience for me. Even in college, just because my alarm went off did not mean I was going to get up and go to class [don't worry, I have a much better track record at the Star].
After a year of hard work and many new experiences, I was happy to turn off my brain for a week and enjoy the Hawaii sun. Well, I actually didn't enjoy the sun because I am a smidge overweight and the sun didn't really do anything for me except burn my skin and make me sweat for a week straight. And I didn't even lose any weight!
I thought there was a magical portal people stepped through when they went to Hawaii which made them tan with a defined abdomen. No such luck on my end of the magical portal. When I got to Hawaii and just started sweating. It was nice for me to be in a place where not wearing a shirt was commonplace because I believe this to be my natural state. However, I'm not sure how nice it was for my in-laws.
When I go on vacations I always go with little to no expectations to make my trip enjoyable no matter what and Hawaii was no different. All I wanted to do on the trip was sit on my big Texas booty and play in the ocean.
I succeeded.
If this was all I did, I would have chalked Hawaii up to a great vacation, but I did even more because my wife is persistent. And it was great. Sarah tried to convince me to go snorkeling, but I am not much of a snorkeler. Maybe its because I can never get the mask on right and end up almost drowning in a life jacket in two feet of water or because people always end up pointing at my belly trying to figure out what new kind of whale species has come to the Hawaii shore.
The family did go to a luau, which was a fantastic experience. The food was amazing and several locals were available to tell the history of the island and sell their wares. The entertainment was also exciting, but hula dancing gets somewhat old after about one minute. The mai tai's helped with that.
Sarah and I also went cliff jumping which was a fantastic experience for both of us because Sarah had never done it before and because I got to watch Sarah's face right before and as she jumped off the rock. Priceless.
Swimming in the ocean was also a treat for the whole family. My idea of a good time in the ocean is just letting the waves crash down on me and tumble me to the shore. The other people on the beach who enjoyed this activity ranged in ages from 3 to 5 years old. And Sarah. That is why I love her.
Some of the in-laws decided to boogey board during the week, which I considered until my father-in-law almost broke his nose on a particularly harsh wave. I figured I got Sarah to love me with my face in its current condition and I shouldn't be pushing my luck.
I also took Sarah on a date to the Ritz-Carlton for dinner during the week, which she loved but my wallet hated. I'm not normally a nice restaurant kind of guy and my order usually goes something like, "and can you replace the vegetables with french fries?" Don't worry ladies, I was on my best behavior and ate everything placed in front of me, which my taste-buds were happy with half the time and angry the other half. But Sarah had a great dinner and that was all that mattered.
Now my favorite thing about Hawaii [and this is going to make some people want to shoot me] was the pizza. There was a pizza place across the street from where we were staying which served the best pizza I had ever eaten. I was in Hawaii for eight days and I ate there at least five times. At the end of the week, the owner gave me a free t-shirt and took a picture with me — one of the highlights of the week. I found out the owner was actually from Texas, which made the experience all the better.
My trip taught me an important lesson — even the best things in other states come from Texas. It also taught me as much as it is nice to go on a trip to Hawaii and enjoy a change of scenery for a week, it always feels great to come home. And what better home to come back to then Burleson?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Rocker Review
When rock stars try to be in movies or movie stars try to be rockers, it is rare that the transition is successful.
Was "The Rocker" one of these rare exceptions? No. It wasn't.
Rainn Wilson plays Robert "Fish" Fishman, an original member and drummer for one of one of the biggest bands in the world, Vesuvius. However, the band unceremoniously removes him from the band in order to sign on with a major record label. Skip ahead 20 years and Fish still hasn't given up his dream of being a rocker and still living in the past with a strong hatred for his former band-mates.
After being fired and dumped, Fish goes to live with his sister until he can get back on his feet. He discovers that his awkward and socially-inept nephew, Matt (Josh Gad), has a band that requires a drummer. Since this is the "only way" Matt will ever make it to prom, Fish dawns his drumsticks once more to help out his nephew. However, he only ends up making things worse by providing an embarrassing, overzealous and unfunny performance
After the disastrous show at the prom, Fish promises to land the group a gig to make up for his actions. Matt decides to set up a practice that allows each of the band members to practice from their homes. However, Fish, who doesn't quite understand technology, decides to practice naked thinking the camera is a microphone.
It is one of the only funny scenes in the film, and that is just because an ugly guy being naked and playing drums is just always going to be funny.
After the video hits YouTube and becomes an internet sensation, the band is swept away on a tour with Wilson trying to teach the youngsters how to be rock stars but only causing trouble.
Wilson playing a rock star is about as believable as me playing a track star (FYI that is unrealistic because I'm heavyset). I'm not sure if that is part of the joke, but if it is, it doesn't translate well and the joke falls flat on its face. Wilson, who is hilarious as Dwight on NBC's "The Office" all but confirms that he is good in one role — Dwight from "The Office."
Wilson does deliver some funny lines, but mostly tries to do physical comedy that just wasn't funny. Gad does maybe too good of a job of playing an awkward nerd and falls from funny to just pathetic and annoying. I know half of his lines were supposed to be jokes, but they may as well have just put in the noise of crickets chirping because they were just terrible.
The lead singer of the band, Curtis, is played by real-life musician Teddy Geiger and he does an excellent job of playing the character. Mainly because the character he is playing is him. A teenager with a lot of built up angst and a great voice. However, having Geiger in the film does make for a good soundtrack. I found myself wanting to buy the music after watching the movie. Hey look, a silver lining on a terrible movie.
Amelia (Emma Stone) is another character that just falls short of what they are trying to accomplish. The supposedly-punk-rock-girl-power teen doesn't display a strong teen spirit, but more of a confused look throughout the 90-minute run time of the movie.
Jason Sudeikis is the one redeeming factor in the movie. Sudeikis plays sleazy record manager David Marshall and delivers the best lines of the movie. He is only in a small number of scenes, but he was the only one making me laugh throughout the whole movie. However, Demetri Martin also has a funny cameo as a eccentric music video director, which only lasts for two minutes and wasn't enough to make it work the seven dollars I dropped to see the movie.
The movie seemed like it was trying to come across as a sweet comedy with a lot of heart, but it doesn't quite achieve its goal. There are moments that are somewhat heartwarming, but again, they are spread out and don't last long making the film just seemed like a confused comedy.
If you are interested in good music, go buy the soundtrack for the movie. It is catchy. If you are looking for a laugh, however, look somewhere else.
The Rocker
Starring: Rainn Wilson, Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger and Christina Applegate
Rated PG-13 for language and crude humor
Rating: One star
Was "The Rocker" one of these rare exceptions? No. It wasn't.
Rainn Wilson plays Robert "Fish" Fishman, an original member and drummer for one of one of the biggest bands in the world, Vesuvius. However, the band unceremoniously removes him from the band in order to sign on with a major record label. Skip ahead 20 years and Fish still hasn't given up his dream of being a rocker and still living in the past with a strong hatred for his former band-mates.
After being fired and dumped, Fish goes to live with his sister until he can get back on his feet. He discovers that his awkward and socially-inept nephew, Matt (Josh Gad), has a band that requires a drummer. Since this is the "only way" Matt will ever make it to prom, Fish dawns his drumsticks once more to help out his nephew. However, he only ends up making things worse by providing an embarrassing, overzealous and unfunny performance
After the disastrous show at the prom, Fish promises to land the group a gig to make up for his actions. Matt decides to set up a practice that allows each of the band members to practice from their homes. However, Fish, who doesn't quite understand technology, decides to practice naked thinking the camera is a microphone.
It is one of the only funny scenes in the film, and that is just because an ugly guy being naked and playing drums is just always going to be funny.
After the video hits YouTube and becomes an internet sensation, the band is swept away on a tour with Wilson trying to teach the youngsters how to be rock stars but only causing trouble.
Wilson playing a rock star is about as believable as me playing a track star (FYI that is unrealistic because I'm heavyset). I'm not sure if that is part of the joke, but if it is, it doesn't translate well and the joke falls flat on its face. Wilson, who is hilarious as Dwight on NBC's "The Office" all but confirms that he is good in one role — Dwight from "The Office."
Wilson does deliver some funny lines, but mostly tries to do physical comedy that just wasn't funny. Gad does maybe too good of a job of playing an awkward nerd and falls from funny to just pathetic and annoying. I know half of his lines were supposed to be jokes, but they may as well have just put in the noise of crickets chirping because they were just terrible.
The lead singer of the band, Curtis, is played by real-life musician Teddy Geiger and he does an excellent job of playing the character. Mainly because the character he is playing is him. A teenager with a lot of built up angst and a great voice. However, having Geiger in the film does make for a good soundtrack. I found myself wanting to buy the music after watching the movie. Hey look, a silver lining on a terrible movie.
Amelia (Emma Stone) is another character that just falls short of what they are trying to accomplish. The supposedly-punk-rock-girl-power teen doesn't display a strong teen spirit, but more of a confused look throughout the 90-minute run time of the movie.
Jason Sudeikis is the one redeeming factor in the movie. Sudeikis plays sleazy record manager David Marshall and delivers the best lines of the movie. He is only in a small number of scenes, but he was the only one making me laugh throughout the whole movie. However, Demetri Martin also has a funny cameo as a eccentric music video director, which only lasts for two minutes and wasn't enough to make it work the seven dollars I dropped to see the movie.
The movie seemed like it was trying to come across as a sweet comedy with a lot of heart, but it doesn't quite achieve its goal. There are moments that are somewhat heartwarming, but again, they are spread out and don't last long making the film just seemed like a confused comedy.
If you are interested in good music, go buy the soundtrack for the movie. It is catchy. If you are looking for a laugh, however, look somewhere else.
The Rocker
Starring: Rainn Wilson, Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger and Christina Applegate
Rated PG-13 for language and crude humor
Rating: One star
Mirrors Review
Kiefer Sutherland should take a long, hard look in a mirror — and then stick to television.
Sutherland's newest venture to the big screen is "Mirrors" a horror film that surrounds the murderous intent of, well, mirrors.
The movie is a poor reflection of other horror films, but doesn't completely fall on its face. Sutherland plays Ben Carson, an ex-cop with a sordid past (surprise), who gets a job as a night watchman at a burned down department store where strange things begin to happen to him (surprise #2). Sutherland quickly discovers that the store is haunted by those who died in the fire and something else and must destroy whatever it is before it kills his estranged family. This is difficult, however, because everyone thinks he's crazy because he sees dead people in mirrors.
Personally, I would just quit that job.
Ignoring the fact that a burned-down department store needs a security guard when the only thing of value to steal are the demon-possesed mirrors, the movie failed to impress me in several ways.
I am admittedly a scardey-cat in horror films, but I still like it when a movie really gets me. I have seen enough horror movies to know when there are going to be scary moments and the movie is chalk-full of obvious "boo!" moments. However, the film did get me a few times that I wasn't expecting and made me throw my popcorn in the air in fright. My favorite type of scare moments are the very subtle scares of things stirring in the background or something or someone just acting absolutely creepy.
I was happy that the film relied more on scare tactics then it did on gore, but don't get me wrong, there is plenty of gore to go around.
The mirrors kill their victims by showing them a reflection of a gruesome death that becomes reality. However, the movie never really explains the rules about how not to get killed by the mirrors so no one is safe. The mirrors cause one victim to slit his own throat and another to rip off their own jaw. Those being the only moments of extreme violence was a pleasant surprise from the director of "The Hills Have Eyes," which mainly relied on its gore factor.
One of the most important things in a horror movie is the ending. You can either go the happy route with the everyone-is-going-to-be-okay ending or the we-are-going-to-scare-you-out-of-your-pants-once-last-time ending. "Mirrors" climax was also somewhat disappointing. It seemed like the writer was going for something good, but then just decided to rip off an ending seen in countless horror films. Getting scared is fun and if I get scared at the end of a movie, I walk out of the theatre giggling or calling my wife to comfort me. When I left this movie, I had almost forgotten about the entire film by the time I reached my car.
I'm not exactly sure why Sutherland chose to do this movie. I'm not sure why people would want to see Sutherland in this movie, either. With all the films I have seen the actor in, I'm pretty sure he always plays the same character, Jack Bauer from 24. He always seems conflicted and angry, even when he is supposed to be happy. I like 24, but I don't like watching the same character in a movie that requires more than a grimace and shooting a gun. Especially in a horror movie, everybody knows that guns don't work until the end of a horror movie and even then they probably still won't kill the bad guy.
Amy Smart plays Sutherland's sister Angela, and has to keep reminding the audience that she is his sister and they are not together. I think I got it after the first time she blatantly stated the relationship, but the director really wanted to drive the point home because they mention it about six more times. It really got me wondering why it was so important to know that she was his sister, and maybe there was a secret to be reveled about their family's past. Nope. It was just bad writing.
None of the acting in the film was all that great or all that believable, but, hey, its a horror movie, you just have to be able to act like you scared. I guess when Sutherland is scared, he looks angry and constipated.
The movie isn't really worth seeing in theaters or even spending money on a rental. If you happen to pass by it on a Saturday afternoon, you can watch 15 minutes or so and get the drift of the movie, or look in a mirror and imagine a bad horror movie save yourself two hours.
Mirrors
Rated R for language, graphic violence and brief nudity
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Amy Smart and Paula Patton
Rating: One and a half stars
Sutherland's newest venture to the big screen is "Mirrors" a horror film that surrounds the murderous intent of, well, mirrors.
The movie is a poor reflection of other horror films, but doesn't completely fall on its face. Sutherland plays Ben Carson, an ex-cop with a sordid past (surprise), who gets a job as a night watchman at a burned down department store where strange things begin to happen to him (surprise #2). Sutherland quickly discovers that the store is haunted by those who died in the fire and something else and must destroy whatever it is before it kills his estranged family. This is difficult, however, because everyone thinks he's crazy because he sees dead people in mirrors.
Personally, I would just quit that job.
Ignoring the fact that a burned-down department store needs a security guard when the only thing of value to steal are the demon-possesed mirrors, the movie failed to impress me in several ways.
I am admittedly a scardey-cat in horror films, but I still like it when a movie really gets me. I have seen enough horror movies to know when there are going to be scary moments and the movie is chalk-full of obvious "boo!" moments. However, the film did get me a few times that I wasn't expecting and made me throw my popcorn in the air in fright. My favorite type of scare moments are the very subtle scares of things stirring in the background or something or someone just acting absolutely creepy.
I was happy that the film relied more on scare tactics then it did on gore, but don't get me wrong, there is plenty of gore to go around.
The mirrors kill their victims by showing them a reflection of a gruesome death that becomes reality. However, the movie never really explains the rules about how not to get killed by the mirrors so no one is safe. The mirrors cause one victim to slit his own throat and another to rip off their own jaw. Those being the only moments of extreme violence was a pleasant surprise from the director of "The Hills Have Eyes," which mainly relied on its gore factor.
One of the most important things in a horror movie is the ending. You can either go the happy route with the everyone-is-going-to-be-okay ending or the we-are-going-to-scare-you-out-of-your-pants-once-last-time ending. "Mirrors" climax was also somewhat disappointing. It seemed like the writer was going for something good, but then just decided to rip off an ending seen in countless horror films. Getting scared is fun and if I get scared at the end of a movie, I walk out of the theatre giggling or calling my wife to comfort me. When I left this movie, I had almost forgotten about the entire film by the time I reached my car.
I'm not exactly sure why Sutherland chose to do this movie. I'm not sure why people would want to see Sutherland in this movie, either. With all the films I have seen the actor in, I'm pretty sure he always plays the same character, Jack Bauer from 24. He always seems conflicted and angry, even when he is supposed to be happy. I like 24, but I don't like watching the same character in a movie that requires more than a grimace and shooting a gun. Especially in a horror movie, everybody knows that guns don't work until the end of a horror movie and even then they probably still won't kill the bad guy.
Amy Smart plays Sutherland's sister Angela, and has to keep reminding the audience that she is his sister and they are not together. I think I got it after the first time she blatantly stated the relationship, but the director really wanted to drive the point home because they mention it about six more times. It really got me wondering why it was so important to know that she was his sister, and maybe there was a secret to be reveled about their family's past. Nope. It was just bad writing.
None of the acting in the film was all that great or all that believable, but, hey, its a horror movie, you just have to be able to act like you scared. I guess when Sutherland is scared, he looks angry and constipated.
The movie isn't really worth seeing in theaters or even spending money on a rental. If you happen to pass by it on a Saturday afternoon, you can watch 15 minutes or so and get the drift of the movie, or look in a mirror and imagine a bad horror movie save yourself two hours.
Mirrors
Rated R for language, graphic violence and brief nudity
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Amy Smart and Paula Patton
Rating: One and a half stars
Tropic Thunder Review
Robert Downey Jr. started the summer movie season with a bang with "Iron Man" and ended the season on the same high note with "Tropic Thunder."
The film surrounds the making of a war movie based on a book, based on a true story. The movie is a disaster, costing too much money and running behind schedule.
Downey plays five-time Academy Award winner Kirk Lazurus, an Australian method actor who undergoes a controversial surgery of having his skin pigmented so he can play the platoon's African-American sergeant.
Lazurus bumps heads with Tugg Speedman, an action hero played by Ben Stiller who appeared in a huge action film and its seven sequels. The two prima donnas can't find real emotion behind the characters and are slowly destroying the film.
It doesn't help their co-star, Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), who is famous for playing an entire family of obese people in "The Fats" and "The Fats: Fart Two," has a small problem with heroin and Brandon T. Jackson, who plays Alpa Chino (sound it out), a rapper turned movie star who is more focused on promoting his energy drink, "Booty Sweat" than the film.
With the movie going down fast, rookie director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) and war veteren Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte) hatch a plan to bring out the true emotion in the actors by "taking them off the grid."
Coogan and Nolte fly the actors out to the jungle, which has been rigged with hidden cameras and tells them the rest of the movie will be filmed guerilla-style. However, the actors have actually landed in drug territory and are being hunted by a heroin cartel.
Stiller is soon captured and still thinks he is being filmed, thus really enjoying being tortured and spit on, saying, "that was good, keep doing that."
Ironically, the rest of the cast must rescue Stiller from his captors, just like they were supposed too do in the movie they are no longer making.
In short, the movie is hilarious.
Stiller wrote and directed the film, and made sure to poke fun at every Hollywood stereotype you can imagine. From a heroin addicted comedy star, to the method actor who "doesn't drop character until he does the DVD commentary," every stab is spot on.
One of the more clever jabs has recently caught severe flack from several groups. The movie Speedman starred in called "Simple Jack." The movie is about a mentally-challenged farm hand who can speak to animals. Speedman hopes the movie will mark him as a serious actor, but the movie just ends up being terrible and slammed by critics.
Is the idea offensive? Yes. However, it is also true.
Several actors in Hollywood have taken roles as someone mentally handicapped or deformed to mark themselves as a "serious actor." I find it hard to believe that this movie gets tagged as bad because it shows actors use mentally-challenged people to gain award-recognition. Shouldn't that make people angry?
And, it's a comedy. There is no sacred ground. Downey is an Australian playing an African-American, and it's funny. It is funny because it is what actors really do in real life.
The movie is one of the best satire films I have ever and has a fantastic cast. Each actor fits his character perfectly and plays them so well you forget you are watching Stiller, Black and Downey and start to think of them as Speedman, Portnoy and Lazurus.
Downey is the best out of the bunch — which may be because he is not tagged as a comedy actor and people don't expect him to be funny — but he outdoes both Stiller and Black in the laughs department. Black is sort of funny, but his character quickly becomes annoying and you aren't sure why you ever thought he was funny in the first place.
Stiller is always great at playing tough guys without a clue and he plays the part to perfection in this film. Watching him interact with the people who have captured him is one of the funniest things in the entire film.
However, the funniest moments in the film don't belong to any of the main cast.
They belong to Tom Cruise.
I never thought I could like another movie with Cruise, but he changed my mind when he put on a bald wig and glasses as Less Grossman in the film. He alone is worth the price of full admission. Cruise plays and extremely foul-mouthed producer who occasionally breaks out in dance to the tune of rap music.
I can honestly say I'm not the biggest of fan of foul language being used to excess in films because I feels it takes away from the movie, but when Cruise is spitting out his lines, I was buckled over in laughter.
Another side character bringing big laughs is Cody, the pyrotechnics supervisor, played by one of my new favorite comedic actors, Danny McBride. McBride recently starred in "Pineapple Express" and brings the same gut-busting material in this film. I don't want to spoil all of his good moments, but I will say he describes his past experiences with pyrotechnics as "almost blinding Jamie Lee Curtis on the set of 'Freaky Friday.'"
I can't say this is the best comedy of the summer, but it is a close second. It is definitely worth seeing and then going back again to show your friends Cruise's new dance moves.
Tropic Thunder
Rated R for graphic violence, language and crude humor
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Tom Cruise
Rating: 3 and one half stars
The film surrounds the making of a war movie based on a book, based on a true story. The movie is a disaster, costing too much money and running behind schedule.
Downey plays five-time Academy Award winner Kirk Lazurus, an Australian method actor who undergoes a controversial surgery of having his skin pigmented so he can play the platoon's African-American sergeant.
Lazurus bumps heads with Tugg Speedman, an action hero played by Ben Stiller who appeared in a huge action film and its seven sequels. The two prima donnas can't find real emotion behind the characters and are slowly destroying the film.
It doesn't help their co-star, Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), who is famous for playing an entire family of obese people in "The Fats" and "The Fats: Fart Two," has a small problem with heroin and Brandon T. Jackson, who plays Alpa Chino (sound it out), a rapper turned movie star who is more focused on promoting his energy drink, "Booty Sweat" than the film.
With the movie going down fast, rookie director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) and war veteren Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte) hatch a plan to bring out the true emotion in the actors by "taking them off the grid."
Coogan and Nolte fly the actors out to the jungle, which has been rigged with hidden cameras and tells them the rest of the movie will be filmed guerilla-style. However, the actors have actually landed in drug territory and are being hunted by a heroin cartel.
Stiller is soon captured and still thinks he is being filmed, thus really enjoying being tortured and spit on, saying, "that was good, keep doing that."
Ironically, the rest of the cast must rescue Stiller from his captors, just like they were supposed too do in the movie they are no longer making.
In short, the movie is hilarious.
Stiller wrote and directed the film, and made sure to poke fun at every Hollywood stereotype you can imagine. From a heroin addicted comedy star, to the method actor who "doesn't drop character until he does the DVD commentary," every stab is spot on.
One of the more clever jabs has recently caught severe flack from several groups. The movie Speedman starred in called "Simple Jack." The movie is about a mentally-challenged farm hand who can speak to animals. Speedman hopes the movie will mark him as a serious actor, but the movie just ends up being terrible and slammed by critics.
Is the idea offensive? Yes. However, it is also true.
Several actors in Hollywood have taken roles as someone mentally handicapped or deformed to mark themselves as a "serious actor." I find it hard to believe that this movie gets tagged as bad because it shows actors use mentally-challenged people to gain award-recognition. Shouldn't that make people angry?
And, it's a comedy. There is no sacred ground. Downey is an Australian playing an African-American, and it's funny. It is funny because it is what actors really do in real life.
The movie is one of the best satire films I have ever and has a fantastic cast. Each actor fits his character perfectly and plays them so well you forget you are watching Stiller, Black and Downey and start to think of them as Speedman, Portnoy and Lazurus.
Downey is the best out of the bunch — which may be because he is not tagged as a comedy actor and people don't expect him to be funny — but he outdoes both Stiller and Black in the laughs department. Black is sort of funny, but his character quickly becomes annoying and you aren't sure why you ever thought he was funny in the first place.
Stiller is always great at playing tough guys without a clue and he plays the part to perfection in this film. Watching him interact with the people who have captured him is one of the funniest things in the entire film.
However, the funniest moments in the film don't belong to any of the main cast.
They belong to Tom Cruise.
I never thought I could like another movie with Cruise, but he changed my mind when he put on a bald wig and glasses as Less Grossman in the film. He alone is worth the price of full admission. Cruise plays and extremely foul-mouthed producer who occasionally breaks out in dance to the tune of rap music.
I can honestly say I'm not the biggest of fan of foul language being used to excess in films because I feels it takes away from the movie, but when Cruise is spitting out his lines, I was buckled over in laughter.
Another side character bringing big laughs is Cody, the pyrotechnics supervisor, played by one of my new favorite comedic actors, Danny McBride. McBride recently starred in "Pineapple Express" and brings the same gut-busting material in this film. I don't want to spoil all of his good moments, but I will say he describes his past experiences with pyrotechnics as "almost blinding Jamie Lee Curtis on the set of 'Freaky Friday.'"
I can't say this is the best comedy of the summer, but it is a close second. It is definitely worth seeing and then going back again to show your friends Cruise's new dance moves.
Tropic Thunder
Rated R for graphic violence, language and crude humor
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Tom Cruise
Rating: 3 and one half stars
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pineapple Express Review
At first glance, "Pineapple Express" might seem like a typical stoner movie, but in reality it is one of the best buddy comedy's in the past several years.
I have to admit, I am a little biased to this film because Huey Lewis and the News wrote the theme song. How can you go wrong with Huey Lewis and the News? The new song pales in comparison to "Power of Love" from "Back to the Future," but it fits the movie with its uplifting and just plain fun attitude.
The movie's plot is fairly straightforward, a marijuana smoking loser played by Seth Rogan witnesses a murder so he and his drug dealer, played by James Franco, have to go on the run. Again, at first glance it seems like a stoner movie. However, the premise is actually much sweeter than it initially seems. Rogan and Franco play two people who know each other, but slowly become friends throughout the film.
Following them on their journey is as much about watching their friendship bloom as it is of the characters trying to escape the assassins trying to kill them. I am a sucker for buddy comedy's and this particular story was one of my favorites. While several other movies with a pot that surround pot would only allow audiences who are either high or stupid to enjoy, this movie actually has the most clever writing I have seen in a comedy all summer.
There is easy humor in the movie, but most of the laughs can be found in the subtle humor that is prevalent throughout the 90-minute run time.
Franco, who is normally tagged as a pretty-boy and given roles that accentuate that stereotype, returns to his roots from his days on "Freaks and Geeks," one of the best shows to ever grace the television screen.
Rogan has established himself as a comedy icon in the past two years, but Franco blows him out of the water with his performance as the simple-minded drug dealer who just wants to be friends with everyone. I can only hope and pray that Franco will continue to dig into his comedy roots and take more roles like this one.
That isn't to say that Rogan does not do a phenomenal job as well. He is also spot on as a pot-smoking process server who is 25 and dating a high-school student, which could have been a disgusting side-plot, but is tastefully done as just another hilarious story-line.
The humor in the movie is crude and cursing is prevalent throughout the film. However, most of the movie I was laughing at the subtle humor that takes place in the background of most scenes. It is the type of humor that is targeted at a very particular audience and people expecting a cut-and-dry comedy will walk away with less than those who are looking for the underlying humor in the scenes.
Another up-and-coming comedy frontman, Danny McBride, also delivers a hilarious performance as Red, a drug-dealing friend of Franco's who spends his time equally split between helping Rogan and Franco escape the assassins and helping the assassins kill Franco and Rogan. McBride is easily the funniest character in the cast and has the audience waiting for the next scene he will appear.
The other supporting cast of Rosie Perez and Gary Cole do a great job, but still can't hold a candle to Rogan, Franco and McBride.
I knew how good the movie was when my wife had to tell me to stop quoting the movie she hadn't seen every day and then pointed out that I would just occasionally laugh to myself and mutter a line or two. The film is definitely one I will see again in theaters and then purchase when it comes to DVD.
I can't say the film is for everyone because the humor is very complex, but I can say if you enjoyed "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" or "Superbad," you will love it. And, again, how can you go wrong with Huey Lewis and the News?
Pineapple Express
Rating: 3 and one half stars
Rated R for violence, language and crude, sexual humor
Starring: Seth Rogan, James Franco, Danny McBride, Rosie Perez and Gary Cole
I have to admit, I am a little biased to this film because Huey Lewis and the News wrote the theme song. How can you go wrong with Huey Lewis and the News? The new song pales in comparison to "Power of Love" from "Back to the Future," but it fits the movie with its uplifting and just plain fun attitude.
The movie's plot is fairly straightforward, a marijuana smoking loser played by Seth Rogan witnesses a murder so he and his drug dealer, played by James Franco, have to go on the run. Again, at first glance it seems like a stoner movie. However, the premise is actually much sweeter than it initially seems. Rogan and Franco play two people who know each other, but slowly become friends throughout the film.
Following them on their journey is as much about watching their friendship bloom as it is of the characters trying to escape the assassins trying to kill them. I am a sucker for buddy comedy's and this particular story was one of my favorites. While several other movies with a pot that surround pot would only allow audiences who are either high or stupid to enjoy, this movie actually has the most clever writing I have seen in a comedy all summer.
There is easy humor in the movie, but most of the laughs can be found in the subtle humor that is prevalent throughout the 90-minute run time.
Franco, who is normally tagged as a pretty-boy and given roles that accentuate that stereotype, returns to his roots from his days on "Freaks and Geeks," one of the best shows to ever grace the television screen.
Rogan has established himself as a comedy icon in the past two years, but Franco blows him out of the water with his performance as the simple-minded drug dealer who just wants to be friends with everyone. I can only hope and pray that Franco will continue to dig into his comedy roots and take more roles like this one.
That isn't to say that Rogan does not do a phenomenal job as well. He is also spot on as a pot-smoking process server who is 25 and dating a high-school student, which could have been a disgusting side-plot, but is tastefully done as just another hilarious story-line.
The humor in the movie is crude and cursing is prevalent throughout the film. However, most of the movie I was laughing at the subtle humor that takes place in the background of most scenes. It is the type of humor that is targeted at a very particular audience and people expecting a cut-and-dry comedy will walk away with less than those who are looking for the underlying humor in the scenes.
Another up-and-coming comedy frontman, Danny McBride, also delivers a hilarious performance as Red, a drug-dealing friend of Franco's who spends his time equally split between helping Rogan and Franco escape the assassins and helping the assassins kill Franco and Rogan. McBride is easily the funniest character in the cast and has the audience waiting for the next scene he will appear.
The other supporting cast of Rosie Perez and Gary Cole do a great job, but still can't hold a candle to Rogan, Franco and McBride.
I knew how good the movie was when my wife had to tell me to stop quoting the movie she hadn't seen every day and then pointed out that I would just occasionally laugh to myself and mutter a line or two. The film is definitely one I will see again in theaters and then purchase when it comes to DVD.
I can't say the film is for everyone because the humor is very complex, but I can say if you enjoyed "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" or "Superbad," you will love it. And, again, how can you go wrong with Huey Lewis and the News?
Pineapple Express
Rating: 3 and one half stars
Rated R for violence, language and crude, sexual humor
Starring: Seth Rogan, James Franco, Danny McBride, Rosie Perez and Gary Cole
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mama Mia Review
I want to begin this review by saying that I am happily married to a beautiful woman and my manhood should not come into question in my next statement.
I like musicals.
I always have, and I think everyone can get on board with the idea of a world where anyone can randomly burst into song and dance. I have been fortunate to see some great musicals on the stage, and some even greater musicals on the screen, and while "Mama Mia!" isn't the best musical I have ever seen, it was still a wonderful movie-going experience.
The movie centers around the wedding of a young girl named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who has invited three men who could all potentially be her father to her upcoming nuptials. Meryl Streep plays Donna, Sophie's mother, who has no idea that her three ex's are coming to her small hotel in Greece for the wedding, and she is as fantastic as ever.
The movie's plot is pretty straightforward and it doesn't have to be complicated because musicals don't need a great plot to keep people entertained, they just need good music. And what better music could you ask for than that of ABBA? Okay, there is better music out there, but ABBA's pretty dang good.
As I said earlier, I am a man and I took my wife to the film as my date and I'm not sure who enjoyed the movie more. One of the reasons I love movies is because it is easy for me to become involved with the characters and the story and I get enthralled for the next hour or two hours, but with this film, anyone can get involved.
The supporting cast in the movie make everyone laugh and wish you had friends like them. Streep's two best friends and ex-band mates, Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) are hilarious and steal any scene in which they appear. You almost wish the movie was about them and the three potential fathers played by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard.
While some of the humor in the movie is slightly vulgar and sophomoric, you feel like it's okay to laugh because you are in such a good mood. That is what musicals do to people. How could you not want to laugh after tapping your feet to Meryl Streep and a bunch of Grecian women singing "Dancing Queen."
This movie weekend will no doubt be ruled by "The Dark Knight," but "Mama Mia!" deserves its due as a great musical. It is a fantastic date movie and it is perfect for just simple entertainment.
Mama Mia!
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for some sexual humor
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanada Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth
I like musicals.
I always have, and I think everyone can get on board with the idea of a world where anyone can randomly burst into song and dance. I have been fortunate to see some great musicals on the stage, and some even greater musicals on the screen, and while "Mama Mia!" isn't the best musical I have ever seen, it was still a wonderful movie-going experience.
The movie centers around the wedding of a young girl named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who has invited three men who could all potentially be her father to her upcoming nuptials. Meryl Streep plays Donna, Sophie's mother, who has no idea that her three ex's are coming to her small hotel in Greece for the wedding, and she is as fantastic as ever.
The movie's plot is pretty straightforward and it doesn't have to be complicated because musicals don't need a great plot to keep people entertained, they just need good music. And what better music could you ask for than that of ABBA? Okay, there is better music out there, but ABBA's pretty dang good.
As I said earlier, I am a man and I took my wife to the film as my date and I'm not sure who enjoyed the movie more. One of the reasons I love movies is because it is easy for me to become involved with the characters and the story and I get enthralled for the next hour or two hours, but with this film, anyone can get involved.
The supporting cast in the movie make everyone laugh and wish you had friends like them. Streep's two best friends and ex-band mates, Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) are hilarious and steal any scene in which they appear. You almost wish the movie was about them and the three potential fathers played by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard.
While some of the humor in the movie is slightly vulgar and sophomoric, you feel like it's okay to laugh because you are in such a good mood. That is what musicals do to people. How could you not want to laugh after tapping your feet to Meryl Streep and a bunch of Grecian women singing "Dancing Queen."
This movie weekend will no doubt be ruled by "The Dark Knight," but "Mama Mia!" deserves its due as a great musical. It is a fantastic date movie and it is perfect for just simple entertainment.
Mama Mia!
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for some sexual humor
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanada Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth
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