Rotten Tomatoes does this thing where they ask actors what their five favorite movies are and why. I know it's not exactly a new idea but it did get me to think about what movies I would say are the movies I love to watch. Not just love, but the kinds of movies I could watch over and over. For my long time readers they know about my feelings for movies like Star Wars, Alien, and so on. But to my surprise I wouldn't call them my five favorite movies.
For a list like this it's almost impossible to put one of these over another so I won't number them. But here are just five movies I thank God every day that I've been fortunate enough to see.
DIE HARD: This has to be the perfect action movie. Putting aside my feelings of the sequels to it, the first Die Hard movie was exactly the perfect formula for an action movie. What really impressed me more than anything was how tightly the script was written. That's something that is increasingly rare these days. The art of storytelling while not a dead or a lost art, it does seem that action and special effects are given more emphasis. Die Hard is an example of a movie that can have both and a ton of success.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION: What I love about this movie is the willingness to take chances and to ask questions about our legal system and what it's truely like to be inprisoned for a long time. Everyone knows about the ugly side of prison life. But this movie asks some very important questions. What does it mean to have freedom? What does it mean to not only be inprisoned bodily but also spiritually? What would someone do to break free from spiritual inprisonment? Much like Andy does in the movie, the movie delves into the deepest of the muck and manages to find something truely beautiful.
SCHINDLER'S LIST: I wouldn't say this is an original idea. Movies about the ugliness of the Holocaust has been done at least a million times. I doubt you'll ever see a movie showing the positives of the Holocaust simply because there aren't any. It was a brutal time. One that should never be duplicated. But again it's a message of hope in the blackest dispair. A true story about a guy who sacrificed everything he had and put his own life in great danger to do his part to end the war and save as many people's lives as he could. If you aren't moved by this story, your heart truely is made of stone.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: Given the last few movies I talked about it's a little weird to have a comedy like this in the same conversation. I love Mel Brooks. I grew up watching Mel Brooks movies. What set this one apart from the whole laundry list of wonderful movies he made, I never got the same feeling of passion or love that I did from Young Frankenstein. Just the sheer amount of research he put into the script to not only make fun but to also pay homage to the hundreds of Frankenstein movies that came before it. The art of parody is a lost art. If you watch movies like Scary Movie, it's not clear if they are making fun of it because it's popular or because they have a true passion for these kinds of movies. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it has a distain for the source material it's lampooning. That's what makes a world of difference; it takes a lot of skill to make fun of something you love and make it funny.
HUGO: My God. This movie. If you are to see this movie, if for no other reason, it's for Ben Kingsley and his masterful portrayal of Georges Melies. This was a guy full of whimsy and creativity. He made movies that were just all out insane. But they were just so much fun. He described it himself as a time of pure love, passion, and creativity. And when it was over, it crushed his spirit into a bitter old man. When he found that his work had lived on and was being enjoyed by a whole new generation, it inspired him to find that spark that he had and do a little bit of time traveling back to his youth. I think we all need to have that feeling at least once in our lives. That feeling of total joy. To find what we love to do and grasp it tightly with both hands. It's cliche to say "if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life" but it's a whole different story to see it and experience it for yourself. I can confidently say this movie changed my life and inspired me to these blogs and to write my own movies.
I'm sure everyone has a movie or movies they just loved. I hope this gives you some insight into who I am and where I'm coming from. I invite you to share your favorite movies on this site.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Coming Soon: 3/1/13
It takes way too long to get a pair of glasses. Yeah I've been killing it at the gym and karate class lately and I still don't have my new glasses so I haven't been to the theater lately. And honestly I don't think you or I are missing anything. It's usually around April or May before any really great movies come out. But let's look at what is coming out this week.
1) 21 AND OVER: With an important college interview coming up, a young man's friends take him out for a night of drinking and debauchery.
The Good: It's written and directed by the guys who did the Hangover.
The Bad: There is absolutely no difference between this and Hangover.
Final Thoughts: The Hangover has better actors and it's the same movie. Just substitute college interview with wedding and it's the same movie. Just watch The Hangover.
2) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER: A different take on the classic story. Instead of Jack being a thief stealing from and killing a giant, it's instead a war against an invading army.
The Good: It's a movie that defies reviewing. It's a stupid B movie with only one goal. Being stupid and entertaining.
The Bad: It's a junk food action/comedy. You are either in on the joke or you are not.
Final Thoughts: Just wait. Someone will write Little Bo Peep Chupacabra Hunter. If they don't, then I will.
3) PHANTOM: A cold-war era Soviet submarine captain is haunted by his past as he just might be the guy to spark world war III.
The Good: The cast is full of stars from the '80s and '90s that most people have forgotten how good they are. (David Fichtner, Ed Harris, David Duchovny, and Lance Henriksen)
The Bad: Most movie goers in the key demographic (18-25) have no idea what the cold war was or ever watched The X-Files, The Abyss, or Alien.
Final Thoughts: I'm not expecting a great story, but these are the guys I'd pay to see do what they do best.
4) THE LAST EXORCISM PART II: The 'sequel' to the original Last Exorcism movie about a kid possessed by demonic forces.
The Good: One of the more surprising movies from a few years ago, The Last Exorcism, it's a more grounded version of The Exorcist.
The Bad: This wasn't a movie calling for a sequel. And nobody is buying the 'part 2' thing. It's a sequel. Deal with it.
Final Thoughts: The first one was great and I really hope this one is better.
See you at the movies
1) 21 AND OVER: With an important college interview coming up, a young man's friends take him out for a night of drinking and debauchery.
The Good: It's written and directed by the guys who did the Hangover.
The Bad: There is absolutely no difference between this and Hangover.
Final Thoughts: The Hangover has better actors and it's the same movie. Just substitute college interview with wedding and it's the same movie. Just watch The Hangover.
2) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER: A different take on the classic story. Instead of Jack being a thief stealing from and killing a giant, it's instead a war against an invading army.
The Good: It's a movie that defies reviewing. It's a stupid B movie with only one goal. Being stupid and entertaining.
The Bad: It's a junk food action/comedy. You are either in on the joke or you are not.
Final Thoughts: Just wait. Someone will write Little Bo Peep Chupacabra Hunter. If they don't, then I will.
3) PHANTOM: A cold-war era Soviet submarine captain is haunted by his past as he just might be the guy to spark world war III.
The Good: The cast is full of stars from the '80s and '90s that most people have forgotten how good they are. (David Fichtner, Ed Harris, David Duchovny, and Lance Henriksen)
The Bad: Most movie goers in the key demographic (18-25) have no idea what the cold war was or ever watched The X-Files, The Abyss, or Alien.
Final Thoughts: I'm not expecting a great story, but these are the guys I'd pay to see do what they do best.
4) THE LAST EXORCISM PART II: The 'sequel' to the original Last Exorcism movie about a kid possessed by demonic forces.
The Good: One of the more surprising movies from a few years ago, The Last Exorcism, it's a more grounded version of The Exorcist.
The Bad: This wasn't a movie calling for a sequel. And nobody is buying the 'part 2' thing. It's a sequel. Deal with it.
Final Thoughts: The first one was great and I really hope this one is better.
See you at the movies
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Coming Soon: 2/22/13
I don't have much of a segway this week. I'm still dealing with my eye troubles. Can't really get to the theater just yet. I am planning on a weekend creature feature because Pumpkinhead is on TV this weekend. I might do a review of that. In the meantime, here's what we can look forward to this week.
1) SNITCH: A father agrees to go undercover in a drug cartel to lower his son's time in jail for selling drugs.
The Good: A B movie with a lot of explosions.
The Bad: It's The Rock trying to act again.
Final Thoughts: It's a stupid B movie with lots of action and a rediculous story. It should be a lot of fun.
2) DARK SKIES: A supernatural thriller where a family is targeted by unexplained phenomena.
The Good: It's a short movie.
The Bad: It's a mix of Paranormal Activity and Mirrors with atrociously bad acting and really bad effects.
Final Thoughts: Save your money rather than see this turkey.
See you at the movies
1) SNITCH: A father agrees to go undercover in a drug cartel to lower his son's time in jail for selling drugs.
The Good: A B movie with a lot of explosions.
The Bad: It's The Rock trying to act again.
Final Thoughts: It's a stupid B movie with lots of action and a rediculous story. It should be a lot of fun.
2) DARK SKIES: A supernatural thriller where a family is targeted by unexplained phenomena.
The Good: It's a short movie.
The Bad: It's a mix of Paranormal Activity and Mirrors with atrociously bad acting and really bad effects.
Final Thoughts: Save your money rather than see this turkey.
See you at the movies
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Coming Soon: 2/15/13
I'm so sorry I just haven't seen many movies so far this year. And it might be a little while longer. I just injured my eye. It's nothing serious but it hurts to look at any kind of screen for too long. Luckily there isn't anything too interesting for a while. I hope you understand I need a little time to heal. But here's what is coming out this week.
1) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD: John McClane travels to Moscow with his son and things go awry.
The Good: It's always nice to see Bruce Willis playing John McClane.
The Bad: This is a franchise that has long since worn out it's welcome.
Final Thoughts: I absolutely love the first Die Hard movie. The third is pretty good too. But the second and the fourth are just tedious. I've seen them all and I'm probably destined to see this one as well.
2) BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: A romance story with a supernatural twist.
The Good: It's an escapist romance story.
The Bad: How is this any different than Twilight?
Final Thoughts: I have absolutely no interest in this movie. Even with Jeremy Irons in it.
3) SAFE HAVEN: The story of a woman struggling to fit in her new town and find love again.
The Good: Might be good for a Valentine's Day date.
The Bad: A questionable cast and a cliche love story.
Final Thoughts: Thanks but no thanks.
4) ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH: An alien hero comes to Earth and is captured by the US Government.
The Good: A great cast of comedians and some funny scenes.
The Bad: Movies like these are becoming a dime a dozen.
Final Thoughts: A good movie for the kids and might get some chuckles out of adults as well.
See you at the movies.
1) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD: John McClane travels to Moscow with his son and things go awry.
The Good: It's always nice to see Bruce Willis playing John McClane.
The Bad: This is a franchise that has long since worn out it's welcome.
Final Thoughts: I absolutely love the first Die Hard movie. The third is pretty good too. But the second and the fourth are just tedious. I've seen them all and I'm probably destined to see this one as well.
2) BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: A romance story with a supernatural twist.
The Good: It's an escapist romance story.
The Bad: How is this any different than Twilight?
Final Thoughts: I have absolutely no interest in this movie. Even with Jeremy Irons in it.
3) SAFE HAVEN: The story of a woman struggling to fit in her new town and find love again.
The Good: Might be good for a Valentine's Day date.
The Bad: A questionable cast and a cliche love story.
Final Thoughts: Thanks but no thanks.
4) ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH: An alien hero comes to Earth and is captured by the US Government.
The Good: A great cast of comedians and some funny scenes.
The Bad: Movies like these are becoming a dime a dozen.
Final Thoughts: A good movie for the kids and might get some chuckles out of adults as well.
See you at the movies.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters review: Don't Eat the Candy
Yeah. I saw this movie. And you know what? It's pretty fun. This is what I mean by a movie not taking itself too seriously when the very premise of the movie is clearly not meant to be taken seriously. It's what turned me off so much with Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. It took itself too seriously. We're talking about Hansel and Gretel. The classic fairy tale. And then we're going to have some fun with the idea.
It's fairly logical if you stop to think about it. If there is an evil witch, who is to say if there aren't more? If there were kids that went through this tramatic ordeal of being abandoned by their parents and nearly killed by a hungry witch, wouldn't they grow closer to each other and take out their anger on witches? If a kid were forced to eat so much candy, wouldn't he get diabetes or some other kind of health problem later in life? It's all logical in a very warped kind of way.
I don't want to get too much into spoilers but really there isn't much to spoil. The story is very linear and predictable. Any kind of plot twist is telegraphed and won't be much of a surprise. But unlike some other movies I can mention, they don't forshadow at all or just state things through exposition. So I'll take it. Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters is a better told story than Independence Day.
I won't go so far as to give this a glowing endorsement. It is a cheesy movie with some funny one liners and interesting gags (for example the holy hand grenades). However it is also a very forgetable movie. I couldn't remember most of what happened in the movie and it was only 100 minutes long. At best it's junk food comedy with a hilarious premise. Don't expect to get much more than a nice diversion out of it.
ps I'd really like to see Little Bo Peep Chupacabra Hunter.
It's fairly logical if you stop to think about it. If there is an evil witch, who is to say if there aren't more? If there were kids that went through this tramatic ordeal of being abandoned by their parents and nearly killed by a hungry witch, wouldn't they grow closer to each other and take out their anger on witches? If a kid were forced to eat so much candy, wouldn't he get diabetes or some other kind of health problem later in life? It's all logical in a very warped kind of way.
I don't want to get too much into spoilers but really there isn't much to spoil. The story is very linear and predictable. Any kind of plot twist is telegraphed and won't be much of a surprise. But unlike some other movies I can mention, they don't forshadow at all or just state things through exposition. So I'll take it. Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters is a better told story than Independence Day.
I won't go so far as to give this a glowing endorsement. It is a cheesy movie with some funny one liners and interesting gags (for example the holy hand grenades). However it is also a very forgetable movie. I couldn't remember most of what happened in the movie and it was only 100 minutes long. At best it's junk food comedy with a hilarious premise. Don't expect to get much more than a nice diversion out of it.
ps I'd really like to see Little Bo Peep Chupacabra Hunter.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Coming Soon: 2/8/13
I was excited to go see Stand Up Guys but of course it isn't playing in all theaters. So, the theater I usually go to isn't showing it. I still plan to see it but it means going a little further out of my way. It's inconvenient. Nothing more. I've also heard a lot of buzz around Movie 43. Many people with opinions I hold in high regard are calling this one of the worst movies they have ever seen. Given the types of movies I've seen, I don't know if I'd call it the worst movie, but it has my attention. Any movie being called "the worst" I have to see for myself just to see how bad it is. Plus it makes for a fun read on my website. So I might see it. I certainly don't recommend you see it.
That aside, here's what we can look forward to this week.
1) IDENTITY THIEF: A con-woman steals a man's identity which leads to a wild manhunt.
The Good: I've got nothing.
The Bad: It's a one note joke stretched to 90 minutes with horrible actors.
Final Thoughts: See at your own risk.
2) SIDE EFFECTS: A new anti-anxiety drug has unexpected side effects.
The Good: It's a smart thriller much like Contagion that has a good idea, a good cast, and Steven Soderbergh.
The Bad: It all rests on the movie's ability to tell a focused story.
Final Thoughts: Definately worth seeing.
3) TOP GUN 3D: The re-release of the 1986 pop culture hit about an ace pilot and his struggles to prove he is the best.
The Good: It's an amazingly heartfelt movie with some great airplane stunts.
The Bad: I can't imagine it's aged will. Plus I'm not all that psyched to see the volleyball scene in 3D.
Final Thoughts: I have the movie on DVD. I don't care that much about 3D. I'd still recommend it if you haven't seen it, but it's cheaper to buy the DVD.
See you at the movies.
That aside, here's what we can look forward to this week.
1) IDENTITY THIEF: A con-woman steals a man's identity which leads to a wild manhunt.
The Good: I've got nothing.
The Bad: It's a one note joke stretched to 90 minutes with horrible actors.
Final Thoughts: See at your own risk.
2) SIDE EFFECTS: A new anti-anxiety drug has unexpected side effects.
The Good: It's a smart thriller much like Contagion that has a good idea, a good cast, and Steven Soderbergh.
The Bad: It all rests on the movie's ability to tell a focused story.
Final Thoughts: Definately worth seeing.
3) TOP GUN 3D: The re-release of the 1986 pop culture hit about an ace pilot and his struggles to prove he is the best.
The Good: It's an amazingly heartfelt movie with some great airplane stunts.
The Bad: I can't imagine it's aged will. Plus I'm not all that psyched to see the volleyball scene in 3D.
Final Thoughts: I have the movie on DVD. I don't care that much about 3D. I'd still recommend it if you haven't seen it, but it's cheaper to buy the DVD.
See you at the movies.
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