It seems like it's been a while since Mark and I had a full weekend together. In fact, it 'had' been. I worked last weekend. Mark worked part of the weekend before. I worked the weekend before that. Beyond that I can't recall specifically... So it's been a while.
Mark and I both worked Friday, which gave us Friday evening to enjoy. We rented a couple movies; the Golden Compass and Prom Night. I'd missed Golden Compass when it was in the theaters and Prom Night might as well have gone straight to DVD for no longer than it was on the big screen.
We watched Prom Night first...
Oh my God...
I'm more open to watching horror/slasher pics than I used to be. Yet, this was a bad movie. This is a bad movie even if you claim it's a B-Movie. For a scary movie, there was no blood or gore. You don't even see anyone get stabbed. All the violence is implied. It was a 'nice' change of pace from what I might have been watching in a normal scary movie.
But as a movie it sucked... It wasn't scary. It wasn't horrifying. There was no redemption factor against the villain. When it ended Mark and I both tossed up our hands and questioned the point of the entire movie. We thanked our lucky stars we didn't pay more money to see this on the big screen. We definitely did not have enough to drink to enjoy this movie.
Saturday we went to the early show to catch House Bunny. This is the latest Anna Faris movie. We both enjoy her and find her brand of brainlessness entertaining. Even tho I don't think she has much range for anything other than a lovable dimwit, I'd still go see her movies. While I enjoyed this movie, I can't say that it was really anything special. The bad guys needed more comeuppance. The beginning was a little slow and I tried to resist looking at the time.
The funny parts WERE funny. I did laugh. Mark and I laughed at a couple scenes that no one else laughed at in the whole theater. Which makes me think the 11am crowd really wasn't mentally prepared for such an outing. Or perhaps this wasn't their type of film.
I'm glad we saw it, but You can probably wait til it's out on video. At least we didn't pay full price. My large soda cost more than the movie.
That afternoon we watched The Golden Compass. I was REALLY looking forward to this movie. Mark had read the book(s) and we both missed out on the movie when it was in theaters.
If you're not aware of the religious implications that some say the movie contains... You won't them here either. I don't intend to talk about those. As a fantasy tale I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The characters were believable. For a child being the main actress in this movie she was wholly believable as an actor who could have a long career. I bought her sincerity and emotion.
Daniel Craig seemed to be billed a big player in the movie, but was barely in it. Nicole Kidman on the other hand was downright frightful. She played the cold calculating type VERY well. The incorporation of CG animals into this film was really well done. It was fun to play Guess Who with the various animal companions.
The only thing I didn't like about the movie was the ending. If you've seen this movie you understand what I mean. I won't spoil it here, but it was some serious bullshit. Mark assures me that's not how the book ends.
Finally, we gayed it up with Thoroughly Modern Millie. I'd never seen the movie before. Really, my only exposure to this was through my friends.
[tangent] For a couple years my local group of friends would get together every Thursday to either play games, watch a movie, or catch Must See TV. Several of the gang had 'trigger phrases' that would start someone off on a song or phrase of some kind. There was some phrase that would start a few people singing Trinkt Le Chaim. A song I'd never heard and had no idea what it was even from. More specifically they'd sing one part of this song. (3:29 in to the video)
[/tangent]
It was a crazy ass movie... Seriously... It was fun and there were some fun songs in it. But overall the first half of the movie didn't make a lick of sense to me. And I told Mark as much. The whole show really came together as a cohesive piece in the second half. Am I glad I watched it? Yes... if for no other reason than to figure out what the hell my friends had been singing about for YEARS!
I posted this @ 8/25/2008 04:43:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
5/12/2008
THERE'S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE. WHAT IT IS AIN'T EXACTLY CLEAR.
Even tho his movies have been hit or miss with the public at large. I've enjoyed M Night Shyamalan's movies. Here's the rub... Apocalyptic type movies freak me out, but I can't stop watching the trailer for M's latest movie.
I posted this @ 5/12/2008 06:50:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
1/14/2008
SEA OF LOVE
Mark and I went to see Juno over the weekend. We'd been wanting to for a while. Well actually we'd been wanting something light after The Mist a few weeks ago brought us down. But 27 Dresses isn't out yet. Yes... 27 Dresses. Shuddup! I like Katherine Heigl. I have since Roswell. Shuddup! I liked Roswell...
Anyway...
I REALLY enjoyed this movie. It's a quirky slice of live movie. In a lot of ways it reminds me of Clerks. Just a typical situation that happens to be about interesting people. Juno's spunky. Good hearted. Cool in that way that you want to know a person like her and hope they think you're cool enough to be worthy to be known by her. But she doesn't flaunt it. I'd be her friend.
But I digress. The biggest part of the movie that got to me was her viewpoint on relationships. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling anything. Juno comes off as this 'tough' girl who, while liking someone, is still very independent and self-sufficient. Her father divorce. Everywhere she looks people break up. How can a person really believe that two people can actually make it work? I really could relate to that. To her in that moment...
Having seen my own parents relationship break up a couple of times. I've been there when you hope they pull it together. I've been there when it doesn't. I've seen good people that I know end relationships that you just hoped would work out. After a while your faith is shaken. What kind of hope do you have when everyone around you can't seem to do it either.
This is where my optimism comes in. Honestly, you just know. And even if you can't guarentee anything 100% you go into it head first and to the best that you can with what you have and what you know. Maybe you can end up showing someone else along the way that relationships do work. I know that I've got several friends that I've known forever that are together and have been for years. It's folks like that, that make me realize that not every couple is doomed. You can do it, if you work at it.
Maybe that's a little more than the movie was saying, but it's what started me thinking. And you know you love it when I get thinking.
So here's to all the couples out there, that are trying to make it work. Keep it up!
I posted this @ 1/14/2008 05:41:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
12/17/2007
IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
Mark and I finally went to see The Mist over the weekend. This is a big deal because since I read that Stephen King story oh so many years ago... I've not touched it since. As I'm sure I've mentioned before it's the only King story to give me nightmares. In my dreams about it, as a kid, I was trapped in the supermarket with them.
In case you aren't familiar with the story, an eerie mist settles in to a small town in Maine. It's origins remain unknown for most of the movie. It turns out there are creatures in the mist. Acid-web spitting spiders. Scorpion-tailed bugs that look like locust. Pinkish pterodactyls. Sound like an LSD trip? Trust me... it might as well be.
Those that have sought refuge in the market split up into various archetypal groups. You have the non-believers. The suicidal. The fool-hearty. The survivalists. The doom-sayers. It's frightening how quick everyone devolves into a more primal type when faced with a life-threatening challenge. It's part of the reason I posted that question the other day about what you might do if you had an hour to live.
While I think it's impossible to say for certain what anyone might do in a situation that traps you... I'd like to think that I'd fall into the non-believers or the survivalists. I've always said that I tend to 'Scully' things. I want to believe, but I want proof. Plus, I'm pretty scrappy. I don't think I'd go out without a fight.
The movie puts more of a 'finite' ending to the story. More than the book did. I think that is part of my problem with the book. In my mind I had no closure. No idea how the creatures were, or if, they were destroyed. The movie answers that question.
While I won't give away the ending I will say... It is a total downer. Seriously. It ended how it had to end, but I needed a pick-me up afterwards.
A white chocolate mocha and driving around the city judging Christmas lights did the trick. But that's a WHOLE other post yet to come.
I posted this @ 12/17/2007 06:04:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
8/27/2007
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
So... FINALLY... I watched Transformers. You would've thought I had some sort of personal embargo against Optimus Prime or something. Yet, a month and a half later I finally see it. How could I not? It received glowing reviews from my friends. One of which included a voice mail containing three words (or one depending on your pronunciation) repeated over and over again. "OhmigodOhmigodOhmigod!!! OHMIGOD!! OhmigodOhmigod..." *click*
Mark & I went to our local Googleplex 5000 during the afternoon (which is now my official favorite time to see a movie). We got there decently early, but I figured that a month after it was out, there wouldn't be a crowd. I was right. We were the only people there. It wasn't until the last five minutes before the preview that we were suddenly surrounded by children. Which is fine. Unless you count the one kid behind us who found that armrests moved and made a really cool echo-y sound. Seriously?
Highlight the rest if you want more details and possibly spoilers.
Shia LaBeouf, as Sam, was good. He was dorky and fun. I had it worked into my head that I wasn't going to like him. I don't know why. I even unfairly misjudged Megan Fox, as Mikaela. I think part of it was that they both seemed too teen-movie for what I was hoping to be a rock 'em sock 'em robot fight. I was worried it'd be too little kiddish. This was not the case.
For a movie that was over two hours, there was really only one time in the beginning that I wanted the movie to pick up the pace a bit. This I can easily attribute to wanting to see cars transform into robots. Is that too much to ask?
When the action starts, it really is quite epic. The fight scenes between Autobots and Decipticons is believable in the fact that it was pretty easy for me to give in to the movie. Alien robots aside, you believe the action is really taking place. The computer graphics and special effects are quite believable and rarely, if ever, look hokey. My only criticism of the action sequences is that there are times you'd love to see the whole scene rather than such close-up shots. This isn't hardly a bad thing, because I think that is why I was so IN to the movie was because of the close-camera angle.
The movie draws you in. I was gripping my seat during several parts of the film. Several times I found myself oblivious to what was going on around me. It was only things like the kid I previously mentioned, or the fella sitting next to us who actually answered a phone call during the movie (?!?!) that would snap me back to reality. As Mark pointed out, at least he had his phone silenced... but still. Dude! You're in a movie theater. Did you not listen to what Forest Whitaker said before the feature presentation?!
A couple loose ends... Whatever happened to the second string characters? (Jon Voight, John Turturro, Rachael Taylor, and Anthony Anderson) They were fighting Frenzy deep inside Hoover Dam and then...? Did I blink and miss something? Was that all they were supposed to do?
It was awesome that they used the same guy for Prime's voice. It's instantly recognizable. What surprised me was that Hugo Weaving was Megatron. Until Mike mentioned it to me, I had no idea. I'd be curious to go back and see if I could pick out his voice now that I know it's him.
Sadly, there is an Autobot that dies. Really, while it's sad... I had a hard time really feeling much about it tho. Jazz wasn't really in it a whole lot so I didn't feel like I had any attachment to his character to feel.
I want an air freshener that says Bee-otch! That was very cool!
Have I nerd-gasmed enough yet? What more do you want from me? It rocked my socks off. I will be owning this movie.
Action: A Plot: A- Rewatchability: A+ Better Than: Go-Bots Not As Good As: Owning your own transforming alien robot.
It's like Fantasy Football, but with movies!! It's free. It's really simple. You have $100 budget to buy movies for your theater. Based on the movie's actually earnings in actual theaters you score points. You can add or drop movies as the season goes on. The next round begins Sept 7th, but you can still join even if it's later. It doesn't require any more maintainence than you feel like putting into it once you've chosen your movies.
Come on! Sign up and lets see who can pick the best movies!!
I posted this @ 8/27/2007 07:49:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
7/15/2007
I'M LIKE A BIRD
So Mark and I went to Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. I've been feverishly reading the whole series this year in anticipation of two things. The fifth movie and the seventh book. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. I understand that there are always major differences between movie and book. Things left out. Sub-plots changed to fit time constraints I get that.
So if you don't want to know anything about the movie... stop reading now!
The movie is over two hours long. Be prepared. Though, it really doesn't feel like it.
The acting is probably some of the best that I've seen from this cast. The main three kids seem to have a lot of chemistry. Tho the parts of Ron and Hermione seem way smaller than in previous movies. Imelda Stauton is AWESOME in her role as Umbridge. In the book you know she is a juxtaposition of cruelty and kindness. Fighting for the cause even tho she is fighting the wrong cause.
Several people unfortunately have smaller roles as well. I would've loved to see more of McGonagall and Dumbledore. Tho in the book, Dumbledore has a small but vital part. New characters.. (Character really) Luna Lovegood. Her part in the book is small, but vital. In the movie her vital role is different. It is mainly to remind you that Harry, while seemingly an outsider and alone, is actually just as sane as everyone else. He has just had a different path to walk than the others.
Oh and Luna rocks... she is fucking hilarious in her easily mistaken vacant expression. She is actually very observant.
Reading the book, I didn't feel like I cared about any of the characters. No one really seemed to be likeable. Everyone for the majority of the book is in a bad mood, with good reason. I felt a lot more sympathetic to the same people seeing them in the movie.
I've heard that the movie is rushed. I would agree, but I think that it is unavoidable. This is one of the longest books. Most of the movies have had a good progression of time over the course of the school year. This movie... not so much. You really don't know how much time has passed from scene to scene.
This movie is definitely darker! It's teen angst set in film.
I feel like it was well worth seeing on the big screen.
I posted this @ 7/15/2007 07:03:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
5/07/2007
SORRY I'M NOT HOME RIGHT NOW. I'M WALKING INTO SPIDERWEBS
So let's just get this out of the way. Mark and I watched Spider Man 3. I'll put the meatier details behind the cut. I did want to mention a few things.
There were a LOT of kids at Spider Man. Like young kids... I personally don't think it is a particularly scary movie. There are some moments that the black Spidey suit (Venom, right Mike?) is a bit fierce looking. Yet those moments are few and far between. But still, probably not suited for a young kid just because he might be a Spider Man fan. Like the kids who spent a good portion of the movie randomly kicking the back of our seats, despite his mother's admonishments.
Angie, don't let your little Evil Genius go see Spider Man. She'll only get ideas.
I posted this @ 5/07/2007 02:51:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
5/01/2007
'CAUSE IT'S A THRILLER, THRILLER NIGHT
While I think it is pretty typical to do a weekend recap... I'm going to do a weekend recap. SURPRISE!!
A lot of this centered around the BF's BD.
Hot Fuzz!! Go see this movie!! Did you see Shaun of the Dead? Go see that movie!!
I wasn't expecting the turn the movie took at all. Having come off Shaun of the Dead I expected the quirky British humor and oddball characters. I won't spoil the movie, but I will say that surprised by the climax. I know police partners are close, but there were a couple moments where Mark and I both wondered why Nicholas (Simon Pegg) and Danny (Nick Frost) just didn't kiss and get it over with. The movie starts off kind of slow before the main plot really kicks in. Clocking in at a hair over two hours, once shit hits the fan it's all action from then on. Good times kids. Definitely a movie I will buy.
The birthday dinner was celebrated at Carraba's with one of the nicest, perky, quirky waitresses I've ever had. She was fun without being obnoxious. She was friendly in a very sincere way. Amy rocked! We love you, Amy!! And we told her so. It was amusing at first as she explained the specials to us. It was a steak, and lest you think that Italians aren't known for steaks, "...they are. My Dad is a butcher so I know about steaks." Later she told us about how she had been playing tennis earlier and her arms were tired. But her legs were more tired because she isn't very good at tennis. So there was a lot of chasing/fetching the ball. Which might sound like whining, but it was in a total fun conversational way. Our drinks were never empty. Hell, she even gave us the recipe for their dipping herbage.
If you're curious... Fresh garlic, granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, and parsley. Then add fruity evoo.
Ok... Have you seen Flava Of Love: Charm School. Don Imus would love these girls. It's a train wreck.
I posted this @ 5/01/2007 11:31:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
4/11/2007
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS
I frequently shock Mark when I mention I've not seen a certain movie. The latest shocking reveal coming from the discovery that I've never seen any of the Evil Dead movies. This was quickly remedied. I enjoyed them.
Thinking back there are quiet a few 'classic' movies that I haven't watched at point. My Grandparents weren't big movie goers. While my television viewing habits weren't monitored for content, the scariest movie I think I watched as a kid was Teen Wolf. Scary movies never held any allure for me. Cinematic blockbusters were few and far between. The first movie I watched in a movie theater was E.T. and I only went because it was with my father on a visitation. I'm pretty sure I went with the kids of the woman he was seeing at the time while he went with her to another film.
Here is just a short list of some classic* movies I've not watched.
One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest All About Eve Army Of Darkness The Godfather The Good The Bad The Ugly Citizen Kane A Christmas Story (not in one sitting. i just catch pieces over that 24-hour span) A Clockwork Orange Jaws Ben Hur The Graduate The Omen Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas A Streetcar Named Desire The Passion Of The Christ Home Alone Cars There's Something About Mary Rain Man Platoon A Few Good Men
The list could go on, but I think you get my drift. I'm sure I've caused a few gasps with some of those titles. Yet, some of these movies have been so ingrained in our culture with their references after a while you feel like you HAVE seen the movie. This is where I talk myself out of watching something. I know how The Passion Of The Christ ends. Coo coo ca-choo Mrs. Robinson, she IS trying to seduce you. I know what that is on Mary's ear. I know what Rosebud is. While I understand that I've missed out on some very good cinema, it is hard to go back and watch something that I feel like I've already seen. That is without some extrinsic motivation.
*I define classic as movies that have either worked their way into pop culture history or are cinematic blockbusters.
I posted this @ 4/11/2007 09:15:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
3/19/2007
JUST A HAPPY PUPPET DANCING ON A STRING
So I bought the chair this weekend. The Cute Teacher and I went to see Dead Silence.
I know... I know... "But Cris, you hate ventriloquist dummies." I bought the chairs! Alright?!
I couldn't watch at least 25% of it. Luckily there was a person in front of us who paid good Friday night theater prices to have a comfy seat to text message from for 90 minutes. So I had other things to look at.
I think the overall movie itself can be summed up best by borrowing a line used by a gentleman in front of us as we were leaving. "That movie was so bad it killed my high."
I had it figured out pretty early on who did it, using my Law & Order logic. If you are a fan of any of the L&O shows, this will work 90% of the time. The big name guest star is the one who did it. Now I'm not giving away the ending to the movie by saying that because in this movie you have to 'names' to choose from. Is it Amber Valetta (model slash actress) or Donnie Wahlberg (former NKOTB slash actor)? I tried to figure out why he'd go from an Academy nominated role to this pile of drek. It wasn't until about a third of the way in that I figured out my mistake.
The movie made no sense at all. It started out pretty good. A good scare to get yo in the mood of what was to come. By the end they were just tossing new plot twists and scares in to try and mask any actual logic.
Seriously... Clowns? Ok, now you're just playing to people fears. Poorly at that.
Did I jump? Oh hell yeah. Was I scared? Yes.
CT called it immersion therapy. Just for that, he owes me a foreign language film.
I posted this @ 3/19/2007 11:26:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
I'm a 30-something student of human nature. A music-lovin', groove-shakin', laugh-inducin', dish-cookin', gossip-slingin', type of guy. This is my diary of sorts...
