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Hear's the story....
Twice a month, I go to a local independent bookstore for a writing critique group and all winter long, we were sitting in the mystery section of the book store and without exception I ended up sitting across from a display of the 'Millennium' trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Girl who Kicked a Hornet's Nest) by Stieg Larsson. Sidebar: Sadly, all three books were published posthumously. Tangent: Let me admit, I am not a follower, sometimes to my detriment. When something gets too much hype, I tend to shy away. I am overcoming this idiosyncratic prejudice as I keep getting proven wrong in my irrationally stubborn behavior. For example, (I do start at the series beginning - just excessively late) I didn't start reading Harry Potter books until the 4th or 5th was released - love them all; the Twilight books, not until the last one had just released - mostly love them and The Host; The DaVinci Code, not until it had been out for two years or better - love it and now mostly anything Dan Brown writes; any many more books, movies and music. The point here is, I was actively not even glancing their way because I'm a dope and what made me change my mind and eventually give them a chance was someone whose opinion I trust implicitly telling me to get over it. Tangent over - I was not looking at these books. I saw them, I heard the talk, and I acted like a dope.
Two days ago, a friend (THANK YOU, J) loaned me the DVD of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I had no idea what it was about having stupidly never read the jacket of the book. I watched it last night. I didn't even start it until midnight. So, now I'm tired having stayed up until 2 AM watching this really good movie. I thought they sounded literary (nothing wrong with that - but not really my groovy thing) - they aren't (again with the dopiness) - the books are murder mysteries with this excellent uber-smart, emotionally broken, hacker chick named Lisbeth. Now, I have to go read all the books and see what else is in this book that didn't make it into the movie, followed by the two sequels so I can eagerly anticipate their movie releases. I get so tired of being wrong.
This was a cool-ass movie. It's in Swedish, so yes, you have to watch with sub-titles unless of course you're fluent in Swedish. But, please don't let that slow you down. It's got a sexy smart heroine, a smart charming hero, action, murder, mystery, suspense, Nazis, sexual abuse, corruption, deceit, justice, sex, nudity (if case you need those last two to motivate you some), good acting and a good story. But not for the faint of heart - it has some heavy themes running through it and doesn't shy away.
I am publicly admitting my problem as a 1st step toward recovery - hopefully, I will resist all prejudicial dopiness in the future when someone is talking something up (probably, there's a good reason it's being talked up). Definitely see the movie, read the books.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
"Date Night" and "Grown Ups"
I'm going to start with the lesser of the two...
Grown Ups with Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider is good, but not great - perhaps I am not the right demographic though. There is a lot of sophomoric humor and typically I'm a huge fan of these guys and there brand of humor. It's not that I didn't laugh or that I didn't enjoy the movie. I did. I just didn't love it. It does have a kind of nice message interwoven into the barrage of testosterone driven idiocy. This is not an insult, people - just an observation. Like I said - typically a fan. This could certainly wait to be seen on DVD or even cable when you get around to it.
Date Night on the other hand - and I am the perfect demographic - I loved. I was laughing throughout the movie. It was exciting, fun, and the relationship thread is honest and relate-able. Steve Carrell and Tina Fey are hilarious and should do lots of movies together in my opinion. Mark Wahlberg is hot - duh. It has a solid supporting cast too including Taraji P. Henson, Ray Liotta, and Michael Fichtner. And a stellar bunch of cameos including James Franco, Mila Kunis, Kristin Wiig, and Mark Ruffalo. For a romantic comedy, it has a particularly awesome car chase scene. See it, see it, see it.
Grown Ups with Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider is good, but not great - perhaps I am not the right demographic though. There is a lot of sophomoric humor and typically I'm a huge fan of these guys and there brand of humor. It's not that I didn't laugh or that I didn't enjoy the movie. I did. I just didn't love it. It does have a kind of nice message interwoven into the barrage of testosterone driven idiocy. This is not an insult, people - just an observation. Like I said - typically a fan. This could certainly wait to be seen on DVD or even cable when you get around to it.
Date Night on the other hand - and I am the perfect demographic - I loved. I was laughing throughout the movie. It was exciting, fun, and the relationship thread is honest and relate-able. Steve Carrell and Tina Fey are hilarious and should do lots of movies together in my opinion. Mark Wahlberg is hot - duh. It has a solid supporting cast too including Taraji P. Henson, Ray Liotta, and Michael Fichtner. And a stellar bunch of cameos including James Franco, Mila Kunis, Kristin Wiig, and Mark Ruffalo. For a romantic comedy, it has a particularly awesome car chase scene. See it, see it, see it.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
"Predators", "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", "Inception", and "Letters to Juliet"
It was a GREAT weekend my darlings! A great weekend. I saw four movies at the theater. All were good too. So, here we go in order of viewing.
Letters to Juliet is an utterly charming romantic-comedy with genius casting I will explain in a moment. The story: women leave notes to 'Juliet' on a wall in Verona. 'The Secretaries of Juliet' send responses to those letters on behalf of 'Juliet' (of Romeo & Juliet). An American chick played by Amanda Seyfried answers a letter that got overlooked for 50 years because it was behind a loose rock in the wall. When Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and her grandson show up to go hunt for her long lost love, Lorenzo (Franco Nero), after 50 years, the American joins them on the hunt. Sweet and charming, and warm and wonderful. Not only does Claire find Lorenzo but sparks fly between the American and the grandson. It's a Rom-Com troops - no surprises there. Who cares. It's a journey worth going on. Now, about the genius casting... anyone remember the musical "Camelot"? In it, Guenevere and Lancelot have a wonderful yet tragic romance. Who played Guenevere and Lancelot? None other than Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero! Oh yes - an awesome layer to those in the know, my dears.
On to Predators. Fabulous cast: Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne (who has the funnest character), Danny Trejo, Walter Goggins, Topher Grace, and let us not forget some snaggle-toothed, ugly-ass predators with cool dreads. Now, we are on their planet, I guess, and they are hunting us. I won't give any spoiler alerts as to why, who survives, or how it ends. You wouldn't want me too anyway. But, it's interesting, as all psychological thrillers are, when you put humans into intense life or death situations and watch who is more or less noble, more or less self-serving. I like those kinds of movies. The friend I saw it with liked it, but still wanted something more from it, but couldn't name what it was. If anyone sees it and can pinpoint what that might be - please let me know. I liked it just fine as it was. I could be easier to please - who knows.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice is as much fun as the trailers make it out to be. Nicholas Cage and Alfred Molina are the two major stars, but we also have Jay Baruchel, as the Apprentice, Alice Krige (you know - the Borg Queen from Star Trek Nemesis), and Monica Belluci ( who is beautiful on a whole other level of the word from mere mortals). I have a friend who has a theory that movies in which Nick Cage has long hair are generally not very good and movies where he has short hair are very good. The exception to her rule is Con Air where he has long hair and the movie is still good. I informed her last night that The Sorcerer's Apprentice is another exception cuz this movie is awesome and he has long hair - Awesome, awesome. Loved it. Cool action, fab stars, fun story, two romantic sub-plots, and it rests on the story of Merlin and Morgana Le'Fay (? on sp). Everything is there for a wonderful movie not to mention it was directed by Jon Turteltaub (of The National Treasure franchise) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who is my personal hero.
Finally, I saw Inception. Christopher Nolan is a genius. That said, this movie is an amazing roller-coaster ride of a mess-with-your-mind make-you-think every single minute you are watching awesomeness. Lazy viewers need not apply. Nolan has written and directed a great story and assembled an amazing cast to carry it off. Leonadro DiCaprio headlines it, but he is strongly supported by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy (so good), Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger and in small roles, Pete Postlethwaite, Lukas Haas and the inimitable Michael Caine. The previews made the movie seem kind of weird and I had my doubts, but now that I've seen it - people, this is a must see. You need to go with a clear mind so you can pay attention or you may not get it. I already feel the need to see this one again. I believe each viewing will reveal more layers, it is that complex and well-done.
As a final note: I would like to comment on Twilight: Eclipse. Before I saw it two weeks ago, someone who'd seen it first said it was crap and that all it did was promote teenage sex. That comment has been bothering me since. I really liked the movie (like the franchise - deal with it) and it contnues to not have any sex in it. And though Bella is pushing for Edward to give it up, he is the voice of 'not-until-we're-married'. So, how someone can say it is promoting underage promiscuity is kind of beyond me and makes me wonder if they went in with a prejudice against it and didn't actually watch what was on the screen. Just my own two cents being thrown out there.
Letters to Juliet is an utterly charming romantic-comedy with genius casting I will explain in a moment. The story: women leave notes to 'Juliet' on a wall in Verona. 'The Secretaries of Juliet' send responses to those letters on behalf of 'Juliet' (of Romeo & Juliet). An American chick played by Amanda Seyfried answers a letter that got overlooked for 50 years because it was behind a loose rock in the wall. When Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and her grandson show up to go hunt for her long lost love, Lorenzo (Franco Nero), after 50 years, the American joins them on the hunt. Sweet and charming, and warm and wonderful. Not only does Claire find Lorenzo but sparks fly between the American and the grandson. It's a Rom-Com troops - no surprises there. Who cares. It's a journey worth going on. Now, about the genius casting... anyone remember the musical "Camelot"? In it, Guenevere and Lancelot have a wonderful yet tragic romance. Who played Guenevere and Lancelot? None other than Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero! Oh yes - an awesome layer to those in the know, my dears.
On to Predators. Fabulous cast: Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne (who has the funnest character), Danny Trejo, Walter Goggins, Topher Grace, and let us not forget some snaggle-toothed, ugly-ass predators with cool dreads. Now, we are on their planet, I guess, and they are hunting us. I won't give any spoiler alerts as to why, who survives, or how it ends. You wouldn't want me too anyway. But, it's interesting, as all psychological thrillers are, when you put humans into intense life or death situations and watch who is more or less noble, more or less self-serving. I like those kinds of movies. The friend I saw it with liked it, but still wanted something more from it, but couldn't name what it was. If anyone sees it and can pinpoint what that might be - please let me know. I liked it just fine as it was. I could be easier to please - who knows.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice is as much fun as the trailers make it out to be. Nicholas Cage and Alfred Molina are the two major stars, but we also have Jay Baruchel, as the Apprentice, Alice Krige (you know - the Borg Queen from Star Trek Nemesis), and Monica Belluci ( who is beautiful on a whole other level of the word from mere mortals). I have a friend who has a theory that movies in which Nick Cage has long hair are generally not very good and movies where he has short hair are very good. The exception to her rule is Con Air where he has long hair and the movie is still good. I informed her last night that The Sorcerer's Apprentice is another exception cuz this movie is awesome and he has long hair - Awesome, awesome. Loved it. Cool action, fab stars, fun story, two romantic sub-plots, and it rests on the story of Merlin and Morgana Le'Fay (? on sp). Everything is there for a wonderful movie not to mention it was directed by Jon Turteltaub (of The National Treasure franchise) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who is my personal hero.
Finally, I saw Inception. Christopher Nolan is a genius. That said, this movie is an amazing roller-coaster ride of a mess-with-your-mind make-you-think every single minute you are watching awesomeness. Lazy viewers need not apply. Nolan has written and directed a great story and assembled an amazing cast to carry it off. Leonadro DiCaprio headlines it, but he is strongly supported by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy (so good), Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger and in small roles, Pete Postlethwaite, Lukas Haas and the inimitable Michael Caine. The previews made the movie seem kind of weird and I had my doubts, but now that I've seen it - people, this is a must see. You need to go with a clear mind so you can pay attention or you may not get it. I already feel the need to see this one again. I believe each viewing will reveal more layers, it is that complex and well-done.
As a final note: I would like to comment on Twilight: Eclipse. Before I saw it two weeks ago, someone who'd seen it first said it was crap and that all it did was promote teenage sex. That comment has been bothering me since. I really liked the movie (like the franchise - deal with it) and it contnues to not have any sex in it. And though Bella is pushing for Edward to give it up, he is the voice of 'not-until-we're-married'. So, how someone can say it is promoting underage promiscuity is kind of beyond me and makes me wonder if they went in with a prejudice against it and didn't actually watch what was on the screen. Just my own two cents being thrown out there.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Three TV Shows: "Supernatural", "Haven", and "The Glades"
Again - sorry for the long break between posts. Life goes to fast.
So, there are a couple of new TV shows I'm watching. First, Supernatural. Where the heck have I been since 2005 when this show started? I just started watching it and am seeing episodes from 2007. Love it! And the dudes - oh, girls - you must watch. Jared Padalecki (who plays Sam) and Jensen Ackles (who plays Dean) are NOT to be missed - don't let the perspective throw you either, Jared is 6'4" and Jensen is 6"1". I absolutely love Dean's irreverence for the demons they chase/destroy, his appetite, his sense of humor, his way with the ladies and his affinity for his car (the sound of the engine alone is hot, as in H-O-T, hot! I'll admit that). Sammy, sweet Sammy - he has so much intensity for what they do and is so sweet and well-meaning. The two brothers are heart breakers. If you like anything paranormal - it's just good fun, too. I am still stunned I could have been watching this for years and only now found it. Glad it's still around and there's plenty for me to catch up on. This one plays on TNT channel.
Second, a brand new show called Haven. It's based on a Stephen King story called The Colorado Kid. It's another paranormal, but since only the series premier has shown thus far (on SyFy Channel), we are not 100% certain what all the madcap mischief will be yet. We do have a chick who can effect the weather by her moods, and a hottie sheriff dude who has some disease or something that means he has no sense of pain (or maybe all touch), and an attractive heroine FBI agent who is visiting that has some strange connection to her doppelganger from the past. Since it's set in Maine, we have lots of supporting characters who are just that - characters. Fun and interesting characters. Loved it - can't wait for episode 2.
Third, another brand new show that premiered last night on A&E channel. It's called The Glades. It's a cop show set in Florida. Matt Passmore (who plays the main character Jim) is a doll. He's done a bunch of TV shows but no shows I've ever watched, so he's new to me and boy-o I'm glad he's in this one. Jim is a cop from Chicago who is now working in Florida because he doesn't play well with others. He probably doesn't here either, but he hasn't worn out his welcome here yet. He is a super smart, super excellent cop and he isn't afraid to let you know that he's smarter and better than you. But he is likable - don't think he isn't. He's the smart-ass, best-at-his-job, cute, funny, charming guy the guys want to be and the girls want to be with. He also has a friend Medical Examiner, Carlos, who is funny and cool (played by Carlos Gomez). And a sexy sweet nurse, Callie, that looks to be his romantic interest (played by Kiele Sanchez). Great show. Loving this one, too.
So, there are a couple of new TV shows I'm watching. First, Supernatural. Where the heck have I been since 2005 when this show started? I just started watching it and am seeing episodes from 2007. Love it! And the dudes - oh, girls - you must watch. Jared Padalecki (who plays Sam) and Jensen Ackles (who plays Dean) are NOT to be missed - don't let the perspective throw you either, Jared is 6'4" and Jensen is 6"1". I absolutely love Dean's irreverence for the demons they chase/destroy, his appetite, his sense of humor, his way with the ladies and his affinity for his car (the sound of the engine alone is hot, as in H-O-T, hot! I'll admit that). Sammy, sweet Sammy - he has so much intensity for what they do and is so sweet and well-meaning. The two brothers are heart breakers. If you like anything paranormal - it's just good fun, too. I am still stunned I could have been watching this for years and only now found it. Glad it's still around and there's plenty for me to catch up on. This one plays on TNT channel.
Second, a brand new show called Haven. It's based on a Stephen King story called The Colorado Kid. It's another paranormal, but since only the series premier has shown thus far (on SyFy Channel), we are not 100% certain what all the madcap mischief will be yet. We do have a chick who can effect the weather by her moods, and a hottie sheriff dude who has some disease or something that means he has no sense of pain (or maybe all touch), and an attractive heroine FBI agent who is visiting that has some strange connection to her doppelganger from the past. Since it's set in Maine, we have lots of supporting characters who are just that - characters. Fun and interesting characters. Loved it - can't wait for episode 2.
Third, another brand new show that premiered last night on A&E channel. It's called The Glades. It's a cop show set in Florida. Matt Passmore (who plays the main character Jim) is a doll. He's done a bunch of TV shows but no shows I've ever watched, so he's new to me and boy-o I'm glad he's in this one. Jim is a cop from Chicago who is now working in Florida because he doesn't play well with others. He probably doesn't here either, but he hasn't worn out his welcome here yet. He is a super smart, super excellent cop and he isn't afraid to let you know that he's smarter and better than you. But he is likable - don't think he isn't. He's the smart-ass, best-at-his-job, cute, funny, charming guy the guys want to be and the girls want to be with. He also has a friend Medical Examiner, Carlos, who is funny and cool (played by Carlos Gomez). And a sexy sweet nurse, Callie, that looks to be his romantic interest (played by Kiele Sanchez). Great show. Loving this one, too.
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