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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.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
"The Karate Kid" & "The Back-up Plan"
I'll start with the new Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith even though I saw the other first.
This is such a good movie. Good for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Jackie Chan has never done better acting in my opinion -he was amazing. Jaden Smith is just a chip off the ol' parental block. He looks so much like his dad and he does a great job. This is a talented young man who will be a super star one day, I have no doubt. The story is, as expected, a young kid being picked on finds a mentor who teaches him all the right things and then has to fight the bully who's being taught all the wrong thing. And you might be saying, 'but Clancy, if that's the case, then why do I need to see the movie?' and my response would be - because it's a good story, with great actors (Taraji P. Henson is really good too), amazing scenery (China - hello), great karate fighting and training action, and it makes you feel good because good triumphs over bad! Go see it.
The Back-up Plan stars Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin. Hotties enough for all. And funny - I laughed a lot. Basically our girl is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along so she can have a baby, so she goes and gets inseminated and then meets Mr. Right. It's a rocky relationship, as can be expected due to her being pregnant and all, but while rocky for them, some funny stuff for us. I am not a huge fan of J-Lo, but I thought she did a really good job in this. Alex, oh Alex, he could just stand around shirtless and I'd probably pay to see it, but with that admission I would like to say he does a great job in this - he's not just a face (Ok - and a body), he's a good actor too. And perfect for a romantic lead. I really enjoyed this. So, don't snub it just cuz you have J-Lo issues people - seriously.
This is such a good movie. Good for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Jackie Chan has never done better acting in my opinion -he was amazing. Jaden Smith is just a chip off the ol' parental block. He looks so much like his dad and he does a great job. This is a talented young man who will be a super star one day, I have no doubt. The story is, as expected, a young kid being picked on finds a mentor who teaches him all the right things and then has to fight the bully who's being taught all the wrong thing. And you might be saying, 'but Clancy, if that's the case, then why do I need to see the movie?' and my response would be - because it's a good story, with great actors (Taraji P. Henson is really good too), amazing scenery (China - hello), great karate fighting and training action, and it makes you feel good because good triumphs over bad! Go see it.
The Back-up Plan stars Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin. Hotties enough for all. And funny - I laughed a lot. Basically our girl is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along so she can have a baby, so she goes and gets inseminated and then meets Mr. Right. It's a rocky relationship, as can be expected due to her being pregnant and all, but while rocky for them, some funny stuff for us. I am not a huge fan of J-Lo, but I thought she did a really good job in this. Alex, oh Alex, he could just stand around shirtless and I'd probably pay to see it, but with that admission I would like to say he does a great job in this - he's not just a face (Ok - and a body), he's a good actor too. And perfect for a romantic lead. I really enjoyed this. So, don't snub it just cuz you have J-Lo issues people - seriously.
Monday, June 14, 2010
"The A-Team" Rocks!!!!!
Someone told me, Saturday, when I said I couldn't wait to go see this movie, that it was getting terrible reviews. So - reviewers be damned...this movie rocks! I went yesterday (Sunday) and I loved every minute of it. I wish I could go see it again right now.
The cast: Liam Neeson as Hannibal (amazing -hello? It's Liam Neeson), Bradley Cooper as Face (OMG - he's as hot or hotter than Dirk Benedict was), Rampage Jackson as BA Barracus (he's adorable in this really menacing way - so good), and Sharlto Copley as Murdock (did you see this guy in District 9? He was amazing in that, which if you haven't seen - DO! And he's amazing in this). Add to that awesome list - Jessica Biel as an Army Captain chasing the boys down (eye candy for the guys and she's good), Patrick Wilson as a CIA dude (way cute, funny and so charming) and Gerald McRaney as an Army General. And, what's not to love?
The action: Good grief! Crazy insane awesome summer blockbuster action. (I do need to go see this again - soon). Flying tanks, helicopters, car chases, huge planes, boats, motorcycles - wicked good fun.
The story: This, by the way, is where I was told it was lacking. I disagree. As a fan of the original TV show, the story is great - I understood it perfectly - I didn't think there were any holes. It has the same spirit and feel of the original. And, I love it when a plan comes together! Check it out troops...
The cast: Liam Neeson as Hannibal (amazing -hello? It's Liam Neeson), Bradley Cooper as Face (OMG - he's as hot or hotter than Dirk Benedict was), Rampage Jackson as BA Barracus (he's adorable in this really menacing way - so good), and Sharlto Copley as Murdock (did you see this guy in District 9? He was amazing in that, which if you haven't seen - DO! And he's amazing in this). Add to that awesome list - Jessica Biel as an Army Captain chasing the boys down (eye candy for the guys and she's good), Patrick Wilson as a CIA dude (way cute, funny and so charming) and Gerald McRaney as an Army General. And, what's not to love?
The action: Good grief! Crazy insane awesome summer blockbuster action. (I do need to go see this again - soon). Flying tanks, helicopters, car chases, huge planes, boats, motorcycles - wicked good fun.
The story: This, by the way, is where I was told it was lacking. I disagree. As a fan of the original TV show, the story is great - I understood it perfectly - I didn't think there were any holes. It has the same spirit and feel of the original. And, I love it when a plan comes together! Check it out troops...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
"Get Him to the Greek"
I literally just returned from watching Get Him to the Greek with Russell Brand, Jonah Hill and Sean Combs. This is funny on par with The Hangover, Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, and Dude, Where's My Car?
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is a rock star who has returned to drugs and alcohol and hasn't had a hit in quite a while. Sean Combs (genius) is the head of a music label looking for new talent. Johan Hill (so sweet and naive) works for Combs and suggests a comeback gig for Aldous Snow. Thing is, he has to fly to London, keep an eye on the troubled rock star and get him to LA in time for the big concert. Needless to say, hi-jinx ensue.
Rose Byrne plays Aldous' ex-girlfriend, and there are a ton of great cameo's. Russell Brand is wonderful in both his excess bad boy behavior and in his sweet broken caring moments. For no other reason than the party scenes in Las Vegas the movie would be worth it, but there are so many funny, quotable bits. Truly laugh out loud funny. Check it out.
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is a rock star who has returned to drugs and alcohol and hasn't had a hit in quite a while. Sean Combs (genius) is the head of a music label looking for new talent. Johan Hill (so sweet and naive) works for Combs and suggests a comeback gig for Aldous Snow. Thing is, he has to fly to London, keep an eye on the troubled rock star and get him to LA in time for the big concert. Needless to say, hi-jinx ensue.
Rose Byrne plays Aldous' ex-girlfriend, and there are a ton of great cameo's. Russell Brand is wonderful in both his excess bad boy behavior and in his sweet broken caring moments. For no other reason than the party scenes in Las Vegas the movie would be worth it, but there are so many funny, quotable bits. Truly laugh out loud funny. Check it out.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
'Prince of Persia'
First - sorry, I'm a slacker. I've been writing like a fiend and lost track of time.
On to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. So good!!!! I have no idea what the video game was about but I love the movie. Let's see why, shall we?
Male hotties: CHECK (and loads of them, not the least of which is Jake Gyllenhaal)
Female hotties: Check (and Gemma Arterton is beautiful and we like her)
Action: Check (and lots of it)
Exotic locale: Check (C'mon, it's Persia people)
Cool Special Effects: Check and double Check
Romance: Check (ahhh)
Betrayal, Familial ties, Horses, Sand, Royalty: Check to all
AND Alfred Molina is genius in his role as a Sheik.
I think you get my point. Both my girl friends that saw it with me, loved it too. And trust me when I say none of us were the intended demographic. I shan't ruin it by giving away any plot points ( I know - you just hate that - but it is for your own good). I will say, this is a keeper. I must own this one. And you should go see it, at the very least.
On to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. So good!!!! I have no idea what the video game was about but I love the movie. Let's see why, shall we?
Male hotties: CHECK (and loads of them, not the least of which is Jake Gyllenhaal)
Female hotties: Check (and Gemma Arterton is beautiful and we like her)
Action: Check (and lots of it)
Exotic locale: Check (C'mon, it's Persia people)
Cool Special Effects: Check and double Check
Romance: Check (ahhh)
Betrayal, Familial ties, Horses, Sand, Royalty: Check to all
AND Alfred Molina is genius in his role as a Sheik.
I think you get my point. Both my girl friends that saw it with me, loved it too. And trust me when I say none of us were the intended demographic. I shan't ruin it by giving away any plot points ( I know - you just hate that - but it is for your own good). I will say, this is a keeper. I must own this one. And you should go see it, at the very least.
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