We have a tradition every October. We try to squeeze in as many horror movies as possible before the end of the scary movie season. This year we took it up a notch and even had a Monster Movie Marathon the weekend of Halloween.
To make the rating game easy, I decided to rate the movies on a 1 through 5 scale; 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. But of course, do not let my ratings keep you from watching any of these gems next horror season or any season. Happy Watching!
(In the order in which we watched them...)
You're Next (2011)
A family comes under attack during an anniversary party by a group of masked murderers. Unfortunately for them, one of the guests is better at killing than they are.
You're Next was not that bad. Gory? Yes. Fun to watch? Yes. It was well written and even decently acted, for a slasher flick. 4/5
Tormented (2011)
Daigo has become withdrawn and has formed a strong attachment to a stuffed rabbit. His sister, Kiriko, can't talk and is having trouble trying to convince her father to help. Kiriko has to enter a dangerous dream world when Daigo goes missing in order to discover the truth about her life.
Tormented was a little out there for me. I can see how fans of Japanese horror films would dig on this. In fact my husband enjoyed it more than I, but I had a hard time getting into it. 3/5
The Initiation (1984)
College student Kelly is to be initiated into the Delta Ro Kai sorority. While performing the prank in order to get into the sorority, a killer begins picking all the initiates off one by one.
A classic '80s horror film, that's for sure. It had it all; the hair, the boobs, the gratuitous sex. It was very predictable but fun to watch. But I'm a sucker for the classics. 3/5
Big Ass Spider (2013)
The military creates a killer spider (what?!?!) that grows bigger every time it eats. Eventually it grows so big that even the military can't kill it. It is up to a handful of scientists, and one exterminator, to take it down.
One word, Jose. The banter of the two main characters, Alex and Jose, was what made this movie worth watching. They were hilarious. 3/5
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Loosely based on a true story, a Texas Ranger hunts down a serial killer who was terrorizing residents in Texarkana, Texas in 1946.
If you ever get a chance to read up on the true story, it is pretty fascinating. 4/5
13 Sins (2014)
Preying on those who have fallen on desperate times, a game show host calls Elliot and gives him tasks to complete, each with an increasing monetary reward. Each task gets more and more gruesome until Elliot is under threat of incarceration until he finishes the game. And earns the big pay out.
Very good and original idea. It was well written, well acted, and well directed. In fact we shared this one with friends at our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
College student Samantha takes a babysitting job at a large and isolated house during a total lunar eclipse. As the night wears on, she begins to realize that her clients are devil worshipers and she has been lured there as a sacrifice.
This was very slow to develop. Very slow. But if you happen to watch it, you may recognize an actor from You're Next. 2/5
ATM (2012)
Three people are trapped in an ATM kiosk overnight by a deranged killer.
I saw about twenty plot holes in this movie, but it was still fun to watch. Plus I was pissed at not ever finding out the killer's motives! I hate that! 1/5
Haunt (2013)
A family moves into a house where a tragedy had befallen the previous tenants. The teen-aged boy of the family befriends the girl next door. They start fooling around with a radio that can communicate with the dead and strange things start happening in the house.
I thought it moved too slowly and was too predictable in its jumps and scares. Plus I had the ending figured out way ahead of time. But overall still an enjoyable watch. 2/5
Dead Silence (2007)
After his wife is murdered, Jamie returns home for the funeral. The killer is later linked to the ghost of a ventriloquist that hails from his hometown. As he digs into his wife's murder, he discovers a grisly folktale that centers around Mary Shaw, a murdered ventriloquist with a vendetta against his family.
Dead Silence was a really unique story. It was a little far fetched, but it was made nearly believable by the way it was written, directed and performed. 3/5
Bruiser (2000)
After years of being treated badly by his boss, his wife, his friends, his coworker and even his dog, a man wakes up one day with a blank white mask as a face. He uses this anonymity to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
This is a George A. Romero film. Though I don't know that it is technically a horror film, it still has its fair share of blood and sex. He is, after all, a masked killer. 4/5
New Year's Evil (1980)
While hosting a Punk Rock New Year's Eve television show, Diane Sullivan gets a call saying that someone will die when New Year's strikes in each time zone, ending with her.
Again, pure 80's cheese, but I love it. 3/5
Tamara (2005)
Tamara is the nerdy, unattractive girl that doesn't quite fit in. But no one knows that she is a witch. When she dies in a bizarre accident she comes back, sexy and ready to kill.
It's like the Carrie for witch lovers. And actually not too bad. 3/5
Hellgate (2011)
After a terrible accident in which he lost his wife and son, Jeff is now living in the shadow world between life and death. He has frightening visions in which he sees demons and ghosts. Now he has to make the choice to live in the world of the living or join the world of the dead.
I enjoyed the different view Hellgate took on the underworld. Another very slow moving movie.3/5
Donovan's Brain (1953)
Dr. Patrick Cory and his wife have been experimenting with brains. When they are unable to save the life of millionaire, Mr. Donovan, they keep his brain to experiment on it as well. Donovan's brain establishes a link with Dr. Cory's brain and uses Cory to seek revenge on his enemies.
A classic movie from the 1950's, Donovan's Brain was fun to watch. What I didn't like was the surprise ending. I felt like I had the carpet pulled out from under me. I like to have some hint at what is going on. 3/5
House of Whipcord (1974)
Young, beautiful girls are lured to an isolated mansion by a handsome young man, Mark E. Desade. Once there, they are forbidden to leave, charged with ludicrous crimes and told they are going to be rehabilitated. In truth they are tortured and some are even killed.
House of Whipcord was an interesting film. I can definitely see how people were disturbed by it in 1974. 3/5
Chillerama (2011)
It's closing night at the last drive-in in America and four movies are on the reels to be shown: Wadzilla, I was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All promising to be in very bad taste.
And they did not disappoint! I cringed and squirmed my way through the first three, but I turned it off at the start of the fourth and final short film. Too gross. And I can put up with a lot. 2/5
Humanoids From the Deep (1980)
Half-men, half-fish monsters terrorize a small fishing town.
Total camp and fun. Horny half-fish-men? One of my husband's favorites and if I don't give it a five, I'll never hear the end of it. So let's compromise and say 4.5/5
Satan's Little Helper (2004)
A little boy accidentally helps a serial killer, who is dressed up like a character from his favorite video game, on Halloween.
Satan's Little Helper is pretty silly, but it was actually a good idea. All kids (and some adults I know) would totally geek out if they met their video game idol. It was an easy, mindless watch. 4/5
Grave Secrets (1989)
A professor of psychic phenomena helps a woman investigate the unusual occurrences surrounding the bed and breakfast she owns.
This was a decent ghost story. It was interesting enough that the lack of scares kept me watching. 3/5
Gildersleeve's Ghost (1944)
Throckmorton Gildersleeve is running for public office so who better to help him out than the ghosts of his ancestors? Except idea of helping is to get him involved with a mad scientist, a giant gorilla, and a (sometimes) invisible woman.
My kids and I watched this movie together and laughed the whole way through. It was basically just good clean fun. 4/5
The Smiling Ghost (1941)
Elinor Bentley Fairchild is one unlucky woman. All of her previous beaus have met a tragic and untimely end due to the Smiling Ghost. Now the Fairchild family has hired "Lucky" Downing to pretend to be her latest fiancee to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Another oldie but a goody, The Smiling Ghost was funny with a touch of mystery. 4/5
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Based on the Stephen King story, Trucks, the movie is about what happens when a mysterious comet allows machines to come to life and terrorize the people of Earth. A group of survivors try to wait it out in a tiny truck stop.
Another of my husband's favorites, Maximum Overdrive is not necessarily a Halloween movie because there are no monsters in the traditional sense, but rather it is scary because the terror comes from objects we take for granted. 4.5/5
The Fog (1980)
Ghosts in a killer fog come seeking their revenge on the 100th anniversary of the night of their ship wreck. They won't rest until they claim their quota of soles.
The Fog is a good campfire story. That's the feel behind this movie for me. When you can cuddle up and watch a scary story that has lasted through the years, you know you have something good. 4/5
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale are two hillbillies trying to get some work done on their vacation home out in the middle of the woods. After a misunderstanding with some college kids, the bodies start piling up.
This is one of our favorites and it kicked off our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
A group of bank robbers have to fight through waves of zombies in East London in order to get back to their grandfather's retirement home and save him.
Another of our annual favorites. 5/5
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien and his robot land on Earth with a message of peace to give the world leaders. But the alien is wounded so he decides to try a different approach.
This is the movie that brought us Klaatu Barada Nikto. What more do you want? 4/5
World War Z (2013)
A world wide zombie epidemic has broken out. Gerry Lane is on a mission to help find the cure.
I know some people didn't like the fast moving zombies of WWZ, but I did. I think it made them even more frightening. I haven't read this book by Max Brooks, yet, but I did enjoy this film. 4/5
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
The head of a local werewolf pack is killed in a strip club, giving the strippers until the next full moon to prepare for their revenge.
Um, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The dialogue was actually pretty funny and very tongue in cheek. I could have lived without some of the choices in cinematography and music, but otherwise, eh. 2/5
Halloween (1978)
Michael Meyers escapes from an asylum and terrorizes the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
Another classic! 5/5
Halloween 2 (1981)
Laurie has been hospitalized from the injuries she sustained by Michael Meyers. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer continues.
Too bad the series was never better after this. 4/5
Hell Comes to Frog Town (1988)
Much of the world has been rendered infertile after a nuclear war. Sam Hell, a prisoner, has been tasked with the terrible duty of mating with the few remaining fertile females. However, he and his sexy escorts need to rescue them from Frog Town first.
This was nothing but pure 80's camp and cheese. The only scary thing here was the fact that we actually enjoyed watching this B movie. 2/5
Poltergeist (1982)
A family's home becomes haunted by ghosts. They appear harmless at first but eventually become more aggressive and kidnap their young daughter.
This was the movie that ended our Monster Movie Marathon. The perfect ending to a perfect horror movie season. 5/5
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Outlander {Season1} (2014-?)
A new original series on Starz that I absolutely fell in love with this year was Outlander. This is story of a woman who finds love, war and passion in 18th century Scotland. Not so unusual, you say? What if I told you that she had traveled back in time 200 years to find herself thrust into this new life? That is what happened to main character, Claire Randall, in Diana Gabaldon's historical romance/fantasy novels (though they are really not pinned down to any genre) in the stunning new drama produced by the Starz network.
The Premise
Outlander is a tale of war nurse, Claire Randall, who is suddenly transported back in time 200 years in the Scottish Highlands while on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank Randall. Unable to find her way back to her own time, she is whisked away by a clan of Highlanders who eventually take her in. Over the course of events, Claire is forced to marry outlawed Scotsman Jaime Fraser and her heart is torn between the future and the past.
My Take
Right off the bat I was excited that the show stayed so close to the first book, Outlander, and I hope it continues to do so. It would be a shame to have another True Blood debacle on our hands. The costumes were gorgeous, the settings were breathtaking, and the casting was superb.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe plays Claire Randall, the war nurse married to Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) in 1945. They are on vacation in the Scottish Highlands, getting to know each other once again after being separated during the war for a number of years. Frank is doing genealogical research and Claire is interested in the local flora and their healing properties.
After spying on a local chapter's ancient Druid ritual, Claire falls through a crack in time and ends up in 1743 Scotland, a very violent time in their history. The first person she meets is a Captain Jack Randall (also played very convincingly by Menzies), her husband's forefather. He attacks her and she she is rescued by men of the clan MacKenzie. The clansmen take her in, fearing she is an English spy and take her back to their stronghold, Castle Leoch.
But even the English are wary of this stranger among the Scottish. In order to avoid arrest, Claire must marry a Scotsman. Enter the young handsome outlaw, Jaime Fraser played by Sam Heughan. Jaime's conniving Uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) arranges the marriage. The two are forced into the agreement, but neither expected to fall in love. Claire is now torn between two times, the one she came from and the one with the man she is falling in love with.
Claire makes one more attempt at escape, to get back to her own time, and is captured by Captain Jack Randall's men once again. She is being questioned and threatened with imprisonment and Jaime is the only one who can save her. That is where we leave off at the mid-series finale. Dangit!
The Verdict
There are so many other elements to the story that could be discussed. So many side characters have their own motives and reasons to see Claire and Jamie harmed or even dead. Lotte Verbeek plays the mysterious Geillis Duncan, with her underlying motives and secrets and dark looks. Gary Lewis as Colum MacKenzie is wonderful as the powerful mind behind the clan. Not to mention the special effects that went in to making his legs look as crippled as they did. And of course Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix as the men behind the men, adding their support, strength and much needed comic relief to a sometimes heavy drama.
I enjoyed Outlander very much. I recommend this show for those show enjoy history, romance, fantasy and Scottish men (and liked the first book of the series). I think a lot still remains to be seen, though, considering this series is based on existing text and many more stories yet to come. However I am very optimistic because they are off to such a good start. I can't wait until the show picks up again in April. I give Outlander at least 175/200 years. Good Show!
And if you guys are interested in giving this writer a little sneak peak, I promise my lips are sealed!
The Premise
Outlander is a tale of war nurse, Claire Randall, who is suddenly transported back in time 200 years in the Scottish Highlands while on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank Randall. Unable to find her way back to her own time, she is whisked away by a clan of Highlanders who eventually take her in. Over the course of events, Claire is forced to marry outlawed Scotsman Jaime Fraser and her heart is torn between the future and the past.
My Take
Right off the bat I was excited that the show stayed so close to the first book, Outlander, and I hope it continues to do so. It would be a shame to have another True Blood debacle on our hands. The costumes were gorgeous, the settings were breathtaking, and the casting was superb.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe plays Claire Randall, the war nurse married to Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) in 1945. They are on vacation in the Scottish Highlands, getting to know each other once again after being separated during the war for a number of years. Frank is doing genealogical research and Claire is interested in the local flora and their healing properties.
After spying on a local chapter's ancient Druid ritual, Claire falls through a crack in time and ends up in 1743 Scotland, a very violent time in their history. The first person she meets is a Captain Jack Randall (also played very convincingly by Menzies), her husband's forefather. He attacks her and she she is rescued by men of the clan MacKenzie. The clansmen take her in, fearing she is an English spy and take her back to their stronghold, Castle Leoch.
But even the English are wary of this stranger among the Scottish. In order to avoid arrest, Claire must marry a Scotsman. Enter the young handsome outlaw, Jaime Fraser played by Sam Heughan. Jaime's conniving Uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) arranges the marriage. The two are forced into the agreement, but neither expected to fall in love. Claire is now torn between two times, the one she came from and the one with the man she is falling in love with.
Claire makes one more attempt at escape, to get back to her own time, and is captured by Captain Jack Randall's men once again. She is being questioned and threatened with imprisonment and Jaime is the only one who can save her. That is where we leave off at the mid-series finale. Dangit!
The Verdict
There are so many other elements to the story that could be discussed. So many side characters have their own motives and reasons to see Claire and Jamie harmed or even dead. Lotte Verbeek plays the mysterious Geillis Duncan, with her underlying motives and secrets and dark looks. Gary Lewis as Colum MacKenzie is wonderful as the powerful mind behind the clan. Not to mention the special effects that went in to making his legs look as crippled as they did. And of course Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix as the men behind the men, adding their support, strength and much needed comic relief to a sometimes heavy drama.
I enjoyed Outlander very much. I recommend this show for those show enjoy history, romance, fantasy and Scottish men (and liked the first book of the series). I think a lot still remains to be seen, though, considering this series is based on existing text and many more stories yet to come. However I am very optimistic because they are off to such a good start. I can't wait until the show picks up again in April. I give Outlander at least 175/200 years. Good Show!
And if you guys are interested in giving this writer a little sneak peak, I promise my lips are sealed!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
God's Not Dead (2014), The Unbelievers (2013)
Often you will watch a set of movies and notice that they have an actor or a director in common and think, "Huh, what a coincidence?" Less often, you will find a set a movies that are meant to challenge your beliefs with a common theme. Even less often, those same movies will also have names in common. The names, in this case, happen to be those of real life people. In the case of God's Not Dead and The Unbelievers I found that both films were too similar in too many ways to avoid speaking of them separately.
The Premise
In God's Not Dead, a college student finds it difficult to sign a statement in a philosophy class saying that "God is Dead". The professor, an Atheist, gives the Christian student a chance to state his case that God is in fact alive. But if he fails to convince the class, he fails the course.
The Unbelievers features famous scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss who are traveling the globe to spread their message that approaching things scientifically and through reason, thus casting off religious and political views, could improve the modern world.
My Take
God's Not Dead provides a powerful message about faith in God. Kevin Sorbo plays Professor Radisson, who in the movie is a self proclaimed Atheist and wants his students to sign a paper stating that God is dead so that there will be no further discussion of God in his philosophy class. Shane Harper plays the student who, because of his faith in God, cannot bring himself to do so. Radisson gives Josh Wheaton (Harper) a chance to prove his case or fail the course. Josh takes him on despite the odds.
In his arguments, Josh mentions many scientists by name, both past and present, most of whom are renowned Atheists in order to prove his stance that God is not dead. Many of the people this character mentions are in the documentary film, The Unbelievers. In The Unbelievers, Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss are speaking publicly about living life through reason. And part of their reason is that religion is not reasonable and therefore there can be no supreme being.
An interesting dynamic in The Unbelievers is the different faces that Dawkins and Krauss give to Atheism. Dawkins is very adamant and aggressive about his belief that there is no God whereas Krauss is more scientific in his approach and therefore comes across as more approachable. There were also many surprising interviews from celebrities that support their point of view, some quiet and soft spoken, others loud and combative.
The Verdict
Religion isn't something you can put a number on. Both sides are clearly craving more attention. Toward the end of The Unbelievers there was footage from the 'Rally for Reason', a gathering of extremely well known (and not so well known) Atheists. I would never go so far as to call this a revival, in a church sense, but it was definitely a way for people with a common belief system to get together and share their feelings and their message. Christians are happy to have more movies going mainstream, like God's Not Dead. They want their message to get out as well. But what bothers me about both sides is the anger and fear. Why are we so afraid?
If we can both find a way past this, I'll give you as many Darwin fish and Christian crosses as you can carry.
This coming from someone who went to college for Forensic Science and is a Christian.
The Premise
In God's Not Dead, a college student finds it difficult to sign a statement in a philosophy class saying that "God is Dead". The professor, an Atheist, gives the Christian student a chance to state his case that God is in fact alive. But if he fails to convince the class, he fails the course.
The Unbelievers features famous scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss who are traveling the globe to spread their message that approaching things scientifically and through reason, thus casting off religious and political views, could improve the modern world.
My Take
God's Not Dead provides a powerful message about faith in God. Kevin Sorbo plays Professor Radisson, who in the movie is a self proclaimed Atheist and wants his students to sign a paper stating that God is dead so that there will be no further discussion of God in his philosophy class. Shane Harper plays the student who, because of his faith in God, cannot bring himself to do so. Radisson gives Josh Wheaton (Harper) a chance to prove his case or fail the course. Josh takes him on despite the odds.
In his arguments, Josh mentions many scientists by name, both past and present, most of whom are renowned Atheists in order to prove his stance that God is not dead. Many of the people this character mentions are in the documentary film, The Unbelievers. In The Unbelievers, Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss are speaking publicly about living life through reason. And part of their reason is that religion is not reasonable and therefore there can be no supreme being.
An interesting dynamic in The Unbelievers is the different faces that Dawkins and Krauss give to Atheism. Dawkins is very adamant and aggressive about his belief that there is no God whereas Krauss is more scientific in his approach and therefore comes across as more approachable. There were also many surprising interviews from celebrities that support their point of view, some quiet and soft spoken, others loud and combative.
The Verdict
Religion isn't something you can put a number on. Both sides are clearly craving more attention. Toward the end of The Unbelievers there was footage from the 'Rally for Reason', a gathering of extremely well known (and not so well known) Atheists. I would never go so far as to call this a revival, in a church sense, but it was definitely a way for people with a common belief system to get together and share their feelings and their message. Christians are happy to have more movies going mainstream, like God's Not Dead. They want their message to get out as well. But what bothers me about both sides is the anger and fear. Why are we so afraid?
If we can both find a way past this, I'll give you as many Darwin fish and Christian crosses as you can carry.
This coming from someone who went to college for Forensic Science and is a Christian.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The History of Future Folk (2012)
There are some movies out there that still have the ability to surprise you. The History of Future Folk is an independent film, which you know I have a penchant for, that manages to be quirky, romantic, touching and even absurd at times, yet rolls it all together in a script that works. Whether it's the dry delivery of the main character, the clueless nature of his sidekick or the catchy tunes of their songs, The History of Future Folk managed to get me swept up in their story line all the way through till the end.
The Premise
The History of Future Folk is quite literally the history of the folk duo, Future Folk. After crash landing on our planet, General Trius of the planet Hondo, abandons his mission to destroy Earth's inhabitants after discovering one of our greatest commodities, music. General Trius goes on to change his identity, marry an Earth woman and raise a family. When fellow Hondonian, Kevin, is sent to assassinate him, things get even stranger.
My Take
One of the things that makes this movie so successful is the dry, deadpan delivery of Nils d'Aulaire. d'Aulaire is General Trius who has taken on the identity of Bill Hunt. When he crashed on Earth, his planet was on a collision course with a killer comet and taking over Earth was their only salvation. However, General Trius heard music for the first time before he could release a virus that would wipe out Earth's population. After falling in love with music he fell in love with Holly (Julie Ann Emery) and settled down.
The years goes by and Hondo's eminent destruction is still looming. They send an assassin to kill General Trius, who has made a happy life for himself on Earth moonlighting as a folk musician. Fellow Hondonian Kevin comes to Earth and fails miserably at the assassination attempt. He is captured by General Trius who introduces him to music for the first time. Jay Klaitz, who plays Kevin, does the greatest job acting like a full grown man who is hearing sounds put together in such a way for the very first time.
In fact he is so impressed, he runs out and learns to play the guitar and sing and write songs overnight in order to join his new friend on stage. They form the duo, Future Folk, and that is the history of Future Folk. But the movie doesn't end there. Hondo is still on a collision course with a killer comet, another assassin alien is coming after the virus, General Trius (AKA Bill Hunt) has to win his family back and Kevin needs to win the heart of the Earth woman he loves (April L. Hernandez).
The Verdict
The History of Future Folk is a surprising must see. When it first started and I saw General Trius put on his bright red costume before going onstage, I decided to give the movie my requisite fifteen more minutes before giving up on it. And I'm glad I did. Turns out the goofy red costumes are a pivotal part of the plot and they are actually quite endearing. Future Folk are very talented musicians and songwriters. Their songs are witty and goofy and their stringed instrument playing is impressive. I give The History of Future Folk 2/2 Aliens From Hondo. My only regret is that I didn't discover them until after they went on tour.
The Premise
The History of Future Folk is quite literally the history of the folk duo, Future Folk. After crash landing on our planet, General Trius of the planet Hondo, abandons his mission to destroy Earth's inhabitants after discovering one of our greatest commodities, music. General Trius goes on to change his identity, marry an Earth woman and raise a family. When fellow Hondonian, Kevin, is sent to assassinate him, things get even stranger.
My Take
One of the things that makes this movie so successful is the dry, deadpan delivery of Nils d'Aulaire. d'Aulaire is General Trius who has taken on the identity of Bill Hunt. When he crashed on Earth, his planet was on a collision course with a killer comet and taking over Earth was their only salvation. However, General Trius heard music for the first time before he could release a virus that would wipe out Earth's population. After falling in love with music he fell in love with Holly (Julie Ann Emery) and settled down.
The years goes by and Hondo's eminent destruction is still looming. They send an assassin to kill General Trius, who has made a happy life for himself on Earth moonlighting as a folk musician. Fellow Hondonian Kevin comes to Earth and fails miserably at the assassination attempt. He is captured by General Trius who introduces him to music for the first time. Jay Klaitz, who plays Kevin, does the greatest job acting like a full grown man who is hearing sounds put together in such a way for the very first time.
In fact he is so impressed, he runs out and learns to play the guitar and sing and write songs overnight in order to join his new friend on stage. They form the duo, Future Folk, and that is the history of Future Folk. But the movie doesn't end there. Hondo is still on a collision course with a killer comet, another assassin alien is coming after the virus, General Trius (AKA Bill Hunt) has to win his family back and Kevin needs to win the heart of the Earth woman he loves (April L. Hernandez).
The Verdict
The History of Future Folk is a surprising must see. When it first started and I saw General Trius put on his bright red costume before going onstage, I decided to give the movie my requisite fifteen more minutes before giving up on it. And I'm glad I did. Turns out the goofy red costumes are a pivotal part of the plot and they are actually quite endearing. Future Folk are very talented musicians and songwriters. Their songs are witty and goofy and their stringed instrument playing is impressive. I give The History of Future Folk 2/2 Aliens From Hondo. My only regret is that I didn't discover them until after they went on tour.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
My Night With Paramore... Sort Of
My family thinks I have an uncanny ability for winning tickets on the radio. And maybe I do. I won tickets to AstroWorld (once upon a time ago) and about half a dozen concerts over the years. So I guess my sister wasn't terribly surprised when I called her inviting her to join me on a Meet and Greet with Paramore. I may have been lucky before, winning just the nosebleeds and lawn seats, but this would be my first Meet and Greet and I was stoked.
The instructions given to me by DJ Lauren from Mix 96.5 were to be at the Woodlands Pavilion by 4 o'clock, so of course there was an accident en route and we were ten minutes late. Fortunately for my sister and I, we were the first of our group to arrive, ahead of even the lady from the record label; so all we had to do was wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Fortunately we had some good company from Caren and Kelsey from two local radio stations. We exchanged stories of past concerts and favorite bands while they continued to pass out their respective merchandise and take pictures of fans. Seriously, these two girls are awesome.
I think the problem with winning tickets as opposed to buying a really expensive merchandise packet is that (for obvious reasons) we get pushed aside like the red-headed step child. I was told to go Will Call when we arrived. Will Call didn't know what I was talking about and didn't have a list of winners' names and directed me to the VIP table. The VIP table didn't have me on their list and said that radio winners would go in separately and to just "mill about". The people at the radio booths didn't have my name either. It was all up to poor Nadia from the record label who had gotten stuck even further behind the same wreck than we had.
When Nadia finally arrived (safe and sound) we got our wrist bands and felt official. But not as official as those lucky jerks in the merchandise line that had VIP passes dangling around their necks like shiny little nooses. Those guys got to go in first, with their little bag of swag. I really wanted a bag of swag. We got to stand in the hot August sun for yet another hour sans noose and bag of swag.
When the time finally came to meet Paramore we were herded in, searched for illegal contraband (that we could have successfully hidden away in our sweaty clothes for the last two hours), and allowed entry to the Pavilion. Where we stood waiting around for another half hour.
Here is where we were given a lecture about how to act when we finally met the band. In order to keep the spread of germs down (they were currently battling the flu backstage), we couldn't shake hands or hug anyone. And unfortunately for this writer we wouldn't have time to ask any questions because of the tight schedule. Bummer. By this time the venue was about to open up to ticket holders and I definitely wanted to get a good spot out on the lawn, so I guess I couldn't complain too much. So here we are, two and a half hours after arriving at the Pavilion and we are about to meet Paramore!
And we did. And they seemed super friendly and happy to see their fans. I would have loved to have been able to have a true meet and greet but this was still pretty awesome. Plus I got an autographed picture.
After the Meet and Greet, my sister and I found some great spots out on the lawn with the free tickets I scored off the radio and had an absolute blast. I have to say, there are some mighty inappropriately dressed teenagers out there. But then, I guess I'm just showing my age. I did once win tickets to AstroWorld, after all.
The Verdict
The Meet and Greet could have been better organized and had the stations not been on top of things, the whole thing could have fallen apart. But in the end it was, without a doubt, very exciting to meet three people whose music you love and helps to inspire you in your own creative life. The members of Paramore seemed to be smiling because they were genuinely happy to see the fans that make their success possible. Not to mention, the concert was fantastic. New Politics opened up and Fall Out Boy closed it out. New Politics was amazing and made me a new fan out of me. I give Paramore 3/3 members for a giving us a show we won't soon forget.
However, the Woodlands used to be one of my favorite venues, but considering I spent $7.50 on a bottle of water and $15 on parking, my concert days are few and far between. The Woodlands gets a solid 0/$22.50 for gouging us on ridiculous prices. For shame. Take a hint from Fall Out Boy, and Save Rock and Roll by making it more accessible. Music is for everyone.
The instructions given to me by DJ Lauren from Mix 96.5 were to be at the Woodlands Pavilion by 4 o'clock, so of course there was an accident en route and we were ten minutes late. Fortunately for my sister and I, we were the first of our group to arrive, ahead of even the lady from the record label; so all we had to do was wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Fortunately we had some good company from Caren and Kelsey from two local radio stations. We exchanged stories of past concerts and favorite bands while they continued to pass out their respective merchandise and take pictures of fans. Seriously, these two girls are awesome.
I think the problem with winning tickets as opposed to buying a really expensive merchandise packet is that (for obvious reasons) we get pushed aside like the red-headed step child. I was told to go Will Call when we arrived. Will Call didn't know what I was talking about and didn't have a list of winners' names and directed me to the VIP table. The VIP table didn't have me on their list and said that radio winners would go in separately and to just "mill about". The people at the radio booths didn't have my name either. It was all up to poor Nadia from the record label who had gotten stuck even further behind the same wreck than we had.
When Nadia finally arrived (safe and sound) we got our wrist bands and felt official. But not as official as those lucky jerks in the merchandise line that had VIP passes dangling around their necks like shiny little nooses. Those guys got to go in first, with their little bag of swag. I really wanted a bag of swag. We got to stand in the hot August sun for yet another hour sans noose and bag of swag.
When the time finally came to meet Paramore we were herded in, searched for illegal contraband (that we could have successfully hidden away in our sweaty clothes for the last two hours), and allowed entry to the Pavilion. Where we stood waiting around for another half hour.
Here is where we were given a lecture about how to act when we finally met the band. In order to keep the spread of germs down (they were currently battling the flu backstage), we couldn't shake hands or hug anyone. And unfortunately for this writer we wouldn't have time to ask any questions because of the tight schedule. Bummer. By this time the venue was about to open up to ticket holders and I definitely wanted to get a good spot out on the lawn, so I guess I couldn't complain too much. So here we are, two and a half hours after arriving at the Pavilion and we are about to meet Paramore!
And we did. And they seemed super friendly and happy to see their fans. I would have loved to have been able to have a true meet and greet but this was still pretty awesome. Plus I got an autographed picture.
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| Jeremy, me, Hayley, my sister, Taylor Paramore picture property of Laura Romero |
The Verdict
The Meet and Greet could have been better organized and had the stations not been on top of things, the whole thing could have fallen apart. But in the end it was, without a doubt, very exciting to meet three people whose music you love and helps to inspire you in your own creative life. The members of Paramore seemed to be smiling because they were genuinely happy to see the fans that make their success possible. Not to mention, the concert was fantastic. New Politics opened up and Fall Out Boy closed it out. New Politics was amazing and made me a new fan out of me. I give Paramore 3/3 members for a giving us a show we won't soon forget.
However, the Woodlands used to be one of my favorite venues, but considering I spent $7.50 on a bottle of water and $15 on parking, my concert days are few and far between. The Woodlands gets a solid 0/$22.50 for gouging us on ridiculous prices. For shame. Take a hint from Fall Out Boy, and Save Rock and Roll by making it more accessible. Music is for everyone.
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| Fall Out Boy picture by Laura Romero |
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Sapphires (2012)
In 1968, the Vietnam War was in full swing, Americans were fighting for their civil rights, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and four Australian Aboriginal girls formed a group called The Sapphires. Inspired by a true story, The Sapphires is a touching film about four girls, with their own lessons to learn about life and love, who are swept off to war torn Vietnam by the only man who believes in them.
The Premise
Family group, The Sapphires, is comprised of three sisters and one cousin from indigenous Australia. Led by their inexperienced talent scout, the girls go to Vietnam to entertain the troops in 1968. While overseas, they experience the world's triumphs, defeats and heartaches together. They overcome their own family dynamics in order to make The Sapphires a success and to get out of Vietnam alive.
My Take
In Australia, the girls of the The Sapphires were not accepted in mainstream society because they were considered to be non-white. In the 1950's, Aboriginal children that were light skinned were literally stolen from their homes in order to be mainstreamed in an effort to breed out the Aboriginal race. So it was no wonder that in 1968 these girls were ready to get out of Australia, go to Vietnam and perform for the colored troops.
Gail, Cynthia and Julie are the sisters that started the group. Gail, played by Deborah Mailman, is the eldest member and is the heart of The Sapphires. She holds them together with her strength and perseverance. Mailman plays Gail in such a way that we grow to love her and understand her plight without being angry with her outbursts and bossy ways. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) often acts as a referee between the girls. She bounces between wanting to be mature and grown up and also acting out and being young and foolish, much like any other middle child. Julie is the youngest sister. Played by Jessica Mauboy, Julie wants it all. She is the one with the most talent and is determined to be part of the adventure, despite her responsibilities at home.
Cousin Kay is the last to join The Sapphires. The sisters want her to part of the group, much as she was when they were children before Kay was taken away to be mainstreamed into white society. Shari Sebbens plays conflicted Kay. Kay doesn't know quite who she is when she becomes a Sapphire. She has spent much of her life being told she is white and now she is being thrown into a soul group being labeled as Aboriginal Australian. It is a constant source of conflict between Kay and Gail.
Looking out for the girls is talent scout, Dave Lovelace. Chris O'Dowd is the heavy-drinking, inexperienced, Irish man that takes it upon himself to manage The Sapphires. And I think there might be something going on between he and Gail. I'm just saying.
Adapted from the stage play by Tony Briggs and written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson, The Sapphires is inspired by real events. Briggs is the son of original Sapphires member, Laurel Robinson. In the movie, four girls momentarily escape their troublesome lives by going to Vietnam to make music. There, they experience life, love, war and prejudice and form a family bond even deeper than they ever imagined.
The Verdict
The Sapphires is an amazing film. The performances are incredible, the singing is gorgeous and the story is beautiful. The Sapphires is one of those rare films that comes along that can make you feel a wide range of emotions in an hour and a half. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, you get wrapped up in the characters and in the story which is what any good film is supposed to make you do. I give The Sapphires 4/4 sapphires. Well done. In fact, I've already watched it twice.
The Premise
Family group, The Sapphires, is comprised of three sisters and one cousin from indigenous Australia. Led by their inexperienced talent scout, the girls go to Vietnam to entertain the troops in 1968. While overseas, they experience the world's triumphs, defeats and heartaches together. They overcome their own family dynamics in order to make The Sapphires a success and to get out of Vietnam alive.
My Take
In Australia, the girls of the The Sapphires were not accepted in mainstream society because they were considered to be non-white. In the 1950's, Aboriginal children that were light skinned were literally stolen from their homes in order to be mainstreamed in an effort to breed out the Aboriginal race. So it was no wonder that in 1968 these girls were ready to get out of Australia, go to Vietnam and perform for the colored troops.
Gail, Cynthia and Julie are the sisters that started the group. Gail, played by Deborah Mailman, is the eldest member and is the heart of The Sapphires. She holds them together with her strength and perseverance. Mailman plays Gail in such a way that we grow to love her and understand her plight without being angry with her outbursts and bossy ways. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) often acts as a referee between the girls. She bounces between wanting to be mature and grown up and also acting out and being young and foolish, much like any other middle child. Julie is the youngest sister. Played by Jessica Mauboy, Julie wants it all. She is the one with the most talent and is determined to be part of the adventure, despite her responsibilities at home.
Cousin Kay is the last to join The Sapphires. The sisters want her to part of the group, much as she was when they were children before Kay was taken away to be mainstreamed into white society. Shari Sebbens plays conflicted Kay. Kay doesn't know quite who she is when she becomes a Sapphire. She has spent much of her life being told she is white and now she is being thrown into a soul group being labeled as Aboriginal Australian. It is a constant source of conflict between Kay and Gail.
Looking out for the girls is talent scout, Dave Lovelace. Chris O'Dowd is the heavy-drinking, inexperienced, Irish man that takes it upon himself to manage The Sapphires. And I think there might be something going on between he and Gail. I'm just saying.
Adapted from the stage play by Tony Briggs and written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson, The Sapphires is inspired by real events. Briggs is the son of original Sapphires member, Laurel Robinson. In the movie, four girls momentarily escape their troublesome lives by going to Vietnam to make music. There, they experience life, love, war and prejudice and form a family bond even deeper than they ever imagined.
The Verdict
The Sapphires is an amazing film. The performances are incredible, the singing is gorgeous and the story is beautiful. The Sapphires is one of those rare films that comes along that can make you feel a wide range of emotions in an hour and a half. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, you get wrapped up in the characters and in the story which is what any good film is supposed to make you do. I give The Sapphires 4/4 sapphires. Well done. In fact, I've already watched it twice.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Jerry and Tom (1998)
I can't deny that my husband has excellent taste in movies. He discovered this little gem for me on Netflix and there are many more that I still have to either watch or write about. I'm going as fast as I can, honey! Jerry and Tom is based the one act play by Rick Cleveland, who also wrote the screenplay. Directed by Saul Rubinek, Jerry and Tom features stunning continuous shots and seamless transitions between scenes.
The Premise
Tom is a pro in the hit man business. Jerry is not. By day they work for their boss at a second-hand car dealership and by night they work as hired guns. As Jerry learns the business, his style and personality begins to clash with that of his older friend's.
My Take
Tom is cool and collected and not easily shaken. Jerry is young and impetuous but eager to learn the role of a hit man. As Jerry learns the ropes, his brash actions could get the duo into trouble with their bosses, Billy and Vic. Mistakes are made, but the final solution will wipe the slate clean.
Joe Mantegna is a very calm and teacher-like Tom. He is "too old for this" and ready to teach Jerry how to do a clean and effective hit. Sam Rockwell plays Jerry and shows us the transition of a nervous young man to an unbalanced, trigger happy hit man. Both men played their parts well. While being near opposites, they were believable as best friends and partners.
Jerry and Tom is like a buddy hit man movie. It starts off with the two men together on a job and transitions back in time to ten years prior when they started working together. The movie moves forward, taking you one job (and one cameo) at a time. They duo moves ahead through their lives as well. Jerry gets married and has a baby. Tom's kid becomes a teenager. But what is most appealing to me about this movie is the way in which it was filmed and put together. The scene changes (forgive me, for I come from a theater rich background) are flawlessly seamless.
The characters can be talking during the summer in a parking lot in one scene and then the camera will pan over to the car lot and it will be snowing outside in the next scene. A woman will be cleaning her gun with plastic sheeting blowing all around her in one scene and the camera will pan over and the movie will continue in a completely different location. My favorite transition had to do with blood, a sock, makeup and a toolbox.
Saul Rubinek also filmed many long continuous shots. I like these kind of shots because it doesn't break up the action. You get a picture of the whole scene and not just bits and pieces. With a script like this, that relies so heavily on dialogue, there is no need to cut back and forth and back and forth. He still managed to make it interesting, though. Mantegna and Rockwell were in constant motion in a lot of their scenes so the camera had a lot to focus on without cutting between actors.
Jerry and Tom may have been led by Joe Mantegna and Sam Rockwell, but a show is not a show without its supporting cast. Playing the mob bosses were Maury Chaykin and Charles Durning. Also making special appearances were William H. Macy, Ted Danson, Peter Riegert, Shelley Cook and Sarah Polley.
The Verdict
Jerry and Tom is a must see for any film buff or photography enthusiast because of the way it was filmed. The only down side, for me, was the way it was written. I know that it was based on a play, but it still read like a stage play to me. I love my theater, I just want it to stay on the stage. All in all I still love it. I give Jerry and Tom 5/7 hits.
The Premise
Tom is a pro in the hit man business. Jerry is not. By day they work for their boss at a second-hand car dealership and by night they work as hired guns. As Jerry learns the business, his style and personality begins to clash with that of his older friend's.
My Take
Tom is cool and collected and not easily shaken. Jerry is young and impetuous but eager to learn the role of a hit man. As Jerry learns the ropes, his brash actions could get the duo into trouble with their bosses, Billy and Vic. Mistakes are made, but the final solution will wipe the slate clean.
Joe Mantegna is a very calm and teacher-like Tom. He is "too old for this" and ready to teach Jerry how to do a clean and effective hit. Sam Rockwell plays Jerry and shows us the transition of a nervous young man to an unbalanced, trigger happy hit man. Both men played their parts well. While being near opposites, they were believable as best friends and partners.
Jerry and Tom is like a buddy hit man movie. It starts off with the two men together on a job and transitions back in time to ten years prior when they started working together. The movie moves forward, taking you one job (and one cameo) at a time. They duo moves ahead through their lives as well. Jerry gets married and has a baby. Tom's kid becomes a teenager. But what is most appealing to me about this movie is the way in which it was filmed and put together. The scene changes (forgive me, for I come from a theater rich background) are flawlessly seamless.
The characters can be talking during the summer in a parking lot in one scene and then the camera will pan over to the car lot and it will be snowing outside in the next scene. A woman will be cleaning her gun with plastic sheeting blowing all around her in one scene and the camera will pan over and the movie will continue in a completely different location. My favorite transition had to do with blood, a sock, makeup and a toolbox.
Saul Rubinek also filmed many long continuous shots. I like these kind of shots because it doesn't break up the action. You get a picture of the whole scene and not just bits and pieces. With a script like this, that relies so heavily on dialogue, there is no need to cut back and forth and back and forth. He still managed to make it interesting, though. Mantegna and Rockwell were in constant motion in a lot of their scenes so the camera had a lot to focus on without cutting between actors.
Jerry and Tom may have been led by Joe Mantegna and Sam Rockwell, but a show is not a show without its supporting cast. Playing the mob bosses were Maury Chaykin and Charles Durning. Also making special appearances were William H. Macy, Ted Danson, Peter Riegert, Shelley Cook and Sarah Polley.
The Verdict
Jerry and Tom is a must see for any film buff or photography enthusiast because of the way it was filmed. The only down side, for me, was the way it was written. I know that it was based on a play, but it still read like a stage play to me. I love my theater, I just want it to stay on the stage. All in all I still love it. I give Jerry and Tom 5/7 hits.
Monday, June 16, 2014
People Like Us (2012)
People Like Us is a film about family, death, acceptance and the legacy we leave behind. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, the movie takes place after the death of the patriarch of a small, dysfunctional family. When an only child finds out that his father had another child, a son learns how to accept his extended family.
The Premise
When Sam's father passes away he leaves the bulk of his money to a boy named Josh. Sam discovers that Josh is the son of the sister he never knew he had. He needs to decide now whether to fulfill his dead father's wishes and give them the money or help himself out of his own bad situation and keep it.
My Take
People Like Us is much more than a, "Should I or shouldn't I keep the money?" movie. Sam inadvertently gets to know his nephew, Josh. As the two become friends, and as Sam gets to know his sister, Frankie, he becomes more and more conflicted as to how to tell them who he is.
Sam is a salesman who has gotten himself into a sticky situation with the Federal Trade Commission, his dad has just died, he finds out he has a sister and a nephew he has never met, his mom is sick and he gets into a fight with his girlfriend. And to top it all off, his deceased father has left him with the task of gifting his nephew with his life savings. Things are not going well for Sam.
Chris Pine is the very conflicted Sam. He finds his sister Frankie (don't call her Francis) at an AA meeting and uses that an excuse to talk to her. Elizabeth Banks plays Frankie, the mother of Sam's nephew, with comfort, confidence, and grace and I am not ashamed to say that she made me cry at least once. The performance I was most impressed with was young Michael Hall D'Addario. He played Sam's nephew, Josh, with an ease and poise that matched the performances of his adult counterparts perfectly.
Sam's moral compass was his girlfriend Hannah, played by Olivia Wilde. She and Sam had their differences but were always pulled back together in the end. Rounding out the stellar cast was Michelle Pfeiffer as Sam's mother. This is one of my favorite parts she has played in long time. Lillian was a real person, who throughout all her anger with her son, still loved him and forgave him and struggled to understood his reasons for his actions.
The Verdict
People Like Us made me cry at least twice so I need to give a shout out to the writers, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Jody Lambert as well as give a nod the incredible direction and performances given. People Like Us, for me, was a rare gem in which an all star cast gives an all star performance. So many times I have been disappointed in movies that boast incredible casts but are lacking in either writing or direction or both. I give People Like Us 2/2 siblings. It's definitely a must see.
The Premise
When Sam's father passes away he leaves the bulk of his money to a boy named Josh. Sam discovers that Josh is the son of the sister he never knew he had. He needs to decide now whether to fulfill his dead father's wishes and give them the money or help himself out of his own bad situation and keep it.
My Take
People Like Us is much more than a, "Should I or shouldn't I keep the money?" movie. Sam inadvertently gets to know his nephew, Josh. As the two become friends, and as Sam gets to know his sister, Frankie, he becomes more and more conflicted as to how to tell them who he is.
Sam is a salesman who has gotten himself into a sticky situation with the Federal Trade Commission, his dad has just died, he finds out he has a sister and a nephew he has never met, his mom is sick and he gets into a fight with his girlfriend. And to top it all off, his deceased father has left him with the task of gifting his nephew with his life savings. Things are not going well for Sam.
Chris Pine is the very conflicted Sam. He finds his sister Frankie (don't call her Francis) at an AA meeting and uses that an excuse to talk to her. Elizabeth Banks plays Frankie, the mother of Sam's nephew, with comfort, confidence, and grace and I am not ashamed to say that she made me cry at least once. The performance I was most impressed with was young Michael Hall D'Addario. He played Sam's nephew, Josh, with an ease and poise that matched the performances of his adult counterparts perfectly.
Sam's moral compass was his girlfriend Hannah, played by Olivia Wilde. She and Sam had their differences but were always pulled back together in the end. Rounding out the stellar cast was Michelle Pfeiffer as Sam's mother. This is one of my favorite parts she has played in long time. Lillian was a real person, who throughout all her anger with her son, still loved him and forgave him and struggled to understood his reasons for his actions.
The Verdict
People Like Us made me cry at least twice so I need to give a shout out to the writers, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Jody Lambert as well as give a nod the incredible direction and performances given. People Like Us, for me, was a rare gem in which an all star cast gives an all star performance. So many times I have been disappointed in movies that boast incredible casts but are lacking in either writing or direction or both. I give People Like Us 2/2 siblings. It's definitely a must see.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Shout Out to the Home Team
I first got interested in the arts when I got my first part in a production of "Raggedy Ann and Andy" at a local theater in the Houston area when I was only thirteen years old. I have auditioned for films, television shows, commercials and more theater productions than I can count. My humble beginnings allowed me to meet the man I would eventually marry and start the next great adventure in my life. And while I may not have made it to the big screen, I have carved out my little niche here on the computer screen which has given me the chance to give a shout out to my favorite talents that have come out of the place I call home.
Jim Parsons of the Big Bang Theory, and upcoming The Normal Heart, was born in Spring and studied theater at the University of Houston. Though raised in Memphis, TN, Missi Pyle (one of my favorite character actresses) was actually born in Houston. Dennis and Randy Quaid were born and raised right here in my home town. One of my favorite childhood memories was watching Faerie Tale Theater, starring Houston native Shelley Duvall. Brent Spiner of Star Trek fame is from Houston as is South Park co-creator Matt Stone. Alexis Bledel, Sean Patrick Flanery, and Hilary and Haylie Duff have the honor of calling Houston their hometown. My favorite country singer, Lyle Lovett is from Klein, Texas which I am going to say is close enough.
I have had a few brushes with fame, if I do say so myself. Jeremy and Justin Furstenfeld of the band Blue October (one of my absolute favorites) are related to my cousins and were both born right here in Houston. So I can say we are almost related. Actor Sterling Knight got his taste for drama at the same theater where I got my start. In fact, I was the assistant director in one of the plays he did when he was just a wee one. Allison Tolman from the new hit show, Fargo, can also claim to have shared the same stage with me way back in 1995 at that exact same theater. It's a small world.
All stories have a beginning. Some start with a bang and others with a slow burn. That's one reason I was always drawn to the performing arts. Story-telling is just a.part of me. Maybe that is why I was drawn more to writing than to acting in the end.
And if any of my hometown favorites want to do a small time blogger a solid and give me my first big interview I certainly wouldn't turn you down. I'll even give you a perfect score of 10/10.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Bad Milo (2013)
There are few movies that I've watched that earn the moniker, "Better than I thought it would be." I would love to have a sit down with the writers of Bad Milo, Benjamin Hayes and Jacob Vaughan, to hear the story of how this story came to be from beginning to end. Honestly, when you sit down to watch a movie about a demon that lives in a guy's intestines, you wouldn't think the words, "Not a bad little flick," would be the first ones to pop in your head.
The Premise
Duncan is having a lot of unusual stomach ailments. After his wife urges him to seek professional help, Duncan learns that his high stress problems have given life to a demon living in his intestinal tract. The good news (and the bad news) is that Milo the Demon is more than willing to take care of the people who are causing the stress in Duncan's life.
My Take
Duncan is a nice guy that is allowing everyone to walk all over him. At work he is being pushed around, at home he is being coerced into having a baby, and he has a difficult relationship with his father. All this stress has led to severe stomach issues. Little does he know that these stomach problems are actually an intestinal demon that makes its appearance to kill whatever is ailing Duncan while he is passed out. The problem of course arises when Milo, the demon, wants to do away with Duncan's wife, Sarah.
Ken Marino plays Duncan. I don't think I have ever seen a movie where an actor has had to spend so much time on the toilet, let alone pretending to strain and cramp and eventually letting loose a butt monster that he has to bond with. It is as if Marino played the straight man to Milo's crazy antics and he did it really well. It was equal parts appalling and humorous when he was cuddling with Milo on the couch during a very touching bonding moment.
Duncan has two women in his life, his wife and his mother. Gillian Jacobs plays the wife, Sarah, and Mary Kay Place is Beatrice, Duncan's mother. Both women are ready for Duncan to start a family but Duncan is worried about being a good father because of his strained relationship with his dad (Stephen Root). Duncan learns that he doesn't have as much control over Milo as he thought when Milo goes after what he loves most, his wife Sarah.
The Verdict
Bad Milo earned the reputation, "Better than I thought it would be." I admit that I went into this not expecting much but got more back than I ever thought I would. It was funny, cheesy, silly, full of fake blood splatter, charming, and had a pretty cute butt monster starring in it. For a comedy-horror movie, it wasn't half bad. I give Bad Milo 1 good courtesy flush.
The Premise
Duncan is having a lot of unusual stomach ailments. After his wife urges him to seek professional help, Duncan learns that his high stress problems have given life to a demon living in his intestinal tract. The good news (and the bad news) is that Milo the Demon is more than willing to take care of the people who are causing the stress in Duncan's life.
My Take
Duncan is a nice guy that is allowing everyone to walk all over him. At work he is being pushed around, at home he is being coerced into having a baby, and he has a difficult relationship with his father. All this stress has led to severe stomach issues. Little does he know that these stomach problems are actually an intestinal demon that makes its appearance to kill whatever is ailing Duncan while he is passed out. The problem of course arises when Milo, the demon, wants to do away with Duncan's wife, Sarah.
Ken Marino plays Duncan. I don't think I have ever seen a movie where an actor has had to spend so much time on the toilet, let alone pretending to strain and cramp and eventually letting loose a butt monster that he has to bond with. It is as if Marino played the straight man to Milo's crazy antics and he did it really well. It was equal parts appalling and humorous when he was cuddling with Milo on the couch during a very touching bonding moment.
Duncan has two women in his life, his wife and his mother. Gillian Jacobs plays the wife, Sarah, and Mary Kay Place is Beatrice, Duncan's mother. Both women are ready for Duncan to start a family but Duncan is worried about being a good father because of his strained relationship with his dad (Stephen Root). Duncan learns that he doesn't have as much control over Milo as he thought when Milo goes after what he loves most, his wife Sarah.
The Verdict
Bad Milo earned the reputation, "Better than I thought it would be." I admit that I went into this not expecting much but got more back than I ever thought I would. It was funny, cheesy, silly, full of fake blood splatter, charming, and had a pretty cute butt monster starring in it. For a comedy-horror movie, it wasn't half bad. I give Bad Milo 1 good courtesy flush.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Lockout (2012)
From the mind that brought you The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional, and The Transporter comes another big action film with car crashes, explosions, plenty of gun play and enough fist to cuffs violence to satisfy even the most picky of appetites. So what separates Lockout from the rest of Luc Besson's films? Lockout takes espionage, insane prisoners, witty comebacks and Guy Pearce, and smashes them all together into a maximum security space prison that is hurtling towards Earth - and makes it look good.
The Premise
Snow is an ex-CIA operative accused of treason against the United States in this futuristic action movie. The only way he can guarantee his freedom is to rescue the President's daughter who has been taken hostage aboard a maximum security prison that is floating in outer space.
My Take
Ex-CIA operative Agent Snow has been set up to take the fall for the murder of another undercover operative. Meanwhile, the President's daughter, Emilie, is on board the MS-One that is orbiting around Earth. The MS-One is a maximum security prison for the worst of violent offenders, however Emilie is there on a humanitarian mission. She wants to be sure the prisoners are being treated fairly. While Snow is being incarcerated on Earth, Emilie is being taken hostage during a savage prison uprising in space. When news of the takeover reaches Earth, Snow is offered a "Get Out of Jail Free" card if he will save Emilie. Of course, things aren't always as they seem. Snow has his own agenda once he is in orbit. One of the items on his agenda is locating his ex-partner, Mace, in an effort to clear his name.
Guy Pearce always has been and always will be one of my favorite actors. I never miss an opportunity to watch him in Memento. Pearce plays the snarky, yet somehow charming, Snow that has more interest in finding his ex-partner, Mace, than he does in saving the President's daughter. Emilie, played by Maggie Grace, is the aforementioned President's daughter. Grace begins the movie with a quiet strength reserved for women in power and ends with the appropriate toughness allowed after the ordeal that her character goes through. I enjoyed Maggie Grace's character grow. I've seen too many movies where writers start to write a strong female lead and halfway through, something happens and she ends up forgetting how to do everything for herself. Not to sound to women's lib-y or anything, but there you go.
Alex and Hydell are our two resident bad guys on board the MS-One. Alex is smart and calculating. His brother, Hydell, is just pretty nuts. Vincent Regan, from 300 fame, plays Alex with a cool calm that makes you wonder what he did to land himself in maximum security prison. Then he goes and kills someone without blinking an eye and the mystery is solved. Joseph Gilgun, whom I remember from This is England, plays Hydell, who is quite the opposite from his brother. He acts on impulse and is hard for Alex to trust. Mace, Snow's soft-spoken ex-partner, is also on board. Tim Plester's sympathetic portrayal of Mace, who has made it there quite by accident, goes to show you that you don't have to have a large part to make a memorable impact in a movie.
The Verdict
True, the movie was a bit predictable, but if it had gone any other way I would have been disappointed. I felt that the special effects were a bit lacking on the Earth sequences but looked great in the space sequences. For example, the car crashes were weak, but the space explosions were strong. Overall, it was a good way to spend some time on a rainy afternoon. I give Lockout 7/10 prisoners, just don't shank me.
The Premise
Snow is an ex-CIA operative accused of treason against the United States in this futuristic action movie. The only way he can guarantee his freedom is to rescue the President's daughter who has been taken hostage aboard a maximum security prison that is floating in outer space.
My Take
Ex-CIA operative Agent Snow has been set up to take the fall for the murder of another undercover operative. Meanwhile, the President's daughter, Emilie, is on board the MS-One that is orbiting around Earth. The MS-One is a maximum security prison for the worst of violent offenders, however Emilie is there on a humanitarian mission. She wants to be sure the prisoners are being treated fairly. While Snow is being incarcerated on Earth, Emilie is being taken hostage during a savage prison uprising in space. When news of the takeover reaches Earth, Snow is offered a "Get Out of Jail Free" card if he will save Emilie. Of course, things aren't always as they seem. Snow has his own agenda once he is in orbit. One of the items on his agenda is locating his ex-partner, Mace, in an effort to clear his name.
Guy Pearce always has been and always will be one of my favorite actors. I never miss an opportunity to watch him in Memento. Pearce plays the snarky, yet somehow charming, Snow that has more interest in finding his ex-partner, Mace, than he does in saving the President's daughter. Emilie, played by Maggie Grace, is the aforementioned President's daughter. Grace begins the movie with a quiet strength reserved for women in power and ends with the appropriate toughness allowed after the ordeal that her character goes through. I enjoyed Maggie Grace's character grow. I've seen too many movies where writers start to write a strong female lead and halfway through, something happens and she ends up forgetting how to do everything for herself. Not to sound to women's lib-y or anything, but there you go.
Alex and Hydell are our two resident bad guys on board the MS-One. Alex is smart and calculating. His brother, Hydell, is just pretty nuts. Vincent Regan, from 300 fame, plays Alex with a cool calm that makes you wonder what he did to land himself in maximum security prison. Then he goes and kills someone without blinking an eye and the mystery is solved. Joseph Gilgun, whom I remember from This is England, plays Hydell, who is quite the opposite from his brother. He acts on impulse and is hard for Alex to trust. Mace, Snow's soft-spoken ex-partner, is also on board. Tim Plester's sympathetic portrayal of Mace, who has made it there quite by accident, goes to show you that you don't have to have a large part to make a memorable impact in a movie.
The Verdict
True, the movie was a bit predictable, but if it had gone any other way I would have been disappointed. I felt that the special effects were a bit lacking on the Earth sequences but looked great in the space sequences. For example, the car crashes were weak, but the space explosions were strong. Overall, it was a good way to spend some time on a rainy afternoon. I give Lockout 7/10 prisoners, just don't shank me.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
25 of My Favorite Sappy Romantic Movies
Well it's February and Valentine's Day is upon us once again. If you find yourself wondering what sappy romantic movie you should watch with your significant other (or by yourself) I have put together a list of my favorites. As with my Halloween and Christmas lists, I invite you to share with me your favorite lovey-dovey movies and I will compile the suggestions I get from comments here, on Face Book and on Twitter in another, reader inspired list, at the end of the month.
Without further ado, 25 of my favorite sappy romantic movies of all time...
Always (1989)
This movie is a real tear jerker. I can't watch it without crying and I know exactly what's going to happen. Always is a movie that is a little bit ghost story, a little bit action story, and a lot of heart and soul.
Say Anything... (1989)
One of my absolute favorites, Say Anything... is about first loves, high school politics and determination. Lloyd Dobler falls in love with Diane Court, a girl that is supposed to be way out of his league. But together, they make it work. I hope they are still together.
The Princess Bride (1987)
It's inconceivable to me how anyone could not like this movie. It has everything. Sword fights, princes and princesses, romance, revenge, giants, pirates and rodents of unusual size.
The Notebook (2004)
Another movie that makes me cry, The Notebook is a story about love that has lasted true the ages. It has been time tested and now, in the twilight of their years, an elderly man is still committed to his wife who has Alzheimer's Disease. He tells her the story of their love over and over, knowing that she will never fully remember him.
Casablanca (1942)
A classic love story, Casablanca shows the conflict between former lovers and their desire to be together. This movie gave us one of the most famous lines ever, "We'll always have Paris."
The English Patient (1996)
Love stories don't always give us a happy ending. The English Patient is full of tragedy, adultery, plane crashes, pain and sorrow. But Count Laszlo couldn't have loved Katharine Clifton any more than he did and that's what makes it a great love story.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
The Civil War was a turbulent time in American History. One of the things I love best about Gone With the Wind is Scarlett O'Hara. She is a Southern beauty with a fiery temper and a manipulative personality. She meets her match in Rhett Butler. They are like fire and ice, not meant to be together, yet a perfect complement to one another.
Pretty Woman (1990)
A Cinderella movie for hookers! But seriously, what girl doesn't dream of a man rescuing them from whatever situation they are in, sweeping them off their feet and living happily ever after?
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
I love movies that address romantic love versus arranged marriages. I think we are spoiled, in a very good way, in that we can choose our partners. In this movie, Shakespeare and Viola have to sneak around to be together. Even though their love won't last, she inspires one of his greatest creations.
The Graduate (1967)
Mrs. Robinson, the original cougar. The Graduate is such a great movie. Emotions run high when a young man has an affair with an older woman and then falls for her daughter.
Up (2009)
The first fifteen minutes of the movie sum up how I want my entire marriage to be. Two people completely in love and entirely devoted to each other. The rest of the movie is all about the little old man trying to complete their last goal of going to Paradise Falls and finding a unique bond along the way.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
This is an unconventional love story, but I adore it. Lars tells his family that he has met someone. The 'someone' that he has met is a life-sized doll, but Lars loves her and treats her as a real person. Eventually his family and the entire town does the same.
Secretary (2002)
Another unconventional love story, Secretary takes on the idea of not only an employee-employer relationship, but a sadomasochistic relationship. Lee Holloway meets Mr. Grey and together they find love while pushing boundaries and the expectations of those around them.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" The epitome of the story about a bad boy and a good girl trying to make their relationship work, Dirty Dancing is a sexy movie that has been copied time and time again.
Overboard (1987)
Overboard is able to make you laugh at love. And you should be able to laugh together. Joanna Stayton is a terrible person. She hires carpenter Dean Proffitt and then refuses to pay him for the work he does. Later, she falls overboard and suffers from amnesia. Dean is able to convince her that she is his wife. A story of revenge turns into a story about love.
Footloose (1984)
What's a senior prom without dance? Ren is rebellious, but only because he loves to dance. Ariel is just plain rebellious. Together they make an explosive couple that take on Ariel's bible-thumbing minister father and a town that is ready for a change.
Love Story (1970)
I think this movie gets made fun of a lot of times, but Love Story takes a different route by exploring what happens when a spouse is terminally ill. It strikes a chord with me because of the reality of our life after stroke.
Love Actually (2003)
This movie was a collaboration of several actors and several stories. It follows the lives of different couples that are in different stages of their relationships. Some couples are falling in love, others out of love and some are seeking love.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Frances buys a home in Tuscany after an infidelity breaks up her marriage. She briefly finds love in a man, finds lasting love in friendship, but most importantly, finds love in herself. This may not necessarily be a romantic movie, but it is, nonetheless, a love story.
In Her Shoes (2005)
Another movie that is more Chick Flick than romantic escape, is In Her Shoes, but I still love it and highly recommend it. Two sisters who could not be more different go there separate ways only to be reunited by a grandmother they never knew they had.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A movie that proves you can come home again. Even after heartbreak, it is possible to heal and try again. Especially if you're ex-husband is Josh Lucas. Just sayin'.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Two damaged people meet and become friends. They slowly begin to heal each other, but their friendship is not without its problems. Pat is determined to reconcile with his ex-wife even though Tiffany is falling for him.
Warm Bodies (2013)
This is probably the best Zombie movie / Romeo and Juliet movie ever. Even the coldest heart can be started again by the right person. It's a love story that crosses very unusual boundaries and proves that one person can change the world.
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted is a love story that parents can enjoy while the kids are also being entertained. It's the story of what happens when a classic story book princess collides with the real world. She finds a love better than in the stories when a real life man and his little girl take her in.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
In 13 Going on 30, a little girl learns that friendship is better than popularity. Jenna Rink makes a wish at her thirteenth birthday party and wakes up a thirty year old woman. She discovers that in this life, she made some bad decisions and only wants her one true friend, Matt, back.
Don't forget to add to the list! I will compile a list of reader's favorites at the end of the month!
Without further ado, 25 of my favorite sappy romantic movies of all time...
Always (1989)
This movie is a real tear jerker. I can't watch it without crying and I know exactly what's going to happen. Always is a movie that is a little bit ghost story, a little bit action story, and a lot of heart and soul.
Say Anything... (1989)
One of my absolute favorites, Say Anything... is about first loves, high school politics and determination. Lloyd Dobler falls in love with Diane Court, a girl that is supposed to be way out of his league. But together, they make it work. I hope they are still together.
The Princess Bride (1987)
It's inconceivable to me how anyone could not like this movie. It has everything. Sword fights, princes and princesses, romance, revenge, giants, pirates and rodents of unusual size.
The Notebook (2004)
Another movie that makes me cry, The Notebook is a story about love that has lasted true the ages. It has been time tested and now, in the twilight of their years, an elderly man is still committed to his wife who has Alzheimer's Disease. He tells her the story of their love over and over, knowing that she will never fully remember him.
Casablanca (1942)
A classic love story, Casablanca shows the conflict between former lovers and their desire to be together. This movie gave us one of the most famous lines ever, "We'll always have Paris."
The English Patient (1996)
Love stories don't always give us a happy ending. The English Patient is full of tragedy, adultery, plane crashes, pain and sorrow. But Count Laszlo couldn't have loved Katharine Clifton any more than he did and that's what makes it a great love story.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
The Civil War was a turbulent time in American History. One of the things I love best about Gone With the Wind is Scarlett O'Hara. She is a Southern beauty with a fiery temper and a manipulative personality. She meets her match in Rhett Butler. They are like fire and ice, not meant to be together, yet a perfect complement to one another.
Pretty Woman (1990)
A Cinderella movie for hookers! But seriously, what girl doesn't dream of a man rescuing them from whatever situation they are in, sweeping them off their feet and living happily ever after?
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
I love movies that address romantic love versus arranged marriages. I think we are spoiled, in a very good way, in that we can choose our partners. In this movie, Shakespeare and Viola have to sneak around to be together. Even though their love won't last, she inspires one of his greatest creations.
The Graduate (1967)
Mrs. Robinson, the original cougar. The Graduate is such a great movie. Emotions run high when a young man has an affair with an older woman and then falls for her daughter.
Up (2009)
The first fifteen minutes of the movie sum up how I want my entire marriage to be. Two people completely in love and entirely devoted to each other. The rest of the movie is all about the little old man trying to complete their last goal of going to Paradise Falls and finding a unique bond along the way.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
This is an unconventional love story, but I adore it. Lars tells his family that he has met someone. The 'someone' that he has met is a life-sized doll, but Lars loves her and treats her as a real person. Eventually his family and the entire town does the same.
Secretary (2002)
Another unconventional love story, Secretary takes on the idea of not only an employee-employer relationship, but a sadomasochistic relationship. Lee Holloway meets Mr. Grey and together they find love while pushing boundaries and the expectations of those around them.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" The epitome of the story about a bad boy and a good girl trying to make their relationship work, Dirty Dancing is a sexy movie that has been copied time and time again.
Overboard (1987)
Overboard is able to make you laugh at love. And you should be able to laugh together. Joanna Stayton is a terrible person. She hires carpenter Dean Proffitt and then refuses to pay him for the work he does. Later, she falls overboard and suffers from amnesia. Dean is able to convince her that she is his wife. A story of revenge turns into a story about love.
Footloose (1984)
What's a senior prom without dance? Ren is rebellious, but only because he loves to dance. Ariel is just plain rebellious. Together they make an explosive couple that take on Ariel's bible-thumbing minister father and a town that is ready for a change.
Love Story (1970)
I think this movie gets made fun of a lot of times, but Love Story takes a different route by exploring what happens when a spouse is terminally ill. It strikes a chord with me because of the reality of our life after stroke.
Love Actually (2003)
This movie was a collaboration of several actors and several stories. It follows the lives of different couples that are in different stages of their relationships. Some couples are falling in love, others out of love and some are seeking love.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Frances buys a home in Tuscany after an infidelity breaks up her marriage. She briefly finds love in a man, finds lasting love in friendship, but most importantly, finds love in herself. This may not necessarily be a romantic movie, but it is, nonetheless, a love story.
In Her Shoes (2005)
Another movie that is more Chick Flick than romantic escape, is In Her Shoes, but I still love it and highly recommend it. Two sisters who could not be more different go there separate ways only to be reunited by a grandmother they never knew they had.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A movie that proves you can come home again. Even after heartbreak, it is possible to heal and try again. Especially if you're ex-husband is Josh Lucas. Just sayin'.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Two damaged people meet and become friends. They slowly begin to heal each other, but their friendship is not without its problems. Pat is determined to reconcile with his ex-wife even though Tiffany is falling for him.
Warm Bodies (2013)
This is probably the best Zombie movie / Romeo and Juliet movie ever. Even the coldest heart can be started again by the right person. It's a love story that crosses very unusual boundaries and proves that one person can change the world.
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted is a love story that parents can enjoy while the kids are also being entertained. It's the story of what happens when a classic story book princess collides with the real world. She finds a love better than in the stories when a real life man and his little girl take her in.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
In 13 Going on 30, a little girl learns that friendship is better than popularity. Jenna Rink makes a wish at her thirteenth birthday party and wakes up a thirty year old woman. She discovers that in this life, she made some bad decisions and only wants her one true friend, Matt, back.
Don't forget to add to the list! I will compile a list of reader's favorites at the end of the month!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
If you have seen any horror ever, then you will have some modicum of appreciation for Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. Brilliantly written and executed, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is not your typical horror movie. It takes all the preconceived notions we have have about the Appalachian Mountains, hillbillies, and college frat boys and turns them on their head. Brought to by Zombieland director, Eli Craig and co-written by Eli Craig and Morgan Jurgenson, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a definite hidden gem.
The Premise
Best friends Tucker and Dale are heading up to their cabin in the woods for a little relaxation. After an ill-fated encounter with a group of college kids, they inadvertently take an unconscious woman home. Because of this, the collegiate group assume the duo are murderous hillbillies and resort to violent tactics to rescue their friend. Unfortunately, all their rescue attempts backfire and they all begin dying off around Tucker and Dale's property.
My Take
All Tucker wants to do is go up to his newly purchased vacation cabin ("it's a fixer-upper"), get a few chores done, sneak in a little fishing and hang out with his best friend Dale. All Dale wants to do is one day meet a nice girl and settle down. All a group of insanely good-looking college kids want to do is go camping in the deep woods of the Appalachian Mountains and not be murdered by a bunch of blood thirsty hillbillies. Everyone could have had what they wanted had it not been for one simple misunderstanding at the last gas station on the way out to their final destinations.
College kid Chad puts the idea in his friends' heads that Tucker and Dale just might be the dangerous murderous hillbillies that they are trying to avoid. After an accident while night swimming, Tucker and Dale are forced to save an unconscious and drowning Allison while the rest of the college friends run screaming from the hillbilly duo. This sets off a chain reaction in which each friend tries to save the perfectly safe Allison and ends up dying an unnecessary, however hilariously gruesome, death in the process. Unfortunately, the friends die on Tucker and Dale's property, feeding the illusion that the two friends are savage killers.
Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine, portray Tucker and Dale. They may as well be best friends in real life, they play off each other so well. Tudyk takes the reigns as the (slightly) better looking and (slightly) smarter Tucker as Labine takes the passenger seat as more dimwitted Dale. Every situation they get into, no matter how absurd, becomes completely believable as the pair draw you into the story with their quick quips and complete commitment to each other. While he could be, and at times is, altogether angry with Dale for dragging him into their predicament, Tucker is still trying to bail them out. You could even say this is a movie about true hillbilly friendship.
Meanwhile, in the college camp, Chad, played by Jesse Moss (who I thoroughly enjoyed in Ginger Snaps), is so busy trying to blame Tucker and Dale for kidnapping Allison (portrayed by the lovely Katrina Bowden) that he can't open his eyes long enough to see the truth. However, Allison has learned that Dale is a true gentleman and sweetheart. Also during the interim, chaos has broken loose. Kids are impaling themselves on spears, chucking themselves into wood chippers and running into ludicrously sharp branches. It doesn't end there. Brandon Jay McLaren (who I currently enjoy watching as I get caught up on The Killing), Christie Laing, Chelan Simmons, Travis Nelson, Alex Arsenault, Adam Beauchesne, and Joseph Allan Sutherland round out the talented cast as the inept college kids.
The Verdict
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil gives a nod to several horror classics from the past. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should be able to pick them out. This is one of the few movies we subject our guests to on a regular basis. If they haven't seen it, we cue it up just to have an excuse to watch it again. I give Tucker & Dale vs. Evil 9/9 college kids.
The Premise
Best friends Tucker and Dale are heading up to their cabin in the woods for a little relaxation. After an ill-fated encounter with a group of college kids, they inadvertently take an unconscious woman home. Because of this, the collegiate group assume the duo are murderous hillbillies and resort to violent tactics to rescue their friend. Unfortunately, all their rescue attempts backfire and they all begin dying off around Tucker and Dale's property.
My Take
All Tucker wants to do is go up to his newly purchased vacation cabin ("it's a fixer-upper"), get a few chores done, sneak in a little fishing and hang out with his best friend Dale. All Dale wants to do is one day meet a nice girl and settle down. All a group of insanely good-looking college kids want to do is go camping in the deep woods of the Appalachian Mountains and not be murdered by a bunch of blood thirsty hillbillies. Everyone could have had what they wanted had it not been for one simple misunderstanding at the last gas station on the way out to their final destinations.
College kid Chad puts the idea in his friends' heads that Tucker and Dale just might be the dangerous murderous hillbillies that they are trying to avoid. After an accident while night swimming, Tucker and Dale are forced to save an unconscious and drowning Allison while the rest of the college friends run screaming from the hillbilly duo. This sets off a chain reaction in which each friend tries to save the perfectly safe Allison and ends up dying an unnecessary, however hilariously gruesome, death in the process. Unfortunately, the friends die on Tucker and Dale's property, feeding the illusion that the two friends are savage killers.
Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine, portray Tucker and Dale. They may as well be best friends in real life, they play off each other so well. Tudyk takes the reigns as the (slightly) better looking and (slightly) smarter Tucker as Labine takes the passenger seat as more dimwitted Dale. Every situation they get into, no matter how absurd, becomes completely believable as the pair draw you into the story with their quick quips and complete commitment to each other. While he could be, and at times is, altogether angry with Dale for dragging him into their predicament, Tucker is still trying to bail them out. You could even say this is a movie about true hillbilly friendship.
Meanwhile, in the college camp, Chad, played by Jesse Moss (who I thoroughly enjoyed in Ginger Snaps), is so busy trying to blame Tucker and Dale for kidnapping Allison (portrayed by the lovely Katrina Bowden) that he can't open his eyes long enough to see the truth. However, Allison has learned that Dale is a true gentleman and sweetheart. Also during the interim, chaos has broken loose. Kids are impaling themselves on spears, chucking themselves into wood chippers and running into ludicrously sharp branches. It doesn't end there. Brandon Jay McLaren (who I currently enjoy watching as I get caught up on The Killing), Christie Laing, Chelan Simmons, Travis Nelson, Alex Arsenault, Adam Beauchesne, and Joseph Allan Sutherland round out the talented cast as the inept college kids.
The Verdict
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil gives a nod to several horror classics from the past. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should be able to pick them out. This is one of the few movies we subject our guests to on a regular basis. If they haven't seen it, we cue it up just to have an excuse to watch it again. I give Tucker & Dale vs. Evil 9/9 college kids.
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Angels' Share (2012)
Are all criminals bad? If given a second chance can they do something good? In The Angels' Share, a group a ne'er do wells are looked down on by society and few would give them a second chance. Least likely to lend them a hand is the group's community service leader, whose love of whiskey gives them the inspiration they need.
The Premise
Robbie is sentenced to community service just before he becomes a father for the first time. Community service leader, Harry, takes Robbie under his wing and together, with a few new friends, they learn what makes a good whiskey. When a too good to be true opportunity presents itself, Robbie and his friends act on it, hoping to make better lives for themselves.
My Take
Set in Scotland, The Angels' Share is about Robbie, a young man with a checkered past who now wants to try to do right by his girlfriend and newborn son. While sentenced to community service, Harry, who is in charge, acts as a much needed father figure to him and a few other youths. He takes them on their first tour of a whiskey distillery. After that, Robbie, Rhino, Mo and Albert begin teaching themselves more about whiskey.
Paul Brannigan was brilliant as the down on his luck Robbie. He and girlfriend Leonie, the talented and beautiful Siobhan Reilly, want to get Robbie out of his old violent lifestyle and into a good job so he can support his new family. John Henshaw plays the wise and fatherly Harry. Harry sees something in Robbie and accidentally helps him find his talent in whiskey tasting.
When Robbie and his friends Rhino (William Ruane), Mo (Jasmin Riggins) and Albert (Gary Maitland) learn of a cask of whiskey going up for auction that could be worth a fortune, they hatch a plan to steal the contents before anyone has a chance to taste it. Of course, even the best of plans have a hitch.
Director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty bring The Angels' Share to life with this cast. It was humorous and touching and moving. It's not always easy to make an audience root for a bunch thieves. But in the end you find yourself hoping they get away with it.
My Verdict
As soon as we saw a preview for The Angels' Share we knew it would be a movie we would enjoy and, gratefully, we were not disappointed. There was some mild violence and language, but the language was disguised with a thick Scottish brogue which somehow makes it charming to this American's ears. I give The Angels' Share a sturdy 3/3 bottles. "One to keep, one to give away and one to share with friends." Cheers.
The Premise
Robbie is sentenced to community service just before he becomes a father for the first time. Community service leader, Harry, takes Robbie under his wing and together, with a few new friends, they learn what makes a good whiskey. When a too good to be true opportunity presents itself, Robbie and his friends act on it, hoping to make better lives for themselves.
My Take
Set in Scotland, The Angels' Share is about Robbie, a young man with a checkered past who now wants to try to do right by his girlfriend and newborn son. While sentenced to community service, Harry, who is in charge, acts as a much needed father figure to him and a few other youths. He takes them on their first tour of a whiskey distillery. After that, Robbie, Rhino, Mo and Albert begin teaching themselves more about whiskey.
Paul Brannigan was brilliant as the down on his luck Robbie. He and girlfriend Leonie, the talented and beautiful Siobhan Reilly, want to get Robbie out of his old violent lifestyle and into a good job so he can support his new family. John Henshaw plays the wise and fatherly Harry. Harry sees something in Robbie and accidentally helps him find his talent in whiskey tasting.
When Robbie and his friends Rhino (William Ruane), Mo (Jasmin Riggins) and Albert (Gary Maitland) learn of a cask of whiskey going up for auction that could be worth a fortune, they hatch a plan to steal the contents before anyone has a chance to taste it. Of course, even the best of plans have a hitch.
Director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty bring The Angels' Share to life with this cast. It was humorous and touching and moving. It's not always easy to make an audience root for a bunch thieves. But in the end you find yourself hoping they get away with it.
My Verdict
As soon as we saw a preview for The Angels' Share we knew it would be a movie we would enjoy and, gratefully, we were not disappointed. There was some mild violence and language, but the language was disguised with a thick Scottish brogue which somehow makes it charming to this American's ears. I give The Angels' Share a sturdy 3/3 bottles. "One to keep, one to give away and one to share with friends." Cheers.
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