Alex's Movie Reviews

Remember Remember the Screams of AHHHHHHH!!!! dies

2011-04-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

Scream 4

Flashback: 1996. A 14 year old nerd with nothing to do sits alone in his parents' living room on a Friday night scares himself shitless while watching Drew Barrymore get terrorized by a serial killer in one of the best intro scenes to a horror movie he has ever seen: Scream. Fast forward: 1997. A 15 year old nerd fights with his older brother home from college and his mother on whether to watch Titanic or Scream 2. 15 year old wins, Scream 2 does not. Fast forward again: 2000. Scream 3 came out. Meh. 2011: For some reason, a much anticipated Scream 4 is released. And it's surprisingly GOOD.

The film that ushered in a new wave of horror movies in the mid 90s returns to renew its thrilling slasher status in Scream 4. It is, to say the least, that we live in a sea of sequels, but honestly, I don't mind a sequel as long as it's worth watching. Scream 4 returns to it's roots of animated characters, a thrilling mystery, and some fun stabbing scenes. I think what I like best about this film (as with the original Scream) is how it holds a mirror up to many famous horror movies but tells them "hey, you look awesome".

(The cast of Scream 4 find something icky)

The Story: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courtney Cox), who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary Mcdonnell). Unfortunately, Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.

(Anna Paquin & Kristen Bell are anything but your typical horror movie blondes in Scream 4)

What makes this movie enjoyable is the simple entertainment value that was seriously lacking in it's predecessors. 1996's Scream showed us (especially in that opening sequence) that anything can happen. Scream 4 not only reminds us of that but it also reminds us how much fun horror movies can be. Lately, several horror films seem to take themselves so seriously and can become overly "stylistic". It's fun to laugh and cheer for blood splattered fight scenes that once made slasher movies so great.

I hear Wes Craven is planning to make parts 5 & 6 to this series. I'm curious to see what will come of this franchise reboot. They said it themselves: new decade new rules.

Grade: B+

Random Fact: At a table read on June 25, 2010, the actors were told to stop reading at page 75 to prevent those already cast in the film from knowing the climax.

Sci Fi Me Up, Scotty

2011-04-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

(Tron: Legacy)

Okay so I got a ton to cover in this post and may not get to everything here. First off, yay I'm back! Second, yes, I'm BACK! Thirdly, let's get to it.

This blog post is dedicated to the taped glasses, pocket protectors, snorted laughs of America. Let it be said that 2011 is The Year of the Nerd (soon to be a patented Zodiac sign). Although I'm starting this post with a film released at the end of 2010, it not only transitioned but jettisoned us into Nerdsville population A LOT (including yours truly). Tron: Legacy, starring some sort of unknowns (Gerrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde) and some very well knowns (Jeff Bridges).

Tron: Legacy stands on its own from the original Tron (1982) with perfected CGI animation and special effects. And yes, I admit that I am a sucker for special effects but nothing beats a story well done. Tron: Legacy's plot is solid and was brave enough to not use Jeff Bridges as a crutch.

The story - The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's creation turned bad and a unique ally who was born inside the digital domain of "The Grid".

Tron: Legacy masters what Steven Liseberger's Tron could not (I heard that the original film actually ran short on their budget and had to make major rewrites). The disc wars and light bike sequences are thrilling, but what I liked most about the film are the characters and the underlying spiritualism. Kevin is a god-like figure in the digital frontier (the programs refer to him as their "Maker") his confidante and surrogate daughter, Quorra (Wilde) is an Isomorphic Algorithm (better known as ISO) which are a race of programs that are self-created; in other words, they were not created by users (they remind me of the Isrealites from the story of Moses) and Sam, a hero with a rugged edge who always seems to be "winging it" (a possible Jesus-type character?). The characters aren't overly saturated with robotic science fiction dialogue. We get a taste of their humanity, especially in Jeff Bridges. Sam, even in his late 20s acts out in a way where Kevin's patience gets tested while Quorra witnesses the interaction much like an observant little sister. Clu, Kevin's evil alter ego, reminds me of one of those uncles that all you want to do it run from (almost every family has one).

I saw this film in 3D at the IMAX theater. I was excited to hear that Tron: Legacy was almost completely shot in 3D as opposed to the post-conversion vomit that seems to have been splattering big screens across the world. I admit that I will see a 3D film if it is done right and Tron: Legacy did so. Don't get me wrong, it's not the best. The film falls a little short on development particularly the in the finale, but it still delivers. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next Tron film if there, in fact, will be one. And will The Dude grace us with his presence for us nerds out there? Only time will tell.

An interesting fact: Director Joseph Kosinksi obtained funding for Tron: Legacy by creating a teaser trailer showcasing a light bike sequence and a Jeff Bridges cameo and showing it at ComiCon. The execs at Disney were so impressed that they agreed to fund the project.

Grade: B+

(P.S. Don't forget to check out the Tron: Legacy soundtrack scored by the most awesome Daft Punk)

2010-05-27T11:41:00.001-07:00

Recent reviews by Alex M.

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What's this?

LOST Finale: Deconstructed

2010-05-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is what I explained to a friend who had unanswered questions about LOST:

Me (FB Status update): "Okay totally wrapped my head around the LOST finale. And after sleeping on it, I'm not as disappointed now. I guess. Oh look! It's someone who cares!"

Friend: "Please share i feel total retard. why the fuck was hurleys back story so intricate and y did christian keep dying and re-apprearing, wtf were the numbers and hatch about, where did michael and walt go and wtf happened to the pilot and miles from the plane? HELP."

Me: "Okay here's my understanding: I think they were trying to set up Hurley to be the island's protector this whole time, which is why his story was so important. His winning lottery numbers were the same numbers they used to keep the hatch from collapsing, which I think was Jacob's doing. Michael and Walt were rescued, but Michael went back to the island as a spy for Charles Widmore and was killed. Christian has always been dead, but Smoke monster appeared to Jack as Christian beforehand and other dead peeps. The real ghost of Christian was at the end.

Everything on the island essentially, really happened. Some died (like Boone, Charlie, Shannon, Sayid, Locke, Sun, Jin, and Jack) and others lived on and died eventually (Sawyer, Kate, Hurley, Claire, Linus, Miles, and the pilot). The story of all of them landing in LAX and living on as if the crash never happened was their purgatory.

They were reunited in an afterlife scenario in which some of the stories would make sense (like Hurley living rich and buying a fast food chain, Kate going to jail) and some didn't (like Jack being married Juliet and having a son, Sawyer being a cop with Miles when he's always been a con artist, Ben Linus having a relationship with Alex & Russo). But when they started remembering how they died and their life on the island, they knew that the purgatory was not real and that they came to an enlightenment to move on. Except for Ben, who stayed behind.

Only thing, the finale was missing was Mr. Ecko. WHERE WAS MR. ECKO?!"

Friend: "RIGHT WHAT THE EFF?!?! hahaha thanks alex...u Rock! atleast college tv show analysis classes did someone right?! jk."

Me: "It's my intuitive geekiness. haha damn this show!"

Hi! How you been? Insert Small Talk Here

2010-04-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I've been really busy in the film world, which is pretty much my ultimate excuse for not getting anything done.

I'm working on a documentary about marriage, aptly titled "The M Word". In the film you'll see me commentating and interviewing people with or in a unique marriage story. It's freakin hard, people. I'm trying to gather content for the upcoming website and for a press kit. My goal is to get to Cannes!

I'm pushing the pause button on my reviews for now, as I will simply be blogging about my journey with this film. Stay tuned for adventures and misadventures as a I make this.

It's a movie, what can go wrong? :-X

Follow me on Twitter: "MrAlexMinas"
Fan "The M Word" on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-M-Word/387173256179?ref=ts

It's That Time of Year Again!

2010-02-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Oscar Nominations 2010/Alex's Predictions

Dear Internet,

As you may or may not know, I have been blogging for some time now. I'm actually not sure who reads my posts, but it is my duty as a snarky blogger to add a little douchiness and misspelled words to the world. But today, dear friend, today, I will pride myself in sparing cynicism. For on this day, I predict the oscar winners for 2010. Now, I know I may be the minority in sparing the world of poop jokes, but I'm willing to take that risk. I hope you are doing well in hooking up monster-faced baby killers with their soul mates while facebooking the fact that they are "excited to watch LOST".

Yours Always,

Alex

*TRUMPETS!* Here ye! Here ye! It's that time of year again! Oscar night is fast approaching and what better way to get yourselves pumped than to read an unknown blogger's predictions! Let's get to it, kids!

You can find the entire nominee list by category here.

Best Picture: Nominees are - The Blind Side, Avatar, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, and Up in the Air. This is history in the making, people, for two reasons: it's the largest list of films contending for Best Picture and it's the first time an animated film (Up) is nominated for best picture. The strong leaders in this are The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, and Up in the Air. My prediction: The Hurt Locker.

Best Actor in a Lead Role: All signs point to Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart. I haven't seen it yet, but yes, he will be taking home the little naked gold man. And an Oscar.

Best Actress in a Lead Role: (Drum roll please) Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire. Sandra Bullock has some momentum, but Gabourey Sidibe's performance is simply POWERFUL. 'nuff said.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Cristoph Waltz for Inglorious Basterds. The smartest villain that we just love to hate.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo'nique for Precious. As much as I couldn't stand Mo'nique in the past, I've noticed that she has switched gears to more serious roles. This one takes the cake with a memorable performance. And now look! She's up against Meryl freakin Streep!

Best Achievement in Directing: Although I would love to see Quinten Tarantino take home the little man, I believe the one who deserves it more is Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker.

Best Original Screenplay: Inglorious Basterds! Although I could be wrong about this. IG is going up against Pixar's Up, which ALWAYS wins (Pixar). Soooo we'll see.

Best Adapted Screenplay (based from a novel): This one's a toughy too. It's between Precious and Up in the Air. It's a little too close to call.

Best Achievement in Cinematography: rhymes with shmavatar.

Best Achievement in Art Direction: blue people from outer space.

Best Costume: Catherine Leterrier for Coco Before Chenel

Best Original Song: Crazy Heart!

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing: Avaturd.

Best Achievement in Sound Editing: Avatard. lol.

Best Achievement in Visual Effects: I'll give you three guesses.

Best Foreign Film: Haven't seen any of these flicks. Beats me!

Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Short Film (Live Action/Animated): *shrugs*

There you have it my internet pals. What are you thoughts? Leave you comments!

LENO SUCKS! ;-)

2010-01-27T00:19:00.001-08:00

RELIGION IS POWER! (my priest said so)

2010-01-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

The Book of Eli

Usually I don't buy it when ANYTHING tries to force religion down my throat, but I always like things that piss off the executives at Vatican Inc.

I was on my way to see 'Daybreakers' with my sister and a friend. We got to the theater and the line was OUT THE DOOR! The line was so long, that we missed the beginning of the movie, so we decided to see 'Eli' instead, the movie that I wanted to see more than 'Daybreakers'. I didn't realize that it was going to be focused on Christianity...scratch that, the Bible. In a post-apocolyptic world, Denzel Washington, or Eli, is making a journey west. Where exactly he is, is beyond me. Oh, and he's REALLY good with a machete. He finds himself in a town where he is forced to be a guest with Gary Oldman or Carnegie, the man who runs, well, almost everything. (It's so great to see Gary Oldman as a villain again, I must say). Mila Kunis (yum) or Solara, is forced to prostitute herself on Oldman's behalf, as he has her blind mother captive as his love slave. Interested yet?

Eli has the Bible, Carnegie wants it, Solara wants to join Eli's one man team, insert awesome gun fights here.

The film is unique and interesting (vague enough for you? Okay how about this...) Denzel brings a fresh and dry perspective to this character. He's not someone I've been particularly fond of, but either he was very well directed or he's realizing that he's THE SAME CHARACTER IN EVERY MOVIE (or both). Mila Kunis has grown even more on me since her 'The 70s Show' days, and Gary Oldman is simply incomparable. There is also a very interesting twist that you won't want to miss. Check this one out.

AVATURD! (I just wanted to say that to make me lol)

2010-01-26T23:17:00.000-08:00

Avatar

I got the chance to see James Cameron's Avatar FINALLY after begging my fellow movie goers to see it with me. Lame-os. I was curious why so many people I knew had no desire to watch this film, unless semi-forced into doing so (i.e. my family). Well, for one, it's almost three hours long, and for two, it's science fiction, a genre that has long focused on a specific audience, but in the last year has taken in billions of dollars worth of butts in the seats, like the latest Star Trek (awesome-balls!) or Terminator: Salvation (meh). I wanted to see this in IMAX 3D but, alas, this underpriviledged blogger NEVER gets what he wants. NEVER. EVER. I had to watch Avatar in the normal people theater with normal people in normal 3D. bleh! I had to work with what I had. Let's move on.

The story makes Pocahontas and the fairies of Ferngully want to eat their hearts out, or something, because if you've seen those two movies, then you are familiar with the story of Avatar. The only exception is the fact that Avatar is visually one of the most amazing pieces of animation/live action that I have ever seen. The story is heartfelt, but nothing too original. Something that I always noticed with big name, blockbuster directors (such as Peter Jackson or Steven Spielberg) is that they focus too hard on the visuals, action, and artwork of the film but can steer away from character development. This is almost the case with "Avatar". The characters are pretty cut and dry. There are the proud indigenous people of Pandora, a moon that looks like Earth was floating next to black-light. The planet is beautiful. So beautiful that our earthly audience are leaving the film feeling depressed about our own planet.

In any case, Avatar was fun and awe invoking. My own mother, who is not a science fiction, battle scene, fantasy watching, nerd invoking movie viewer what-so-ever, LOVED this film. It could be the fact that it capitalizes on our own natural global issues. For those of you who have been waiting for this film, you won't be disappointed, and for those of you who are being dragged to this film against your will by your hair kicking and screaming the entire way, just shut up and watch it because you'll be blown away. Have fun kids!

HEY!

2010-01-12T01:58:00.000-08:00

Follow me on twitter @MrAlexMinas (because I'm important)

Oh, fancy seeing you here!

2010-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, been in a bit of a hiatus with life and all. Anyways I wanted to share this link with you

http://www.moviecitynews.com/awards/2010/gurus/gurus_100107.html

Oscar predictions for you curious kitties out there. Make sure to follow me on Twitter (MrAlexMinas) and befriend my facebook (Alex Minas, DUH!).

I got some more reviews coming your way (Nine, Sherlock Holmes, Avatar, and maaaaaybe Up In the Air, if I get to check it out this weekend.)

Until next time, go watch movies!!!

It's it. Mmm...It's its.

2009-11-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson's This Is It

RANDOM TRIVIA: The footage was originally intended for the private library of Michael Jackson. It was also to be used to help the concert's creative team analyze, review and alter aspects of the show before completion.

All the kids are doing it, so I thought...

2009-10-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Paranormal Activity

RANDOM TRIVIA: The original ending of "Paranormal Activity" was changed at the suggestion of director Steven Spielberg.

What I'm watching right now, cause I won't let it go

2009-09-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Seasons 1-7

Here is what I call a show. I can hear my sisters' now (yes all the both of them) saying "You're such a dork, Alex", or "get a life, bro" or "I'm going to kill you and your fish while you both sleep". Well that last one I might have underrexaggerated.

I consider myself to be a patron and avid partaker of the 90s (even though Buffy successfully crossed over into the 2000s). Insert props here!

After the dead weight that was 1992's Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Movie that sucks more than the vampires (look for Ben Affleck and Hilary Swank, kids) Hollywood screenwriter Joss

Whedon flipped the bird to the suits and decided to continue his idea and dream on the small screen with a show about a blonde teenaged girl that was chosen to save the world from vampires, demons, and other things that go bump in the night. Now I know what you're thinking. "Umm, that sounds incredibly stupid and I say 'good day'".

Whatever.

But what made the show work well were witty, creative, and charming writers who created brilliant characters and story plots that made us (well, me anyway) laugh, cry, jump, and squirm. (New dance craze anyone? Yeah no thanks.)

Enter Buffy, (the scrumptious Sarah Michelle Gellar) a blonde, teenaged, almost cheerleader in

a fictional southern Cali town called Sunnydale. After burning down the high school gym in her old town (which would be L.A.) she and her mom (Kristine Sutherland) move to Sunnydale, also known as the MOUTH OF HELL (vampires, demons, and band candy that turns adults into irresponsible children). At her school, she is greeted by a british librarian (Giles, played by Anthony Stewart Head) who informs her to continue her sacred duties and he will train her as her Watcher. There she meets Willow (the very cute Alyson Hannigan), a nerdy yet amusingly quirky girl who develops a knack for witchcraft, Xander (Nicholas Brendan), dorkiest of dorks with a heart of gold, Cordelia (the lovely Charisma Carpenter), bitchiest of bitches. All who which solve mysteries and fight evil. LOVE IT.

I can seriously (I mean seriously) go on and on about the greatness of this show (because it's great!) But you really need to find out for yourself.

You can also watch the spin-off of Buffy called "Angel" (with lots of delicious crossovers that

geeks of the Buffy-verse go ape-feces for. Angel involves Buffy's ex lover (a vampire with a soul; a soulpire!) that is seeking redemption for all of his wrongs he committed as a an agent of evil (pre-soul).

By the way if you decide to watch the show but have any questions, feel free to post it here on my blog. I'm like a Buffy encyclopedia. I AM a Buffy encyclopedia.

The show's over, but you can find all 7 seasons of Buffy and 5 seasons of Angel on DVD. But you have to get them at R5 Records. Because I said so.

Bye.

Blockbuster Now, Laughs Later. Then Get Your Scares on.

2009-07-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

So, I saw Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen about 3 times already. Yeah, something about robots in disguise, high powered special effect-filled violence, and Megan Fox seem to make it work for me. Alex=loser, I know. I can see the fact that the sequel to Michael Bay's 2007 summer hit may not strike a chord with anyone other than die-hard 80's pop culture fans and newbie fans of the first Transformers sequel. Revenge of the Fallen is a high energy and highly entertaining new chapter in the Transformers saga. This film is a great escape into the realm of blockbuster cinema. If you're really looking for something more fun over depth, Transformers is for you.

The Hangover

Other than spending most of my movie attendance time (and money) with Transformers, I did get a chance to check out "The Hangover", starring a bunch of people I'm not familiar with

(aside from a tertiary character played by the hilarious Ken Jeong, which you may know from

Knocked Up or Role Models). Mike Epps makes an unnecessary appearance (he's a funny guy but his talent was wasted) and Mike Tyson. Yes, the boxer. My problem with this movie is that I may have been over-hyped with critical acclaim by professionals and my fellow movie goers. I will, however, give it another chance. Remember kids, you've never seen a movie until you seen it twice. The Hangover is not without its laughs and there is a story to be told here, but I think I could've waited for the video. But Zach Galifiankis steals the show in this one.

Drag Me To Hell

Oh! Here's another review I didn't get to (in case you care). "Drag Me to Hell". Great great

great story telling here. My Catholic mom had told me once that her worst fear is going to hell. When she told me that, I assumed that there is simply nothing worse. Right? Well, here's a movie that tells the story of the anticipation of going to hell. Sam Raimi, a horror film veteran (remember "The Evil Dead" series? Most of you may know him as the director of the "Spider-Man" saga) brings us animated characters, a fantastic story, brilliant comedy, and really really nasty grossness. Horror fans will love it. Check out this one if it hasn't left the screen.

Okay, my next stop will be "Bruno", a docu-comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen. Until next time kids!

Summer Movies start out with the Okayest Bang EVER!

2009-05-05T23:19:00.000-07:00

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Aw man, what happened?! I have been waiting for this movie since the first "X-Men" movie back in 2000. Granted that I thought what X-Men fell short in action made up for in story. I've said it before and I'll say it again, a multi-million dollar production is NOTHING without a decent story. The film answers the burning questions for X-Men movie fans about the beginning of Wolverine's story and how they would interpret it on the silver screen. Well, the wait is over, and I want them to redo it.

Let's take a look at the film's predecessors. X-Men brought us into the world of mutants, where those who are "different" are suffering under government and public infliction and segregation. Not much unlike real life, right? The film had a deep social relevance, and was a good start to the film franchise. X2: X-Men United (a title I never cared for) accelerated us into the X-Men in full force in one of the best comic book sequels I have ever seen. My personal favorites are Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight. Then we were left with X-Men: The Last Stand, a dive into new territory with the loss of old characters and the introduction of other likeable ones. Throughout the series (except for the last film) we got a taste of Wolverine's past, but questions were left unanswered.

Then comes the long awaited X-Men Origins: Wolverine. So my questions were answered, but I'm still not satisified. Now don't get me wrong, the action is pretty amazing; helicopter/motorcycle chases, hand to hand (or claw to claw) combat, and plenty of mutant flare! Yet, the story....meh. I mean, I can pretty much get the same story and cheesy writing from Ben Affleck's "Reindeer Games" (remember that movie kids?!).

The film does have some interesting twists, and some story plot points you expect to happen, happen at unexpected times. And the climactic battle towards the end, is EFFING GREAT. OH! And Gambit's is finally here kids! HA! It's a bitter-sweet film for me I guess.

If you want to check it out, there's no stopping. I'm still a fan so I'll probably buy the DVD to keep my collection going and cut through to my fav action scenes. The film stars Hugh Jackman (Australia), Liev Schrieber (best known from Scream), Ryan Reynolds (Definitely, Maybe) Will.I.Am (you all know the Black Eyed Peas), Lynn Collins (HBOs True Blood) and is directed by Gavin Wood (director of Rendition).

I got my X-Men thrillogy at R5 Records! I think you should get yours there TOO!

Liev Schreiber got involved when Hugh Jackman, his good friend, asked him to be apart of the movie. Liev was originally intended to play Stryker, but he was more interested in Sabertooth/Victor Creed

I didn't know there was one.

2009-03-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Redbelt

I'll admit that I can be a stereotypical guy when it comes to action/martial arts movies. I love them! Give me Bloodsport, Drunken Master, heck, give me Kill Bill. I love them. Now Redbelt takes me a little beyond a typical martial arts film. It's a martial arts film for those who know little about it.

Redbelt stars Chiwetil Ejiofor (Children of Men, let's call him Chi for the sake of my dumbness) a martial arts instructor with a failing

arts school. He saves the life of Tim Allen (Galaxy Quest) an action movie star. Tim Allen offers to have our hero co produce his current action film. Things take a turn when Tim Allen blows Chi off, and Chi owes money to dangerous people. He decides to enter a martial arts championship to try to win the money, when he finds out the game is fixed. I'm really not selling this story well enough because there is more to it that I do not want to give away.

The story shows Chi as a genuine, wholesome character who has a love and passion for what he does and brings honor to the belt. Several people around him are trying to take advantage of that, and instead of succumbing and enduring, he rises above it.

Redbelt is directed by David Mamet who is mainly known for his writing credits such as The Untouchables, The Edge, Hannibal, and TVs The Unit. The film also stars Alice Braga (I Am Legend) and Emily Mortimer (Match Point) and Max Martini (TVs The Unit). Redbelt is available on DVD and I'm sure you can find a copy at R5 Records for an amazing price. Go watch it. It's great!

RANDOM REDBELT TRIVIA: Ed Onielle's (Al Bundy

from TVs Married With Children) practice of Brazillian

Ju-Jitsu partially inspired David Mamet to write REDBELT.

Love to you love you, man.

2009-03-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

I Love You, Man

Okay, yes, it's hilarious. Paul Rudd (Role Models) and Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) star in a not-too-raunchy but light hearted comedy about a loner (besides having a fiancee) seeking a best man for his wedding. He finds this in someone who is almost opposite from his go-getting personality. He finds this in a grungy beach bum in LA.

With a cast of comedy veterans and newcomers such as Jamie Pressly (which you may know as

'Joy' from TVs My Name is Earl), ex SNL member Jane Curtin (which you may also know her from 3rd Rock from the Sun or Coneheads) and current SNL rising star Andy Samberg (I'm On a Boat; google it). We also find hilarity in Jon Favreau's (Four Christmases: a Movie that Makes Alex Bow His Head in Shame) performance as a freakin' a-hole who hates Paul Rudd, and finally J.K. Simmons (Juno) who seems macho enough, but may be a closet homosexual.

We find Peter (Rudd), a career driven man who is dedicated to his fiancee that is also desperate for a guy friend. He gains our sympathy but doesn't exploit it. I mean, he knows that he has to find friends so he's going to do it. Enter Sydney (Segel). Sydney is a beach bum living on some unknown living in a garage-like beach house. Peter now has a friend, and trust me, hilarity ensues. Yes, they both have things to teach each other to help their characters grow, and yes, I along with several audience members buy it, but there's something more humble in Rudd's and Segel's acting that takes us beyond the odd couple formula.

Go see it guys, and check out other hilarious movies they've been in such as Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, or 40 Year Old Virgin. I bet you can get them used from R5!!!

SORRY GUYS! I COULDN'T FIND RANDOM TRIVIA

FOR THIS ONE!

Button Button...Don't take the Buttons.

2009-02-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

Coraline

In a sea of CGI animated films, I'm glad to see films like Coraline being produced. I can seriously count the number of stop motion animated films I've seen in my life. I've been waiting for a film like this since I watched the creative The Corpse Bride. I think these films are undeniably underrated.

Coraline stars the voices of Dakota Fanning (The Secret Life of Bees), Teri Hatcher (TV's Desperate Housewives), Keith David (Requiem for a Dream), and the hilarious duo Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders (also known as French & Saunders to all you British comedy lovers) and is directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas). The story is a bit of a cover

of Alice in Wonderland, but it is not without it's original flavor. The film taps into comedy, fear, sadness, wonder, and adventure. It has a PG rating for a reason; there are specific scenes in the film that are borderline horrifying, but what are fairy tales without horror? A note to parents: please don't censor your kids from this. This film can encourage and develop imagination and creativity, qualities that no one should be without.

The story follows a young girl (not the most likeable of children) named Coraline who lives with her parents in an old apartment that they just moved into. Coraline is very bored and her parents have little tolerance for her. She meets an a good natured but offputting boy named Wybie that she herself has no tolerance for. Coraline also meets her neighbors; Mr. Bobinksy, a retired circus acrobat who trains mice for circus performance, Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, who may be retired burlesque performers (it was insinuated but never blatenly mentioned) who own way too many scottish terriers, and lastly, a mangy cat that shows extraordinary personality.

Coraline explores her apartment under the instructions of her father, and finds a small door painted over. One night when she crawls through, she finds herself back in her apartment, but everything's different. Her mother is sweet and loves to cook her favorite meals all the time, her father is as fun and creative as possible, her friend Wybie is the least bit annoying (he simply doesn't talk), and her neighbors are highly entertaining and interesting. There's just one physical difference; everyone has buttons for eyes.

Things take a turn when she meets the same mangy cat. The cat, that obtains the ability to talk in this dream world and does NOT have buttons for eyes, doesn't really warn her, but encourages her to think and to open her mind to the possibility that this may not all be that great. Coraline blows the cat off and returns to her button-eyed parents. But then, Coraline is offered by her other mother (as we come to know her) to stay forever, just as long as she agrees to have buttons sown into her eye sockets. Just a small price right?

This animated tale is fresh and original. It's far from the cuteness of other CGI animated films such as WALL-E or Kung Fu Panda. I do wonder if this film can appeal to American audiences (since most of them seem to have ADD when it comes to any story other than a blockbuster). It is definitely a film that film lovers would appreciate, but may only reach to that as much. I guess only time will tell.

Anyways, go check out Coraline to get your own opinion. It's in 3D and it's awesome. If you want to check out other movies by Henry Selick such as The Nightmare Before Christmas or James and the Giant Peach, check them out on the animation rack at R5 Records. If you'd like to see a stop motion (and very bizarre) version of Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland, watch Alice (1988) directed by Jan Svancmajer.

Coraline, 2009, 1hr & 40min

RANDOM CORALINE TRIVIA: Coraline holds the record

for the longest stop motion animated film ever at 1 hour

and 40 minutes long, and is also the first stop motion film

to be shot entirely in 3D.

OSCAR SPECIAL! - Alex's Oscar Opinions and Predictions

2009-01-27T14:02:00.001-08:00

The Academy Awards

Sunday Feb 22, 2009 on ABC

And they're off! Yes, the Oscar noms have officially been announced. So let's get to it. Here I will list the noms for the main categories for the Academy Awards and who I predict will win the Oscar...

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Amy Adams for DOUBT
Penelope Cruz in VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
Viola Davis for DOUBT*
Taraji P. Henson for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Marisa Tomei in THE WRESTLER

Viola Davis' small but shining performance will stand above her contenders' in this category. She plays a tortured mother of a child being abused physically by his father (her husband) and suspected sexual abuse from a priest at his school.

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Josh Brolin for MILK
Robert Downey Jr. for TROPIC THUNDER
Phillip Seymore Hoffman for DOUBT
Heath Ledger for THE DARK KNIGHT*
Michael Shannon for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD*

Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker is simply one of the most memorable performances in film history. Only one other actor has won an Oscar after his death, but I think the Academy will steer in this direction once more. Michael Shannon does have a fighting chance for his electrifying role in "Revolutionary Road", a film that I had a hard time buying into, but was also made memorable by Shannon's performance as a disturbed, yet brutally honest, witness to the crash landing lives of DiCaprio's and Winslet's characters. This is a tough call.

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Anne Hathaway in RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
Angelina Jolie for THE CHANGELING
Melissa Leo for FROZEN RIVER
Meryl Streep for DOUBT*
Kate Winslet for THE READER*

It's down to Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet for this one. Kate Winslet does hold the momentum of a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her role in "The Reader", however, she is up against the First Lady of Hollywood, and Streep's performance in "Doubt" is nothing short of gold. This is another tough call.

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Richard Jenkins for THE VISITOR
Frank Langella for FROST/NIXON
Sean Penn for MILK*
Brad Pitt for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Mickey Rourke for THE WRESTLER

Although Mickey Rourke does stand strong in this category, Penn's performance for "Milk" really shows how an ordinary, yet determined man can truly succeed. It's also interesting to see Penn, known for very masculine roles, to see him come out of the box for something different.

DIRECTING

David Fincher for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Ron Howard for FROST/NIXON
Gus Van Sant for MILK
Steven Daldry for THE READER
Danny Boyle for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE*

The Academy board of members would be insane not to give this to Danny Boyle. Like the story in the film, "Slumdog Millionaire" came from nowhere and now deserves nothing but highest recognition. I can't wait to hear his acceptance speech, because, well, the Oscar is his.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

BOLT
KUNG FU PANDA
WALL-E*

The creative team at Pixar will definitely take home the Oscar for Wall-E. The story is simple, captivating, and simply a feast for the eyes. It takes animation seriously while having fun at the same time. It's an animated film for everyone. Go Wall-E!

BEST PICTURE

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
FROST/NIXON
MILK
THE READER
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE*

I would call "Milk" the runner up for "Slumdog Millionaire". I strongly agree that the Bollywood-turned-Hollywood film will take home the Oscar for Best Picture of 2008. The story is flawless, the characters are very real, and the balance of suspense, drama, romance, and comedy should not be missed.

So there are my predictions for the main categories. I know there are several others that will be considered, but I also know that the previously mentioned categories are the ones people will be most curious about. Do you have any feedback? Anyone disagree with my predictions? Leave me a comment or two!

Play the video to see the Academy Awards Nominee List as announced by Forest Whitaker

RANDOM TRIVIA: This year, three of the four winning lead-acting performances at the Golden Globes (Kate Winsletin Revolutionary Road, Sally Hawkins in Happy-Go-Lucky, and Colin Farrell for In Bruges) weren't nominated for the Oscar. That marks the first time that's happened since 1954, when Spencer Tracy (The Actress), David Niven (The Moon is Blue), and Ethel Merman (Call Me Madam) failed to score Oscar nods after winning the Globe.

Micky Rourke and the Comeback

2009-01-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Wrestler

An original piece of film such as "The Wrestler" is hard to find these days. As we enter in the race for the Oscars (which does not always represent the best performances, filmmaking, etc. in this blogger's opinion), I'm curious to find out how "The Wrestler" will do. Micky Rourke (which you may remember from recent films like Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, or possibly from the cult classic Rumblefish)'s performance is nothing short of brilliance. Half of this credit goes to one of my personal favorite directors Darren Aronofsky (director of Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain).

The Wrestler is a story of a professional wrestler Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Rourke) who is struggling with his 'art' to make end's meet. He works at a local deli fighting for more hours, practically lives out of his car (when he can't afford the rent of his porto-home), finding love and confidence in a stripper (Marisa Tomei from My Cousin Vinny and In the Bedroom), and attempts to make amends with his teenage daughter (Evan Rachel Wood from Thirteen and Across the Universe) for his absence during her childhood. Sounds like a mouth-full, right? Well, there's plenty more where that came from.

The characters each have their own internal conflict that centers around Randy's profession including Randy himself. This character structure always makes for a captivating story. There is also the reality factor; we see qualities in Randy that those can see in Micky Rourke's personal struggles, mainly with professionalism and drugs (never a good combo, kids!).

What I like most about Aronofsky's film is how he gets his actors to illuminate emotion while getting them to fight it back. Like a withheld emotional grievance that's dying to get out. I strongly recommend this film. Catch it at the Tower Theater across the street from R5 Records.

RANDOM TRIVIA: Darren Aronofsky revealed that Micky Rourke wasn't the first choice to play Randy "The Ram" Robinson. First choice in line was Nicolas Cage, but he turned the movie down due to creative differences. Second choice was Sylvester Stallone. Aronofsky was trying to get Stallone back in the ring again but he has been too busy working on Rocky Balboa (2006) at the time.

I Doubt You'll Want to Miss This.

2009-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

Doubt

As an alumni of a Catholic elementary school and high school, I can certainly identify with the students at St. Nicholas School in Doubt. I can recall, as can several other members of my friends and family, instances of being struck with fear when we had to be disciplined by a nun or staff member. Not that they used to get too physical (other than grabbing collars, pulling pony tails, or a slap on the hand with a ruler) but it was the fact that they made you believe they can do much worse.

By this, I can say that Meryl Streep (Sophie's Choice) played her part beautifully in this film; as a strict, humorless, and micromanaging nun. The cast is supported by the always adorable Amy Adams (Enchanted), the incomparable Phillip Seymore Hoffman (Capote), and the brilliant Viola Davis (Far From Heaven). 'Doubt' is also directed by John Patrick Stanley (Moonstruck) which is based on his play.

The film follows Sister Aloysius (Streep) in her suspicion of Father Flynn (Hoffman) committing an "indescent act" against a student. Sister James (Adams) instigates the suspicion, but hopes and prays that this act was never committed. Sister Aloysius is certain that, without evidence, witnesses, or doubt, wrongdoing has happened in her school.

The drama is raw, the characters are vibrant, and the tone is anything but forgettable. There is even one particular scene that acts as an interrogation setting in which the character interaction is stronger than any violent 'good cop, bad cop' clip that I have ever seen.

See it before the Oscars to see if the Academy agrees with your personal nomination.

Playing at the Tower Theatre, 16th & Broadway, across the street from R5.

It has been written, and it is good!

2009-01-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Slumdog Millionaire

Among the several films I seen this holiday season, none sticks out more than Danny Boyle's (28 Days Later) Slumdog Millionaire. This Bollywood/Hollywood gem tells the story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik (played by newcomer Dev Patel), who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?", wins, and is then suspected of cheating. However it his life experiences that drop him clues that pertain to the questions asked of him on the popular tv show. But the story is ultimately about Jamal Malik's lost love, Latika (played by Freida Pinto).

The film's intensity only strengthens Jamal's will to get ahead in his life; to leave the slums, lead a good life, and be with the one he loves. Slumdog Millionaire uses it's cinematic tools with grace and style with memorable cinematography and editing. It's difficult to put into words the emotion one can get from a film that touches your heart and soul. A film like this is a rare gem that I am glad to have been able to witness.

Don't miss this film, really. Catch it at the Tower Theater on 16th & Broadway, across the street from R5 Records.

Get lost, Gerry.

2008-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

Gerry

I have to admit, I can be pretty touch-and-go when it comes to a Gus Van Sant (Elephant/Milk) film. Anybody saw the travesty that was the remake of Hitchcock's "Psycho"? Yeah. Yeah, no. But, as you can see in my earlier review, "Milk" was outstanding, so was "Good Will Hunting" and so was "Finding Forrester".

After reading an article written by Roger Ebert, he actually asked Van Sant why he decided to remake (shot-for-shot, word-for-word) Psycho. His response was "So nobody else would". 'Brilliant!', I thought out loud. Ebert described the Psycho remake as Van Sant taking away a dangerous toy from reckless kids (the reckless kids being corporate Hollywood filth, I assume). One can say the same for his film "Elephant" (the film based on the events at Columbine High School) and the subject of this review "Gerry".

"Gerry" is a true story that stars Matt Damon (The Bourne Ultimatum/Ocean's 13) and Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone/Ocean's 13) as two friends, both named Gerry, who get lost from a desert hiking trail with no food or water. Sounds interesting enough right?

I almost think that this film is made to repel most audience members even though I don't think that was the intention. The reason why I brought up Ebert's inquiry to Van Sant about Psycho is because one can say Van Sant made this movie for a similar reason.

It would be difficult for me to recommend this film. The shots are long, there is little plot, and little dialogue. You might endure the same torture that the Gerrys are feeling on screen. I am guilty as a member of an American movie-going audience with Hollywood ADD (where something simply HAS to happen in every scene), however this one cannot be soaked in without an open and patient mind. I only recommend to try to watch the film and see if you are able to sit through it. You will get to decide whether you'll see it through to the bitter end; whether either of them get to live or die.

Find it at R5! 16th & Broadway!

Look away, baby Jesus, look away.

2008-12-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Four Christmases

Let's make a soup. Add some Oscar winning actors, a touch of comedic geniuses, and just a dash of holiday. TA DA! We get Four Christmases!

Hmm...needs salt.

Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line) and Vince Vaughn (Fred Claus, what is it with this guy and crappy x-mas movies?) play a couple who usually ditch the holidays (and their families) to spend Christmas in paradise. And guess what?! They get fogged in in San Francisco. Who could prepare for the nasty blanket of fog in the bay area? SHOCK!

So the two are forced to spend Christmases at their parents houses, however both of their parents are divorced, hence the celebration of four different Christmases. The parents', all played by (in order of appearance) Robert Duvall (The Godfather), Mary Steenburgen (Back to the Future), Sissy Spacek (Carrie), and John Voight (Deliverance), all have a screw loose in their own way (except for John Voight who comes in as a deus ex machina and god of wisdom...or something).

There are some entertaining scenes with Jon Favreau (Swingers) wrestling Vince Vaughn in Robert Duvall's living room, which you can happily watch in the movie trailer in the comfort of your home. The plot and dialogue strive to fill time just so it can call itself a feature film. In other words, it drags. And why does it seem that for those who are fresh from the Oscar boat feel the need to make stupid flicks? Has anyone else noticed this pattern?

I'm sure you'll see "Four Christmases" on the bargain rack at R5 Records way before next Christmas. I don't think I'll be holding my breath.

I hear there's an amazing sale on Clint Eastwood and Oliver Stone collections at R5! Santa, if you're out there, I've been a very good boy this year.

Harvey Milk makes his big screen debut

2008-12-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

Milk
About 20 years ago it would be easy to say that a film like "Milk" would not get produced any time soon. Now, in the wake of the controversial passing of a ban on gay marriage in California, director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting/Elephant)'s Milk could not have been released at a more appropriate time.

First, let me give you a brief history lesson. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician elected to high office in San Francisco and was assassinated. There. Brief enough for you? Good.

Sean Penn (The Interpreter/21 Grams) delivers a performance so memorable, that you might forget that it is Sean Penn on screen and not Harvey Milk himself. A famous actor portraying a character so well that you forget it is that famous person is what constitutes as outstanding acting (for me, anyways).

I saw this movie with someone who knew Harvey Milk personally. He believed the film payed so much attention to detail (down to props) and character, that he was lost in time for the full movie. Read an article from the Sac Bee to see what he had to say about Harvey Milk.

I won't overemphasize the importance of this film as we are in the mix of a modern civil rights movement, other than the fact that I think everyone of open mind should see this movie. Yes, there is male nudity and explicit gay scenes, but seriously, just be an adult, suck it up, and enjoy the movie for what it is.

You can check out "Milk" (also starring James Franco and Josh Brolin) at the Tower Theatre. Go a little early, buy your ticket, and kill some time at R5 Records across the street.

Iron Man/Incredible Hulk Review, First Look at 'Avengers'

2008-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Iron Man/The Incredible Hulk
A friend and I excitingly went to watch "Iron Man" back in it's original summer release at the theater. I didn't really know what to expect not being an original Iron Man fan previously (I mean, I used to watch the Sunday morning cartoon growing up but what adolescent boy didn't?). I had an acquired taste for actor/director Jon Favreau ('Made', 'Zathura: A Space Adventure')'s style (not that it was hard to do so) and for Robert Downey Jr. ('Zodiac'/'Tropic Thunder')'s recent skyrocket back into the spotlight. At no surprise at all, the film was far from disappointment.

Let's take a look at the character Tony Stark. I'm sure if some of us haven't seen the movie,

of us have surely seen the trailer. Tony Stark is rich, famous, powerful, smart, good looking; virtually possesses all of the unstoppable forces in popularity. Oh yeah, and did I mention he's good with the ladies? I couldn't help but feel that Downey's portrayal of Tony Stark is more fascinating rather than envious. Downey charms his audience rather than turning his nose to it. Tony Stark's character is also surrounded by grounded figures that I couldn't help but feel that they provided a previous development in his character, such as his faithful assistant Pepper Potts, played by Gwenyth Paltrow (Running With Scissors) (my only disappointment of the film, but it's this reviewers opinion that Gwenyth Paltrow is not always a good choice) and his reluctant partner in crime and military official Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes played naturally by Terrance Howard ('Crash'/'Hustle and Flow'). Although Tony surrounds himself with down-to-Earth figures, reality (so to speak) slams down on him when he is captured, severely injured, and becomes a prisoner of war in the middle east. This is where the story hits home for a lot of Americans. It is at this point where we see a pop icon transform into a hero.

There are countless big-budget, special effects-filled films that tend to fall short from the story (which I like to call the Matrix Effect, something I will discuss in another blog). However, the conflict in Iron Man is not suppressed by the fancy-pants effects. Tony Stark has a vulnerability as well as a threatening rival, the infamous Iron Monger, a much bigger and stronger version of the Iron Man suit controlled by Obediah Stane (played by Jeff Bridges, The Big Lebowski), Tony's rogue-turned business partner. These conflicts function well with the f/x, like ingredients for an excellent soup.

I always believed that empathy and selflessness made up the majority of a memorable superhero character. I can see these qualities in Tony Stark, which is why 'Iron Man' was a success for me. He uses his privileges/advantages to help others.

I do feel, however, all of the qualities that worked for "Iron Man" is where "The Incredible Hulk" fell short on delivery.

First, let's look at the cast. Edward Norton ('American History X', '25th Hour') plays Bruce Banner, otherwise known as the catalyst for the Hulk. Bruce Banner's character is emotionally tortured; having to live in seclusion in a small town in Brazil, using unorthodox practices to keep his heart rate down that prevents the Hulk from emerging, and working in a factory with people with a prison mentality. Right off the bat, I liked where the story was going. I witnessed heroic characteristics in Bruce Banner, such as loneliness and internal conflict, but the story goes nowhere. The film leaves me wondering why I should continue to care about Bruce's character. I'm sympathetic at first, but my emotional investment is taken for granted rather than relieved or reestablished.

Liv Tyler ('Lord of the Rings', 'The Strangers') is simply a waste of good talent. She plays Betty Ross who is Bruce Banner's love interest and the daughter of his enemy General Ross played by William Hurt (Vantage Point). Her character is far from memorable (aside from her unique beauty) and simply acts as an emotional defense on Bruce Banner's behalf, which is how, I think, a lot of female characters are regretfully written in big budget films.

The film's climax is similar to that of Iron Man. There is a fight scene between two

that tears apart half a city. However, Tony Stark's character was brilliant during these special effects filled scenes where as the Hulk was just, well, the Hulk. There is also another scene that is ripped directly from Peter Jackson's King Kong that acts more as a rip-off rather than a scene that pays homage.

'The Incredible Hulk' is supposedly the "ideal version" of an onscreen portrayal for those who found Ang Lee's "The Hulk" release in 2003 too "idealistic" or just plain sucky (I didn't care for Lee's version myself). However, I was disappointed to see talent, story, money, etc. wasted on this film. The legend of the Hulk never really struck a chord with me, but I always keep an open mind for every film. "The Incredible Hulk" is thoughtless and I believe the entire "Hulk" film franchise should be taken back to formula.

Now let's take a look at the upcoming "The Avengers", scheduled for release in 2011. If you stuck around after the credits of "Iron Man" and the last cut of the "Incredible Hulk", there is a crossover (I will not go into detail about it so I won't spoil for those who haven't) that hints into the "Avenger" initiative.

The news about "The Avengers" is limited, but here is what you can expect:

Marvel is set to release "Iron Man 2", "Thor", and "Ant-Man" all within months of each other in summer 2010. Captain America will make his big screen debut on May 6th 2011 under the title "The First Avenger: Captain America", two months shy of "The Avengers" release on July 15th of the same year.

Robert Downey Jr. is expected to reprise his role in the Iron Man sequel and in Avengers. Don Cheadle is to take over the character Rhodey (otherwise known as War Machine) from Terrance Howard (two terrific actors, but an unjust takeover if I may say). Rumor has it that Samuel L. Jackson might have a role, too!

All original characters are expected to be in "The Avengers", except I'm not so sure about the Hulk. But there is still plenty of time between now and then, which gives studios plenty of time to scrap ideas, characters, etc. so don't hold your breath.

The President is NOT an Alien. Believe it.

2008-10-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I'm glad I can be a little biased in writing movie reviews? You can interpret that how you want.

I got the chance to watch Oliver Stone's (JFK) "W." on its opening day. I was amazed how invested I was in the film. I had a discussion with friends about the timing of the film's release. Some of us argued it should've been released a few years ago, or to put it simply, when the U.S. went to war in the middle-east. I disagreed, feeling that the film's release is especially important during the finish of Bush's term and as we prepare to vote for America's next president (hmm, I smell a new hit reality series).

Stone's portrayal of Bush and his cabinet members is utterly captivating and, heaven forbid, comedic (because what's comedy without politics, right?). With incomparable actors such as Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws) as Cheney, James Cromwell (Babe) as Daddy Bush, and Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) as Dubya himself, I simply couldn't tear myself away from the screen.

Liberals (and conservatives), listen up. This is not a Bush-Bashing film. An SNL biopic will not be shown. The film simply shows the Bush legacy in all of it's intelligence and lunacy, which is something everyone would love to see in high society. Expect to see G.W. Bush as a simple human attempting to run the country (only focusing on the war and finding weapons of mass destruction). We see the classic father and son story as Bush Sr. stamps his legacy on W's forehead and sends him off in the world of politics; something that he is not ready for. Which I couldn't help but relate that to the story of Frankentstein's monster. Did I mention that I might be a little biased?

There were a few things that I was curious to see that never made it into the film. Such being Bush serving his presidency a little before and during 9/11 and the incident during the presidential election in 2000. The film focuses primarily on his path to presidency and shows the final years of his first term.

I'm giving the film a "must see" review. "W." is memorable and important for the American public to watch, especially before going to the polls this November. I'll say one thing, I have never taken as big of interest in politics until Bush "won" his presidency.

Characters Are People Too

2008-10-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Savages

Roger Ebert writes "The Savages confronts a day that may come in all of our lives. Two days, actually, the first when we are younger, the second when we are older."

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Writer/Director Tamara Jenkins (The Slums of Beverly Hills) brilliantly portray two seasoned (and a bit self centered) adult siblings that have to suddenly make certain decisions on their elderly father's behalf when his elderly girlfriend passes away and as he writes on the walls with his own excrement. As unbearable as it is to hear (referring to the writings on the wall), that is probably the only unwatchable part of the movie.

Philip Seymore Hoffman (Capote) and Laura Linney (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) are two characters that I couldn't find myself too empathetic for at first. They are both very intelligent creatures with promising careers in the dramatic arts, but their characteristics steer well away from the successful single blonde working for a magazine in corporate New York City or the hot shot lawyer/doctor who unknowingly wants to find love in a sea of one night stands. These characters are human. They bear the burden that most people either witness or bear themselves. This is a burden that we are all too familiar with.

What is interesting about The Savages is witnessing the specific decisions they make to better care for their father. I'm sure a great part of the audience will be curious about "other" people handle this situation as opposed to themselves. I say this because decisions like these are very lonely, whether one has siblings or not. It's these lonely decisions that may contribute to or complete the "growing up" process.

I'm giving this film a "see it" review because I think this is a very important portrayal of what so many have to go through. It reminds myself that even at the age 26, I still have growing up to do, and there will be a time when my face will probably be shoved into it.