My husband and I spent a lot of money on a 3D TV only to get home and realize there wasn't much to watch. We even switched from Time Warner to Direct TV in the hopes that there would be a lot more on. Of the 3 channels available on Direct TV, 3Net is the best. "In the cube" is their best show. It takes viewers through an hour's worth of the coolest 3D content out there right now in music, movies and games. The first two episodes have been a lot of fun with everything from music performances to all the 3D movie trailers you have to pay big money to go to the theaters to see. They also seem to get great celebrity interviews. The worst thing about this show is that its monthly so you have to wait way too long between episodes. The shows design is really beautiful, easy on the eyes in 3D and unlike anything I've ever seen before. Lets hope a lot more shows like "In the cube" show up soon or at least that they start getting us weekly episodes. Nice work 3Net.
Reviews
13 Reviews
Forrest Gump
(1994)
One of the best films of the 90's!
4 March 2008
I must say that one of the best movies I've seen in the past ten years has got to be Forrest Gump. The writing alone is more than anything than I could have thought, even after hearing so many people quoting the movie and Forrest. As far as acting goes, Tom did a wonderful job as Forrest. However, I must admit that sometimes Forrest's narration got slightly annoying. Nevertheless, all of the actors in the film did a wonderful job. A particularly surprising performance by the Actress that played Jenny sticks out in my mind.
The editing was good, although I think it could have been slightly shorter. But there isn't enough wrong with the editing to complain about. The characters were all made to immediately grasp the audience's attention, which is what happened moments after they were introduced.
None of the music really sticks out, but it definitely wasn't anything to complain about. The overall mood of the film, though, is what really helps bring it together. I was half afraid I might let a tear slip close to the end of the film; not really because Jenny dies, but more because of how happy Forrest is just having the life that he does with his son. And as he flashed back to the scenes on the boat, in Vietnam, and his running as he looked at the different skies at different times of day, I realized the beauty that the film makers were trying to capture through the eyes of this slightly retarded man.
All in all, I could really not ask for much better of a film.
The editing was good, although I think it could have been slightly shorter. But there isn't enough wrong with the editing to complain about. The characters were all made to immediately grasp the audience's attention, which is what happened moments after they were introduced.
None of the music really sticks out, but it definitely wasn't anything to complain about. The overall mood of the film, though, is what really helps bring it together. I was half afraid I might let a tear slip close to the end of the film; not really because Jenny dies, but more because of how happy Forrest is just having the life that he does with his son. And as he flashed back to the scenes on the boat, in Vietnam, and his running as he looked at the different skies at different times of day, I realized the beauty that the film makers were trying to capture through the eyes of this slightly retarded man.
All in all, I could really not ask for much better of a film.
Lost in Translation
(2003)
Very Original!
4 March 2008
I woke this morning with the thought of Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation at the forefront of my mind. Having watched the film last night, I was buzzing to watch it again and determined to discover what her next project would be; so as I always do when in need of movie-related information, I visited the IMDb (Internet Movie Database) homepage. The site was adorned with news of the previous night's Oscars awards ceremony but as I scanning the list briefly I received two surprises - one was of course counting Return of the King's 11 awards, but my happiest surprise was to see that Sofia had won an Oscar for the film that I had fallen in love with just 12 hours ago. The talented Sofia Coppola received four nominations this year, winning the much-deserved award for "Writing (Original Screenplay)." I find this ironic as the film's experimental style involves what seems like at least 100 'inserts' and very few scenes with dialogue. But then that is the film's beauty - that Murray and Johansson's chemistry (excuse the cliché) radiates through their acting and the well-directed timing of their few deliveries, leaving viewers on an emotional high throughout the movie.
The film's hundred or so inserts consist primarily of shots of Tokyo which Sofia's crew translated (under her unique direction) from still shots she took whilst touring the city. The inserts can only be described as a 'scented pot pourri' with their rich variety of camera techniques and colourful (sometimes unusual) subject matter. I began watching the film in a confused awe until I felt I could understand the style of the movie. Experiencing this visual-stimulation tornado in the mind alone is worth watching the film for in my opinion. As well as the treat to the eyes and heart, the film's medley from around the world was a treat for the ears, begging to be played at sky-scraping volumes.
If Sofia's entry into film industry was purely nepotism, it is clear from her work that she herself has the talent as both a writer and a director to become successful in it. All that remains is the torturous wait until Sofia finds or creates another work of visual poetry.
The film's hundred or so inserts consist primarily of shots of Tokyo which Sofia's crew translated (under her unique direction) from still shots she took whilst touring the city. The inserts can only be described as a 'scented pot pourri' with their rich variety of camera techniques and colourful (sometimes unusual) subject matter. I began watching the film in a confused awe until I felt I could understand the style of the movie. Experiencing this visual-stimulation tornado in the mind alone is worth watching the film for in my opinion. As well as the treat to the eyes and heart, the film's medley from around the world was a treat for the ears, begging to be played at sky-scraping volumes.
If Sofia's entry into film industry was purely nepotism, it is clear from her work that she herself has the talent as both a writer and a director to become successful in it. All that remains is the torturous wait until Sofia finds or creates another work of visual poetry.
Back to the Future
(1985)
Comedys don't get much better than this!
4 March 2008
Back To The Future is a great movie that has everything.
A terrific story, memorable characters, great acting, dead-on satire, beautiful FX and great music. Every scene in this movie is a winner. Probably this movie works because it never takes itself seriously. From start to finish the movie contains an amazing wealth of visual gags (the giant guitar speaker, the DeLorean time machine), classic lines ("You can't have a Pepsi Free. You gotta pay for it.") and in-jokes (rocker Huey Lewis complaining that the music is too loud). The time travel logic, so hard to pull off, is done with great flair, suitable for any science fiction movie. Except this isn't a sci-fi film. It's a comedy with a heavy dose of social satire mixed in and it works on both levels.
Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly a teenager who would rather play guitar than do anything else. He's friendly with the town's off-the-wall inventor Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd.) Doc creates a time machine and Marty is accidentally transported back to the year 1955. There he meets a younger version of his parents (Crispin Glover and Leah Thompson) and has to arrange for them to meet so they will get married and have him.
The role of Marty McFly was ideal for Michael J. Fox. His ability to play a teenager transferred perfectly from TV (Family Ties) to the big screen. Crispin Glover is terrific as Marty's father, George McFly. He has a dual role, as a teenager and an adult. Christopher Lloyd is almost over-the-top as the nutty inventor. Thomas Wilson is Biff, the bully who constantly torments George McFly.
Other than Forrest Gump this is Robert Zemeckis's best movie. Kids and adults will appreciate it.
A terrific story, memorable characters, great acting, dead-on satire, beautiful FX and great music. Every scene in this movie is a winner. Probably this movie works because it never takes itself seriously. From start to finish the movie contains an amazing wealth of visual gags (the giant guitar speaker, the DeLorean time machine), classic lines ("You can't have a Pepsi Free. You gotta pay for it.") and in-jokes (rocker Huey Lewis complaining that the music is too loud). The time travel logic, so hard to pull off, is done with great flair, suitable for any science fiction movie. Except this isn't a sci-fi film. It's a comedy with a heavy dose of social satire mixed in and it works on both levels.
Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly a teenager who would rather play guitar than do anything else. He's friendly with the town's off-the-wall inventor Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd.) Doc creates a time machine and Marty is accidentally transported back to the year 1955. There he meets a younger version of his parents (Crispin Glover and Leah Thompson) and has to arrange for them to meet so they will get married and have him.
The role of Marty McFly was ideal for Michael J. Fox. His ability to play a teenager transferred perfectly from TV (Family Ties) to the big screen. Crispin Glover is terrific as Marty's father, George McFly. He has a dual role, as a teenager and an adult. Christopher Lloyd is almost over-the-top as the nutty inventor. Thomas Wilson is Biff, the bully who constantly torments George McFly.
Other than Forrest Gump this is Robert Zemeckis's best movie. Kids and adults will appreciate it.
Galaxy Quest
(1999)
A very funny spoof, that gets STAR TREK right
4 March 2008
I am glad to see that there are a lot more positive comments on this film. When I first read the reviews here, there were far less. In addition, it is somewhat rare to find any friends that have really appreciated this film. I think that this film did a great job, and in spite of it not standing out at the box office, it rivals many of the better movies in many genres -- not just comedies.
One of the main things that made this movie great is that it was taken very seriously. Often the approach to comedy is an approach that has been used for years, in about everything comedic. Basically the performance is merely a platform for jokes. For small scale performances, you have a small stage & perhaps a few props. For a slightly larger scale, you might have bigger, low-budget sets. The point is usually to make the audience laugh. Hopefully, you can keep the laughs going, so the audience doesn't turn the TV off or leave the theater. On the movie scale, a humorous movie is usually written, so that all the gags that have been chosen can be showcased in the alloted time. Usually it seems, from the viewer's standpoint, that the script/story is then written after the gags are chosen. The jokes & gags are inserted at the appropriate points.
The thing that separates this movie is there is actually a good story behind the whole thing. Of course, the story isn't new. Such a story has been a topic of fan-fiction for ages. A writer will often try to find a way to insert his or herself into the story somehow. It is also natural for us as human beings to identify with actors that suddenly become part of something bigger. In some ways, you can see the problem of the traditional approach to comedy. Tim Allen delivers some of his typically funny lines full of malapropisms. In some ways, it's hard to believe that a normal person would be oblivious enough to so badly misunderstand conversations. This affects believability, but it's forgivable & minor. Most movies rely on extreme humorous dialog & slapstick to entirely float the movie. Instead, Tim Allen transforms into a believable and formidable commander, that many sci-fi movies might be proud to have in charge. Even though the movie had far-fetched concepts in it, the concepts were presented in a way that it was perfectly believable -- more believable than more serious sci-fi movies.
Without getting too technical & taking itself too seriously, yet still giving credit to the audience for grasping complex concepts, I think that Galaxy Quest delivers a very entertaining & well balanced movie. It was a complete and entertaining movie with a good story, and not just skits pieced together.
One of the main things that made this movie great is that it was taken very seriously. Often the approach to comedy is an approach that has been used for years, in about everything comedic. Basically the performance is merely a platform for jokes. For small scale performances, you have a small stage & perhaps a few props. For a slightly larger scale, you might have bigger, low-budget sets. The point is usually to make the audience laugh. Hopefully, you can keep the laughs going, so the audience doesn't turn the TV off or leave the theater. On the movie scale, a humorous movie is usually written, so that all the gags that have been chosen can be showcased in the alloted time. Usually it seems, from the viewer's standpoint, that the script/story is then written after the gags are chosen. The jokes & gags are inserted at the appropriate points.
The thing that separates this movie is there is actually a good story behind the whole thing. Of course, the story isn't new. Such a story has been a topic of fan-fiction for ages. A writer will often try to find a way to insert his or herself into the story somehow. It is also natural for us as human beings to identify with actors that suddenly become part of something bigger. In some ways, you can see the problem of the traditional approach to comedy. Tim Allen delivers some of his typically funny lines full of malapropisms. In some ways, it's hard to believe that a normal person would be oblivious enough to so badly misunderstand conversations. This affects believability, but it's forgivable & minor. Most movies rely on extreme humorous dialog & slapstick to entirely float the movie. Instead, Tim Allen transforms into a believable and formidable commander, that many sci-fi movies might be proud to have in charge. Even though the movie had far-fetched concepts in it, the concepts were presented in a way that it was perfectly believable -- more believable than more serious sci-fi movies.
Without getting too technical & taking itself too seriously, yet still giving credit to the audience for grasping complex concepts, I think that Galaxy Quest delivers a very entertaining & well balanced movie. It was a complete and entertaining movie with a good story, and not just skits pieced together.
Ghostbusters
(1984)
A massively underrated masterpiece
4 March 2008
"Ghostbusters" is just one of those movies that you must have seen at least once in your life. Although I can't think of a person who hasn't already. Lot's of people grew up with this movie and lot's of people will remain to, cause it's a movie that just never will be outdated, the entertainment value is just too high for that to happen.
I think the power of "Ghostbusters" are the main characters and the actors that portray them. Bill Murray is hilarious as always and Dan Aykroyd shows why he was one of the greatest comedians of the 80's. William Atherton was wonderful as 'villain' and Rick Moranis does what he can do best; play the nerdy loser. The cast is just simply perfect and I haven't even mentioned Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Annie Potts or Ernie Hudson yet.
The music is also spot on perfect. No, I'm not just talking about the Ray Parker Jr. theme song but mainly about the Elmer Bernstein soundtrack which in my opinion is underrated.
The movie is mainly just fun to watch and is highly entertaining and is filled with some wonderful and memorable moments. The early special effects look acceptable but by todays standards they look pretty fake at times.
Lot's of people always praise the ending, not I however. I don't really like the ending, never did really. Sure the huge marshmallow man is just fantastic and highly original but the whole Gozer thing is just a bit underused maybe. I have the feeling that the movie's ending could have been done way more spectacular. For some reason it doesn't really blend in with the rest of the movie.
Yet "Ghostbusters" remains one of the most entertaining movies I have ever seen and is one of those movie's I have fond childhood memories of.
I think the power of "Ghostbusters" are the main characters and the actors that portray them. Bill Murray is hilarious as always and Dan Aykroyd shows why he was one of the greatest comedians of the 80's. William Atherton was wonderful as 'villain' and Rick Moranis does what he can do best; play the nerdy loser. The cast is just simply perfect and I haven't even mentioned Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Annie Potts or Ernie Hudson yet.
The music is also spot on perfect. No, I'm not just talking about the Ray Parker Jr. theme song but mainly about the Elmer Bernstein soundtrack which in my opinion is underrated.
The movie is mainly just fun to watch and is highly entertaining and is filled with some wonderful and memorable moments. The early special effects look acceptable but by todays standards they look pretty fake at times.
Lot's of people always praise the ending, not I however. I don't really like the ending, never did really. Sure the huge marshmallow man is just fantastic and highly original but the whole Gozer thing is just a bit underused maybe. I have the feeling that the movie's ending could have been done way more spectacular. For some reason it doesn't really blend in with the rest of the movie.
Yet "Ghostbusters" remains one of the most entertaining movies I have ever seen and is one of those movie's I have fond childhood memories of.
There Will Be Blood
(2007)
PT is da man!
4 March 2008
Let me first state that I have always been an admirer of PT Anderson's work. This film is, in my estimation, no exception to the rule. Its beautifully photographed. It has some fine work by the supporting cast.
The score, by Johnny Greenwood, is an mix of sampled pieces from other film composers work.
Anderson has stated that he considers this film to be a work of horror and you certainly get that with the way the "score" is utilized (what was Anderson thinking?) The script, based on the work "Oil" by Upton Sinclair is challenging and I appreciate Anderson's attempt at the adaptation. The levels of evil that the two main characters sink to is often a marvel to behold and I must say I found Mr. Plainview's evil far more "honest" than Eli Sunday's slimy evangelist.
This brings me to the performance of Mr. Lewis. This is where the film shows its greatest flaw. Apparently, Anderson watched "The Treasure of Sierre Madre" prior to producing this work. It shows up most frequently in the performance of Mr. Lewis. Its a mannered, opaque impersonation of Misters John and Walter Huston(with a little Walter Brennan thrown in for good measure). It may be one of Mr. Lewis's worst performances and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Since the film sinks or swims based on the performance of the main character I cannot heartily recommend the film. But it was a decent try. Be sure to check out the sly reference to the "Beverly Hillbillies". I thought it was pretty fun
The score, by Johnny Greenwood, is an mix of sampled pieces from other film composers work.
Anderson has stated that he considers this film to be a work of horror and you certainly get that with the way the "score" is utilized (what was Anderson thinking?) The script, based on the work "Oil" by Upton Sinclair is challenging and I appreciate Anderson's attempt at the adaptation. The levels of evil that the two main characters sink to is often a marvel to behold and I must say I found Mr. Plainview's evil far more "honest" than Eli Sunday's slimy evangelist.
This brings me to the performance of Mr. Lewis. This is where the film shows its greatest flaw. Apparently, Anderson watched "The Treasure of Sierre Madre" prior to producing this work. It shows up most frequently in the performance of Mr. Lewis. Its a mannered, opaque impersonation of Misters John and Walter Huston(with a little Walter Brennan thrown in for good measure). It may be one of Mr. Lewis's worst performances and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Since the film sinks or swims based on the performance of the main character I cannot heartily recommend the film. But it was a decent try. Be sure to check out the sly reference to the "Beverly Hillbillies". I thought it was pretty fun
State of Grace
(1990)
Why does no one EVER talk about this movie?
25 January 2008
Why does no one EVER talk about this movie? I'm not even that into mob movies but I feel like without a doubt this is one of the best mob films ever made. The more you watch you see all the bits you missed the first time. And what a cast! Gary Oldman, Sean Penn, Robin Wright, John C. Reilly, Nick Turturro, and of course Ed Harris. I think Oldman actually deserved an Oscar nod for this. He was outstanding in his role as Jackie. What other movie besides DAHMER would you find a guy who keeps body parts in his freezer who actually like! This movie was way underrated in the box office and on rental. . i can watch this movie over and over. Every scene is so intense and well played by the actors.
Mean Girls
(2004)
What a film!
25 January 2008
What a film! A rare gem that take you by surprise. It's an interesting mixture between love story and broad comedy . Lindsay Lohan is great and her love for Jonathan Bennett's character is totally believable. She has finally been able to play a dramatic character and completely leave out any hints of her outrageous comic characters. For her, I believe this is a spectacular performance. Tina Fey came up with a very original and intellectual script based on the inner workings of the social milieu. The loops and circles of the story are wonderfully constructed and laid out in such a way to allow a very mysterious plot, and yet is not completely confusing.
We see that relationships are made up of many ups and downs, likes and dislikes that love is not perfect, but it does not have to be
We see that relationships are made up of many ups and downs, likes and dislikes that love is not perfect, but it does not have to be
Real Genius
(1985)
Anyone ever notice Mitch looks like Sarah Jessica Parker?
25 January 2008
Anyone ever notice Mitch looks like Sarah Jessica Parker? I've seen this movie so many times but it never gets old. I can't figure why I still consider this movie--full of silly jokes, some inventive pranks and a ridiculous pedestrian plot line--one of my all-time favorites.
Maybe its nostalgia coupled with an odd desire to be just like the nutty, creative genius types who could hack a free phone or get a free soda by inserting a sliver of frozen nitrogen into the machine.
Kilmer certainly carries the whole film. And what ever happened to Mitch? Anyone ever notice he looks like Sarah Jessica Parker? This is definitely a movie that will appeal to a limited range of tastes. And Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" rules this movie.
Maybe its nostalgia coupled with an odd desire to be just like the nutty, creative genius types who could hack a free phone or get a free soda by inserting a sliver of frozen nitrogen into the machine.
Kilmer certainly carries the whole film. And what ever happened to Mitch? Anyone ever notice he looks like Sarah Jessica Parker? This is definitely a movie that will appeal to a limited range of tastes. And Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" rules this movie.
Kicking & Screaming
(2005)
Will Ferrel saves this movie
9 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Kicking & Screaming tells the story of a loving father and,Phil Weston, (Will Ferrell) and the local children's soccer league. His son, Sam, (Dylan McLaughlin) played on the team coached by Phil's father, Buck, (Robert Duvall) until he was suddenly traded to the Tigers. Put simply, Ferrell is awesome. At First Phil Weston is an insecure everyman who has grown up in the shadow of his father, a and vicious coach of the Gladiators Little League Soccer team.
The directing was decent, but also the acting was respectable. Will Ferrell (Old School), is hilarious. He is seemingly comfortable with films for all audiences such as Elf and the soon-to-come Bewitched. Robert Duvall (Secondhand Lions) plays an excellent role as an overbearing and competitive father. Also, the appearance from Mike Ditka, tight end in the NFL from 1961 to 1972 and coach of the Chicago Bears from 1982 to 1992, is a great accentuating ingredient to this film.
Rated PG and has thematic elements, language and some crude humor. The humor can be understood by younger pre-teens, but there is a lot of wittiness that pertains specifically towards adolescents and older.
The directing was decent, but also the acting was respectable. Will Ferrell (Old School), is hilarious. He is seemingly comfortable with films for all audiences such as Elf and the soon-to-come Bewitched. Robert Duvall (Secondhand Lions) plays an excellent role as an overbearing and competitive father. Also, the appearance from Mike Ditka, tight end in the NFL from 1961 to 1972 and coach of the Chicago Bears from 1982 to 1992, is a great accentuating ingredient to this film.
Rated PG and has thematic elements, language and some crude humor. The humor can be understood by younger pre-teens, but there is a lot of wittiness that pertains specifically towards adolescents and older.
Amélie
(2001)
One of the most beautifully shot movies ever.
9 January 2008
A fun, beautiful film from France. Visually, one of the most beautifully shot movies ever.
Audrey Tautou, is so cute in this role, and gives the character a great warmth.
I haven't seen any one the director's other films but I hear they all have a similar look.
I can't wait to see Audrey in her next role, Hopefully something in the US. I think she could definitely add a much needed sincere softness to some of the leading lady roles in Hollywood.
One of my favorites ever! 9/10
Audrey Tautou, is so cute in this role, and gives the character a great warmth.
I haven't seen any one the director's other films but I hear they all have a similar look.
I can't wait to see Audrey in her next role, Hopefully something in the US. I think she could definitely add a much needed sincere softness to some of the leading lady roles in Hollywood.
One of my favorites ever! 9/10
Blades of Glory
(2007)
Pretty Funny!
8 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I wasn't expecting much from this movie and both actors played the type of character I expected from them. Will Ferrell was Will Ferrell. But it was hilarious. Ferrel was the best by far, but Heder was good too.
I've got to say that I wasn't very impressed with Jenna Fischer as Heder's love interest and Craig T. Nelson did not make for a funny or interesting character either.
The end sort of broke the '4th wall' when they flew off, but I thought it was cool anyway.
The humor was low brow to be sure, just like in several other projects Ferrell does, but sometimes that works, so I enjoyed it.
I've got to say that I wasn't very impressed with Jenna Fischer as Heder's love interest and Craig T. Nelson did not make for a funny or interesting character either.
The end sort of broke the '4th wall' when they flew off, but I thought it was cool anyway.
The humor was low brow to be sure, just like in several other projects Ferrell does, but sometimes that works, so I enjoyed it.
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