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The Beach Bum (2019)
A Disasterous Delight
I know Harmony Korine's writing, directing, and humor certainly isn't for everybody, but see the movie with an open mind. It seems stupid and ridiculous, but anyone that's travel through the Florida Keys or to any of the Key West Beaches; Matthew McConaughey's character really isn't that far-fetched. I'm sad this has only grossed 2.4 million (on a 5 million dollar budget) as of now. It's McConaughey's worst film opening ever, and it makes no sense to me because his performance is excellent. Serenity Film was absolutely horrible! I understand why it did so bad at the box office. My wife and I literally walked out of that movie. The Beach Bum (on the other hand) is the total opposite end of the spectrum. It's raunchy and celebrates bad behavior, but it's a really good time and has heart! It's an American Dream gone wrong in the best way. The film has a great supporting cast too featuring: Jimmy Buffett, Snoop Dogg, Martin Lawrence, Zac Effron, and Isla Fisher, and an amazing soundtrack. I feel like I should be punished for all the laughing I did during the film. Hopefully, it catches up at the box office on it's second weekend.
Prisoners (2013)
A Chilling and Beautifully Shot Film
Prisoners was an outstanding movie! The performances of this cast in its entirety were captivating. These are all actors I was never particular fond of either, especially in relation to Jake Gyllenhaal. His character in this film had depth though and left you with certain curiosity. You know there's a back story there with all the clues and emphasis on behavior, mannerisms, and appearance in general. Also actress Melissa Leo, known for her riveting performances in Frozen River and The Fighter, totally engrosses herself in her respective character in which she worked very hard to make herself appear older and worn. This story allows you to solve the puzzle at the same speed as it's characters while asking yourself the same questions. Although both the film's writer Aaron Guzikowski and its Canadian Director Denis Villeneuve are virtually unknowns in Hollywood, their pairing with legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins made this a beautifully shot film as well. The images of weather and landscape are as cold, dark, dreary, and depressing as the film itself which makes it all the more chilling. - Reviewed by AN/NR 09-20-2013
The Grey (2011)
A Tough Guy vs. the Elements
Liam Neeson again playing the guy you "don't wanna mess with". He kicked ass in Taken, he fought hard in Unknown, and he was tough in The Grey. Not only did this movie have tough characters, it was fairly tough to watch. Between a violent plane crash, ground bearing injuries sustained, frostbite/exposure, and animal attacks, this was a pretty graphic film. It was not a "feel good" movie. I'm glad to see Hollywood let these characters win some battles, but not the war. Too often these days, anything the studios release are all WIN WIN movies. This one wasn't. In this scenario, there is no winning. You win by staying alive as long as you can and fighting until the end. The only thing I didn't like was the repetitive flashback sequences with Neeson's wife character. "Be brave" or "be strong" she says. Give me a break already, literally...I get the point! I've been in 2 life or death situations. When you're in them, the only thing you're thinking about at the time is how to get out of them. There's no time to daydream about your wife telling you to "be brave" when you're being charged by half-assed computer generated wolf. You act now and think later. Reviewed by AN/NR 01-27-12
Cocoon (1985)
Never Gets Old (No Pun Intended)
Cocoon was the first big movie Ron Howard directed after Splash. I grew up watching this movie. I've continued watching it (probably over 100 times) and it never gets old! It throws out that question what would older people do if they found the fountain of youth? It's too bad I have to travel back to 1985 to find a truly uplifting film. A movie you can watch that will lift your spirits, and although highly unlikely, is made believable by the great acting that actually landed Don Ameche a Best-Supporting Actor nomination that same year. Cocoon also starred Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn, Wilford Brimley, Brian Dennehy, and Steve Guttenberg. I love this movie...always have always will! Reviewed by AN/NR 11-14-11
A River Runs Through It (1992)
An All-Time Favorite Coming of Age...
This was the movie that really launched Brad Pitt into super-stardom and landed him a spot on the A-List! Although great acting by all other players in the flick, Tom Skerritt is the only other one who went on to do much of anything. I read once Robert Redford (who directed the film) was one of many actors/directors that asked Norman Maclean if he could direct a film based off his popular 1976 novel A River Runs Through It and Other Stories. Maclean agreed, and apparently was able to approve the final screenplay draft prior to his death and the movies release respectively. A River Runs Through It was another one of those coming of age films much like Stand by Me that I grew up on. It's outstanding and truthful depiction of Maclean's childhood by talented actors is what has kept it in my top ten favorite movies of all time! I was never good at fishing and conversations people had about it bored me, but this movie made it fascinating. How one can compare and make so many references about life and the passing of time by a few rocks and rushing water to this day baffles me. Reviewed by AN/NR 11-14-11
A Bronx Tale (1993)
The Life Changing "Stoop"
This was Robert DeNiro's directorial debut. I've read after seeing the play on off-Broadway in 1990, DeNiro asked Chazz Palminteri for the film rights, which he agreed to in exchange for the starring role in the film. Due to both the critically and commercially successful run of the play and film respectively, Palminteri revived the play and took it on tour in 2007 where I was able to meet him and see his play in Tucson, AZ. I put A Bronx Tale right up there with Casino and Goodfellas. It reflects the mafia in a way no previous films of its time had. There's lots of humor and life lessons alike. Chazz told me and in many other interviews it's loosely based on a variety of situations he was exposed to as a child growing up in the Bronx. It has a very humorous side, but can also be serious in it's story. This movie is quite a rewarding watch! Reviewed by AN/NR 11-14-11
Blown Away (1994)
Catch you at a bad time?
I may never hear the end it from people on why I love this movie so much, but it is one of my favorite Hero/Villain movies ever! It was received very poorly both critically and commercially, but I love it! It goes from Ireland to Boston. There's Guinness drinking, explosions, and at least two songs from U2's Joshua Tree Album, used in parts of the film that fit perfectly. You also have father/son Jeff Bridges/Lloyd Bridges starring together as former IRA members. I don't know what draws me so close to this film. Perhaps my fascination with Ireland, curiosity over the years of conflict there, having done my internship there or what? Maybe that I've just always liked Tommy lee Jones and Jeff Bridges. The pair worked well together in Blown Away. I don't care what the critics said, or how well it did at the box office. Reviewed by AN/NR 11-14-11
The Newton Boys (1998)
A Guilty Pleasure...
This was loosely based on the "most successful bank robbers of all time". It was one of the many collaborations Matthew McConaughey did with director Richard Linklater. Much like all the film versions of Dillinger, The Newton Boys has car chases, bank robberies, explosions, partying, love triangles, etc. All the elements that add drama and excitement to a film that I enjoy. Again, this film was panned critically and commercially, but again I don't care. Everyone I've introduced to the movie too, has enjoyed it. There is a cool scene during the closing credits too which shows miscellaneous interviews with all the Newton Brothers featuring one with Johnny Carson and the youngest Newton Boy and the last living at the time of the interview in the early 80's. Reviewed by AN/NR 11-14-11
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
Extremely Mad and Incredibly Bored
Had it not been for the very talented 82 year old Max von Sydow (we all know best as playing Father Merrin) in 1973's The Exorcist, I was extremely mad and incredibly close to leaving the theater after watching a few minutes of this movie! At the time of my watching this film, it had already been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor though it was only deserving of the latter. What upsets me more than anything is pairing two of Hollywood's highest paid and most talented celebrities (Hanks and Bullock) and giving them parent acting roles that any average person could play off the street. Thomas Horn plays the main character Oskar Schell. Had it otherwise not been assumed has severe autism in the film, he would of been in my perspective one of the most obnoxious characters I've ever seen on the "silver screen". Had it not been for "The Renter" making an appearance on screen, I was literally seconds away from walking out of the theater for an equal amount of boredom and annoyance. All the 9/11 premised films thus far have frustrated me. United 93 and World Trade Center, both released in 2006, I had about the same reaction to. I'd much rather see real people's stories of 'where they were' that day as opposed to the now 3 commercially released 9/11 plot based films we have seen already. I was having my senior picture taken with the rest of the Oak Park High School Class of 2002 that day. It's crazy to think about while all those people were dying, several hundred of us were outside on an otherwise beautiful day smiling for our Senior Class of 2002 Picture. That's what I remember. That day of school with my classmates and teachers. All these Hollywood perceptions and distortions; crosses between fiction and non, are getting on my last nerve. I just can't support all the "buzz" I've heard backing this movie...I CAN'T! Reviewed by AN/NR 02-01-12
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Not Your Average Horror Flick
There is no way to describe this movie without spoiling the plot for someone. Easy to say this is not a typical horror movie you were lead to believe it is. Horror/Sci-Fi/Comedy/Action...that is the only way I can attempt to describe this film. There are things I wanted to see earlier on in the film, that I was thrilled to see happen towards the end. For that, I give it a lot of credit. Everyone keeps saying it was "inspired" by 5 or 6 other movies, and maybe it is, but who cares. It is it's own film and unique in its own right. I was not blown away though. It was good for plenty of laughs, and surprises, and the comedy in this film is excellently woven into a gory action flick. I want so much to go into detail about it, but I will ruin it. Don't watch the trailers, don't talk to people who have seen this movie, don't think about it. Just see it in theaters or via your home box office with as many people as possible. Reviewed by AN/NR 04-13-12
Carnage (2011)
The Bully Standpoint
Last time I checked, or at least when I was a kid, fights I got in with other kids at school or elsewhere didn't involve an all day meeting between our parents. Perhaps by today's standards, this is a more common occurrence, I don't know...I'm not currently a parent. Regardless, I see it being a practical resolution with all the severe consequences that result from "bullying" these days or having a kid that's a "bully". I didn't especially enjoy this movie, but I certainly appreciated it from the standpoint of previously being on both sides of the stick. I found humor in how the story progressed, how simple cobbler lead to "harder things", and especially hearing certain actors shout profanities. This is another flick that slipped though the cracks for some reason, but if you find the time, you may want to reach and grab it! Reviewed by AN/NR 04-01-12
I Melt with You (2011)
Pre-Party to the Midlife Crisis
I Melt With You left me in a dark fog very depressed and confused as to what comes over people. It's a dark and tragic story. Although critically panned currently holding a 13% Rotten Tomatoes Rating, I think these critics were confused. This isn't about a quartet of 40 somethings in the midst of a midlife crisis. This movie's about one's selfishness and the regret those feel upon realization. Rather than face the music, we watch these guys turn it up and further their frustration by fueling it with excessive drug use. If anything I believe it teaches us the dangers of addiction and greed. It shows us in living color that there are always consequences to your actions physically and/or mentally. A very wise old man once told me "you're never supposed to drink when you're sad or mad". These characters were both and the drinking was mixed heavily with various drug cocktails. After reading countless negative reviews on this film, I feel like a real outcast when I say I enjoyed it and this is why. If you haven't experienced this, picture this: You're at a big party. You've been drinking, taking shots, talking to everyone, dancing, singing, jamming to the music, etc. What started off very loud, quickly gets soft when you find yourself either waking up or sobering up in your bed, on the couch, or on the floor and you quickly begin to assess your surroundings and evaluate the night you had before. I've been on that scale as the party-goer and the designated driver. I've come to the rationalization that you can only appreciate this type of movie when you've emulated all the perspectives. Reviewed by AN/NR 03-09-12
The Woman in Black (2012)
Wealth is Wasted on the Youth
I've never seen a Harry Potter Film, nor will I, so this was the first performance I've seen by Britain's wealthiest young entertainer, Daniel Radcliffe. I will admit, for being as young and inexperienced in diverse film roles as Radcliffe is, he did a good job. Though if any person built a personal net worth of 80 million dollars for playing (1) fictional story-based character, I'd hope they had the balls to broaden their horizons too. Unfortunately, he chose to branch out to the horror/thriller genre that literally been beaten to the ground the last several years and kicked down the hill. Sure, you can expect a few jumps during certain scenes, but what gives? Knowing the circumstances already, why would he venture to this extremely haunted and desolate mansion unarmed and flying solo... hello? Give me my choice of one or two friends equipped with anything as simple as a crowbar, wrench, or baseball bat and we'll happily taken on this mysterious woman in black or any other haunting inhabitant anywhere. This Shining, Grudge, House on Haunted Hill, Casper and his uncles b.s. is really getting old...but it continues making money. For that, I tip my hat to those responsible. Reviewed by AN/NR 02-01-12
The Sunset Limited (2011)
Much Debate
There is only black and white in this movie and much debate. Two men with two totally opposite beliefs on life and the reasons for living. Not very many people online have commented on their opinion of this movie. The day I write this, Rotten Tomatoes has yet to unveil its rating. Single shot camera action is very difficult. Working with only one other person on one set is very difficult. Tommy Lee Jones wore three hats on this production as actor, director, and producer. I knew about 3 minutes into this film that they were never gonna leave the set. There's not very many actors that can pull off an hour and 30 minutes of just talking to each other in the same small space. This movie was neither fun, nor entertaining to watch, yet it took me much longer to finish because I kept going back to hear what the characters were saying to each other over and over again. I got an education about things I don't necessarily care about while watching this, but it was fascinating all the same. I had to stop half way through to put some pieces together, and think about my own life for a minute. It reminded me of Tape (2001) directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke, Sean Leonard Scott, and Uma Thurman. It was filmed in the same manner yet with 3 characters instead of 2. It was not without its fair share of critical acclaim. A feat I hope The Sunset Limited can one day day claim for itself. Reviewed by AN/NR 02-15-12
Safe House (2012)
Finally Visible Battle Scars
Much like the "Bourne" films, this movie was very fast paced. There was a substantial amount of action and some outstanding chase and fight scenes. There was not a lot of character development though. A little more of a back-story, especially in relation to Denzel Washington's character, would have been nice. Although several details remained unanswered, most of the credit I give Safe House is in regards to the fight scenes. People get shot, stabbed and beat up left and right. The characters get hurt, and get into even more fights and more hurt. There's no "miraculous healing" between fights like we see in most action movies. I was as worn as these characters were by the end of this movie. Reviewed by AN/NR 02-16-12
Mud (2012)
A Film with Roots
I saw Mud opening night and it was one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG TIME! The performances by both veteran actors Matthew McConaughey and Sam Shepard, as well as newcomers Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland were flawless. Michael Shannon and Reese Witherspoon also give outstanding performances in their supporting roles respectively. This "coming of age" film really reminded me of reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer when I was a kid. Similar films I've really enjoyed include The War (1994) starring Kevin Costner and The River Rat (1984) starring Tommy Lee Jones which have all featured similar backdrops on the water and/or in the woods with a setting in economically depressed areas with most rural families living below the poverty line. You want to cry and laugh with these characters. They aren't necessarily having a good time, but they're not miserable either. They care about one another without really even knowing each other and take responsibility without even having obligation. Writer/Director Jeff Nichols explores themes ranging from love, devastation, excitement and pain and displays his true passion and skill with Mud in his Arkansas backyard. Reviewed by AN/NR 05-01-13
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A Final Showdown
The Dark Knight Rises
I enjoyed The Dark Knight Rises and believe there were some great things in it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, (who previously worked with Nolan in 2010's Inception) was a new addition to the franchise and gave a terrific performance as Detective Blake. Marion Cotillard and Anne Hathaway also surprised me with their ability to be action performers. Bane was a bit of a letdown for me. The movie trailers promised so much for his character that just didn't deliver the same showdown we saw with Batman and the Joker. I keep reading about the "political agenda" this movie supposedly had, and how it's "almost impossible for The Dark Knight Rises to meet the level of expectation it had facing it", but the bottom line is Christopher Nolan redefined the possibilities of the comic book/superhero movie. Even it fell way below fans and critics expectations following the Colorado shooting, it still performed very well and will continue to end on a note that will keep everyone happy. Reviewed by AN/NR 07-20-12
End of Watch (2012)
A Day in the Life
Cops generally don't like cop movies, but quite a few of my friends are or were cops and even they liked this movie. For a change it's not about corruption, competition, or how far you can stretch your authority; it's more about a day in the life. The way the film was shot was interesting too. Much like the camera views in a real police cruiser, which makes the movie even more realistic. Movies like End of Watch people really seem to enjoy. Television shows such as Southland and the Law and Order series are examples why this genre continues to be a proved success. Although still fairly predictable, this was a good film, with a good cast and story, and I really enjoyed it! Reviewed by AN/NR 09-21-12