Sunday, November 14, 2010

Documentary: Religulous- 2008


Politically provocative talk show host Bill Maher skewers the current state of organized religion in this hot-button documentary that derives its title from a blend of the words "religion" and "ridiculous." Making stops in Jerusalem, the Vatican and other holy destinations, Maher travels the world to talk to believers from a variety of faiths to find out why they're so sure their religion is right -- and why they're so certain others are wrong. (Netflix.com)


Grade: A


This is actually the second time that I've watched this. The first time I watched it I was VERY closed minded, didn't want to hear what Bill Maher had to say, didn't think that his jokes were that funny, and overall, gave it a "C". This time, I watched it with a more open mind, decided not to take everything he said so seriously, or personally, and more than anything, listened to the information, and, subsequently, gave it an "A" this time, weird, eh? This is one of those movies that may shock, may infuriate or even make you sad, IF you let it. More than that, it is the complete examination of religions around the world, and their histories, as we know them. For information alone I thought it was great, but more than that, it was a journey WITH Maher, where we as viewers are learning these things for the first time together, and honestly, I think that made it more enjoyable. He wasn't "preaching" his beliefs (or lack there of), we are learning, and examining together. Great watch, lots to learn, but, MAY make you mad.

Comedy: The Slammin' Salmon- 2009


When a boxer turned restaurateur (Michael Clarke Duncan) announces a contest to his waitstaff, the good news is that the winner will get a $10,000 bonus. The bad news? The loser will be on the receiving end of a heavy-duty smack-down at the hands of the champ himself. Director Kevin Heffernan co-stars alongside fellow Broken Lizard comedy vets Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske and Jay Chandrasekhar. (Netflix.com)


Grade: B+


This was funnier than I thought it was going to be. I should have guessed that, like usual, the broken lizard gang was gonna be funny, but for some reason I judged a book by it's cover. This was just one of those "root for the underdog" kind of movies, with lots of chuckles, and a few hearty laughs. This was a good watch, for adults, and was definitely worth it! Check it out!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Comedy: Spring Breakdown- 2007


Desperate to spice up their boring lives, three thirtysomething women (Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey) set off for a vacation on a tropical island known for its raucous Spring Break parties. But instead of recapturing their youth, they wind up mothering a senator's shy daughter (Amber Tamblyn). As they help the awkward girl grow more comfortable in her own skin, they, too, learn to embrace aging with wit, joy and grace. (Netflix.com)


Grade: B


This was a pretty decent movie that gave me a few chuckles, and a few good laughs. The idea behind the storyline was pretty good, and the acting was good, all three of the main characters are ALWAYS funny,.. but,.... it just felt like it was missing something to me, and honestly I can't put my finger on it. This movie was a TOTAL Fem-Fest, and I can't imagine a guy (even a gay one) being interested in watching this, but that's ok. This is a chick flick that I think girls of all ages could watch, and enjoy.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Action & Adventure: KICK-ASS- 2010


Inspired by his love of comic books, high school student Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to transform himself into a masked crime fighter -- a decision that eventually thrusts the teenager into Internet stardom. Soon, Dave's antics inspire a wave of would-be heroes to don costumes and live out their superhero fantasies. Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Chloe Moretz also star in this comic book adaptation from director Matthew Vaughn. (Netflix.com)


Grade: B+


The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that this movie is not the seemingly family friendly, lighthearted movie that the trailers make it out to be, which definitely isn't a bad thing, unless you've already started watching it with the kids (which luckily for me wasn't the case). This movie is brutally violent in some spots, and almost downright sad in others. The story was pretty good, and like most super hero stories, fallowed the format, with a little bit of a twist, the main bad-ass character is an 11 year old girl! The entire cast was great, and the acting was wonderful, but I must say, Chloe Moretz was so awesome, she had me wishing that I had grown up with a girl like her to look up to! The entire movie was great, and if you don't mind your kid seeing gratuitous violence you don't have to take this one off the table completely.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Thriller/Suspense: Kalifornia- 1993


While researching a book on serial killings, writer Brian Kessler (David Duchovny) and his girlfriend, Carrie Laughlin (Michelle Forbes), travel cross-country to the murder sites and unwittingly stumble upon strangers who know the subject firsthand. A pair of hitchhikers (Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis) offer to share expenses for the trip, but Kessler doesn't realize just how close he is to his subject -- even as bodies pile up behind them. (Netflix.com)


Grade: B


Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis play the part of somewhat dimwitted, and completely out of touch with reality "red necks" with such ease and believability, it was almost difficult to understand that I wasn't watching a documentary! This movie was incredibly well acted, and David Duchovny's quiet, and at times boyish, demeanor was the perfect opposition to balance out Brad Pitt's borderline insanity and overall creep factor. I can honestly say that this is the first time I have watched a movie starring Brad Pitt, and been completely turned OFF! Sure, this movie was pretty slow moving in parts, and the "accidentally convenient" factor for a lot of the situations could be taken as falling into place a bit to easily, but, for the most part this was a great watch. If you're interested in having that eerie weirded out feeling for a couple of hours, this is definitely worth the watch!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Comedy/Gay and Lesbian: In and Out- 1997


When dim-bulb actor Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon) wins an Oscar for playing a gay Marine, he outs his high school drama teacher, Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline), in his acceptance speech. It all comes as a surprise to Howard -- not to mention to his long-suffering fiancée, Emily (Joan Cusack). With his wedding just days away and national media descending on his town, Howard's under the gun to prove just how much of a man he is. (Netflix.com)


Grade: B+


This is another one that I remembered watching a long time ago, but didn't really remember the movie, so decided to watch it again, and was quite happy that I did. This movie really is funny, and, given the topic, a pretty light-hearted, fun comedy. The acting in it was great. I love Joan Cusack, I think she's always funny, and Tom Selleck's part was pretty funny too. As for Howard Brackett, Kevin Kline, they could not have found a better person to play the part. He rode that thin line between questioningly feminine and downright gay the entire time so well, and there were so many laugh out loud moments, for example, the scene where he's "testing his masculinity", pretty funny. Like I said before, this is lighthearted and fun, and if your looking to watch something NOT serious, this is a good one to check out!

Drama/Romantic Drama: The Other Sister- 1999


Carla Tate (Juliette Lewis) has an independent streak a mile wide. Trouble is, she's mentally handicapped, and her overprotective parents (Diane Keaton and Tom Skerritt) have misgivings about her getting her own apartment and pursuing a relationship with another mentally challenged person (Giovanni Ribisi). An emotional tour de force for Lewis, The Other Sister is ultimately a triumphant story of perseverance in the face of long odds. (Netflix.com)


Grade: A


Ok, so I've seen this movie before, but, that was a WHILE ago, so I thought I'd give it another watch. MAN, for me, this was totally tear-jerktastic! I mean, it so sweet, and cute, and innocent. It's a movie about two mentally challenged people discovering love for the first time. This is just a really cute movie, and REALLY tugs at the heartstrings, that's for sure. And the parts are played wonderfully. If you're interested in watching a tear-jerker, this is definitely one to check out!