Week 29: July 16, 2010 to July 22, 2010
Total number of movies watched: 8
Can't sleep so I might as well make an attempt to get caught up. Ha ha. No really. I'd love to get caught up. I'd love to post these comments closer to when I've actually watched the movies. It would allow me to write more about each of these movies--so...for now, I'll toss out a couple short and sweet (and hopefully not too sour) comments and make an honest attempt to get these next few months caught up over the next few weeks.
279. South Park, Bigger, Longer & Uncut -- Either you love the series and this movie, or you don't. Okay, maybe it's not quite that cut and dried--I haven't really watched the series much lately--it's not exactly kid-friendly, but I was able to slip away and watch this without too many interruptions and I found myself laughing out loud from time to time. It felt good.
280. Nurse Betty -- What an odd, odd movie. While I liked the strange performance by Morgan Freeman, I didn't like Renee Zellwegger's character much. Oh wells, can't like everything...
281. The X-Files: Fight the Future -- For people who know me well, they're shocked when I tell them I didn't watch The X-Files TV series. I'm shocked too. I know I'd like it. Someday I'll have to just watch in on DVD. Maybe next year. So, without really knowing the characters as well as 'fans'--I'll just say I enjoyed the movie and someday after watching the series, I'll watch it again.
282. The X-Files: I Want to Believe -- Entertaining, but I didn't like it quite as much as the first one.
283. Aeon Flux -- I only saw a few of the original animated shows so I have no idea how true to the source material this movie was--but as for the movie itself, I rather liked it. I know many critics didn't seem to like this movie, but I guess I'm a sucker for attractive women who know how to take care of themselves.
284. Shutter Island -- Brilliant movie. I'd figured out parts of the ending as the movie played out but I was still impressed by the story and the actors' performances. I'd like to watch this movie again (in 2011 when I have more time).
285. Office Space -- A favorite. Funny, and so real. I think it's funny because everyone has had to work with people / bosses like this in their past.
286. Idiocracy -- A funny and enjoyable movie. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll have to wait 500 years before the population devolves to this level. Wait, I didn't say that out loud, did I? Ha ha. 'I love money.'
Favorite for the week. Probably Shutter Island -- though for a laugh, I'd go with Office Space.
Okay, I know, I know -- this was short and mostly sweet -- but hey, it's not even 6am yet and I'm functioning on three hours of sleep. Yeah, yeah--I hear you--excuses excuses.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Year of Movies
Week 28: July 9, 2010 to July 15, 2010
Total number of movies watched: 8
Aside for the sequel, this is perhaps one of those rare weeks where none of the rest of the movies really relate to any of the others--at least not in any way I notice offhand. Let me know if you find one...
271. Shelter Island (2003) -- No, this is not a typo--I did not mean Shutter Island (Shutter Island will appear in next weeks batch). I really didn't like this movie. The acting seemed forced, the story didn't thrill, I didn't much like any of the characters, and by the end, I really didn't care who lived or died. Probably the only good thing about the movie was that it was short--roughly 82 minutes.
272. Godzilla (1998) -- Not a great movie, but after the last one, this one seemed like a masterpiece! Actually, I kinda like this movie. I thought the CGI of the Godzilla monster was good. I liked a lot of the actors in this--Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Hank Azaria--and while it had a lot of cheese--it was at least decent cheese. At least it was entertaining.
273. Jackie Brown (1997) -- I really like this movie mostly because I like the uniqueness of so many of its characters. Robert Forster's bail bondsman, Max Cherry--Pam Greer's Jackie Brown--Samuel L. Jackson's Ordell Robbie....and don't forget Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton, Bridget Fonda, even Chris Tucker has a small role in this slick caper-type crime drama. Though it is a long movie, I didn't realize the length until it was over and I realized 2 1/2 hours had gone by. Great dialogue in this movie too.
274. Dick (1999) -- Cute comedy. Some funny lines. If I knew that time period better, perhaps I'd appreciate even more of the humor. Decent 'buddy' film.
275. Get Shorty (1995) -- I love just sitting back and watching this great cast of actors playing a great cast of characters. John Travolta was absolutely perfect as Chili Palmer. Every time I watch this movie, I find myself smiling. Just a fun, fun movie.
276. Be Cool (2005) -- Good, but not nearly as good as Get Shorty. While I still enjoyed watching Travolta as Palmer--some of the originality of the story/characters just didn't seem to be there. Still, compared to other movies I've seen this week (271) this is a fairly decent and entertaining movie.
277. Legion (2010) -- When I first saw previews of this movie, I thought it looked sooooo cool. I really wanted to see this movie in the theaters--but hey, life sometimes gets in the way. Anyway, I finally got to see this movie and...well...parts of it was really good and parts were just so-so. I liked Paul Bettany in this role--don't normally see him in an action role--and I liked the idea of the movie--and I liked the battle between the angels Michael and Gabriel (played by Kevin Durand) but I guess I wanted more angels and less....zombie-like creatures. Also, (since I'm writing this two months after viewing and I've seen dozens of movies since) I don't remember being all that impressed with the ending--in fact, if memory serves, I found the ending to be a bit unimpressive.
278. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) -- Classic western. Okay, I'll admit it, before this viewing, I'd never watched this movie from the very beginning to the very end. Overall, I was hugely impressed with this movie. I loved the friendship between the characters Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I enjoyed the story, the dialogue, the banter--basically I liked everything about the movie except...Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head? I like the song separate from the movie--I just didn't get how it fit with this movie--or even how exactly it fit with that scene. If you know--please, drop me a comment and explain. Thanks.
Favorite Movie for the week: Hmmm....well, I'll tell you it's NOT Shelter Island. Big surprise, I know. Okay....seriously though, I'd probably go with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid--though Get Shorty and Jackie Brown are tied for a very close second.
Total number of movies watched: 8
Aside for the sequel, this is perhaps one of those rare weeks where none of the rest of the movies really relate to any of the others--at least not in any way I notice offhand. Let me know if you find one...
271. Shelter Island (2003) -- No, this is not a typo--I did not mean Shutter Island (Shutter Island will appear in next weeks batch). I really didn't like this movie. The acting seemed forced, the story didn't thrill, I didn't much like any of the characters, and by the end, I really didn't care who lived or died. Probably the only good thing about the movie was that it was short--roughly 82 minutes.
272. Godzilla (1998) -- Not a great movie, but after the last one, this one seemed like a masterpiece! Actually, I kinda like this movie. I thought the CGI of the Godzilla monster was good. I liked a lot of the actors in this--Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Hank Azaria--and while it had a lot of cheese--it was at least decent cheese. At least it was entertaining.
273. Jackie Brown (1997) -- I really like this movie mostly because I like the uniqueness of so many of its characters. Robert Forster's bail bondsman, Max Cherry--Pam Greer's Jackie Brown--Samuel L. Jackson's Ordell Robbie....and don't forget Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton, Bridget Fonda, even Chris Tucker has a small role in this slick caper-type crime drama. Though it is a long movie, I didn't realize the length until it was over and I realized 2 1/2 hours had gone by. Great dialogue in this movie too.
274. Dick (1999) -- Cute comedy. Some funny lines. If I knew that time period better, perhaps I'd appreciate even more of the humor. Decent 'buddy' film.
275. Get Shorty (1995) -- I love just sitting back and watching this great cast of actors playing a great cast of characters. John Travolta was absolutely perfect as Chili Palmer. Every time I watch this movie, I find myself smiling. Just a fun, fun movie.
276. Be Cool (2005) -- Good, but not nearly as good as Get Shorty. While I still enjoyed watching Travolta as Palmer--some of the originality of the story/characters just didn't seem to be there. Still, compared to other movies I've seen this week (271) this is a fairly decent and entertaining movie.
277. Legion (2010) -- When I first saw previews of this movie, I thought it looked sooooo cool. I really wanted to see this movie in the theaters--but hey, life sometimes gets in the way. Anyway, I finally got to see this movie and...well...parts of it was really good and parts were just so-so. I liked Paul Bettany in this role--don't normally see him in an action role--and I liked the idea of the movie--and I liked the battle between the angels Michael and Gabriel (played by Kevin Durand) but I guess I wanted more angels and less....zombie-like creatures. Also, (since I'm writing this two months after viewing and I've seen dozens of movies since) I don't remember being all that impressed with the ending--in fact, if memory serves, I found the ending to be a bit unimpressive.
278. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) -- Classic western. Okay, I'll admit it, before this viewing, I'd never watched this movie from the very beginning to the very end. Overall, I was hugely impressed with this movie. I loved the friendship between the characters Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I enjoyed the story, the dialogue, the banter--basically I liked everything about the movie except...Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head? I like the song separate from the movie--I just didn't get how it fit with this movie--or even how exactly it fit with that scene. If you know--please, drop me a comment and explain. Thanks.
Favorite Movie for the week: Hmmm....well, I'll tell you it's NOT Shelter Island. Big surprise, I know. Okay....seriously though, I'd probably go with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid--though Get Shorty and Jackie Brown are tied for a very close second.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Writing, Acting and Life
Hello Friends,
In addition to keeping up with my quest to finish a movie a day for the entire year, I've pursued a few other more...worthy...goals this year. If you've read some of my previous posts, you already know that I've worked on an independent short film this summer entitled The Victim. (Our website is nearly finished--I think--and when it is I'll include the link). I wrote the initial script for this years ago and finally with the help of some really talented friends we finished the primary filming last week. (We still have a couple of shots we'd like to get but they are a simple matter of getting the right people together at the same time--it will happen!)
Emotionally, I'm torn about the filming part being done. I loved acting again. I loved playing the part of Michael Jones--a wandering serial killer on the hunt for his next victim--however, he really was a dark and twisted character to play.....and well, I'm actually a pretty nice guy. In a few scenes I had to become quite vicious (with actors who are my friends) and after one long filming session I got home, took a shower and puked. Yes, it was after one of the hottest days of the summer, and yes, I was probably a bit dehydrated, but still, the combination of immersing myself into that role and doing what I did was not an easy task. While I'm glad that part of the filming is over, I find myself wishing our next project was ready to shoot--(I suppose a part of me forgot just how much I love acting)--but we still have the editing to complete now and I still need to polish the next script. Still, I'm hopeful that my acting skills (whatever they may or may not be) will come in handy the next time I'm writing a truly dreadful villain because I think I may have glimpsed a new way into getting into the heads of these types of characters.
I'll just make sure to write those scenes on an empty stomach.
In addition to the short film, I've returned to novel writing--my first creative love. After spending much of the last year rewriting large sections of my latest novel, I'm back to submitting to agents again. Both exciting and terrifying and often times a whole lot of waiting. Understandable waiting--but still, waiting. And wondering. And yes, on occasion, daydreaming. But only for a little while, because too much daydreaming leads to not enough writing. And I have been writing--however, I think it's time for me to choose ONE project and focus my attention fully on it. The lead contender is a futuristic fantasy with some comedic characters and a lot of action. I think after all this darkness it would be nice to work on something...lighter.
I'll keep you all up to date (and yes, I promise I will catch up on my Year of Movies posts soon--and hopefully with a bit more detail on each movie) on The Victim and on my search for an agent.
Have a great day, All.
In addition to keeping up with my quest to finish a movie a day for the entire year, I've pursued a few other more...worthy...goals this year. If you've read some of my previous posts, you already know that I've worked on an independent short film this summer entitled The Victim. (Our website is nearly finished--I think--and when it is I'll include the link). I wrote the initial script for this years ago and finally with the help of some really talented friends we finished the primary filming last week. (We still have a couple of shots we'd like to get but they are a simple matter of getting the right people together at the same time--it will happen!)
Emotionally, I'm torn about the filming part being done. I loved acting again. I loved playing the part of Michael Jones--a wandering serial killer on the hunt for his next victim--however, he really was a dark and twisted character to play.....and well, I'm actually a pretty nice guy. In a few scenes I had to become quite vicious (with actors who are my friends) and after one long filming session I got home, took a shower and puked. Yes, it was after one of the hottest days of the summer, and yes, I was probably a bit dehydrated, but still, the combination of immersing myself into that role and doing what I did was not an easy task. While I'm glad that part of the filming is over, I find myself wishing our next project was ready to shoot--(I suppose a part of me forgot just how much I love acting)--but we still have the editing to complete now and I still need to polish the next script. Still, I'm hopeful that my acting skills (whatever they may or may not be) will come in handy the next time I'm writing a truly dreadful villain because I think I may have glimpsed a new way into getting into the heads of these types of characters.
I'll just make sure to write those scenes on an empty stomach.
In addition to the short film, I've returned to novel writing--my first creative love. After spending much of the last year rewriting large sections of my latest novel, I'm back to submitting to agents again. Both exciting and terrifying and often times a whole lot of waiting. Understandable waiting--but still, waiting. And wondering. And yes, on occasion, daydreaming. But only for a little while, because too much daydreaming leads to not enough writing. And I have been writing--however, I think it's time for me to choose ONE project and focus my attention fully on it. The lead contender is a futuristic fantasy with some comedic characters and a lot of action. I think after all this darkness it would be nice to work on something...lighter.
I'll keep you all up to date (and yes, I promise I will catch up on my Year of Movies posts soon--and hopefully with a bit more detail on each movie) on The Victim and on my search for an agent.
Have a great day, All.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Year of Movies
Week 27: July 2, 2010 to July 8, 2010
Total number of movies watched: 10
Okay, let's get to it.
261. The Prestige -- An incredible movie (based on the book, The Prestige, by Christopher Priest) which only further demonstrates Christopher Nolan's amazing talents as a director. Without giving too much away, I'll say that I did figure out most of what was going on as the movie was playing--but I didn't solve the final bit until near the end. A great cast too--Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis. Even after multiple viewings, I still enjoy this movie quite a bit.
262. Whiteout -- Take away the setting (Antarctica) and Kate Beckinsale and this movie would have blended in with a lot of other law enforcement vs brutal killer movies. Since I enjoy watching Kate Beckinsale in movies--I enjoyed this movie. It's just that simple sometimes.
263. I Am Legend -- I have mixed feelings about this movie. Some parts of this movie, I really loved. Some parts, I did not. I loved the relationship between Will Smith's character, Neville, and his dog. That was perhaps the best part of this movie (and I watched both the theatrical version and the extended/alternate version w/alternate ending). I did not like the CGI remake of the....plague victims. They looked fake--and I didn't see the point of the CGI. I loved the flashback scenes--and Will Smith quoting Shrek--and the feeling of a desolate NY. I didn't care for either ending though I think the theatrical ending was the better of the two.
264. Independence Day -- I had to watch this for the 4th of July. Well, I suppose I could have gone with Born on the 4th of July, but honestly, I just love this cheesy sci-fi action movie. Sure, it has a lot of one-dimensional characters saying a lot of one-liners, but it's just a fun, summer movie. Still love Bill Pullman's rallying speech about the 4th of July no longer being just an American holiday.
265. Ordinary Decent Criminal -- Kevin Spacey as a master criminal in Ireland seemingly always a step or two ahead of the law. An entertaining caper movie.
266. The Men Who Stare At Goats -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges I was expecting A LOT! I didn't quite get what I wanted. Parts of this movie were very funny--and most of those parts were put in the trailer.
267. Ocean's 11 -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, etc....I was expecting A LOT--and this time, I got what I wanted and much, much more. Slick dialogue. Great caper. Great locations--Vegas just looks good on screen. One of my favorite movies.
268. Ocean's 12 -- Thought I'd watch the Ocean's movies back-to-back-to-back. While I still like this movie well enough, (it's fun just to watch this group of actors/actresses having fun) it is the weakest of the three. Having watched this movie before, I understood the story this time around--but I remember watching it the first time and wondering--what just happened here? The story seemed like it was trying TOO hard to be slick and misleading.
269. Ocean's 13 -- Back to Vegas and back to being really good. Loved the addition of Al Pacino and Eddie Izzard (yes, he was briefly in 12 but I liked him better here) and Ellen Barkin. And now that I've watched all three in a row, I wonder how Brad Pitt doesn't gain any weight--he was ALWAYS eating in these movies! I wish they'd make an Ocean's 14....but I'm not holding my breath.
270. Orange County -- I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this movie but I was pleasantly surprised. Starring Colin Hanks, Jack Black and Schuyler Fisk, this is not just another teen movie. Instead, it was actually a fairly funny and entertaining coming-of-age comedy. What ever happened to Schuyler Fisk? After watching this, I thought she would have had more roles.
Favorite movie this week....probably The Prestige--though I'd put Ocean's 11 and 13 as close seconds.
Total number of movies watched: 10
Okay, let's get to it.
261. The Prestige -- An incredible movie (based on the book, The Prestige, by Christopher Priest) which only further demonstrates Christopher Nolan's amazing talents as a director. Without giving too much away, I'll say that I did figure out most of what was going on as the movie was playing--but I didn't solve the final bit until near the end. A great cast too--Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis. Even after multiple viewings, I still enjoy this movie quite a bit.
262. Whiteout -- Take away the setting (Antarctica) and Kate Beckinsale and this movie would have blended in with a lot of other law enforcement vs brutal killer movies. Since I enjoy watching Kate Beckinsale in movies--I enjoyed this movie. It's just that simple sometimes.
263. I Am Legend -- I have mixed feelings about this movie. Some parts of this movie, I really loved. Some parts, I did not. I loved the relationship between Will Smith's character, Neville, and his dog. That was perhaps the best part of this movie (and I watched both the theatrical version and the extended/alternate version w/alternate ending). I did not like the CGI remake of the....plague victims. They looked fake--and I didn't see the point of the CGI. I loved the flashback scenes--and Will Smith quoting Shrek--and the feeling of a desolate NY. I didn't care for either ending though I think the theatrical ending was the better of the two.
264. Independence Day -- I had to watch this for the 4th of July. Well, I suppose I could have gone with Born on the 4th of July, but honestly, I just love this cheesy sci-fi action movie. Sure, it has a lot of one-dimensional characters saying a lot of one-liners, but it's just a fun, summer movie. Still love Bill Pullman's rallying speech about the 4th of July no longer being just an American holiday.
265. Ordinary Decent Criminal -- Kevin Spacey as a master criminal in Ireland seemingly always a step or two ahead of the law. An entertaining caper movie.
266. The Men Who Stare At Goats -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges I was expecting A LOT! I didn't quite get what I wanted. Parts of this movie were very funny--and most of those parts were put in the trailer.
267. Ocean's 11 -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, etc....I was expecting A LOT--and this time, I got what I wanted and much, much more. Slick dialogue. Great caper. Great locations--Vegas just looks good on screen. One of my favorite movies.
268. Ocean's 12 -- Thought I'd watch the Ocean's movies back-to-back-to-back. While I still like this movie well enough, (it's fun just to watch this group of actors/actresses having fun) it is the weakest of the three. Having watched this movie before, I understood the story this time around--but I remember watching it the first time and wondering--what just happened here? The story seemed like it was trying TOO hard to be slick and misleading.
269. Ocean's 13 -- Back to Vegas and back to being really good. Loved the addition of Al Pacino and Eddie Izzard (yes, he was briefly in 12 but I liked him better here) and Ellen Barkin. And now that I've watched all three in a row, I wonder how Brad Pitt doesn't gain any weight--he was ALWAYS eating in these movies! I wish they'd make an Ocean's 14....but I'm not holding my breath.
270. Orange County -- I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this movie but I was pleasantly surprised. Starring Colin Hanks, Jack Black and Schuyler Fisk, this is not just another teen movie. Instead, it was actually a fairly funny and entertaining coming-of-age comedy. What ever happened to Schuyler Fisk? After watching this, I thought she would have had more roles.
Favorite movie this week....probably The Prestige--though I'd put Ocean's 11 and 13 as close seconds.
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