Martha and I recently sat down to watch 4 Patrick Swayze films, making it an all day Sunday event of epic proportions.
GHOST - I hadn't seen "Ghost" in a long time, and although flawed at times with gooey cheesiness and a syrupy script, it manages to tug the heart strings and effectively manipulate us like it wants to. Whoopi Goldberg deserved the Oscar she received in this emotionally driven, often hilarious performance. This movie is historical, and will carry its legacy deep into the future, taking the love with it...
TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, LOVE JULIE NEWMAR - Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo in drag...Who could ask for more? Swayze is really good here and his Golden Globe nomination is well deserved. Miss Vida is the richest character that Swayze ever played, and the performance of his career. Good stuff!
DIRTY DANCING - I could get shot for saying this, but DD is an over-rated film that deserves little critical acclaim. It's a fun movie to watch, but the script is mediocre and the performances seem over-the-top. All of this gloom and doom did not, however, prevent me from viewing this movie about 10 times...so it's got something...just not incredible substance...Sorry Patrick...Forgive me...
"Just a fool to believe I have anything she needs..."
BLACK DOG - This 1998 lesser known Patrick Swayze film marks the Return-of-the-Semi movie! Yay! "Black Dog" Co-stars singers, Meat Loaf and Randy Travis...crazy, I know! Plenty of semi-crushing action in an absurd plot that will leave you wishing you had a semi of your own to destroy some shit!
And no we didn't have the movie "Roadhouse" and Martha thinks it's gay and she is wrong and "Roadhouse" must be viewed A.S.A.P.
R.I.P. Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I'd like to INFORM you about BASTERDS!
THE INFORMANT - I originally planned on seeing "Inglorious Basterds" yesterday, but then mom said she needed to get out of the house. I called Richie who had seen "Basterds" to ask him how my mom would feel about this inevitably violent Tarantino film. Richie said it depends on if my mom wouldn't mind seeing nazi's getting bashed in the head with baseball bats and getting all carved up. I suggested maybe we see something else...so it was to be "The Informant" with Matt Damon. I mean, it looks hilarious, doesn't it? Well, turns out, the joke's on us. It wasn't so funny. The audience laughed a handful of times, mostly in the latter half of the film. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this is NO Erin Brockovich. Based on the true story of a guy from Decatur, Illinois...See? It's already boring. They should have filmed it in Vegas and thrown in some chainsaw wielding maniacs. Now there's a great true story! Matt Damon was outstanding as usual, and his amusing narration throughout the movie promised to breathe life into this flat story, but the promise went unkept. The movie shows glimpses of hitting its stride half way through when it becomes more compelling, but this peaked interest doesn't last long. maybe the script needs to be tightened up a bit. The whole movie is filmed in a consistently bland, yellow filter, and the soundtrack is like hearing marching band music at an amusement park all day long....A Hot Mess! One of the worst examples of the usage of music in a film that I can remember. This is an interesting true story that I wish someone would have just told me over a nice dinner. At one point mom leaned over to me and said, "we should have gone to see the violent one."
INGLORIOUS BASTERDS - The very next day I did just that. I went to see the violent one, Quentin Tarantino's latest vehicle, "Inglorious Basterds." The first 20 minutes were better than all of "The Informant." With characters you love and characters you love to hate, this was an engrossing story. I was riveted to its unfolding, and I couldn't wait to see where it was going and how it all would end. When it was violent it was to the extreme, but the film was mostly comprised of Tarantino's sharp dialogue. The Q.T. violence makes ya think...why wasn't Tarantino ever blamed for the senseless violence of the world? I'll tell you why...cause his movies kick ass!
INGLORIOUS BASTERDS - The very next day I did just that. I went to see the violent one, Quentin Tarantino's latest vehicle, "Inglorious Basterds." The first 20 minutes were better than all of "The Informant." With characters you love and characters you love to hate, this was an engrossing story. I was riveted to its unfolding, and I couldn't wait to see where it was going and how it all would end. When it was violent it was to the extreme, but the film was mostly comprised of Tarantino's sharp dialogue. The Q.T. violence makes ya think...why wasn't Tarantino ever blamed for the senseless violence of the world? I'll tell you why...cause his movies kick ass!
25 Days of Christmas: Holiday Essentials!
Tis The Season for Holiday Movies, and I've got a list of 25 essential viewing pleasures! And I'll compile this list while I listen to Whitney's 2003 Christmas album, "One Wish," which she made in the midst of her decade long crack attack. It's an all-over-the-place doozie of an album that I highly recommend! Here are my top 25 must see holiday movies or specials, in no particular order. Let me know what I might have missed, and some of your favorites!
1) NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS - Tim Burton and Danny Elfman's most profound collaboration to date. Forever classic!
2) PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES - We can see how special John Hughes heart is when viewing this hilarious and ultimately touching Thanksgiving classic.
3) PIECES OF APRIL - Katie Holmes tries to create the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for her dysfunctional family in this original, moving story. Patricia Clarkson was nominated for her outstanding, often hilarious performance.
4) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Jodie Foster directs Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Dylan McDermott in this essential flick that effectively conveys the ups and downs of the American Family Holiday experience.
...3 annual holiday staples...
5) THE SOUND OF MUSIC
6) WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
7) THE WIZARD OF OZ
8) BAD SANTA - Billy Bob Thornton is a very bad santa, with a foul mouth!
9) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET - The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this timeless classic.
Horror fans will enjoy these 3 gems...
10) BLACK CHRISTMAS - Very creepy original, an excellent horror flick that precedes Halloween and Friday The 13th.
11) SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT - I hope you spend Christmas...on the warm side of the door!
12) DEAD END - A holiday staple in my home. Spend Christmas in hell this year!
(This Whitney Houston album is seriously hilarious!)
13) THE REF - Directed by the late and the great Ted Demme, this hilarious Christmas film stars the ridiculously talented Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey! Buy It This Year!
13) ELF - Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell. That's all you need to know!
14) FUNNY FARM - This, to me, qualifies because of the Christmastime ending. Chevy Chase in one of his best, funniest movies. Cue The Deer!
Here come the cartoon classics...
15) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
16) Frosty The Snowman
17) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
18) The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
19) A Charlie Brown Christmas
20) PEE WEE'S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - This 1988 star-studded treat is magical! Will This ever be available on DVD? I must watch it every year or it just isn't Christmas!
21) A CHRISTMAS STORY - You'll shoot your eye out! The Leg Lamp! The frozen pole! Good Times!
22) HOME ALONE - Another John Hughes instant classic! Miss you John!
23) HOME ALONE: LOST IN NEW YORK - A slightly inferior sequel, but good enough!
24) A CHRISTMAS CAROL or SCROOGE - I'll go with the 1951 Alastair Sim version. Though many have tried to recapture this outstanding version, it stands the test of time.
25) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - One of the greatest movies of all time. I'm blown away every time I see it!
Honorable mentions:
CHRISTMAS VACATION - My parents and their friends go on and on about how funny this one is. I just think it's ok. But because it makes them so happy, I'll give it a mention.
WHITE CHRISTMAS - It's been too long to remember how I liked this one. I know I like the song, but what of the story...I don't remember, but maybe I'll check it out if I catch it on TV this year.
Well, there you have it. Let me know some of your favorites. Have a great holiday season!
Make It A BOB-Buster Night!
1) NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS - Tim Burton and Danny Elfman's most profound collaboration to date. Forever classic!
2) PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES - We can see how special John Hughes heart is when viewing this hilarious and ultimately touching Thanksgiving classic.
3) PIECES OF APRIL - Katie Holmes tries to create the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for her dysfunctional family in this original, moving story. Patricia Clarkson was nominated for her outstanding, often hilarious performance.
4) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Jodie Foster directs Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Dylan McDermott in this essential flick that effectively conveys the ups and downs of the American Family Holiday experience.
...3 annual holiday staples...
5) THE SOUND OF MUSIC
6) WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
7) THE WIZARD OF OZ
8) BAD SANTA - Billy Bob Thornton is a very bad santa, with a foul mouth!
9) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET - The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this timeless classic.
Horror fans will enjoy these 3 gems...
10) BLACK CHRISTMAS - Very creepy original, an excellent horror flick that precedes Halloween and Friday The 13th.
11) SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT - I hope you spend Christmas...on the warm side of the door!
12) DEAD END - A holiday staple in my home. Spend Christmas in hell this year!
(This Whitney Houston album is seriously hilarious!)
13) THE REF - Directed by the late and the great Ted Demme, this hilarious Christmas film stars the ridiculously talented Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey! Buy It This Year!
13) ELF - Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell. That's all you need to know!
14) FUNNY FARM - This, to me, qualifies because of the Christmastime ending. Chevy Chase in one of his best, funniest movies. Cue The Deer!
Here come the cartoon classics...
15) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
16) Frosty The Snowman
17) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
18) The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
19) A Charlie Brown Christmas
20) PEE WEE'S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - This 1988 star-studded treat is magical! Will This ever be available on DVD? I must watch it every year or it just isn't Christmas!
21) A CHRISTMAS STORY - You'll shoot your eye out! The Leg Lamp! The frozen pole! Good Times!
22) HOME ALONE - Another John Hughes instant classic! Miss you John!
23) HOME ALONE: LOST IN NEW YORK - A slightly inferior sequel, but good enough!
24) A CHRISTMAS CAROL or SCROOGE - I'll go with the 1951 Alastair Sim version. Though many have tried to recapture this outstanding version, it stands the test of time.
25) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - One of the greatest movies of all time. I'm blown away every time I see it!
Honorable mentions:
CHRISTMAS VACATION - My parents and their friends go on and on about how funny this one is. I just think it's ok. But because it makes them so happy, I'll give it a mention.
WHITE CHRISTMAS - It's been too long to remember how I liked this one. I know I like the song, but what of the story...I don't remember, but maybe I'll check it out if I catch it on TV this year.
Well, there you have it. Let me know some of your favorites. Have a great holiday season!
Make It A BOB-Buster Night!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
43 Reviews in 86 Seconds!
Recommended:
Crazy Heart - Jeff Bridges can do no wrong. It's about time he got that Oscar.
17 Again - I have to admit I liked it. Zac Efron and Matthew Perry are fun to watch.
Ed Wood - Tim Burton's masterpiece.
Alice in Wonderland 3-D - Highly entertaining. Burton's re-imagining of the tale is most clever.
Marley & Me - I'm still crying.
Temple Grandin - In this stellar, made for HBO biopic, Claire Danes is virtually unrecognizable in this role of a lifetime.
Milk - Sean Penn never ceases to amaze.
The Box - Intriguing
Law Abiding Citizen - A blast of a revenge film.
Sherlock Holmes - Robert Downey Jr. - Thank God he's still alive!
Hot Tub Time Machine - Hahahahahaha - "What color is Michael Jackson?"
The Incredibles - First time I finally got around to seeing it - Why'd I wait so long?
Rumor Has It... - Rob Reiner returns to form - His best since The American President.
The Descent - some scary shit.
Train - Better than Hostel. Nice to see Thora Birch again.
Up In The Air - Great Stuff!
Date Night - Good Times!
Iron Man 2 - Great Fun!
Daybreakers - Cool Flick!
It's Complicated - A lot of fun for an old folks movie.
Precious - Great acting! Great writing! Great direction! Bravo!
Zombieland - not for all tastes. If you don't like Jesse Eisenberg, don't bother.
The Messenger - So proud of the Woody!
Orphan - Evil children are always a hoot! (Also see The Bad Seed and The Good Son!)
Away We Go - A fantastically written gem! I'll read or watch anything written by Dave Eggers! I must see Where The Wild Things Are soon!
Grey Gardens - Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore give this true story terrific life and big heart.
Observe and Report - One of those braindead, hysterical comedies I love so much.
Stop Making Sense The Talking Heads - You may ask yourself...why you've never seen this amazing concert film, or why you haven't seen it in a long time. See It!
Marie Antoinette - I hated this movie the first time I saw it...but a second look and I'm hooked on Sofia Coppola all over again. Beautiful Film!
Star Trek (2009) Action packed in any universe!
1408 - Chilling! Freakish! Nightmare invoking! One of Cusack's best films and performances.
The Crazies - Scary & Fun!
Shutter Island - It's too late for Scorsese to hop on the surprise ending train. The only surprise here is Scorcese's judgment, although in his defense the novel was written by Dennis Lehane whose books were made into 2 superior films, "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone." See it for Scorcese's direction and the magnificent location.
The Wolfman - A little slow in parts - could've been tightened up a bit, But wicked violent and great transformation scenes. Hoooooooowl!
Avoid:
Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - Not scary at all.
Legion - Not my type of horror flick I guess.
Bad Lieutenant:Port of Call: New Orleans - Bad Title, Bad Idea, Bad! Bad! Lieutenant!
Edge of Darkness - For a revenge movie, it doesn't stir up much emotion. Mel's personal life is much more interesting.
Couples Retreat - Hard to believe Favreau and Vaughn wrote this script with very few laughs. It's more a vacation for actors, than a movie for audiences. (Sorry guys - Love you!)
The Last Airbender - Please let it be the last!!!!!
The Book of Eli - Who cares. Skip the movie and the book.
Crazy Heart - Jeff Bridges can do no wrong. It's about time he got that Oscar.
17 Again - I have to admit I liked it. Zac Efron and Matthew Perry are fun to watch.
Ed Wood - Tim Burton's masterpiece.
Alice in Wonderland 3-D - Highly entertaining. Burton's re-imagining of the tale is most clever.
Marley & Me - I'm still crying.
Temple Grandin - In this stellar, made for HBO biopic, Claire Danes is virtually unrecognizable in this role of a lifetime.
Milk - Sean Penn never ceases to amaze.
The Box - Intriguing
Law Abiding Citizen - A blast of a revenge film.
Sherlock Holmes - Robert Downey Jr. - Thank God he's still alive!
Hot Tub Time Machine - Hahahahahaha - "What color is Michael Jackson?"
The Incredibles - First time I finally got around to seeing it - Why'd I wait so long?
Rumor Has It... - Rob Reiner returns to form - His best since The American President.
The Descent - some scary shit.
Train - Better than Hostel. Nice to see Thora Birch again.
Up In The Air - Great Stuff!
Date Night - Good Times!
Iron Man 2 - Great Fun!
Daybreakers - Cool Flick!
It's Complicated - A lot of fun for an old folks movie.
Precious - Great acting! Great writing! Great direction! Bravo!
Zombieland - not for all tastes. If you don't like Jesse Eisenberg, don't bother.
The Messenger - So proud of the Woody!
Orphan - Evil children are always a hoot! (Also see The Bad Seed and The Good Son!)
Away We Go - A fantastically written gem! I'll read or watch anything written by Dave Eggers! I must see Where The Wild Things Are soon!
Grey Gardens - Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore give this true story terrific life and big heart.
Observe and Report - One of those braindead, hysterical comedies I love so much.
Stop Making Sense The Talking Heads - You may ask yourself...why you've never seen this amazing concert film, or why you haven't seen it in a long time. See It!
Marie Antoinette - I hated this movie the first time I saw it...but a second look and I'm hooked on Sofia Coppola all over again. Beautiful Film!
Star Trek (2009) Action packed in any universe!
1408 - Chilling! Freakish! Nightmare invoking! One of Cusack's best films and performances.
The Crazies - Scary & Fun!
Shutter Island - It's too late for Scorsese to hop on the surprise ending train. The only surprise here is Scorcese's judgment, although in his defense the novel was written by Dennis Lehane whose books were made into 2 superior films, "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone." See it for Scorcese's direction and the magnificent location.
The Wolfman - A little slow in parts - could've been tightened up a bit, But wicked violent and great transformation scenes. Hoooooooowl!
Avoid:
Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - Not scary at all.
Legion - Not my type of horror flick I guess.
Bad Lieutenant:Port of Call: New Orleans - Bad Title, Bad Idea, Bad! Bad! Lieutenant!
Edge of Darkness - For a revenge movie, it doesn't stir up much emotion. Mel's personal life is much more interesting.
Couples Retreat - Hard to believe Favreau and Vaughn wrote this script with very few laughs. It's more a vacation for actors, than a movie for audiences. (Sorry guys - Love you!)
The Last Airbender - Please let it be the last!!!!!
The Book of Eli - Who cares. Skip the movie and the book.
Monday, March 22, 2010
31 Reviews In 62 Seconds!
PERFECT GETAWAY blew chunks!
THE ROCKER is hilarious! Go Dwight! (Thanks Richie!)
JULIE & JULIA is inspiring!
I'M NOT THERE has a great soundtrack!
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY is another classic by MOORE!
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is a chilling, haunting nightmare! Goodbye restful sleep!
WHIP IT is a rockin' good time! Tis a fine debut by Miss Barrymore! An upbeat, eclectic, rockin' soundtrack to boot!
MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT would have been a brilliant concert... and left me wanting more...Farewell Michael!
FROST/NIXON shockingly became one of my all time favorite movie experiences...and it's about politics...go figure. But it's filmed like a power-packed boxing match! Go Opie!
THE PROPOSAL is an embarrassment to all humanity!
BLACK SHEEP is a must see New Zealand comedy-horror flick! Baahaahaahaa!
I LOVE YOU MAN is another hilarious testament to the flourishing comedy genre! It has been a phenomenal decade for The American Comedy!
TRAIN is a disturbing, disgusting horror flick starring Thora Birch! It makes Hostel look like a walk in the park! Take the bus!
BOBBY is Emilio Estevez' finest hour! Check out THE WAR AT HOME also!
THE BLIND SIDE is the perfect Sandra Bullock vehicle! Go Oscar! (sorry Michelle)2012 is an action-packed good time you should enjoy before the world ends!
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL is a lovely and sweet romance for our times! Plastic makes perfect!THE BANK JOB is a super hip, fun action comedy! I was surprised I enjoyed it so much!REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is heavy, dark and emotionally charged! These 2 crazy kids had better chances in TITANIC!
MOON is an extraordinary SAM ROCKWELL flick. Go find it and see it right now! (I'm gonna need this one back soon Phil) Hehe.
AVATAR 3-D is an astounding experiment in sensory overload! Wow!
GOOD LUCK CHUCK sucked.
CORNDOG MAN is a movie every human being should see at least once!
RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is a fine Disney flick...if you're a dork like me. Watch for cameos by the original brother-sister team.
VALKYRIE is a fast-paced heart-thumper! I heard it sucked, especially Tom...but I disafukingree. (Got that one from Jason)
THE HURT LOCKER is a tense top 10-er war film... though THE THIN RED LINE is still my favorite.
DEPARTURES is a moving masterpiece. From Japan it is last year's best Foreign Film Oscar Winner! The soundtrack is a real tear inducing gut-buster! Yosh!
WATCHMEN is a never-ending mess!
500 DAYS OF SUMMER will have you screaming at your tv for an hour and a half, and then giving it a big hug!
THE SOLOIST is the epitome of self-awareness...as pretentious as hell. Sorry Robert! Can't wait to see ya in IRONMAN though.
FUNNY PEOPLE is just straight up funny! More comic genius from Apatow! We must all bow now!
THE ROCKER is hilarious! Go Dwight! (Thanks Richie!)
JULIE & JULIA is inspiring!
I'M NOT THERE has a great soundtrack!
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY is another classic by MOORE!
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is a chilling, haunting nightmare! Goodbye restful sleep!
WHIP IT is a rockin' good time! Tis a fine debut by Miss Barrymore! An upbeat, eclectic, rockin' soundtrack to boot!
MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT would have been a brilliant concert... and left me wanting more...Farewell Michael!
FROST/NIXON shockingly became one of my all time favorite movie experiences...and it's about politics...go figure. But it's filmed like a power-packed boxing match! Go Opie!
THE PROPOSAL is an embarrassment to all humanity!
BLACK SHEEP is a must see New Zealand comedy-horror flick! Baahaahaahaa!
I LOVE YOU MAN is another hilarious testament to the flourishing comedy genre! It has been a phenomenal decade for The American Comedy!
TRAIN is a disturbing, disgusting horror flick starring Thora Birch! It makes Hostel look like a walk in the park! Take the bus!
BOBBY is Emilio Estevez' finest hour! Check out THE WAR AT HOME also!
THE BLIND SIDE is the perfect Sandra Bullock vehicle! Go Oscar! (sorry Michelle)2012 is an action-packed good time you should enjoy before the world ends!
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL is a lovely and sweet romance for our times! Plastic makes perfect!THE BANK JOB is a super hip, fun action comedy! I was surprised I enjoyed it so much!REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is heavy, dark and emotionally charged! These 2 crazy kids had better chances in TITANIC!
MOON is an extraordinary SAM ROCKWELL flick. Go find it and see it right now! (I'm gonna need this one back soon Phil) Hehe.
AVATAR 3-D is an astounding experiment in sensory overload! Wow!
GOOD LUCK CHUCK sucked.
CORNDOG MAN is a movie every human being should see at least once!
RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is a fine Disney flick...if you're a dork like me. Watch for cameos by the original brother-sister team.
VALKYRIE is a fast-paced heart-thumper! I heard it sucked, especially Tom...but I disafukingree. (Got that one from Jason)
THE HURT LOCKER is a tense top 10-er war film... though THE THIN RED LINE is still my favorite.
DEPARTURES is a moving masterpiece. From Japan it is last year's best Foreign Film Oscar Winner! The soundtrack is a real tear inducing gut-buster! Yosh!
WATCHMEN is a never-ending mess!
500 DAYS OF SUMMER will have you screaming at your tv for an hour and a half, and then giving it a big hug!
THE SOLOIST is the epitome of self-awareness...as pretentious as hell. Sorry Robert! Can't wait to see ya in IRONMAN though.
FUNNY PEOPLE is just straight up funny! More comic genius from Apatow! We must all bow now!
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