Chaos Theory (2007)

Ryan Reynolds' solid performance isn't enough to save this movie from Emily Mortimer and Stuart Townsend.

The Invention of Lying (2009)

I'd be lying if I told you I liked it.

Night on Earth (1991)

Writer-director Jim Jarmusch is behind one of my favorite conversational films, Coffee & Cigarettes.  In that, Jarmusch seemingly thrust celebrities together and recorded the results in a certain randomness.  So much so, that you could believe that Bill Murray is, in fact, human.

In Night on Earth, Jarmusch presents individual vignettes that occur inside taxi cabs across the world on the same night.  We jump from the US to Frances, Italy or Russia.  The film is interesting, quirky, dated, but only two stories were truly entertaining.  I was disappointed.

As I see it, Night on Earth just isn't interesting enough to warrant a rental.

Masterpiece Theatre Classic: Jane Austen's Persuasion (2007)

BUMP!!  Let's revisit.  Love, love, love this gentle film.  This movie  continues to be a favorite version of Persuasion.  The cast of characters here are charming, but it is Capt. Wentworth--Rupert Penry-Jones--who is simply delightful.  You know the story...

Over the course of the next few months, Masterpiece Theatre is presenting six adaptations of Jane Austen novels. Persuasion is the first.

Anne Elliot (Sally Hawkins) is 27. Unmarried and dealing with family financial peril, hope is fading for our heroine. Eight years ago, she was persuaded by her family not to marry a young naval officer whose fortune was yet untold. Now, circumstances bring Captain Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones) back into her life. Returning from sea, Wentworth finds no lack of swooning young ladies. Anne is determined to avoid him, brooding on what should have been.  She's desperate to know if he still loves her and yet afraid to find out. Can love lost be rekindled?

Nothing can take away from this beautiful adaptation filled with period drama, lovely costumes, and rich dialogue. Hawkins is the perfect morose, wistful, but stoic creature. The dashing Captain Wentworth is quite break-taking. Ladies can't help but melt at the sight. Although, he does have a very fashion forward hair style for the period.

Unrequited love, delicate and haunting and so very romantic. 

Originally reviewed:  01.18.08

Bracket Buster: Austin Peay Governors vs. Oral Roberts University Golden Hawks

Overheard at tonight's OVC bracket buster from the Dunn Center:

• Do the Dave.
• Somebody break that Craion.
• Is Austin Peay running midgets?!
• Three point PLAY!
• You should've been aborted.
• Everybody clap your hands.
• Airmail!
• Where are the Bibles?!
• Hey Justin!

Shutter Island (2010)

Scorsese directs his muse (DiCaprio) in a predictable, but captivating period thriller.  Do it again!

Postscript 02.22.10 ~  Shutter Island is an atmospheric psycho-thriller in which Martin Scorsese shows his hand WAY too early in the movie. Sadly, the suspense is killed because of predictability. But Leonardo DiCaprio makes the film worth watching as does the overall morose look of the film. The premise centers around psychotropic (hallucinogenic) drugs and German experiments in WW2. Watchable, yes. Rentable, totally. It’s a total Scorsese film—love ‘em—but it’s only getting 3 stars instead of 4 because the plot is too easily deduced.

Moon (2009)

Austere comes to mind when describing Duncan Jones’ directorial debut. The son of famed glam rocker David Bowie {yes, that’s why I queued it}, Jones’ aesthetic is a functional, cold, and perfectly claustrophobic setting for Sam Bell (a superb Sam Rockwell), a contracted astronaut with Lunar Industries.

Sam’s lonely three-year stint on the moon base is about up when he begins to see things. He enlists the help of his only companion, a robot named Gerty, to discover what is real.

Despite my faulty reasoning for seeing it, Moon is a fresh, remarkable bit of science fiction very much—though I hate to say this—in the vein of 2001: A Space Odyssey sans the tweaking. Sam Rockwell carries this film, cultivating a feeling of isolation, anxiety, and confusion.

I hesitate to say more, but the success of this film depends on the interaction with the viewer. The styled production does a lot to create the setting for insanity. The moon base Sarang looks like something from Unhappy Hipsters with its cold expansive bays. Think I’d go crazy too if every meal must originate from a compartmental Styrofoam tray and nothing filled my days by model making.

All details aside, it’s Rockwell’s Sam that makes Moon engaging. We care for him, but most importantly we don’t want to be him—isolated from society and left to our own devices. And just so you don’t think I’m too stuck-up, there are a few glaring goofs that interject unintentional humor. Helping to ground the art herein, I think.

As I see it, Moon, despite several references to Kubrick’s classic, stands on its own. The combination of Jones and Rockwell delivers a quiet memorable piece of sci-fi that demands more from its audience that most.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

When her namesake Uncle (Joseph Cotton) drops by for an unsuspected visit, Charlie (Teresa Wright) becomes suspicious of his odd behavior. With the arrival of detectives to town, young Charlie is consumed with her Uncle’s actions. Is he the Merry Widow Murderer? Will Charlie live to tell the truth?

Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock directs this thrilling cat-and-mouse game between family members. Young Charlie idolizes her uncle. He, in turn, loves her. (At times, it seems nearly incestuous.) But as Charlie’s admiration turns to fear, the film explodes with paranoia and Hitchcock turns the screw winding his audience tighter. Throw in a neighbor who enjoys trading ‘true crime’ stories with her father and Shadow of a Doubt becomes a ticking bomb.

The viewer knows something’s amiss, but Charlie’s first stumble down the back stairs chills to the core. And as Uncle Charlie’s true nature becomes more evident, the viewer is nearly breathless with anticipation. The film’s climax onboard the outbound train is a bittersweet triumph for all.

As I see it, the performances by Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton further enhance Hitchcock’s already chilling direction. His uncompromising detail and ability to parley what is essentially a domestic drama into a taut thriller makes this work on more than one level.

Bonus Feature: Movie Trailer

"If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire...

The A-Team."

With Tony and Ridley Scott at the helm, I am so primed and ready for this, ahem, reimagining.  Most will remember the 80's action-packed television show The A-Team starring George Peppard and Mr. T.  The episodic action and adventure was nonstop with Hannibal, Murdoch, Face, and B.A. standing up for the little man after a montage of kick-ass welding and building.

It was only by chance that I caught the trailer while watching the Daytona 500.  It's probably be out there for ever, but I went looking for it again.  My only impressions are of the cast.  Overall, it looks pretty good.  But...  What's up with B.A. Barracus?  B.A. has swagger.  I didn't pickup on any with whoever is playing him.  Murdoch looks fantastic.  And I'm already in love {again} with Hannibal.

Help! (1965)

Beatles fans watch Beatles movies for one thing:   Beatles music.  Not intricate storylines or award-winning performances.  And although Help! maintains the premise that our beloved boys are travelling the globe to escape some religious zealots that must have the ring attached to Ringo's finger, the film really is a vehicle for the music and zany Beatles' antics.

There's something precious about the Fab Four mucking about onscreen.  The chemistry among them is captivating.  Here director Richard Lester parlays that into a charming, seemingly random romp to the boy's hits.

From the boy's England flat (gotta love John's space) to the sands of the Bahamas, John, Paul, George, and Ringo execute crazy dry dialogue reminiscent of Monty Python with nary a smirk.  Paul shrinks.  George faints.  John quips.  Ringo worries.  It's goofy mayhem!

As I see it, A Hard Day's Night is more cohesive.  But Help! is more fun--it's the original "you've got red on you.".  Both are essentially music videos, but who cares?!  It's The BEATLES!!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Swallow Falls is small town whose down and out residents must now eat the sardines that they once sold the world. Inventor Flint Lockwood is about to become the town's hero after numerous mishaps. Ratbirds?  Monkey-thought translator? Flint inadvertently rockets a machine  that rains food onto the city. Renamed Chewandswallow, the town becomes a tourist attraction just in time for the machine to conjure spaghetti tornadoes.  Flint must regain control or lose everything.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is family fare with enough sight gags and snarky moments for the adults. Vivid animation pops onscreen supported by predictability and fun dialogue.

The voice cast is a fun who's who including Bill Hader, Anna Faris, and Neil Patrick Harris. My personal favorite: Mr. T. You can also catch the voices of James Caan, Andy Samberg, Will Forte, and Al Roker is you pay attention.

As I see it, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is no Up. But still the movie entertains with all its cartoon zaniness. Pull up a plate and enjoy!

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Anyone watch the Opening Ceremonies? I caught most of it--including the famed Parade of Nations--via telephonic play byplay. The color commentary was unforgettable. Suck it, Matt Lauer and Bob Costas!

What I actually got to see besides punk fiddlers and an incredible amount of Gaynadians, was the awesome Olympic FAIL!. Awk.ward. Vancouver isn't doing to well right about now. First the weather, then the unibrowed luger's death, the cauldron thingie... should be an interesting next few weeks.

Whiskey. Neat.

Maker's Mark Bourbon has posted some smooth billboards on the I-40 corridor through Guitar Town recently. East and west, their adverts are unassuming in the otherwise assaulting world of advertising. {unlike that gosh awful digital board that blinds you as you round the westbound curve just before Demonbreum} They are simple in their execution. Most of them are center around a pour, showcasing the curve of the bottle and that well known waxed seal. Slogans like 'Turn it up, Nashville' and ':)' convey confidence in a product. If I were into whiskey, I'd give it a sip.

Me: Unplugged

Facebook, like any 'social networking site' {I loath that term.}, has its uses.  But reading this article I can't help but wonder... what's the matter with people?!  I'm not addicted as the subjects in the news report claim nor do I feel the need to unplug, but I found myself recently irritated that my relavs have decided this should be the primary means of communcation.  Seriously?! Do you not know how to use the phone?   I don't tweet, farm, or farkle, and I resent having to find out about my grandfather's birthday party via facebook.

Sadly, I've lost friends on facebook. I'm beginning to think that it does us all a disservice--almost nilifying communication. Much like the boy who cries wolf, I have stopped paying attention because a lot of 'mouths' are moving, but no one is saying anything important.

People forget to keep these sites in perspective--this one included. I love a good Facebook fight and all its ridiculous, but I refused to live and die by MySpace. I refuse to live and die by Facebook. If you are in my life, you are in my life regardless of your or my Facebook status.

Do me favor, call me next time.

Let's blamestorm!

Someone once told me 'there's a lot to be said for routine.' I think he's right.

It must have been a slow news day for MSNBC as a list of annoying jargon topped the usiness news homepage. I'm cured of saying 'let's touch base'. 'Blamestorming' sounds hysterical. I'll admit that seems to be priority at my workplace. But they overlooked two of my most loathed workplace comments:

• "Is it do-able?" ~ 'Do-able' Is that even a word?! 'Cause I hate it.
• "I appreciate all you do." ~ Yeah, right. I get 'paid' for all I do so I don't give a tinker's d@mn as to whether or not you appreciate it. Let's all be honest; peg this one at the most overused and ungenuine comment you can make as a leader/manager/teammate/archnemisis.

Snow, snow, snow, SNOW!

It's official. I hate snow. Hate it, hate it, HATE IT! I've had enough snow in the past 45 days to last me a lifetime.

I got stranded last night--about five miles from home. Ugh!

I was real proud of myself for almost making it 64 miles. Travelling down I40 at 25 MPH isn't the most efficient use of time, but I was deteremined not to be one of those numbnuts who kept whizzing past.

Driving into the snow, I focused on Terry Gross' interview with Texas death row lawyer David Dow on NPR's Fresh Air. Forcing the panic down and allowing the adrenaline to kick-in. In hindsight, it was quite an out-of-body experience. The interview WAS interesting and it kept me from freaking out as I lost sight on the road in front of me. No yellow lines to keep you in your lane. Visability practically nil. The snow highlighted by the taillights of the 18-wheeler in front of you.

Exiting the interstate was the easy part. Getting off the ramp wasn't. Alfred kicked it. Thank the Maker for All-Trac. It's like 4WD for my LS. God bless it. I cycled through two lights before Alfred was able to get it. Away we went.

Enter more numbnuts. Snow must be the swan song for every redneck with a pick-up. In a calvacade of vehicles--all riding to close together, I was midway. Numbnut #1 (in front) kept braking. As I paced well behind him, Numbnut #2 (Dodge pickup--behind me) decided to tailgate.  The fight or flight response decided to fight. Conquoring hill after hill, Alfred and I advanced with minor delays.

A phone call from mi Padre kept me from travelling the last five miles. I'll be honest. I was so relieved. Nauseous and trembling, I was fine with reliquishing the pilot's seat. His skills are mad. And after making the final hill, I came to this realization:

My dad can kick your dad's ass.

The Business of Being Born (2007)

For those of us who believe childbirth is a natural process and that a pregnant woman isn't sick, this documentary is for you.

Masterpiece Theatre Classic: Emma (2009)

Yet another delicious interpretation of a Jane Austen classic from Masterpiece Theatre came to an end tonight.

This BBC adaptation stars Jonny Lee Miller (Eli Stone) as Mr. Knightley. This Emma Woodhouse (Romola Garai) is bit more insufferable that the next. Emma holds herself in high regard as a matchmaker, but after she suffers the consequences of her own meddling she is resigned to life of loneliness. Long-time friend, Mr. Knightly, suffers Emma’s mess and is often nearby to scold and comfort.

The film feels disjointed and something is missing for this viewer, but any Austen-phile should be able to follow along. Mr. Churchhill (Rupert Evans) is a perfect cad. As is Mr. ‘E’ and his mistress Mrs. Elton (Christina Cole). Sadly Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse is a missed opportunity and poor Mrs. Bates gets an annoying turn as a prattler, not as good-spirited matron she is in the book.

As I see it, this Emma is should see simply because it brings to life a classic story. It’s a fine production with a great cast, beautiful costuming and settings even if the overall story lacks the certain characteristics of Austen’s book.

Invaders from Mars (1953)

Dated but solid sci-fi with Pro-American sentiment.  Classic.