127 Hours
2010
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Starring: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn
The true story of a hero. A man, who we shall regard in the highest, finds himself in the lime light for simply saving his own life. The story of Aron Ralston has been heard many times over. In the spring of 2003, he set out alone on a hike and climb through the mountains of the Utah desert. After having a swim with two strangers, he continues to jump and bound throughout the wilderness. No cell phone, no other people there, no notification as to where he was going.
While climbing down a steep rock, a boulder comes loose knocking Ralston and the next five days into an abyss. The rock comes down awkwardly on his right arm and it is now stuck. Standing, stuck for five days, this story of struggle and survival brings forth a sense of awesome heroics and strength. Documenting his battle between a rock and a hard place, he seems to lose his mind, but also gain a realization of how dumb he was to not let one person know where he was going.
Getting to the movie, it was alright. Danny Boyle's fast-paced style convincingly told the story in the 94 minute time frame. However, it felt like he did rush things a bit. I said this right after the movie to a friend who had read the book documenting Ralston's bout. My friend told me that there were some details left out of the movie that he would have liked to see put in. I enjoyed the movie, and it told me the story, but that was pretty much it.
James Franco delivered a somewhat believable performance as a man stuck by himself for 5 days. Having to take such a limited setting and stretch it into a movie I can imagine is indeed difficult, but I thought there would be a lot more flashbacks and back story to his life. The flashbacks that were there fell short of meaningful and some didn't even make sense. I feel that Boyle could have spent more time finalizing a slightly better script and way of directing this amazing tale.
Now for the rant. There was product placement. And I know I have friends who will tell me "it's all about the business" for these people. But the product placement was so blatant that it took away from the movie. When Ralston first becomes lodged between rocks, he begins pulling out supplies to see what he can use to help his arm free. He strategically places a small billfold with a gigantic CAPITAL ONE credit card blinding you in the screen. So here's my question, he brought his fancy credit card but no cell phone? Service or no service, he did not have the phone regardless which is strange for me. Getting back to my friend that read the book, he said that Ralston never had a wallet on him during the ordeal. I understand the showing of the CANON logo on his camera, along with other small decals on his hiking gear, but the Capital One credit card completely turned me off. And this was only about 25 minutes into the movie.
Stars (out of 10): 5
Friday, November 26, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Top 5 Christmas Movies of All Time
You might as well save yourself some time and text or call me complaining about how I don't know what I'm talking about. You're probably right, but in my opinion (free country), these are the best Christmas movies of all time. To save you some moments of agony and loathing for yours truly, no I did not put Christmas Vacation on the list. In its defense, I have only seen it once and it was on a channel that played commercials constantly. Even the DVR couldn't save me from the turmoil of the Kohl's annual event of opening at (yes, you are reading correctly) 3AM. Turning back to the point. Read it. I bet you think it's interesting, given my opinion on certain movies. And yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I needed something to keep me awake before I had another 9pm meltdown of eyelids and a wake up to coffee that smells all too familiar like another day of driving in the cold, listening to a repetitious Top 40 morning show because Howard Stern isn't on. Anyway, here it is.
5. The Family Stone (2005)
Casted brilliantly, this modern age dramedy about a family's acceptance of a newcomer brings forth the tantalizing portrayal of the ultra-liberal mother (Diane Keaton) and father (Craig T. Nelson) team that has too many children to count. Along with these two elders are a cast of misfit children who are all but grown up. Rachel McAdams portrays the sniveling college student, humble in her home, spilling cereal, and making even more messes of social dignity. Luke Wilson portrays a middle child, stuck with no girlfriend or wife, a loner of sorts who seems to still have his parents pay more attention to his laundry for him than his actions. Tyrone Giordano plays a not only deaf, but homosexual sibling with an African American partner. That partner is portrayed by Brian J. White. Elizabeth Reaser portrays the seemingly eldest of the group with a daughter and one on the way. The story revolves around this family coming together for the holiday season. Dermott Mulroney portrays the actual eldest of the bunch, bringing home his girlfriend (yucky Sarah Jessica Parker) for the very first time. She begins her stay with limited expectations. McAdams' character had already met the horse-faced Parker and warned the family of what a piece of concrete she is. Constantly glue to her cell phone and face mole, Parker finds a way to play an ice queen for the ages. It does seem unfair at times as to why the family does not give her a slimmer of a chance, but they have the trust of their youngest daughter in their heads. So the story goes: Parker realizes everyone hates her and tries extraordinarily hard to fit in. She battles constant berating and attacks, finally calling upon her sister to shed some of the light in a different direction. Said sister is portrayed by Claire Danes, creating an electric glow of unadulterated beauty and finesse as she calmly arrives and is greeting with loving, welcome arms by the family. Meanwhile, we learn that Keaton's character has relapsed with cancer, causing the family to understand that this will probably be the last Christmas spent all together. Parker's character and Mulroney's character happen to fall out of love and he falls for the sister. Parker then ends up with lowly Wilson's character where they can give birth to seemingly headless creatures with gigantic noses. The overall realistic family feel is what brought this movie to a solid #5 on my list. I agree that not many of you will like this assumption, but it's true. The sheer solitude and honesty that is brought forth by this film brings in a sense of passion and compassion for the family that we all strive for. Though this family has money and liberal views, there are many flaws that make it into a real American family story.
#4. Love Actually (2003)
I promise to not go on such a rant like previously. Of course you know the story by now. A collection of smaller stories joined together. Love stories. Did I say that already? Well it's in the title. This properly motivated super-cast comes together to bind stories of betrayal, friendship, and, of course, love. With too many actors to name, I will just say that this collection of vignettes continues along a different line showing that no matter what gender, race, or age, love with always find its way. Of course, coupled with the notion that no one should be alone during Christmastime, people are alone, and with that, this summary will end. Good movie though.
#3. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell is given his only due by me in this timeless classic (is it already 2010? This movie was made in 2003) Jeez. Anyway, Ferrell portrays a human that had snuck into Santa's sack-o-presents one fateful Christmas while he was munching on cookies in an orphanage. Reluctant to report this to the elf-police, Santa decided to have an elf raise the baby as his own. Brilliantly displaying the hilarity and unfortunately lack of a real Santa Claus, the movie is spun into a deeper hole when Ferrell sets off on a journey of self discovery in that big place we call New York City. Searching for his birth father (played by none other than James Caan), Ferrell finds that it is difficult being an elf inside such a pressure-filled judgment zone known as New York. Until he meets a really hot girl who can sing.
#2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
I have to blame this one on my mother. Well, not blame. Thank her. Every year I would know it was Christmastime by hearing her tune to the commercial free viewing of this film on NBC. She would sit and watch it over, and over, and over. This is coming from a woman who hated Independence Day (and yes, we're still related). However, I never saw the allure of the film until she actually sat me down and had me watch it. I never thought that such a classic could have such a profound impact on me. Showing the truly realistic story of a man struggling with his day to day life, though seemingly perfect, is truly tremendous. It turned into my own annual viewing to see this timeless tale, even sitting in my dorm room alone a few days before the winter holidays freshman year. Don't worry, all of my friends were already gone, I wasn't that much of a loser. But getting back to things, Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra redefined the cinematic genre of the holiday season. And to do this in 1946 was phenomenal.
#1. A Christmas Story (1983)
Finding a dream. Isn't that what every kid thinks about? So what if it's for something that in today's standards would probably be the worst possible Christmas present before a shoe bomb (too soon?). To bring up a good point, why did he want a rifle? BB gun or not, it was an unusual gift. But either way, this movie brings about the very essence of Christmas. The family aspect, dealing with friends and bullies in the cold winter of Indiana, the present aspect. People lose touch with what Christmas is really about. But, to be honest, it hasn't been about the religion in years. Christmas is a commercialized bustle of economics and finance. If you don't have money, you won't have a good Christmas. Presents are the ultimate factor in any happy (or sad) holiday season. To bring forth a movie with such a strong presence, A Christmas Story destroys competition in creating the true nature of the holiday. There is a reason that TBS and TNT show 24 hours of A Christmas Story. There are plenty of other Christmas movies out there, but this one truly defines the meaning of this commercial holiday. Bringing about the comforts of home with the struggles of school, sibling rivalry, and of course, the Bumpuss' hounds.
So there you have it. I know, you don't agree. But tell me, what are you favorites? The world is built on opinion and argument. Let me know.
5. The Family Stone (2005)
Casted brilliantly, this modern age dramedy about a family's acceptance of a newcomer brings forth the tantalizing portrayal of the ultra-liberal mother (Diane Keaton) and father (Craig T. Nelson) team that has too many children to count. Along with these two elders are a cast of misfit children who are all but grown up. Rachel McAdams portrays the sniveling college student, humble in her home, spilling cereal, and making even more messes of social dignity. Luke Wilson portrays a middle child, stuck with no girlfriend or wife, a loner of sorts who seems to still have his parents pay more attention to his laundry for him than his actions. Tyrone Giordano plays a not only deaf, but homosexual sibling with an African American partner. That partner is portrayed by Brian J. White. Elizabeth Reaser portrays the seemingly eldest of the group with a daughter and one on the way. The story revolves around this family coming together for the holiday season. Dermott Mulroney portrays the actual eldest of the bunch, bringing home his girlfriend (yucky Sarah Jessica Parker) for the very first time. She begins her stay with limited expectations. McAdams' character had already met the horse-faced Parker and warned the family of what a piece of concrete she is. Constantly glue to her cell phone and face mole, Parker finds a way to play an ice queen for the ages. It does seem unfair at times as to why the family does not give her a slimmer of a chance, but they have the trust of their youngest daughter in their heads. So the story goes: Parker realizes everyone hates her and tries extraordinarily hard to fit in. She battles constant berating and attacks, finally calling upon her sister to shed some of the light in a different direction. Said sister is portrayed by Claire Danes, creating an electric glow of unadulterated beauty and finesse as she calmly arrives and is greeting with loving, welcome arms by the family. Meanwhile, we learn that Keaton's character has relapsed with cancer, causing the family to understand that this will probably be the last Christmas spent all together. Parker's character and Mulroney's character happen to fall out of love and he falls for the sister. Parker then ends up with lowly Wilson's character where they can give birth to seemingly headless creatures with gigantic noses. The overall realistic family feel is what brought this movie to a solid #5 on my list. I agree that not many of you will like this assumption, but it's true. The sheer solitude and honesty that is brought forth by this film brings in a sense of passion and compassion for the family that we all strive for. Though this family has money and liberal views, there are many flaws that make it into a real American family story.
#4. Love Actually (2003)
I promise to not go on such a rant like previously. Of course you know the story by now. A collection of smaller stories joined together. Love stories. Did I say that already? Well it's in the title. This properly motivated super-cast comes together to bind stories of betrayal, friendship, and, of course, love. With too many actors to name, I will just say that this collection of vignettes continues along a different line showing that no matter what gender, race, or age, love with always find its way. Of course, coupled with the notion that no one should be alone during Christmastime, people are alone, and with that, this summary will end. Good movie though.
#3. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell is given his only due by me in this timeless classic (is it already 2010? This movie was made in 2003) Jeez. Anyway, Ferrell portrays a human that had snuck into Santa's sack-o-presents one fateful Christmas while he was munching on cookies in an orphanage. Reluctant to report this to the elf-police, Santa decided to have an elf raise the baby as his own. Brilliantly displaying the hilarity and unfortunately lack of a real Santa Claus, the movie is spun into a deeper hole when Ferrell sets off on a journey of self discovery in that big place we call New York City. Searching for his birth father (played by none other than James Caan), Ferrell finds that it is difficult being an elf inside such a pressure-filled judgment zone known as New York. Until he meets a really hot girl who can sing.
#2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
I have to blame this one on my mother. Well, not blame. Thank her. Every year I would know it was Christmastime by hearing her tune to the commercial free viewing of this film on NBC. She would sit and watch it over, and over, and over. This is coming from a woman who hated Independence Day (and yes, we're still related). However, I never saw the allure of the film until she actually sat me down and had me watch it. I never thought that such a classic could have such a profound impact on me. Showing the truly realistic story of a man struggling with his day to day life, though seemingly perfect, is truly tremendous. It turned into my own annual viewing to see this timeless tale, even sitting in my dorm room alone a few days before the winter holidays freshman year. Don't worry, all of my friends were already gone, I wasn't that much of a loser. But getting back to things, Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra redefined the cinematic genre of the holiday season. And to do this in 1946 was phenomenal.
#1. A Christmas Story (1983)
Finding a dream. Isn't that what every kid thinks about? So what if it's for something that in today's standards would probably be the worst possible Christmas present before a shoe bomb (too soon?). To bring up a good point, why did he want a rifle? BB gun or not, it was an unusual gift. But either way, this movie brings about the very essence of Christmas. The family aspect, dealing with friends and bullies in the cold winter of Indiana, the present aspect. People lose touch with what Christmas is really about. But, to be honest, it hasn't been about the religion in years. Christmas is a commercialized bustle of economics and finance. If you don't have money, you won't have a good Christmas. Presents are the ultimate factor in any happy (or sad) holiday season. To bring forth a movie with such a strong presence, A Christmas Story destroys competition in creating the true nature of the holiday. There is a reason that TBS and TNT show 24 hours of A Christmas Story. There are plenty of other Christmas movies out there, but this one truly defines the meaning of this commercial holiday. Bringing about the comforts of home with the struggles of school, sibling rivalry, and of course, the Bumpuss' hounds.
So there you have it. I know, you don't agree. But tell me, what are you favorites? The world is built on opinion and argument. Let me know.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
2010
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson
Let me begin by saying that if you are not a Potter fan, then you will not like the movie. It's that simple. Even if you have not read the books, the movies are great. They are entertaining and suck the audience into a world that we have come to love and respect. Potter fans are a special breed. I do not expect everyone to be a fan. This is why I feel it is unfair to judge such a movie based on regular critics. I am a Potter fan, so perhaps it is unfair to listen to this review.
I liked it. The first part of the two part seventh chapter in an epic tale came through with shimmering light. David Yates basically took the book, split it into 5 hours of movie then cut that in half. And you know what, it works. This is nothing like the horrendous sequels to the Matrix, because there is actually a story. The books of the Harry Potter series bring people to a different place. In order to correctly tell the final part (and of course to make money along the way), the studio and director decided to split it up.
The movie begins like the book, the middle is like the book, the end (of the first part is like the book). Time seemed to fly by as I was once again sucked into a world of broomsticks, witches, and every British actor known to man. The characters are brought to light and become so life like that I actually feel as if they are a part of the real world. Hell, I've never been to London, so I guess it's possible. The movie brings back every character and facet of the phenomenon that has been happening for nearly 10 years.
Harry Potter and his friends set off on a mission to destroy Horcruxes (objects that contain parts of Voldemort's soul) so they can finally begin to try to defeat him. These objects are scattered throughout the land in various places. It can be a ring, a necklace, or any other mundane object. The other side of the story has Voldemort planning his defeat of Harry Potter.
The cast of characters brings forth the final chapter in such a convincing way. The 2 1/2 hours seemed to fly by as death eaters and the like continued their pursuit of their endeavors. Of course, the absence of Michael Gambon as Dumbledore did not bother me (Richard Harris was so great, it was impossible to replace him). Potter deals with Dumbledore's death like he has any other, with strict vengeance on his mind.
Mild humor and tacky animated sequences were the low points of the movie, but nothing that would completely spoil the experience. I look forward to the second part of the seventh chapter and the conclusion of the series. The experience has been a great ride, but will hopefully come to a great end just like in the books. Yates has done a great job taking over the franchise from the other directors and I look forward to seeing the final chapter of the Deathly Hallows.
Stars (out of 10): 7
2010
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson
Let me begin by saying that if you are not a Potter fan, then you will not like the movie. It's that simple. Even if you have not read the books, the movies are great. They are entertaining and suck the audience into a world that we have come to love and respect. Potter fans are a special breed. I do not expect everyone to be a fan. This is why I feel it is unfair to judge such a movie based on regular critics. I am a Potter fan, so perhaps it is unfair to listen to this review.
I liked it. The first part of the two part seventh chapter in an epic tale came through with shimmering light. David Yates basically took the book, split it into 5 hours of movie then cut that in half. And you know what, it works. This is nothing like the horrendous sequels to the Matrix, because there is actually a story. The books of the Harry Potter series bring people to a different place. In order to correctly tell the final part (and of course to make money along the way), the studio and director decided to split it up.
The movie begins like the book, the middle is like the book, the end (of the first part is like the book). Time seemed to fly by as I was once again sucked into a world of broomsticks, witches, and every British actor known to man. The characters are brought to light and become so life like that I actually feel as if they are a part of the real world. Hell, I've never been to London, so I guess it's possible. The movie brings back every character and facet of the phenomenon that has been happening for nearly 10 years.
Harry Potter and his friends set off on a mission to destroy Horcruxes (objects that contain parts of Voldemort's soul) so they can finally begin to try to defeat him. These objects are scattered throughout the land in various places. It can be a ring, a necklace, or any other mundane object. The other side of the story has Voldemort planning his defeat of Harry Potter.
The cast of characters brings forth the final chapter in such a convincing way. The 2 1/2 hours seemed to fly by as death eaters and the like continued their pursuit of their endeavors. Of course, the absence of Michael Gambon as Dumbledore did not bother me (Richard Harris was so great, it was impossible to replace him). Potter deals with Dumbledore's death like he has any other, with strict vengeance on his mind.
Mild humor and tacky animated sequences were the low points of the movie, but nothing that would completely spoil the experience. I look forward to the second part of the seventh chapter and the conclusion of the series. The experience has been a great ride, but will hopefully come to a great end just like in the books. Yates has done a great job taking over the franchise from the other directors and I look forward to seeing the final chapter of the Deathly Hallows.
Stars (out of 10): 7
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Due Date
Due Date
2010
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Zack Galifianakis
Crazy thought. Is this a comedy? Probably. But not because of Zack. Sorry, I don't like your last name, so I'm not going to use it. But the movie was kind of funny. Key word being "of". What does that even mean? I don't know, I'm going out on a limb here. In a string of unfortunate events, two men road trip from Atlanta to Los Angeles together. This "what's-gonna-go-wrong-next?" event consists of debauchery involving masturbation, weed, and Jamie Foxx in a quasi-cameo.
Zack portrays a struggling, down-to-earth actor traveling to Hollywood from Atlanta. How is that different from his actual personality? For some reason, he somewhat gets on my nerves. I feel that his quirky, eccentric nature will eventually become old. I mean, how many movies can he actually be in? Eventually, the character-actor in him will wear off and he will find himself in a pit of despair involving a toothbrush and a candle. He will never succeed late in his career, which is sad. He seems like he has talent, but if he is going to rely on his regular acting status, he's not going to make it.
Anyway, Robert Downey, Jr. did a great job playing an asshole. Well why wouldn't he? He seems like he's a pretty straight shooter in real life. His acting ability amazes me. He has bounced back more than any other famous person I have ever seen. He knows how to take a role, any role, and play it with such conviction that it makes the audience hang on his every syllable.
The movie overall was fine. Like I said. However, the concept of the movie was a little lost to me. Why couldn't Downey have taken a train? It seemed like the logical choice, but who knows. This Rain Man-esque feature focuses on a road trip. But the real story is the idiosyncratic romance between two strangers. It grows over a course of three days. And no matter how ridiculous and illegal a stunt is that they embark upon, they seem to survive and manage to make jokes along the way.
Stars (out of 10): 5
2010
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Zack Galifianakis
Crazy thought. Is this a comedy? Probably. But not because of Zack. Sorry, I don't like your last name, so I'm not going to use it. But the movie was kind of funny. Key word being "of". What does that even mean? I don't know, I'm going out on a limb here. In a string of unfortunate events, two men road trip from Atlanta to Los Angeles together. This "what's-gonna-go-wrong-next?" event consists of debauchery involving masturbation, weed, and Jamie Foxx in a quasi-cameo.
Zack portrays a struggling, down-to-earth actor traveling to Hollywood from Atlanta. How is that different from his actual personality? For some reason, he somewhat gets on my nerves. I feel that his quirky, eccentric nature will eventually become old. I mean, how many movies can he actually be in? Eventually, the character-actor in him will wear off and he will find himself in a pit of despair involving a toothbrush and a candle. He will never succeed late in his career, which is sad. He seems like he has talent, but if he is going to rely on his regular acting status, he's not going to make it.
Anyway, Robert Downey, Jr. did a great job playing an asshole. Well why wouldn't he? He seems like he's a pretty straight shooter in real life. His acting ability amazes me. He has bounced back more than any other famous person I have ever seen. He knows how to take a role, any role, and play it with such conviction that it makes the audience hang on his every syllable.
The movie overall was fine. Like I said. However, the concept of the movie was a little lost to me. Why couldn't Downey have taken a train? It seemed like the logical choice, but who knows. This Rain Man-esque feature focuses on a road trip. But the real story is the idiosyncratic romance between two strangers. It grows over a course of three days. And no matter how ridiculous and illegal a stunt is that they embark upon, they seem to survive and manage to make jokes along the way.
Stars (out of 10): 5
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