No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached
2011
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher

The mere genre of romantic comedy has hit this level. The reality factor has always been pretty bland in the films. And to be honest, this movie was not very different. But there was some sort of truism to the fact that two friends could be lovers and whether it works or not is up to them. Now, going in, I thought the two people in the movie (Portman and Kutcher) would have been friends for a very long time. This, to me, would seem to be a little better hook. Every person has at least one very good friend of the opposite sex and wonders what it would be like if they were to ever hook up.

The answer is, it's weird to think about. How could two people that are such great friends ever be in a purely sexual relationship? Well, they can't. The humor and realism of the movie brought forth these feelings of authentic emotion and affinity. With steady laughs throughout the movie, I found myself smiling throughout.

Kutcher and Portman bring a somewhat realistic nature to their relationship, also being 2 of the most beautiful people in the business. Portman's style and glamour bring about a quirky way of beauty she pulls off with almost no effort. And, I don't really care what people say, Ashton Kutcher is cool. I forgive him for Dude, Where's My Car? but I like his way. He has a realistic way and a nice-guy type feature made for the big screen. That's all I have to say about that.

Kevin Kline plays a sinisterly funny character in Adam's (Kutcher) dad. He's an old man who used to star in a hit television show. He is a pot head asshole who doesn't seem to care about anyone else but himself. His character breaks through the wall when he tells Adam that he (Kline) is now sleeping with Vanessa, one of Adam's exes. The father-son bond is pulled tightly by the strings (no pun) in an effort to create a tension filled bucket of lies and terrible parenthood. Fortunately, the humor does not allow the awkward to take over and completely monopolize the movie. Kline is brilliantly hilarious in this portrayal.


Other than small quirks and cracks, the storyline stayed true and was pretty new and inviting. It brought the technology factor through without the obnoxiousness of dumb characters. The movie was straight to the point and I appreciated that.

Stars (out of 5): * * *

A Revamp To The System

So, because I cannot sit still for a long time without doing anything, I've decided to revamp my blog. I'm not sure how many people read it, but I'm hoping that the few that do enjoy reading my writings. I know there are matters of a difference of opinion, but honestly, that's why I believe it's interesting.

The reason I do this is to entertain myself and make my opinions known to the few people that do read what I put down on this technological page. I find it difficult to please people, so I do it to please myself.

Over the course of the next year (and possibly beyond), along with my normal write ups of movies that I see, I will be revisiting movies from the past. I may write a new review of a movie I have seen again since the first impression. I may watch a movie again from years ago and talk about the differences I found and if I liked it more or less now. There are plenty of titles I can think of that I do need to watch again. To name a few:

Gladiator
Die Hard
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Schindler's List
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Mystic River

That's not even close to all of them, but those are the ones that came to my mind, and yes, they are all on my Netflix list. Or I could probably just borrow one from a friend. Anyway, getting back to what I was saying, the reason I am doing this is because of the debacle that arose from Inception. During the summer I went to a midnight show of the film, but was exhausted from the day's work before. I did not know much about the movie and didn't know that it would take all the strength in my brain to make sense of the back and forth situations that occur.


(Photo from: thehydramag.com)


Bringing me back to my next point. The reviews of movies that I come back to will probably not be as formally written as the previous. I may just ramble and insert things about movies I have seen. Who knows? I sure as hell don't. Getting back, Inception was good. Not great, but good. After viewing it for a second time last week, I see now what the fuss is about. It was still confusing, and I did have to dig into my deep, intelligent brain to figure out just what exactly was happening. The true magnetism of the story brings you in to this world of imagination, and quite frankly, Matrixism? Sure, we'll go with that, I'm okay with it. The sheer velocity of the plot brings forth the presence of too much going on. I'm okay with that, but I feel that Nolan completely went over the top. The whole movie was over the top. With drama, not great acting, and only one action scene that was awesome which involved Joseph Gordon-Levitt floating in mid-air and mid-fight, still over the top. The deluxe grandeur of a big budget movie seemed too much for this filmmaker, and he made a very confusing, yet very (intelligent?) film. I still can't decide what I liked about it. I can't decide what I didn't like about it. To a point, it was fine. But honestly, as my brother said to me after his viewing, I don't care that much.

As for the new format, deal. Please just comment if you have an issue or like something. That is all.

Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine
2010
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Michelle Williams, Ryan Gosling

Well, here we are. It's a new year. Meaning new movies and new reviews. I'm going to bring things up a notch or two this year. Maybe reviewing not just new movies I see, but continuing the judgment of every movie I see. Netflix is truly a beautiful thing. Adding pictures and certain details might also help in the spicing of this blogged out relationship.

Blue Valentine. One of the things I judge a movie on can be its trailer. It doesn't have to be awesome, it doesn't have be long. It just has to have that valor and sticking nature that a tease should have. Like a girl running her cool hands down a long arm, the tease should be enough to get interested and stay interested. Blue Valentine's trailer brought my attention to this film diving in to the realism of modern relationships.

(Photo from: joblo.com)

Focusing on a young couple married for about 5 years with a young daughter, this melodrama brings forth the true nature of how relationships have very high ups and very low downs. The chronology jumps back and forth from the time when they met to a point in their current relationship struggling to keep it together. Gosling portrays Dean, a job jumping non-high school graduate trying to keep his family together. His drinking is too heavy, and his jobs do not help the cause. His true nature of the character finds the audience lost in his eyes, smile, frown, and Stanley Tucci look from The Lovely Bones. Yet, he loves his daughter and his wife so deeply that he loses himself in the relationships to a point of a crumble.



Williams characterizes Cindy, a hard working nurse in a Gynecologist's office. She loves her husband and her daughter, but realizes that trying to keep them all together is nearly impossible. The film begins showing the awkwardly crazy relationship of the three people in their Pennsylvania home.

The story transcends the ultimate beauty of love and torture in a relationship. Bonds are built and broken from the shattered hearts of two individuals too damn blinded by the sanctity of their truth to one another. People wonder how love is never like a romantic comedy.

(Photo from: thejosevilson.com)

How come going to the library or coffee shop does not bring back that one true feeling? How come people have to work hard to find true love? And why do we have to work so damn hard to keep it once we have it?


The film boasts on realistic nature of relationships. Meeting someone, falling in love, being with them, and the ultimate show of affection and trust rearing its ugly, truthful head. The mind boggling connection between the two main characters in this gore fest of drama brings about the truth behind every relationship. It is impossible to be madly in love and happy for the entire course of a relationship. The problem with most romantic comedies is that they do not show what happens after that day in the park when the woman jumps in the man's arms. They do not show the toll that relationships take on people. They do not show the overwhelming frustration of wanting something, getting it, and losing it. This two hour love/hate fest brings our souls to a realistic and truthful stand still.

Stars (now out of 5, due to my overwhelming amount of time spent on my Netflix account): ***

Top 10 Films of 2010 (Part 2)

5. True Grit
Nope, I didn't think I'd like this one either. Coen brothers' movies have always been a hit or miss for me. I find them compelling, but sometimes they are just dumb (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers). So I wasn't sure what to expect. Add in the western aspect and I was almost positive I wouldn't find it pleasing. I was proven wrong. With the quick wit of the 14 year old lead character, and the drunken nature of Jeff Bridges slurring his words, the story comes together in this western tale of revenge and murder. The plot was simple, the characters were fun and interesting, and the overall concept brought forth a positive vibe from the movie. Not since Fargo have I seen a Coen brothers' movie that created such a realistic nature. The death scenes were quick, the wit was quicker, and the movie kept me intrigued the whole time.

4. The Kids Are All Right
I had no idea what the hell this movie would be about. A friend suggested it to me. It was playing at our "local" indie theater, so we went. The story was so true and realistic to today's society that it was easy to sympathize with the characters even though most of us aren't in their situation. Mark Ruffalo plays a man who once donated sperm when he was young and money seeking. We've all been there. His "daughter" turns 18 and decides to find out who the sperm donor was for her and her brother born from their lesbian mothers. Needless-to-say it was Ruffalo, who happens to live in the same area and becomes friendly with the family. He and Julianne Moore (one of the lesbians) begin an affair when they work together and all family riots ensue. I liked this movie for the real nature of its being. The true cataclysm of the family relationship shows the realistic feel of a dysfunctional American family.

3. Toy Story 3
Yeah, it probably could have been number 1, but it wasn't. This movie was an entertainment fest. I never laughed so hard in my life, that I can remember. This is also because I sat between two of my friends who have the most addicting laughs ever. But the movie was funny all the same. The combination of the characters we have come to know and love over the past 15 years brought us back to the beginning. Making us appreciate toys when we are young, and yes, even at an older age. Some people found it unusual that a 17 year old leaving for college felt so attached to his toys from childhood. But I found it real and inspiring. All people are attached to things for way longer than they should be, and we should cherish that feeling. This film brought everyone back to the comfort zone and took an hour and a half of our lives to make us feel young once again. And it did not hurt to see Mr. Potato Head trapped in a falafel.

2. The Social Network
Yep, a Facebook movie. It happened, and it only took 7 years. Yet the making of this movie was seemingly epic, while the movie itself took us to a whole new level of modern day conspiracy and theft. Identity theft does not hold a candle to the idea of stealing someone's internet dream scape. An escape and vision of reality so true that it redefines what it is to be "online". Who's on Facebook? Everyone. Who knows what Facebook is? Everyone. Who knows where Facebook came from? Now everyone. The fight for the digital frontier is brought about in this film, depicting the treachery and blogisms from Mark Zuckerberg, founder and creator of the Facebook algorithm. Add in Justin Timberlake as Napster frontman Sean Parker and you have yourself a fantastic thing that can only be called a film for our generation.

1. The Town
It's about that time to stop making fun of Ben Affleck. I know he's easy to bash, but why exactly? Is there anything this guy can't do? "He can't act", watch Boiler Room, "He can't direct", watch Gone Baby Gone. Oh, and hey, this movie brings about both of those qualities. The guy is awesome. I don't care who it is, Ben Affleck is the fucking man. He then pulls a great move by bringing in Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner and brings forth a phenomenal film. The film depicts a group of bank robbers hell bent on getting that one awesome heist. The vivid and emotional story line brings you into the depths of a lowly Boston neighborhood where robbing banks is as common as leaving out the "R" sound in words. Affleck stars and directs in this amazingly display of cinematic genius and prowess. Bring on the awards dude, you deserve it. Although the Academy is so crazy in love with older men getting Best Actor. Eh, maybe we'll see you with a statue in 20 years, long after Shia.

Top 10 Films of 2010

Alright, here it is. Another reason for you to bitch and moan about how I don't know anything. To be frank, no I did not see every movie to come out this year. But I did see a hell of a lot. Now, in the next week, this all could change if Blue Valentine or How Do You Know? blow me out of the water. But we'll see. This, being December 29, with 2 1/2 days of the year, I have compiled my list of the best films. It was hard to decipher through the mere entertainment of a movie (Jackass), or the true reality of what is possible in our lives (Going the Distance, Love and Other Drugs). Unfortunately, neither of these movies made my list, although they were close. But to judge, not merely on the state of a film's script, but the acting, and the overall engaging nature of the piece to bring my brain into such tranquility that it would make for a great movie. I will not supply you with full summaries, you don't read my shit anyway, but do me a favor. If you do read, give me some feedback. As much as I love being right in my own little brain, I do enjoy a nice discussion (or argument) over the validity of my selections. So we begin.

10. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Michael Cera playing awkward? NO! It can't be. Yet it is. But in this modern age re-adaptation of every video game we have come to know and love, the story debunks the true nature of the film and brings it to a whole new level. Pilgrim is a kid fighting for his love. End of story. But with Blu-Ray-esque(?) features and a plot line that is pretty compelling, this film slipped right into my list. This being one of those guilty pleasure type deals.

9. Black Swan
She's hot. That's the only thing I can think of when I think of Natalie Portman. She's Jewish? Check. She's not a tabloid sucking monster? Check check. Portman is a struggling ballet dancer working feverishly toward the top. Vincent Cassel (who is the bad guy from Derailed) brings about a good performance as Portman's douchebag of a ballet instructor. 110 minutes and many personalities later, I was transfixed by the beauty of something that would never usually grab my attention strings. The essence of ballet emits thoughts of beauty and beastry. I don't give a shit if that's not a word. You know what I mean.

8. Shutter Island
Leo's in it. That's all I know. I don't care how homo this sounds, I don't care if Leo was in a remake of Cursed, I would still see it. He's not only a generational actor for me, but someone that got me generally interested in movies. I was 11 when I saw Titanic twice in the theater (guilty). I don't think he's dreamy, he's a fucking good actor. So sue me. The book runs over the movie with an army tank, but the movie was good, too. Ben Kingsley, you still frighten me for a reason I can't explain.

7. The Fighter
Not since Fear (yep) have I seen Wahlberg in such a good movie. Who would have thought that the singer of once pop hit Good Vibrations would be in an Academy worthy movie. No, I don't think his performance was the caliber of award material. But I do find that his co-stars are. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo sink in the depths of a character only once seen before by yours truly in an unforgettable Joker played by the adept Heath Ledger. Bale and Leo steal the show in this once and fifty times told story of a struggling athlete fighting for a comeback.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Yes, I read them. Yes, I've seen the movies. And yes, I love both the books and the movies. Don't say you've never been interested. The writing is tailored for audiences that enjoy fantasy and magic without all the guess work. The way the JK Rowling transfixes a mind into a world unknown to the common people is inspiring. She'll refer to something in the 6th book that was barely a headline in the 2nd book. She uses her cast of characters so fine that it brings your mind to a whole new level. The movies have gone up and down in the years with the changing directors and (due to completely uncontrollable circumstances) actor changes. The first two were very good, straight forward to tell a story. The third sucked. The fourth and fifth were fine, and the sixth is difficult to judge because the book and storyline did consist of a lot of talk setting up the seventh and final year for Harry and the gang at Hogwarts. The first part of the split up last movie was consistent with the book and told the story that needed to be told. The emotions brought forth the true nature of a Potter fan. That's all I expected and asked for.

To be continued...

True Grit

True Grit
2010
Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges

Wow. It's a word that is seldom used by me. But the mere velocity of this western brings forth the word from my lips like a stain on a coffee table left by a cold drink. What does that mean? It's a good movie, that's what. The film facilitates true grit as the title suggests by bringing forth a collection of fast-talking, gun slinging, and more balls carried by a 14 year old girl than anyone I know.

The story focuses on 14 year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) searching revenge for her father's death. Her father's murderer is man named Tom Chaney (not to be confused with Dick Cheney, who shoots people, too). She is on the hunt for Chaney (Josh Brolin) and hires a gun slinging, quick talking, almost in-understandable Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Cogburn ditches the girl and hires LaBoeuf (pronounced La-Beef? We'll get to that later). The girl catches up with the two horsemen and the 3 of them ride together towards their ultimate goal of finding Chaney. Each with their own reason for finding Chaney, the three bump heads more times that I could count. The journey ensued brings forth a sense of a willingness to reach a goal, bring about friendship through strangers, and learning that no matter what age or gender, any one can do something as long as they work hard.

The Coen brothers don't always have a phenomenal movie in my eyes (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers to name a couple). Anyway, this movie brought back to me the feeling of watching Fargo for the first, second, and even third time. The collection of characters and actors work together well in this gritty old western first brought about by the legendary John Wayne back in 1969. The irony, however, is that the Coen brothers never even saw the Duke's version of the movie. The made a re-adaptation of the book written by Charles Portis. This made sure to be interesting as the Coens made it impossible to create a direct copy of the original film.

Going on that fact, though, how did the Coen brothers know Damon's character's name was pronounced La-Beef? Did they simply guess, ask the author (if still alive), or just want to avoid any confusion with Shia. Yeah, I said it. It's spelled practically the same way, I'm just saying. Also, I know that it is a business, but I hate when movies and studios fail to recognize the main character in a movie. Hailee Steinfeld is the main character in True Grit. End of story. The camera follows her every move, and the other characters are secondary. So, on the poster of the movie, or the trailer, why isn't she first billed? There is a system, I know that. Don't comment to me of "oh they need to show that there's big actors in it, too". Well how come Jeff Bridges wasn't first billed in Stick It? How come Matt Damon wasn't first billed in Team America: World Police? There's a false nature to this business bringing about the hard work and exploitation of young actors that boggles my mind. Hailee Steinfeld deserves a lot of credit, including a Best Actress nomination, if she is to be nominated. Not Best Supporting Actress. The only thing she supported was the rest of the cast.

Oh, and Jeff Bridges, you talk like you have a gigantic tongue and no one can understand you. Please fix it or I'll piss on your rug.

Stars (out of 10): 8

The King's Speech

The King's Speech
2010
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush

Beginning in 1925, this film follows the story of the Duke of York (Bertie) through his trials and tribulations of public speaking. His father, King George V, asks him to speak at an event on the king's behalf in Wembley Stadium. The Duke, characterized by Colin Firth, fights with a strong stammer in his speaking voice, causing this speech to fail miserably. His wife, played by the lovely and sometimes terrifying Helena Bonham Carter, begs him to go for speech therapy before another big speech.

After trying a few methods, the Duke's wife meets a strange man who claims to be a speech therapist. The quick wit and strong demeanor of Geoffrey Rush's Lionel Logue convince the Duke to take up speech therapy with him. Ensuing are the ups and downs of speech therapy for a king in the wait. While he is in therapy, the clock jumps a bit in this film from year to year. His father dies, leaving the throne to his older brother, David. The brother cannot handle being king, and with the scandal of a forth coming marriage to a once-divorced woman, David gives the crown to Bertie. Now needing to act like a king, and with World War II just breaking out, Berties finds it in himself to make political and hopeful speeches to the country that he is the ruler of.

Firth's performance is believable as a troubled political power with a disability no one can seem to understand. Rush's quick wit and one-liners steal the show as the humor completely takes over any story that the unbalanced chronology seemed to try to have. The story is a simple one, bringing forth the difficulty of creating something this straight-forward into a motion picture. Firth's performance will likely get him an Academy Award nomination, and possible win. I'd be alright with that, but I feel that strong acting only can come about when the challenge is worth it. There is no greater way to tell a good actor than noticing that the actor has disappeared from the film and the character is there instead.

Stars (out of 10): 6