Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same

I know, I know...this isn't really a film with a story persay...but it does have quite a few fantasy sequences that tell kind of a story so that counts right? It has to, it's Zeppelin.
There's minimal acting in this movie...and what is there is all kind of weird and abstract in a way and personally, I don't pay much attention to it because its just connects different parts of the Zeppelin show at Madison Square Garden in New York back in the 70's. Like I said, I don't care much for the "film" aspect of this movie...watching all their weird little fantasy/hallucinations between songs...the performance itself is where its at...the single greatest band that has ever graced worldwide airwaves.
The camera angles are wonderful. Definitely give you something to look at ya know?
I don't know if any of you have seen Jimmy Page play Dazed and Confused but I promise you it does not disappoint. A lot of people take these guys for granted. Everyone knows Zeppelin is one of the greats but what they're unaware of is the true magnitude of each of their talents and the way they culminate together to create such flawlessly beautiful music.
The reason I felt the need to review this movie is that I recently came to the realization that I will never ever get the chance to see my favorite band perform haha. Its so super lame. Now if the Shins could get their asses in gear and get another album out so they could tour, I'd be satisfied :)
Anywho, what's the best song in The Song Remains the Same? Who the hell knows. Do they play Ten Years Gone? I don't think so. We'll go with Dazed and Confused because of the bow.

Suggestionsss.
344 to go.

Emile Hirsch should've played the lead role in Taking Woodstock

Its odd, looking back I don't feel like anything very memorable came of yesterday, but I sure was without free time for some reason. Lame. Anywho, I saw Taking Woodstock last night. I've been pretty excited to see this because this year is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock in '69 and even though its kind of lame, I have an unexplainably high appreciation for this music. I firmly believe that there hasn't been musical talent to that degree since the 70's. Its beautiful. Its heartfelt. It wasn't money or fame-driven. It was art in its truest form. Just raw talent. And today, we're left with Green Day haha. The Brett Favre of the music industry. Give it up guys!
Anyway, Ang Lee kind of let me down. Emile Hirsch gave the only performance worth mentioning in the entire film and he was most definiely not a main character like presented in the trailers and advertisements. Can you believe that in a film about Woodstock does not include one single musical performance? Its so disappointing. Martin Luther McCoy is so great at playing Jimi, we couldn't have seen him play a song or two? Where's Janis? They mention her on the line up but don't seem to think it's necessary to include her in the movie? Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, CCR, The Who, Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Joan Baez, ughh there were so many opportunities to show off what Woodstock was and they failed. The entire movie is just an exaggerated portrayal of what Woodstock was. Yes, there was a VERY large amount of dirty "dazed and confused" hippies running around, they were high, not idiots. They had enough sense to organize a show of that magnitude.
Basically they turned a movie about 3 days of peace and music into a movie about the money behind the 3 days of peace and music...and they kind of threw in a few moments where we got to know the main character a little...played oh-so-awkwardly by Demitri Martin. Who the hell is Demitri Martin?
Anyway, this movie had amazing potential. Way to screw it up Ang Lee.
C-
Best song: I should have a huge list here. But since this movie is gay as hell...
Why are The Doors even on this soundtrack? They declined their invitation to play the show.
Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) - Janis Joplin

Suggestions welcome.
345 to go.

Coming Soon...

The Squid and the Whale
Teeth
Inglourious Basterds
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same
Slumdog Millionaire
Happy Go Lucky

Harry Potter V: The Order of the Phoenix

I absolutely had to use this promo poster because it looks so unbelievably cheesy. Like definitely Twilight status. Its awesome.
Well, I must say, this is my least favorite Harry Potter movie...better yet, my least favorite Harry Potter book. Its unfortunate but really I guess there's nothing they could do about it. There's just way too much information shoved into one book or one movie.
One thing that definitely does not dissapoint though is the cinematography of all these films. There are so many things in movies that we take for granted. Take the scene with the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries. Its interesting to watch how much really went into that single scene. Probably a few million dollars. The composition of the frames is perfect. The animation is perfect. The filters and editing are all perfect.
Then there's the duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore. The animation is seamless. They create an entire firestorm and a great flood in one room which may or may not even be as big as it looks in the film. Its awesome in its truest form.
Sometimes I'm awe-struck by the acting in the Harry Potter films also...A few people who always deliver...Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore, and last but most definitely not least...Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange...(plus she's the wife of below-mentioned Tim Burton).
Really, I do wish David Yates would get smarter about making these movies though. Like the 6th one was a complete piece of crap. Come on buddy. Quit ruining the story, we really enjoy it.
So I give this movie like a B-. Its bad but there isn't much else they could've done. And the actual filming is good.
Best song: To be honest...I'm not a fan of the Wizard Rock. It's suuuuper lame.

Suggestions always welcome :)
346 to go.

Tim Burton, the Mastermind Pt. 2: Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!!!
Tim Burton didn't write this fantastically entertaining story, but he did direct it into a major motion picture. This movie is the best! What a fantastic use of irony. There's this couple...They live the most normal of normal lives you could. Just simple, they have a plain little house, a plain little car, and a plain little scale model of the town in the attic.
Little did they know that given some upcoming events, they will soon have a creepy nasty little man by the name of Beetlejuice living in their tiny model town.
Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis do a wonderful job at attempting to scare the crap out of their new tennants but aren't really too successful at first...at least, not until they get the help of Beetlejuice that is. Michael Keaton is a genius. And I love Winona Ryder I think even more than in Edward Scissorhands.
What a I love about this movie the most is the fact that there's this plain little couple with their plain little lives which they do live to their fullest extent, and once their done, that's when the real insanity begins. Come on, handbook for the deceased? the after life waiting room? the guy with the shrunken head? It definitely is yet another masterpiece from our beloved Tim Burton.
A+
Best song:
Day-O - Harry Bellafonte.
Jump in the Line - Harry Bellafonte

Suggestions.
347 to go.

Tim Burton, the Mastermind Pt. 1: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton...phenominal director, phenominal producer, phenominal writer, phenominal...self? He's amazing. How many more greats could he give us? The above mentioned, Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Sweeney Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hallow, Batman, Batman Returns, Planet of the Apes, and my absolute favorite kids movie, James and the Giant Peach. Wonderful.
The thing most coveted about Tim Burton, I think, is his style. He has one of the most creative minds of our time and that allows him to give us films like The Nightmare Before Christmas. Its the best example of how he can think up such grotesque and demented looking characters and scenes, but with the help of Danny Elfman's genius composer work, funny and creative dialogue, and character development itself, he portrays all of his film's oddities in a totally ordinary and almost endearing manner.
His level of creativity as a film maker, as an artist, is even more apparent because his films really stand the test of time. Look at Edward Scissorhands. It came out in 1990...seems like not too long ago but that's nearly 20 years. I don't know one person who hasn't seen it and loved it. The same goes for Nightmare. Everyone I knew as a kid loved it, and everyone I know now loves it.
If only I had an ounce of his genius.
A+ of course.
Best song: I'm Jack! The pumpkin kingggg.

Suggestions welcome. 348 to go.

John Dillinger is Public Enemy #1

Johnny, what were you thinking?!? I guess that this movie had such great potential but in my opinion, was kind of a flop. Look at that promo poster...even that is enough to make someone want to see this movie.
I looked into the history of John Dillinger and his crime spree and its a pretty good thing too because the film doesn't really attempt to give you a background at all. Another thing, its definitely not a traditionally filmed movie...and don't get me wrong, usually I'm a huge fan of creative cinematography but as cool as this movie actually looked, it was more confusing than anything else. A lot of the characters looked and sounded similar so it was quite difficult to place a name on a face and even be aware of who is talking and what side they're on, etc.
The story of John Dillinger and his buddies is defintiely one worth telling...but the beginning and end point these screenwriters and director chose was kind of awkward.
Don't worry, there are plus sides! Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are amazing. Wonderful acting. Very realistic.
Overall, I wasn't a big fan of this film. I give it a C-.
Best song: They actually used mostly score music for the film. Its nothing anyone would listen to for fun ha.

Suggestions please :)
349 to go.

I love I Love You, Man.

110% hilarious. Paul Rudd is amazing...in this movie, Jason Segel is equally as amazing...I don't love him as much in Forgetting Sarah Marshall...don't get me wrong, its a funny movie, but not as great as this. I got screening passes!! a while back. Went, laughed every minute. How can you not?
Its pretty much a movie about a guy (Paul Rudd) with no actual friends, but a wonderful girlfriend. After proposing to her and overhearing a conversation between her and her friends, he needs to "get some fucking friends" or they're going to have a pretty uneven wedding party.
Its kind of an awkward concept...a grown man seeking a best friend. Well after a pre-pubescent sounding guy from his brother's gym, a dinner with a handsom fellow with somewhat different motives, and a puke-face poker night with his fiance, Zooey's (Rashida Jones) best friend's husband and his buddies, he finally comes across Sydney Fife (Jason Segel).
Sydney is a single guy living in Venice Beach who definitely lives by his own rules. Basically, despite some confusing and awkward jokes and remarks made by Peter, he and Sydney become the best of friends. They even jam out to Rush together! Peter's slappin the bass mon!
All-in-all, I love this movie because its actually intelligent yet comical. I feel like that is extremely difficult to find given the movies that continue to receive financing for some reason..eh hem *The Hangover*.
I give this movie an A overall.
Best song: Tom Sawyer - Rush, duh.

Sugggestions welcome.
350 to go.

Adam, the one a little stranger.

Aww Adam...another advanced screening thanks to a friend! Love it. I read some reviews from people who saw this movie a while ago...a few were written by people who personally suffer from Asperger's. The ones I read were pretty consistent in saying the film painted the truest picture of Asperger's. If any of you don't know, the disorder is basically high-functioning autism...or in other words, social autism. They are unable to perceive human emotions other than their own...basically they can absorb and understand any literal reality but no nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expressions, etc.
I enjoyed every last minute of this movie up until the end. It was amazing...original and all around lovely. It is such a hopeful and inspiring story...
Given that this director/writer (Max Mayer) has only directed a few episodes of the West Wing and Alias and a few not-so-critically acclaimed films in the 90s, I think he really showed his true talent in this movie. Hugh Dancy plays the role of Adam perfectly. Adam's beauty and uniqueness is written all over every scene. Rose Byrne plays Adam's love interest, Beth. She also does a phenominal job. There is kind of a side-by-side storyline going on throughout involving Beth's father (Peter Gallager) and his career. At first when I watched it, I didn't think it was absolutely necessary...and still I'm not sure it is but I do appreciate the fact that it is a part of the story. But I don't think it contributes well to the ending. In my opinion, this movie ends with a stupid twist...nothing more, nothing less. Everything, and I mean everything...including the situation with her father, and her mother's advice...everything points to a different, more satisfying ending. I don't think I'll ever be sure of why they chose to make it the way they did.
I, unfortunately have to dock it a letter just because of that.
I give it a solid B. Don't get me wrong though, the movie is fantastic and worth seeing.
Best song from the movie:
Can't Go Back Now - The Weepies
Plastic Flowers - The Hiders
When You Find Me - Joshua Radin

Suggestions welcome.
351 to go.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh aren't quite like the ones in the book

Thank the universe for NetFlix because without it I would have never seen this movie. It was shortly after I read the book that I heard they were making a movie of it but it was a very small production. It never even reached Phoenix. I doubt that my local Blockbuster would carry it anyway. BUT I finally saw it and it was quite an entertaining movie but I will say they changed a lot more than minor details of the original story. After reading the book, I asked myself, ok, what are the mysteries of Pittsburgh then? And the question was easy to answer...everything and everybody...Art Bechstein himself, his father and his business...the relationship between said father and Art...his girlfriend Phlox, his soon to be very close friend Arthur Lecompt...the lovely and amazing Jane Bellwether...Cleveland, Mohammed and his friends, their lifestyle, Cleveland's lifestyle...the relationships between all these people...the cloud factory...the city...Art's job...etc. He was previously sheltered from anything that might be considered a little off.
But who knew the stupid screenwriters would screw it up by making Phlox Art's boss at the bookstore? or put Cleveland more in the shoes of Arthur..and of course, cut the character of Arthur entirely?
I have issues with a lot of film adaptations of books, especially if I really enjoyed the books because they seem to think the excuse of "we needed to cut time!" will suffice everytime for the stupid mistakes they make which botch the greatness of the stories they're trying to mimic.
I did enjoy this movie. In ways it was a lot like the book...but in ways it was completely different so that left me a little disappointed.
Overall, the movie gets a C+ from me...just because like I said, I was a little disappointed.
Best song: God Damn Job - Paul Westerberg

Suggestions welcomeee.
352 to go.

John Hughes Film Festival Part III: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

"Bueller......Bueller.......Bueller......"
"Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious."
The kid is a damn genius for christ's sake! I've been so excited to finally review this movie because it is most definitely a must-see classic. Matthew Broderick does a phenominal job playing the part of Ferris.
Ferris, his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck), and his girlfriend Sloan (Mia Sara) have what I consider to be the absolute best senior ditch day of all time...even if it was just the 3 of them. I mean, come on. With the utmost care and calculation, he fakes sick to get out of school...talks Cameron, his slightly fruitcakey friend to take his father's immaculately restored vintage Ferrari...Ferris takes the fake identity of Abe Froman to get into a fancy restaurant...they get on the big screen at a game at Wrigley Field...check out the Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago....and of course! Ferris makes a fantastic edition to the Von Steuben Day Parade with his performance of Twist and Shout. Oh but of course, not everything is as simple as that right?
I love every minute of this movie and its even better in theaters. If only we could go back to 1986...haha yeah right.
A+ All the way. When I say must-see, I mean it.
Best song: Twist and Shout - covered by the Beatles.

Suggestions welcome, as always.
353 to go.

John Hughes Film Festival Part II: The Breakfast Club

Oh my god this movie is 100 times better seeing it in an actual theater! I love it!
The funny parts are funnier, the sad parts sadder, the awkward parts just more awkward. I don't even know how to review this movie because its so widely accepted as a great classic...I mean honestly have you ever met a person who hates The Breakfast Club?
You've got the brain, Brian (Anthony Michael Hall)...I wonder if there's a connection between his name, Brian, and him being the "brain" of the group..ya know;
The athlete, Andrew (Emilio Estevez);
The basket case, Allison (Ally Sheedy);
The princess, Claire (Molly Ringwald);
And last but, of course, not least, the criminal by the name of John Bender (Judd Nelson).
Could you ask for a better group of people to be thrown into a room with only eachother as entertainment for 9 hours. Its the most perfect coming-of-age story...and its even better because these monumental transformations of each character take place over the course of one day. I love it because while there is always something to hate in people, there's always something great to gain from getting to know them. Its the epitome of how real life usually is. People, in general, aren't typically super excited to get to know somebody who looks so obviously not your "type" of person. Its a pretty great learning lesson in this film. Classic, kind of cheesy, but something to always keep in mind nonetheless.
I love every single one of these guys. I wish I could've been in Saturday detention with them. I'm not sure what my label would be though haha...the one absorbed in the fake reality of movies and television?
"Don't mess with the bull, young man. You'll get the horns."
"Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his closet?"
"Dear Mr. Vernon, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us; in the simplest terms, the most convenient definition. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question?"
Its absolutely golden.
Oh, and guys, tune in tomorrow, I'll have my Ferris Bueller's Day Off review hot off the keys. Yeah, I'm creative.
A+, duh.
Best song: Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds

Suggestions always welcome.
354 to go.

John Hughes Film Festival Part I: Weird Science

Oh mannn John Hughes, great right?
There's something really awesome about having movie ticket stubs to these movies, I mean, they came out over 20 years ago ya know?
So I had an awesome day. Saw an old friend, caught up a bit. 12:30pm Weird Science. 5:05 The Breakfast Club. 7:20 Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Notice there's a bit of a break between the first two, its because we skipped Pretty in Pink...I know, I know...but I thought we might get a littttle sick of sitting in a movie theater if we went from noon to 9 at night. Sooo we took a break, got some pizza, got some ice cream, got some CDs and a part to my bike I needed...and why not? Went to a palm reader! Man I love Mill Ave.
I now know that I will have one happy marriage in my life, 3 kids (2 boys and a girl), and money will never be a problem for me! haha, awesome right?
Anyway, Weird Science. Its weird haha. Its weird how it runs so many parallels with Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rocky came out in '75 and Weird Science in '85...so I guess we can conclude that John wasn't always perfectly original haha. But it doesn't matter because Weird Science is awesome! Though at first it was hard for me to watch a full-figured woman making out with what is supposed to be a 15 year old boy. Crazy '80s.
This movie screams John Hughes. Its marvelous that he has such a unifying feeling to all of his movies. And I do love the cheesy little whoosh! sound effects through some of it haha. Oh god but the brother Chet? One of the single most irritating characters of any movie I've ever seen, though I guess he's supposed to be that way right? Which is why he gets transformed into that fantastically disgusting little toad creature? Haha and oh man, the accent. For whatever reason Garry gets this crazy accent when he gets drunk at the bar with Lisa and Wyatt...the accent is also used in, if I'm not mistaken, The Breakfast Club by the character Brian. Its pretty interesting.
Anywhooo, I loved this movie, but not quite as much as the previous mentioned.
B.
Best song of the movie: Well obviously Weird Science performed by Oingo Boingo. :)

Suggestions welcome.
355 to go.

These certainly are some Funny People...

I'd like to start by saying that I got a free movie poster from at the District 9 screening for this movie and its sweet.
What a fantastic cast though right? Even Jonah Hill wasn't his usual annoying self...definitely toned down a lot. But really...Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann, Jason Schwartzman...and those two little Apatow girls. They're cute. Probably rich..and cute.
This was a pretty decent flick...I think I even felt a little funnier after watching it! no...but really it was good. It was totally original...a perfect new age Adam Sandler meets Apatow I think.
The only downside was the time factor. It was reallllly long. I mean, I saw a late show around 10:30 I think and when I got out it was 1am. Kind of one of those unexpected things like wowww I didn't want to be at the movies for that long haha. Plus I'm late to everything and got pretty stupid seats. But whatever. 45 minutes shaved off is necessary.
I thought it was really interesting to watch all the stand up performances just because the way they were filmed made them seem pretty raw and uncut if that doesn't sound too lame. Its true though, comedians can really show off their talent the most while by themselves on stage.
Oh how I love Seth Rogen...he was great in this movie wasn't he? Totally funny...character's totally kind of a jerk...but he ends up learning his lesson I think and he's lovable anyway.
I definitely recommend this film, I just would like everybody to be prepared for 2 and a half hours of sitting in a theater. I do feel sometimes movies that long can take away from the story a little...I mean in something like that, who doesn't find themselves checking their phones for the time?
B from me.
Best song of the movie: All the King's Horses - Robert Plant and the Strange Sensations...just because anything Led Zeppelin automatically takes the #1 spot.

Suggestions welcomeee.
356 to go.

And Away We Go...

I saw this movie a while ago when it was in theaters. I wasn't sure after I watched it if I really cared for it much. The director, Sam Mendes, was a pretty focused-on director in a cinema class I took last year...If you guys have ever seen American Beauty, you'd probably expect a lot from this guy too.
After a long time spent pondering, I came to the conclusion that I do, in fact, think this movie can be called a great motion picture. However, it really isn't much like his previous works.
Away We Go is a story of a semi-young couple...I feel we've been bombarded by a whole lot of young adult love stories in the film industry recently so it was refreshing to see this one. If I'm not mistaken they are now 30 years old and expecting an unexpected first child. The two main roles are played by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph. John, or better yet, Burt's parents have just informed them that they are moving to another country and they are suddenly faced with the pressures of finding a place to raise their child. They decide its better if they live by people they know..family, friends, etc. so they go on a cross-country search. Along the way, they learn a lot about eachother and a lot about their relationship. Of course, there are good and bad events on this journey but all-in-all its an uplifting, inspiring film.
B.
Best song from the movie:
All of my Days - Alexi Murdoch

Suggestions.
357 to go.

Napoleon...not so Dynamite.

This week looks promising. I got a decent amount of shifts at work, a friend of mine got screening tickets for Adam (hopefully another great from Fox Searchlight), and I was informed by another friend that there is a John Hughes marathon happening this week at a local theater. I'm pretty stoked honestly...Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science. Starts at 2:50 guys!
Sometimes I wonder how certain movies appeal to people. I wonder what was running through the heads of the directors, production companies, not to mention the writers who thought up these genius screenplays. Napoleon Dynamite defines this category of film.
I just read the summary on IMDb.com...I laughed after the first line.
"Napoleon Dynamite, a lovable, unpopular high school age guy who just wants to fit in."
Hahaha. Okay...first of all, he's not lovable, he's annoying. Its not funny that he draws "ligers". Its not funny that he has some random Mexican friend running for president. Its not funny that he has the weirdest brother on the face of the planet. Its not funny that his mom pronounces the ll's in quesadillas. Stupidity and outrageousness does not add up to comedy necessarily and I think people were a little confused about that when this movie came out.
John Heder is about as talented an actor as our "lovable" buddy Jonah Hill. Give me a break.
There has never been a bigger waste of film reel. It's ok Fox, we all make mistakes.
F. Big fat F. Like, zero percent.
Best song of the movie: There were good songs in it?

Suggestions, as long as they're not as ridiculous as this movie, are welcome, as always.
358 to go.

Got Milk?

You know, I knew basic facts of the gay-rights movement in general but I'll honestly admit I've never really looked into it. This movie was eye-opening to the struggles that these people have had to face and probably somewhere, some still do. I feel offended on behalf of the gay community after watching this movie that there were and apparently still are these individual like Anita Bryant. I mean honestly, and this is directed at you Miss California, what right is it of a beauty pageant contestant to make comments and actually actively speak out against a group of people. First of all, I believe these women need a harsh reality check. Apparently years of reinforcement has led them to believe they are in some way important people. Important to their friends and family maybe...but honestly beauty contests have no clout haha. Give me a break. That's what happens when idealistic people get a tiny taste of fame I suppose. Honestly, shame on her. The bottom line is that whatever prejudgements anybody in this country may have against the gay community is, in essense, useless and unimportant haha. There is no argument against homosexuals just like there's no argument against a family of Asians moving to Portland. (yeah, random example.) But its true. Back in the 1970's I'm sure people were still under the impression that they could avoid the fact that homosexuality exists and with force and strong-arming, they could rid their country of it. Well, back in the 1970's people were naive, not to say we don't have our share of that today.
This movie is the epitome of what people need to be aware of when it comes to this issue...that it shouldn't be an issue in the first place!
In this film, you see a man, Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn), and his partner (played by James Franco), move into a new city (San Francisco) and do more than their share of work creating a safe-haven (or what should have been) for people who just wanted to live their lives like everybody else.
I ask you, what are valued qualities in individuals? Love, care, honesty, compassion, selflessness?
Harvey Milk posessed all of these and more. He was a great man. This is a great tribute to his memory.
A+. I love it.
Best song of the movie: Everyday People - Sly and the Family Stone

Suggestions welcome.
359 to go.

Emile Hirsch goes Into the Wild

NetFlix is so amazing. Really. I hope none of you have witnessed The Happening. It's a dreadful movie. Just stupid from the DVD menu screen to the end credits. BUT now I own it. Would you like to know why I own one of the top 5 worst movies of all time?

Because BLOCKBUSTER! Block Buster is a horrible place. Think of all the money they really make from their $5 dollar rentals. One DVD costs us about $20, and you can count on the fact that they get deals from whichever production company that puts out those DVDs. So maybe they pay $10-15...and that's paid for the first 2 to 3 times somebody rents that single DVD. Sounds like a sweet deal for you guys, way to gouge the customer.

So anyway, thank goodness we have NetFlix now or I probably never would have paid $5 to see this movie. I only heard from one or two people that they liked it and everybody else told me it was long and drug out and blahdiblahdiblahhh.
I don't want to call this movie wonderful...it's not really a wonderful story. I guess I'll just say the character's journey is more important than his destination.
This film, written and directed by Sean Penn and also based on a true story, is about a young, quite intelligent man who is unhappy with his life in modern "society". He's unhappy with his parents. He's unhappy with the education system and large institutions...unhappy with the way the world is I guess.
I'm not sure what is perfect fact about the true events the movie is based on and what is kind of stretched for Hollywood's benefit, but from the story it tells, if I could go back and give that kid some advice, you should have learned a thing or two from your experiences. He broke away from society to find that there were, in fact, people worth knowing out there. He changed each and every life just as they should have changed his but he didn't let them. In the end he forgave everybody. The whole time he spoke of honesty and living in the moment but he was the one not being truthful and he was the one that was living somewhere else in his mind.
Everything is executed beautifully in this film. The acting, the cinemetography, the screenplay...Kudos to you Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch, you guys are amazing.
Its a big long, but worth watching. You guys should see it. A- from me.
Also, if you are a fan, see Milk. It stars Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch with James Franco and Josh Brolin as well. Now THAT'S a great film.
Best song from the movie: Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder

Suggestions always welcome.
360 to go.

What would you do with 500 Days of Summer?

Well, Marc Webb and the writers of 500 Days of Summer thought this line was appropriate to kick off their film so...
"This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story."
Its true, its true.
So I'm a reallllly big Fox Searchlight fan (Juno, Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, I Heart Huckabees, etc.) so naturally I was really looking forward to this new edition to a long list of great productions. For some reason I kept getting conflicting information about its release date, though, then all of a sudden it was out haha. Since then I have seen it three times and am itching to go again. In fact, I wish I could see it every single day. This movie has everything you could possibly want all wrapped up in a cute little collage of photos. Great plot. Great actors. Great chemistry among actors. Great music. Perfect balance between comedy and sincerity. I've been urging everybody I've talked to since to see it. I mean seriously, like get in line now. This is just one of those films that leaves feeling on top of the world haha. And really I can't decide if it's soundtrack beats Juno's or Garden State's. Its so great.
Its just hopeful I guess haha. Its one of the reasons I was finally inspired to start this blog.
I heard in an interview after this movie debuted that Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (leading roles) hope to become like one of those 1930's-40's couples who've never actually dated realistically but have extraordinary on-screen chemistry. It'll be like the cherry on the sundae for them too. Deschanel has fantastic, not to mention unique, vocal talents for the time and so we find at a karaoke bar in the film, so does her partner. Their careers are set haha. Two young, attractive and talented actors who can sing, dance, and really convince any audience member they're meant for eachother.
Though, I guess that would be defeating one of the messages of the film huh?
Marc Webb and the duo did a little side project during the filming of this movie apparently. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17KUOQOlt8E
Blogger didn't want to let me imbed it for some reason, sorry guys!

Anyway, A+ from me, all the way.
Best songs from the movie:
Us - Regina Spektor
There is a Light that Never Goes Out - The Smiths
Mushaboom - Feist
Vagabond - Wolfmother
Quelqu'un m'a dit - Carla Bruni
Sugar Town - Zooey Deschanel
Here Comes Your Man - Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Meaghan Smith cover)

Suggestions welcome.
361 to go.

District 9. It speaks for itself.

I really do absolutely love getting advanced screening passes to upcoming movies.
See, I bet there will be hundreds of people tonight just at any given local movie theater premiering District 9 lining up for hours just to see it as soon as possible.
So its super sweet when you get to see it days before them for free and only have to wait in line for a couple hours. Plus there's always those little "free stuff" tables full of promotional junk but who doesn't love free junk?
In any event, I can't honestly say I was expecting a whole lot from District 9.
I kind of just jumped to the quick conclusion that alien movie=lame semi-entertaining piece of crap. But I've been taught a valuable lesson I suppose...never judge a movie by its cover...or genre...or trailers? Haha who knew? Its ironic, too, because I feel like I've been expecting so much of the recent block busters and I've been leaving disappointed almost every time.
Anyway, I should have known someone like Peter Jackson wouldn't choose a ridiculous movie. What a wonderfully well thought-out story line, I'm impressed for sure. I don't even want to explain the plot at all here because explanations do the film no justice whatsoever.
I will say though, it is basically a story of a man who's entire life changes on an unimaginable scale after just a few short days of doing his job. Though, his job does involve evicting Prawns from one concentration camp to place them in another for "humanitarian reasons" so as you can imagine, they probably run into some issues with that.
I'm really not an action fan or an lame alien movie fan, but honestly I advise every single movie-goer to get in line as soon as possible. I've heard the movie is loosely based on South Africa's Apartheid. It definitely draws parallels and is probably the most likely case but I'm not 100% sure.
Anyway, I give this movie an A for sure.
Please everybody see this.
Best song of the movie: This movie is very engaging...I didn't pay a lick of attention to music at all.

Suggestions welcome.
362 to go.

Poor Fake-Charlyne Yi's little Paper Heart =[[[

I thought those robot emoticons were appropriate...
Remember when they were emoticons haha? Instead of smiliesss. God, we're gay.
Anywhooo...I finally saw Paper Heart.
I wish I had just seen (500) Days of Summer. It was a pretty bland and boring day. I sat around...actually set up this blog haha. Then finally got ready enough to leave the house. Went out for pizza...then just came home and went to the movie. Thoughhh guess who got the first parking spot at the movie even though we were running kinda late???? :)))
Not me.
Haha just kidding it was me :)
You'd be suprised how much of a pick-me-up good parking karma can be you know?
So, the previews to Paper Heart look pretty decent. I got in a little late but caught one for Humpday which was ironic because just the other day I saw that it was playing at Valley Art on Mill so I'll probably make a point to go...I've never been to that theater. There was also a preview for a movie called Play the Game...I think it could potentially be kind of an awkward flick...but probably really funny too sooo I'm there!
Anyway, Paper Heart. What can I say? It was totally cute. Totally semi-artsy feeling but totally querky young infatuation. Exactly what was to be expected lol.
I'm definitely a fan of the two leading actors though. (Charlyne Yi and Michael Cera) They're both very talented without a doubt and not just as actors either. They both contributed the majority of the soundtrack as well. They did so well I literally looked up later whether or not Charlyne Yi and Michael Cera are or were a couple at any point haha. But I guess that was just the general idea of a movie. It was a fake documentary about fake Charlyne Yi who doesn't believe in love...played by guess who? Charlyne Yi. Fake Charlyne falls in love with fake Michael Cera played by real Michael Cera. Its enough to spark a bit of curiosity.
Its basically a series of interviews and conversations between fake-Yi and the other fake-producer who's name is escaping me at the moment. The most creative thing about this film, though, was that during these interviews, all the interviewee's stories are told with them as a voiceover while puppeteer-Charlyne brings the story to life with cardboard cutouts and cellophane, not unlike 4th grade diaramas and Science of Sleep. Anyway, as cheesy as it was, I thought it was creative and awesome and I'm jealous I didn't think of an idea like that. I must channel my inner-child I guess?
I did enjoy this movie but I also really think it lacked depth.
But the ending was wicked-awesome.
Best song of the movie: Magic Purfume by Charlyne Yi and Matt Davis

Suggestions are welcome.
363 to go.

But what does Julia Child have to do with me?

Ha...just kidding...nothing.
I frequently get advanced screening passes to upcoming movies from work...I had passes to see the new fake indie documentary about love as lived by fake Charlyne Yi with fake Michael Cera. The film looked perfectly darling with all its predictable little querks so I was quite looking forward to seeing it in advance and everything...free movie ya know?
But I had to work.
So I was planning on seeing it when it came out a few days later at my local little indie theater up the street.
But I missed it.
Something that could pose a problem with this task of mine -- I really have a horrible sense of time. No kidding. I'm late to everything. I get everywhere at least 5 to 10 minutes later than I should.
So in any event, I've seen quite a few movies currently in theaters...a lot of them multiple times. There are some I'm not the least bit interested in...ughh G.I. Joe guys? Really? So I was left with the oh-so-delightful looking Julie & Julia.
This film perfectly matched my expectations. It was basically just the preview stretched into two hours or however long it was. It was mildly clever, mildly enjoyable, and barely scraped the surface of a deep, intellectual film. Its nobody's fault that it wasn't like the film of the year..though for whatever reason that's how critics and moviegoers are treating it lol. Trust me, the movie itself is just mediocre.
The problem is the fact that this girl, Julie Powell, writing a blog about her completing 542 or something of Julia Child's recipes in a year and pretty much made a career out of it is such a fantastically awesome story...but like one to hear about as a featured story on Yahoo or as an exerpt in some magazine somewhere...I don't know how well it works out as an actual movie for me.
Though I will say the concept itself is pretty original. They set up a comparison between two very distant lives, separated not only by land and sea, but time as well. Their lives somehow still seem to coincide in a way that's more than Julie just reading a biography of a television cook.
Also, the acting in this film is phenominal. I think that it could be the sole reason people love this movie. I mean, watching Meryl Streep on screen feels like we're just watching Julia Child herself. She's absolutely magnificent. And Amy Adams never ceases to amaze me with her talent.
In reality though, I just don't really care a lot about Julia Child...I know some do but I just can't say I've been a true fan of hers. I wouldn't say I'm a "fan" of any television cooks? So this film just doesn't strike a chord with me. Kind of bland.
I was inspired after watching it, however, because in some ways I'm similar to the character...or person...that is Julie Powell. I decided that setting a deadline for myself just as she did is a perfect way to push myself to finally complete one single task from beginning to end. I've had at least 50 different totally-awesome things I've wanted to accomplish in like the last week...Ideas seem to come and go faster than I can stick to them ha.
As you might have guessed from earlier, I see a lotttt of movies...like really...
I own a good number of them...I rent a lot from Block Buster...and now I just signed up for the $16.99 or whatever plan through NetFlix. I took a cinema class at school last semester and am retaking it because it was so cool. Its kind of an addiction I think. Plus, I am basically the single lamest person my age out there I think. Its probably one of my top 5 favorite things to do to watch movies and pick them apart and analyze every little thing from dialogue in the story to camera angles and filters. I'm crazy. BUT it all did set up a pretty realistic goal for me...
Kudos to Julie Powell, I am now going to watch a movie a day for one year and blog about that day (and that movie) right here in hopes that its at least semi-interesting and you guys like reading it :)
And even if you don't, well I still hope to finish it and that will be accomplishment enough for me.
By the way...
Best song in the movie: Psycho Killer - Talking Heads

And please, any suggestions of movies for me to see just comment.
364 to go.