The American – 4
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. George Clooney
b. Slow moving action movies
c. Great Scenery
The American is a character study of a man with no character. That makes for an empty movie. George Cooney as Jack the assassin accurately portrays this blank slate of a man. The problem is that it’s just boring. The movie is shot in a stark European style with little music and none of the special effects we’ve all overdosed on. So while the nicely realistic action scenes are interesting, they are few and far between. The beauty of the Italian scenery and the prostitute with a heart of gold cliché can’t hold the audience interest. The audience clapped when the movie was over, because it was over. Even Clooney is flat and boring. Skip it.
The Town – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Bank Robbery movies
b. Ben Affleck
c. Boston
Ben Affleck flexes the promising directorial muscles he first displayed in the fantastic Gone Baby Gone in this bank robbery film. The personal relationships and dramas are more fleshed out than usual, adding some heft to what is a simple, albeit farfetched story.
I had two major quibbles with the plot points, but I won’t reveal them. Affleck the director outperforms Affleck the actor here. Jeremy Renner, who was so terrific in The Hurt Locker, shows that it was no fluke. He’s electrifying again as the chaotic center of the film. There’s some interesting stuff here, especially that fascinating Boston atmosphere.
Get Low – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Robert Duvall
b. Bill Murray
c. Old Time movie-making
They don’t make movies like this anymore. Tell a simple story, Tell it well.
This is a slow, beautifully acted period piece set in the 1930’s in rural Tennessee. Robert Duvall as the main character Felix Bush, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek demonstrate why they’re acting stars. Not movie stars, real actors. They inhabit these 3 strange characters who come together as Bush winds his life down and decides to throw his own funeral ahead of time. Since he is the town’s misunderstood hermit, he wants everyone to speak at his funeral, and tell what they think they know, an interesting premise for sure.
But it is Bush who comes clean at the event and his big reveal is an acting class. The “reveal” didn’t blow me away, but it’s the getting there that’s the fun. If you long for the days of old, nice deliberate movies, this is the one for you.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saints Report # 3 - September 26, 2010
The Atlanta Falcons are the Saints’ worst nightmare. A power-running, ball-control team that is also just efficient enough in the passing game to keep the ball out of Drew Brees’ hands.
Today, the Saints lost their first standings-meaningful game in a year in overtime to the Falcons, wasting a career best game from Lance Moore. The Saints were lucky they could extend the game to overtime.
After hitting a clutch kick to send the game into overtime, Garrett Hartley missed a short field goal in overtime that would have won it for the Saints. The Falcons methodically took advantage with their grind it out game plan until Matt Bryant took aim from 46 yards. He didn’t miss and the Saints lost 27-24.
Sean Payton, the Juicy Fruit Genius, made a couple of errors. Chris Ivory fumbled on his first official NFL carry, on 4th and 1 – not exactly an ideal intro play for a rookie. The decision to kick on first down after the Saints smartly moved the ball to the 11 in overtime was another rare mistake by Payton. After 12 quarters of football this season, it looked like the Saints finally developed a rhythm on offense in the overtime. They moved the ball easily and seemed destined for the end zone when Payton pulled the plug on the drive to let Hartley chip it through. Except he didn’t.
But, no matter. The Saints got pushed around all day as they do from time to time, and dropped passes as they do from time to time, and Drew threw a couple of interceptions, which he does every 6 games or so. The Falcons deserved the win because they are the Saints' worst nightmare. The Saints aren't known for their run defense, and Sunday they scared no one. It is often said that you can’t win in the NFL with the power running game anymore. I’ve got a feeling we’re about to find out. The Falcons are a throwback team on their way back.
Meanwhile, what is of more concern is that the Saints are beginning to look depleted in two backfields. Tracy Porter went out early, and first round draft pick Patrick Robinson looked bewildered. Look for him to get picked on in upcoming games. Roman Harper spent time on the sideline and the subs that seem to get waived from week to week weren't up to the task. On offense, neither Chris Ivory nor Ladell Betts look healthy enough to give Pierre Thomas a break. Look for Adrian Arrington to make an entrance next week, as Payton can’t be happy with his receivers’ drops. Time to reload. Wonder what Damion Fletcher is doing? Wonder what John Carney is up to?
Today, the Saints lost their first standings-meaningful game in a year in overtime to the Falcons, wasting a career best game from Lance Moore. The Saints were lucky they could extend the game to overtime.
After hitting a clutch kick to send the game into overtime, Garrett Hartley missed a short field goal in overtime that would have won it for the Saints. The Falcons methodically took advantage with their grind it out game plan until Matt Bryant took aim from 46 yards. He didn’t miss and the Saints lost 27-24.
Sean Payton, the Juicy Fruit Genius, made a couple of errors. Chris Ivory fumbled on his first official NFL carry, on 4th and 1 – not exactly an ideal intro play for a rookie. The decision to kick on first down after the Saints smartly moved the ball to the 11 in overtime was another rare mistake by Payton. After 12 quarters of football this season, it looked like the Saints finally developed a rhythm on offense in the overtime. They moved the ball easily and seemed destined for the end zone when Payton pulled the plug on the drive to let Hartley chip it through. Except he didn’t.
But, no matter. The Saints got pushed around all day as they do from time to time, and dropped passes as they do from time to time, and Drew threw a couple of interceptions, which he does every 6 games or so. The Falcons deserved the win because they are the Saints' worst nightmare. The Saints aren't known for their run defense, and Sunday they scared no one. It is often said that you can’t win in the NFL with the power running game anymore. I’ve got a feeling we’re about to find out. The Falcons are a throwback team on their way back.
Meanwhile, what is of more concern is that the Saints are beginning to look depleted in two backfields. Tracy Porter went out early, and first round draft pick Patrick Robinson looked bewildered. Look for him to get picked on in upcoming games. Roman Harper spent time on the sideline and the subs that seem to get waived from week to week weren't up to the task. On offense, neither Chris Ivory nor Ladell Betts look healthy enough to give Pierre Thomas a break. Look for Adrian Arrington to make an entrance next week, as Payton can’t be happy with his receivers’ drops. Time to reload. Wonder what Damion Fletcher is doing? Wonder what John Carney is up to?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saints Report # 2 - September 20, 2010
Ringo said it best.
It Don’t Come Easy.
That will probably be the theme for the year.
Defensive coordinators had the whole off season to study the Saints’ offense and if there’s one law in the NFL it’s that defenses catch up with offenses.
Two games in, and it’s obvious that defenses are stoking up to slow down the Juicy Fruit Genius. Success changes the landscape, starting with when you get to play.
Two prime-time games in, defenses seem to be taking away the 20 and 30 yard passes, and conceding the dump-off. If you’re going to move the ball down the field on us, you’re going to do it in 5 yard chunks, not 15 yard ones. It also forces the Saints to run the ball, which they stuck with despite limited success. I was kind of impressed with this.
When the Garrett Hartley’s field goal as time expired gave the Saints a hard-earned, nail-biting, pulse-pounding 25-22 victory over the hated 49’ers (yes I still hate them) it signaled a don’t-come-easy, grind-it-out pattern that we may see more of, rather than less. Wonder how 49er fans felt losing in the final seconds after playing so well?
Reggie Bush now has to live without his Heisman and the Saints have to live without Reggie for at least 6 weeks due to the broken leg suffered Monday night at Candlestick Park.
Can’t help but comment on Reggie. He apparently broke the rules and has been deemed ineligible for his last year at USC, causing forfeiture of their season and erasing from the record books (if not our memory) that exciting National Championship Game with Texas.
I’d have made them come pry if from cold dead fingers.
For whatever he did wrong, let’s call it borrowing against future earnings, let me just mention what he hasn’t done. He hasn’t fathered a bunch of children. He hasn’t had any DUI’s. He hasn’t used performance enhancing drugs. He hasn’t complained about how he’s utilized. He hasn’t made too many headlines off the field, save Kim Kardashian.
He’s apparently a great teammate who focuses on winning rather than personal stats. He has no problem serving as a decoy. He’s involved in the community and has been generous with his time and money. He’s beloved in New Orleans and the Saints are a different team when he’s on the field. Lately, he’s improved as a runner and should have a long productive career. In all likelihood, had he gone to any other team he would have been a bust. But the JFG has figured out how to maximize his talents, and he’s a vital cog for the Saints. We’re about to find out how important he is.
I'm not condoning his breaking the rules. I'm just lamenting what other athletes get away with. Or didn't you catch the "Hard Knocks" clip where Antonio Cromartie (26 years old) struggled to name his 8 children by 6 different women in 5 states?
Ho Hum. You've heard the stories. So, while I haven't always been a fan of his play, I'm a fan of Reggie.
The hated Falcons come to town on Sunday, and their approach won’t be a surprise. They’ll run Michael Turner so much he’ll be trying to burrow under the Superdome. The Saints will need to score more than their first 2 games. Points in the Teens won’t win this one.
Time to Crunk it up.
It Don’t Come Easy.
That will probably be the theme for the year.
Defensive coordinators had the whole off season to study the Saints’ offense and if there’s one law in the NFL it’s that defenses catch up with offenses.
Two games in, and it’s obvious that defenses are stoking up to slow down the Juicy Fruit Genius. Success changes the landscape, starting with when you get to play.
Two prime-time games in, defenses seem to be taking away the 20 and 30 yard passes, and conceding the dump-off. If you’re going to move the ball down the field on us, you’re going to do it in 5 yard chunks, not 15 yard ones. It also forces the Saints to run the ball, which they stuck with despite limited success. I was kind of impressed with this.
When the Garrett Hartley’s field goal as time expired gave the Saints a hard-earned, nail-biting, pulse-pounding 25-22 victory over the hated 49’ers (yes I still hate them) it signaled a don’t-come-easy, grind-it-out pattern that we may see more of, rather than less. Wonder how 49er fans felt losing in the final seconds after playing so well?
Reggie Bush now has to live without his Heisman and the Saints have to live without Reggie for at least 6 weeks due to the broken leg suffered Monday night at Candlestick Park.
Can’t help but comment on Reggie. He apparently broke the rules and has been deemed ineligible for his last year at USC, causing forfeiture of their season and erasing from the record books (if not our memory) that exciting National Championship Game with Texas.
I’d have made them come pry if from cold dead fingers.
For whatever he did wrong, let’s call it borrowing against future earnings, let me just mention what he hasn’t done. He hasn’t fathered a bunch of children. He hasn’t had any DUI’s. He hasn’t used performance enhancing drugs. He hasn’t complained about how he’s utilized. He hasn’t made too many headlines off the field, save Kim Kardashian.
He’s apparently a great teammate who focuses on winning rather than personal stats. He has no problem serving as a decoy. He’s involved in the community and has been generous with his time and money. He’s beloved in New Orleans and the Saints are a different team when he’s on the field. Lately, he’s improved as a runner and should have a long productive career. In all likelihood, had he gone to any other team he would have been a bust. But the JFG has figured out how to maximize his talents, and he’s a vital cog for the Saints. We’re about to find out how important he is.
I'm not condoning his breaking the rules. I'm just lamenting what other athletes get away with. Or didn't you catch the "Hard Knocks" clip where Antonio Cromartie (26 years old) struggled to name his 8 children by 6 different women in 5 states?
Ho Hum. You've heard the stories. So, while I haven't always been a fan of his play, I'm a fan of Reggie.
The hated Falcons come to town on Sunday, and their approach won’t be a surprise. They’ll run Michael Turner so much he’ll be trying to burrow under the Superdome. The Saints will need to score more than their first 2 games. Points in the Teens won’t win this one.
Time to Crunk it up.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Saints Report # 1 - September 9, 2010
Man, my time at the University of Southern Mississippi seems so long ago.
I was young, and spry, and could move around a lot more easily.
Yesterday was a long day. I took another pounding in New Orleans. We left early and the build up to the game seemed to go on forever. To be honest, I was a little drained from the hoopla. Could my enthusiasm be waning? Or is it just harder to concentrate at my age? Maybe I should have taken my off season conditioning a little more seriously.
By game time, my feet hurt, and that was just from the pre-game walk through. In the heat, I had trouble staying hydrated. After the game, my legs felt a hundred years old. My joints feel like they needed lubricant. I remember that one hit I took. Wow. It was a long walk to the car and an even longer drive home. Maybe I should have stayed in Mississippi.
No, my name is not Brett Favre.
And that hit I took was from a huge guy as I was leaving the concession stand.
Now, about the game.
Well the game wasn’t pretty. But if the Saints defense plays like that all year the whole NFL has to be worried. Yes, the offense didn’t do great. Dropped passes and missed field goals are not a good sign. But grinding out a 14-9 victory Rickey Jackson-style is a W and we’ll take it. This was an old fashioned defensive whipping. It wasn’t turnover dominated, like last year. It was just good ole stifling defense. Impressive.
The thing I thought about during the game was the incredible job that the Saints have done on free agents. The quarterbacks of the offense and defense – Brees and Vilma were cast off from teams. How different things could have been.
I can only wonder what the offensive meetings must have been like this week. “We’re going to throw the ball the first half, and run it the second half.” I’m sure I’ve seen stranger game plans, but I don’t know when. The Juicy Fruit Genius did it again, so you’ve got to hand it to him.
The pre-game hype, the unfurling of the Championship Banner, the incredible atmosphere around the dome was what will be unforgettable about last night. I can remember just 10 years ago. Few came early, few came dressed, few tailgated. Now it’s a zoo. Champions Square has to be seen to be believed.
Glad I didn’t stay in Mississippi
I was young, and spry, and could move around a lot more easily.
Yesterday was a long day. I took another pounding in New Orleans. We left early and the build up to the game seemed to go on forever. To be honest, I was a little drained from the hoopla. Could my enthusiasm be waning? Or is it just harder to concentrate at my age? Maybe I should have taken my off season conditioning a little more seriously.
By game time, my feet hurt, and that was just from the pre-game walk through. In the heat, I had trouble staying hydrated. After the game, my legs felt a hundred years old. My joints feel like they needed lubricant. I remember that one hit I took. Wow. It was a long walk to the car and an even longer drive home. Maybe I should have stayed in Mississippi.
No, my name is not Brett Favre.
And that hit I took was from a huge guy as I was leaving the concession stand.
Now, about the game.
Well the game wasn’t pretty. But if the Saints defense plays like that all year the whole NFL has to be worried. Yes, the offense didn’t do great. Dropped passes and missed field goals are not a good sign. But grinding out a 14-9 victory Rickey Jackson-style is a W and we’ll take it. This was an old fashioned defensive whipping. It wasn’t turnover dominated, like last year. It was just good ole stifling defense. Impressive.
The thing I thought about during the game was the incredible job that the Saints have done on free agents. The quarterbacks of the offense and defense – Brees and Vilma were cast off from teams. How different things could have been.
I can only wonder what the offensive meetings must have been like this week. “We’re going to throw the ball the first half, and run it the second half.” I’m sure I’ve seen stranger game plans, but I don’t know when. The Juicy Fruit Genius did it again, so you’ve got to hand it to him.
The pre-game hype, the unfurling of the Championship Banner, the incredible atmosphere around the dome was what will be unforgettable about last night. I can remember just 10 years ago. Few came early, few came dressed, few tailgated. Now it’s a zoo. Champions Square has to be seen to be believed.
Glad I didn’t stay in Mississippi
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2DAT
Well it’s over.
The most enjoyable “wait” til next year in the history of civilization will come to an end with the kickoff Thursday night against the Vikings.
The world is now educated on how to celebrate a sports victory.
Thank the who dat nation.
We parade, we tour, we banner, we dress, we take pictures with the Lombardi trophy. And we do it for 7 months almost to the day. We’re crazy.
Time to start the craziness all over.
Thursday night the geezer express comes to town along with the type of overblown glitz only the NFL can throw together. Here’s the good news – I didn’t think it was possible but the Saints are starting this year right where they started last year.
Under the radar, under respected, and under appreciated.
The talking head consensus is that it was a fluke.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
The first game will be fun, but it really is just one game. Expect the refs to put a dress on Favre, Adrian Peterson to run hard, the Vikings to be fired up for a half, but the Saints to separate themselves in the 2nd half. The Saints are better.
So, my annual prediction.
Will the Saints repeat?
Yes.
Will it be easy?
No
It won’t be like last year.
There are many different ways to win a championship.
1. Euphoric year
Last year was one of Euphoria. From the first game, you could just feel the Magic. When I saw the Saints destroy the Lions in game 1, I just knew. It had all the earmarks.
Everything was set up for it.
The toughest opponents came calling at the Superdome - Jets, Giants, Patriots, Cowboys. Magical comebacks on the road – Miami, Washington.
Eventually wore down worthy divisional opponents.
The injuries in the defensive backfield came when the playoffs had essentially been sealed.
Home Field Advantage.
All-time great quarterbacks threw critical interceptions.
The dominoes fell perfectly.
We’ve seen Euphoria years before.
Remember the 1999 St. Louis Rams in Kurt Warner’s first year and their greatest show on turf?
Remember the 1984 Detroit Tigers who started the season by winning 35 of 40 and then breezed through the whole year?
Remember the 1986 Chicago Bears and their famed 46 defense?
These teams, like the Saints, had euphoric, invincible years.
2. Steady Eddy
A good team plays well all year and fights its way to the title, sometimes as an underdog.
The New England Patriots have excelled at this.
3. Hot finish
A team gets hot and healthy as the playoffs begin and streak through. This is really the most common NFL path.
The New York Giants of 2007 come to mind.
If it truly is “our time” and we want to become a dynasty, we now have to get on the Steady Eddy path. This Steeler/Patriot/49er type of path usually centers around the one absolutely essential piece.
The Quarterback.
We’ve got one.
So, my predictions for this year:
A solid, steady year.
The Saints will get off to a fast start, probably 5 – 1, then go through a 3 – 3 stretch in midseason as they adjust to what teams are doing to them. Then, a strong finish will boost them into the playoffs.
A breakout year by Reggie Bush
The defense will be better. Fewer turnovers, but much less yardage allowed, and fewer points.
Drew Brees will get the NFL MVP he deserved last year.
Colston, Pierre Thomas, and Lance Moore will excel.
We’ll beat the Packers in the NFC Championship game after beating the Vikings in the first round. The Lions will be the surprise playoff team in the NFC.
We’ll have our pre-Super Bowl meal at Steve Fields Steak House in Plano.
We’ll beat the Houston Texans 34 – 31 in the Super Bowl. The Texans will have beaten the Kansas City Chiefs (the surprise team of the year) in the AFC Championship.
Drew Brees will be the Super Bowl MVP again.
Any questions?
Jerry Jones will fire Bum Phillips
The Chargers will fire Norv Turner
The Giants will fire Tom Coughlin
We’ll fire up a parade. It’s what we do.
The most enjoyable “wait” til next year in the history of civilization will come to an end with the kickoff Thursday night against the Vikings.
The world is now educated on how to celebrate a sports victory.
Thank the who dat nation.
We parade, we tour, we banner, we dress, we take pictures with the Lombardi trophy. And we do it for 7 months almost to the day. We’re crazy.
Time to start the craziness all over.
Thursday night the geezer express comes to town along with the type of overblown glitz only the NFL can throw together. Here’s the good news – I didn’t think it was possible but the Saints are starting this year right where they started last year.
Under the radar, under respected, and under appreciated.
The talking head consensus is that it was a fluke.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
The first game will be fun, but it really is just one game. Expect the refs to put a dress on Favre, Adrian Peterson to run hard, the Vikings to be fired up for a half, but the Saints to separate themselves in the 2nd half. The Saints are better.
So, my annual prediction.
Will the Saints repeat?
Yes.
Will it be easy?
No
It won’t be like last year.
There are many different ways to win a championship.
1. Euphoric year
Last year was one of Euphoria. From the first game, you could just feel the Magic. When I saw the Saints destroy the Lions in game 1, I just knew. It had all the earmarks.
Everything was set up for it.
The toughest opponents came calling at the Superdome - Jets, Giants, Patriots, Cowboys. Magical comebacks on the road – Miami, Washington.
Eventually wore down worthy divisional opponents.
The injuries in the defensive backfield came when the playoffs had essentially been sealed.
Home Field Advantage.
All-time great quarterbacks threw critical interceptions.
The dominoes fell perfectly.
We’ve seen Euphoria years before.
Remember the 1999 St. Louis Rams in Kurt Warner’s first year and their greatest show on turf?
Remember the 1984 Detroit Tigers who started the season by winning 35 of 40 and then breezed through the whole year?
Remember the 1986 Chicago Bears and their famed 46 defense?
These teams, like the Saints, had euphoric, invincible years.
2. Steady Eddy
A good team plays well all year and fights its way to the title, sometimes as an underdog.
The New England Patriots have excelled at this.
3. Hot finish
A team gets hot and healthy as the playoffs begin and streak through. This is really the most common NFL path.
The New York Giants of 2007 come to mind.
If it truly is “our time” and we want to become a dynasty, we now have to get on the Steady Eddy path. This Steeler/Patriot/49er type of path usually centers around the one absolutely essential piece.
The Quarterback.
We’ve got one.
So, my predictions for this year:
A solid, steady year.
The Saints will get off to a fast start, probably 5 – 1, then go through a 3 – 3 stretch in midseason as they adjust to what teams are doing to them. Then, a strong finish will boost them into the playoffs.
A breakout year by Reggie Bush
The defense will be better. Fewer turnovers, but much less yardage allowed, and fewer points.
Drew Brees will get the NFL MVP he deserved last year.
Colston, Pierre Thomas, and Lance Moore will excel.
We’ll beat the Packers in the NFC Championship game after beating the Vikings in the first round. The Lions will be the surprise playoff team in the NFC.
We’ll have our pre-Super Bowl meal at Steve Fields Steak House in Plano.
We’ll beat the Houston Texans 34 – 31 in the Super Bowl. The Texans will have beaten the Kansas City Chiefs (the surprise team of the year) in the AFC Championship.
Drew Brees will be the Super Bowl MVP again.
Any questions?
Jerry Jones will fire Bum Phillips
The Chargers will fire Norv Turner
The Giants will fire Tom Coughlin
We’ll fire up a parade. It’s what we do.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
At the Cinema - August 2010
The Kids Are All Right – 9
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. Annette Bening
b. Family comedy
c. Family drama
I’m not quite sure of the significance of the last part of the title – “All Right” instead of “alright,” but I’m sure of this – Annette Bening will rack up another Oscar nomination for playing Nic, the dominating mother in a long-time lesbian marriage.
I don’t know if Annette is our greatest actress, but watching this movie confirms what I first saw in “The American President.” She can convey more in a facial close-up than any other actor working. She is simply riveting and she can occupy the whole screen. It’s not so much that the camera loves her – it’s that she has an incredible gift for conveying every single emotion and thought and putting it right in front of you. It’s an amazing talent and it’s fully on display here as one of the great performances. See this movie for no other reason than that. I hope she gets her long overdue Oscar. What’s Meryl doing this year?
Julianne Moore holds her own as the other half of the couple struggling to raise two curious teenagers who are on that teen roller coaster we’ve all seen and experienced before. They’re experimenting, they’re curious, and they don’t find all the answers.
The parents, as it turns out, are fumbling along as well.
When the kids go hunting for their dad – sperm donor, family chaos ensues particularly when Julianne’s character “Jules” strikes up a sexual relationship with him (Mark Ruffalo as Paul.) It’s all well-played and groan-worthy in its familiarity.
Two quibbles with this film. It wants to be groundbreaking but as a bonafide R rated film shows very graphic heterosexual sex, but bales out when given the chance to show lesbian sex (although the lesbians in the theater sitting behind me found the under-cover, appliance-assisted scene hysterical.) When was the last time you saw slow, passionate, loving sex in a movie? Now, that would have been shocking.
And quibble number two is when they stoop to using the crutch of showing a woman smoking. Jules hasn’t smoked in 20 years, but as soon as she gets stressed, she’s got to re-start. It’s an acting shortcut that she’s unworthy of.
But, other than that, the real story here, and I’m not the first to say this, is that it’s a shame that this movie so accurately portrays the family dynamic – the ups and downs, the compromises and lulls, and when was the last “straight” movie to do that? Kramer vs. Kramer?
See it. It’s enlightening and engaging.
Dinner For Schmucks – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. to be surprised
b. Steve Carell
c. Screwball comedy.
The surprising part is that this movie is actually as good as it is. When Paul Rudd has to recruit a nitwit to be made fun of, and bring him to dinner, well let’s face it – that sounds pretty thin. So, I walked in not expecting much. I didn’t expect liftoff.
In the hands of Rudd and Steve Carell what emerges here is near genius. Pure comedy acting almost never gets award-recognition, but here Steve Carell does the impossible – screwball with heart. Just go with the flow. It’s outrageous and over the top, so don’t expect Shakespeare. I heard mixed reactions as I exited the theatre. Maybe you won’t get it, maybe you won’t like it. Comedy is always personal and a matter of taste, but I laughed way more than I thought I would. Good stuff.
The Other Guys – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Cop buddy movies
b. Will Ferrell
c. Mark Wahlberg
I went to this one with higher expectations, and you guessed it – found it a little flat. It makes great fun of cop buddy movies – you know the kind, where someone has to be suspended before they can solve the crime. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg do credible work and most of the movie is amusing, but it just never quite caught me.
However, I will say this. There is one absolutely hysterical scene which I will add to my “favorite scenes” reel, you know, the “You can’t handle the truth” tape.
The hero cops at the beginning played by The Rock and Samuel L Jackson are so over the top they are incredible. Their scene chasing some robbers off of a roof top is an instant classic. Duck in for the first 20 minutes – the set up. Call me and tell me how they filmed it.
The Expendables – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. digital blood
b. mindless violence
c. over the top action heroes.
And who doesn’t? Sylvester Stallone, who directed this blastathon, is launching another franchise. Shot like a video game, heads get blown off, knives fly through necks, and guns go boom boom boom. What’s not to love? Most action movies are ridiculous, but you know you’re in rarefied air when 5 guys kill hundreds while suffering nary a scratch. Why? Well, you’ll want them back for the sequel. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis make only token appearances, but with Arnold out of job soon, expect him to assume the position in the next one. All in all, not a terrible way to exorcise any testosterone demons. Bring your video game controller and you’ll feel right at home.
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. Annette Bening
b. Family comedy
c. Family drama
I’m not quite sure of the significance of the last part of the title – “All Right” instead of “alright,” but I’m sure of this – Annette Bening will rack up another Oscar nomination for playing Nic, the dominating mother in a long-time lesbian marriage.
I don’t know if Annette is our greatest actress, but watching this movie confirms what I first saw in “The American President.” She can convey more in a facial close-up than any other actor working. She is simply riveting and she can occupy the whole screen. It’s not so much that the camera loves her – it’s that she has an incredible gift for conveying every single emotion and thought and putting it right in front of you. It’s an amazing talent and it’s fully on display here as one of the great performances. See this movie for no other reason than that. I hope she gets her long overdue Oscar. What’s Meryl doing this year?
Julianne Moore holds her own as the other half of the couple struggling to raise two curious teenagers who are on that teen roller coaster we’ve all seen and experienced before. They’re experimenting, they’re curious, and they don’t find all the answers.
The parents, as it turns out, are fumbling along as well.
When the kids go hunting for their dad – sperm donor, family chaos ensues particularly when Julianne’s character “Jules” strikes up a sexual relationship with him (Mark Ruffalo as Paul.) It’s all well-played and groan-worthy in its familiarity.
Two quibbles with this film. It wants to be groundbreaking but as a bonafide R rated film shows very graphic heterosexual sex, but bales out when given the chance to show lesbian sex (although the lesbians in the theater sitting behind me found the under-cover, appliance-assisted scene hysterical.) When was the last time you saw slow, passionate, loving sex in a movie? Now, that would have been shocking.
And quibble number two is when they stoop to using the crutch of showing a woman smoking. Jules hasn’t smoked in 20 years, but as soon as she gets stressed, she’s got to re-start. It’s an acting shortcut that she’s unworthy of.
But, other than that, the real story here, and I’m not the first to say this, is that it’s a shame that this movie so accurately portrays the family dynamic – the ups and downs, the compromises and lulls, and when was the last “straight” movie to do that? Kramer vs. Kramer?
See it. It’s enlightening and engaging.
Dinner For Schmucks – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. to be surprised
b. Steve Carell
c. Screwball comedy.
The surprising part is that this movie is actually as good as it is. When Paul Rudd has to recruit a nitwit to be made fun of, and bring him to dinner, well let’s face it – that sounds pretty thin. So, I walked in not expecting much. I didn’t expect liftoff.
In the hands of Rudd and Steve Carell what emerges here is near genius. Pure comedy acting almost never gets award-recognition, but here Steve Carell does the impossible – screwball with heart. Just go with the flow. It’s outrageous and over the top, so don’t expect Shakespeare. I heard mixed reactions as I exited the theatre. Maybe you won’t get it, maybe you won’t like it. Comedy is always personal and a matter of taste, but I laughed way more than I thought I would. Good stuff.
The Other Guys – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Cop buddy movies
b. Will Ferrell
c. Mark Wahlberg
I went to this one with higher expectations, and you guessed it – found it a little flat. It makes great fun of cop buddy movies – you know the kind, where someone has to be suspended before they can solve the crime. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg do credible work and most of the movie is amusing, but it just never quite caught me.
However, I will say this. There is one absolutely hysterical scene which I will add to my “favorite scenes” reel, you know, the “You can’t handle the truth” tape.
The hero cops at the beginning played by The Rock and Samuel L Jackson are so over the top they are incredible. Their scene chasing some robbers off of a roof top is an instant classic. Duck in for the first 20 minutes – the set up. Call me and tell me how they filmed it.
The Expendables – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. digital blood
b. mindless violence
c. over the top action heroes.
And who doesn’t? Sylvester Stallone, who directed this blastathon, is launching another franchise. Shot like a video game, heads get blown off, knives fly through necks, and guns go boom boom boom. What’s not to love? Most action movies are ridiculous, but you know you’re in rarefied air when 5 guys kill hundreds while suffering nary a scratch. Why? Well, you’ll want them back for the sequel. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis make only token appearances, but with Arnold out of job soon, expect him to assume the position in the next one. All in all, not a terrible way to exorcise any testosterone demons. Bring your video game controller and you’ll feel right at home.
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