TV show #13: Roseanne

Okay, so I have started DVRing old episodes of Roseanne. I know it's not the classiest, most exciting show on TV, but I always really liked the show. My mom hates it because she thinks its crass... but it actually reminds me of my family. We're dysfunctional, but we love each other.

That's all.

Film #16: The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

I was pretty excited because I'm a sucker for these movies. I have the first two Mummy movies on DVD.

There were some things working against my liking this movie, though. Rachel Weisz didn't sign on, so there's a different Evie. Alex is all grown up. And it's in China... And it's more than Mummies. Ohhhh, they were pushing our imaginations.

I'll just leave it at this: It's my least favorite of the Mummy movies.

Confessions of a DVR junkie

• I have the tv on a lot. Even when I read, I need the background noise.
• I love The Soup, but it never says whether it's a New episode or Repeat. The DVR then interprets ALL episodes as new, and my memory becomes spent. Thus, I can't DVR it. So, I miss a lot of episodes.
• This girl finally watched Thursday's Grey's Anatomy. Sigh. I'm thinking I may have to abandon my fake doctor friends in Seattle. What is the deal with this arc with Izzy and Denny? I mean, is this jumping the shark? Okay, so when Meredith was clinically dead, she saw her mom, Denny, Bonnie, and other dead people, but that could be interpreted as you will. Here, we're actually supposed to believe that Izzy did the deed with Denny's GHOST? There's a bit of a shift in what kind of reality we're supposed to accept. Next week will be the show's final shot at keeping me.
• Chelsea Lately is my guilty pleasure. I love the horrible jokes making fun of celebs I would faint if I met in real life. Her guests really seem to be at ease and she seems to have a good time.
• Top Chef is back! Hurrah!
  
• Chuck is a good show. If you have a cruch on The Office's Jim, you really need to watch Chuck, because the dudes are somewhat similar in their charming nerdiness.
• I have no interest in watching Snoop Dogg's Fatherhood

Comments? Please share.

Film #15: The Happening

Let's see...

M. Night Shyamalan used to be this edgy filmmaker. Now he makes movies like Lady in the Water and THIS.

Ugh, I cant even talk about it.

Bad acting. A premise I couldn't buy into.

SNL ... again

You know, I think I need to take a trip to NY sometime really soon and sit down with the writers. The following sketches need *my* input:

• Weekend Update: As much as I love the segment, some of the "guests" are NOT FUNNY.
• ANY Character who is defined as "funny" because he or she talks funny. That's NOT FUNNY.
• Don't burst into song. Just don't.
• Get rid of Deep House Dish. Find another way to make fun of youth and pop culture. Please see rule about singing.
• Don't use the same pop culture icon more than once. Facebook as a verb ONE TIME is enough in one show.
  

When a show is 90 minutes long with commercials but only 40 minutes on its own, you really need to PAY ATTENTION, writers! We DVR viewers can count.

Film #14: American Gangster

I've had this movie from Netflix for FOREVER. I watched the first hour FOREVER ago, and I'm trying to finish it tonight. It's a long film. And it's a little complicated for my short attention span.

One scene in this movie sticks out for me. what about you guys? When Densel'z character proves his position in the neighborhood with the guy who wants 20%. You know what I mean if you've seen it.

Russell Crowe's accent in this movie is better than fantastic.

Stottlemeyer from MONK plays a cop. Whaddaya know?

In a strange way (perhaps), this movie reminds me a lot of The Sopranos. You have this world existing within the working world. An underworld that operates with its own rules, its own morality. Its own code. and when you're inundating yourself with this new code, you wonder how it fits with you. I mean, it's like Brad Pitt's character says in The Devil's Own, "What if it was you and yours?" I mean, I'm as white as they come, with some serious country-fied roots, so perhaps its with a sense of naivete that I watch these films and series.

Ugh, and the thing that bugs me about a lot of films? Conversation that's supposed to be a whisper? WE STILL NEED TO HEAR IT.

At one point, Russell gets into a bit of a bind, and he looks down. I immediately think, "Hey... he's going for his cell phone ... wait, no...."

snl

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey back together again! Fey graced the SNL screen again to play Sarah Palin. I cant say how "accurate" her impersonation was, but it *was* funny. And Poehler as Hilary was good, as usual. It was a great start to what I hope to be a wonderful season of SNL.

I'm wondering who will spoof McCain's wife.

I love the first episode because of all the cameos....

TV show #12: Top Design

Okay, so this is going to be another short one. I think I like the concept of this show, BUT I have a problem with it.

Interior design. For me, it HAS to be an actual 3D experience! I can't grasp enough from my TV, or even an HDTV! I dont know if this make me feel smart or stupid, I just cant get into the top design show...

TV show #11: Grey's Anatomy

Okay, so even though this show is in its 4th (right?) season, I'm watching the 2nd season on DVD and felt the need to write about it before starting work.

I really like this show. I don't know if anything in this show is realistic (medically speaking), and the drama is almost melodramatic.

But I like it because the music has been chosen perfectly.
I like it because every episode pulls at my emotions just enough to put me in tears.
And I like it because Britta and I translated a 3-minute scene into French. It was awesome.

Update: 3/22/09
I no longer watch this show. I'm sure the music still rocks, but Grey's jumped the shark when Izzy started having sex with her dead fiance's ghost. That's all.

TV show #10: The Duchess of Duke Street

This is a Golden Oldie from our English buddies... back in 1976, I think.

It surrounds the work of an independent woman in an unlikely age. It's old school but with more modern plot twists than you would think.

I haven't finished the series yet, but I will. Thank you, netflix!

Film #13: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

I watched this movie the first time a while ago, but I'm watching it again. There's one little nagging detail that keeps me from giving it my (and netflix's) 5/5 rating. Sorry, Johnny.

I think it goes beyond saying that the film is just terrifically dark and beautiful. I saw this on Broadway in NY with Renee, and some additional humor was added to some scenes, which Rere found inappropriate. After having seen Johnny and Alan sing about "pretty women" - I simply must agree. Even though Johnny and Helene's duet about who would make the most delicious meat pies (as an ingredient, I'd go with a priest) is indeed funny (as well as the intro scene with Helene) the b-way show took too many liberties.

Johnny's really good at being creepy. I'm always surprised that his female lead isn't constantly worried that she's going to be sliced and diced, what with the way he greets his blades.

There's a lot of (obviously fake) blood in this flick, and the mixture's color and consistency works really well with Burton's almost signature dark EVERYTHING (Sleepy Hollow and Corpse Bride come to mind ... even though I've not yet seen Corpse Bride).

But this is the half-point deduction stems from the storyline between Johanna and the stupid romantic kid. Ugh. Made me wanna puke every time they were together. I'm wondering if it's the storyline or the actors. Any thoughts? Anyone?

Amanda's official rating 4.5/5 stars

TV show #9: 30 Days

Morgan Spurlock started to bank on his Supersize Me success by way of appearances. Then he struck the FX jackpot with his show, 30 Days, which followed the concept of doing something for 30 days that differs from what a person is accustomed to doing. And it's not always Morgan and his annoying girlfriend/fiancee/wife, Alex. Whooops, did I just dis someone I've never met? Oh well.

I remember the first episode -- Morgan and Alex lived on minimum wage. It was excellent. The later episodes of the first season focused on other individuals. The show's in its third season, and I just watched the most recent episode, wherein he, Morgan, lives on a Navajo reservation for 30 days.

Most of the episodes are more ... whats the word? Contrary to how a person lives his or her life. One episode brought a Christian into a Muslim home. That was interesting.

website #1: xkcd, A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language

http://www.xkcd.com/

I honestly don't think enough people read my blog for them to care that I copied and pasted.

Film #12: I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With

I wasn't sure if this movie was a documentary or feature film when I saw the preview/commercial ... but I knew I wanted to see it just based on the title.

I...
~ like Sarah Silverman, but only when she's in someone else's stuff.

~ love that it's set in Chicago. Includes architecture notes and references to Second City. Well, James is IN Second City.
"This is Chicago, my friend. It's not New York. It's not L.A. You can't be picky." (Great scene between James (Jeff Garlin) and his agent, Herb (Richard Kind)!)

~Dakota Fanning's little sister played James's fake niece, Penelope. Cute.
~always loved Bonnie Hunt.
~Amy Sedaris plays the school psychologist. Weird.

BUT

I thought the end was kinda strange. I got it, but didn't really like it that much.

3/5 stars

TV show #8: 30 Rock

I resisted. It's a comedy about a live sketch comedy show. Like a comedic Studio 60, and that made me uncomfortable. I loved Studio 60 the way teens loved My So-Called Life when it came out. It's what I wanted, and few people seemed to agree enough to merit a second season. Sad.

Anyway, I've watched a few episodes of the first season, and I actually am liking it. I particularly liked the episode that I can't recall the name of but it touches on interesting intraracial tension.

You have to dig for the message sometimes, but I like what one blogger had to say about the "Black Tie" episode: "It's so gloriously silly that the humor never reaches a level of being preachy, which is one of the best qualities of the show: its messages, when it has them, are usually accompanied by an ingenious pratfall or a nicely placed vomit tube." (Joseph Ammon, cracked.com. It's about a TV show, were the expecting the Huffington Post?)

I had to power through the pilot because, let's face it, most pilots suck. This one didn't suck a lot, but it wasn't great.

Note: What is up with Rachel Dratch being a different character in every episode? Sure, they're using her talent well (she's hilarious), but I think she deserves the chance to develop an actual constant character. Is she still doing SNL? I didn't think so. But maybe that's why she has so little screen time on 30R. Ohh, maybe that abbreviation of the abbreviation will catch on!

TV show #7: The Office

Okay, I started watching The Daily Show at SIUE, and I always thought Steve Carrell was funny. But maybe that was initially because his last name reminded me of Carol. With an E.

Anyway, even though this show is scripted, it doesn't read as such. Even though the characters seem unreal ... we all know someone like Dwight. Don't think so? Think on high school for a few minutes, and you'll remember.

The (sweet, romantic, admirable) friendship between Jim and Pam makes me melt and scream all at the same time. Every worked in an office? a bank? with people? Yeah, you'll get this stuff.

TV show #6: Curb Your Enthusiasm

I was really excited about this show. It's supposed to be super funny. It has its clever moments, but I was underwhelmed, to be honest.

I've watched the first two episodes, and I think I'm done.

Are they really friends?

I'm watching the MTV movie awards (praise be to DVR, as usual), and Tom Cruise is presenting the Generation award to Adam Sandler. Are these two really friends? I don't see Sandler jumping on Oprah's furniture or picking fights with Matt Lauer.

Yeah, we're never going to forget, Tom. You just keep being gorgeous and we'll keep remembering.

Film #11: Lars and the Real Girl

Okay, I admit that I didn't think I was going to like this movie. Apparently this is the best thing that can happen to a film because these kinds of films usually exceed my expectations.

Please note that I'm not big on recapping movies. I just like to comment. If you want to know what a movie's about, simply "google it," got it? I'm sure you do.

Ryan Nelson sinks into this role very well. He plays, of course, Lars. This movie, from my assumptions is set in Minnesota. Freezing, slow, and simple. Lars orders a sex doll, but not for that reason. He meets her and introduces her to his brother and sister-in-law. The first few scenes are charming and funny, but as the movie progresses, the storyline develops and we learn more about Lars and his girlfriend, Bianca.

You can sit in your recliner and try to put yourself in several roles: the community, for one. This nice, shy man is now accessorising with a sex doll. Mock him? Shun him? Mock him some more? Or try to understand... How about his fam? It's fairly obvious that his brother is humiliated with his brother's "illness" while his sister-in-law is genuinely concerned and plays along as well as she can. (Note: this actress seems obscure, but she WAS in the third movie of the Scream trilogy)

Amazing script. A unique script for a universal message. If I may, this is the other side of Dan in Real Life, which conveys a universal message with a seemingly mundane premise.

Film #10: The Savages

Okay, so I've become a superfan of Philip Seymour Hoffman, so I was very, very excited to get this movie from Netflix. I read a user review about the movie, and this individual was disappointed that the movie was advertised as a comedy. Was it? I don't recall.

Anyhow, I think the background of the brother and sister plays so beautifully with the message of the film: life is tragic, life is funny. Life's absurd.

Additionally, I was on the brink of tears for 90% of this film. My grandparents both passed away after spending time in a nursing home, and Jon's (PSH) speech about nursing homes really hit home. I can understand his point of view in hindsight, and I can also understand Wendy's (Laura Linney) horror.

The ending's kinda "meh" but it's still a good flick.

My rating:
4/5 OR "Really Liked it"

SNL ... some more

I am, of course, writing again while watching SNL on DVR. The cast ripped on Obama and Clinton as well as they could because, let's face it, the Dems are suffering -- as McCain says on Weekend Update -- "That's right; fight amongst yourselves."

There's this kind of I-want-to-be-cool-and-be-on-SNL-so-I'll-make-fun-of-myself. I'm glad he showed he has a sense of humor, but I'm still not voting for him.

TV show #5: Work Out

Okay, I've watched this show from the beginning because, let's face it, it's on Bravo.

I'm getting a bit annoyed with Jackie, to e perfectly honest. Yes, she's the boss and can hire, fire, and sleep with whomever you wish. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna have issues with some of the decisions you make. Consider this being judgmental if you like.

• This was from last season, but having a relationship with your subordinate is never a good idea. It creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone else.
• She fired Peeler for lack of professionalism ... and yet she didn't seem to have any criticism for your assistant, Lisa, who made the inappropriate comments about a client.
• I know I'm not a trainer, but she seems to have unrealistic expectations for the SkyLab clients. Three weeks, what does she expect from them? Especially when only expecting 3x per week! This is not the ranch at The Biggest Loser. Even if people are giving 100% of what they can, some things take time.
  
• The situation with DD? DNEE? really upset me. I think the girl was emotional and explained her feelings to Lisa well, but then when Gregg showed up she just had to let it all out. Nothing was addressed as far as what HIS consequences were for not showing up, not calling back. SHE's the client. Jackie didn't seem to be sympathetic at all. And he DID roll his eyes and seem to shrug off what she was *trying* to say, so who can be articulate with an audience like that. There's a certain lack of encouragement from him at the beach, too. I actually feel for her, and I'm sure she's going to live up to all the low expectations Jackie has for her. And then in the therapy session.... that's a toughy because you want people to be able to voice grievances, but she was being ganged up on. Who wouldn't walk away? I woulda.
  
• Plug, plug, plug. Jesse said it all. Jackie, I'm sure youre proud of your stuff. Leave us alone. It's getting shameless. I know she got her hair done at Jonathan's.... maybe they're related.

No rating, but I'm considering not watching this show anymore.

Film #9: 27 Dresses

Okay, so this is the first "chick flick" that I'm going to review on here, so hold onto your hats!

I love Kathrine Heigl. I think she's wonderfully funny. Now, some of you may see this as silly, but I thought it was interesting that she played the *brunette* in this film, and her character's sister is blonde. Just a note.

I wasn't all that impressed with the men in this film. They acted fine, but couldn't they find anyone better? Why not page McDreamy? No, it wouldn't be awkward. Well, maybe just a little.

The concept that this film addresses is, of course, the difference between a wedding and a marriage. However, all we ever see are weddings.

I don't really have much to say when it comes to romantic comedies, though. Which is sad. Cute ending, of course.

Amanda's rating: 3/5 stars (OR) Liked it

CSI breeds talent?

I'm watching the DVRed episode of Grey's Anatomy from last week. The way too beautiful Kate Walsh is back playing Addison.

She was in an episode of CSI. She played a drag queen.

Yep.

She was good, of course. But CSI can be like Law and Order. Lots and lots of extras makes for lots and lots of future famous people. For example, K-Fed played a hardcore punk in CSI. I'm having a hard time thinking of those I notice in Law and Order, but I'm sure you guys can think of some....

Film #8: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

So the thing about this movie is that it reveals to you what would normally be the "twist" (or "twists" right in the beginning (not to mention in the trailers) -- so you're expecting something outright huge to come from this.

Another funny thing right off the bat is that Philip Seymour Hoffman is the older brother, but it's Ethan Hawke who's looking wrinkled and beaten down.

I think the element that throws me off right away is Marissa Tomei's character. She seems like a walking plot advancement. It's not that she doesn't do a good job, I just felt that with everything else going on, her character development suffered.

I think the set design, especially surrounding Andy, was just genius. That seemingly authentic NY swank really hits home. And then Hank's surroundings are, of course, just the opposite. Still seemingly authentic, but just drab, dirty, and poor.

4/5 stars / netflix rating "really liked it"

Film #7: Gone Baby Gone

Okay, so my sister watched this flick on ppv, and she said it was good. So here goes.

1. Love the fact that I can hear my name with a Bostonian accent.
2. These actors/extras seem really *authentic*. This isn't a Boston movie posing as LA, if you know what I mean. Even the principle actors are allowed a little oily skin. I love this. Through the whole movie, I loved the casting.
3. There's another story in this movie, I can smell it! This is me after 12 minutes in, just watching the missing girls aunt, Beatrice.
4. Involvement of Morgan Freeman. I am prepared to be blown away, d'habitude.
5. I didn't get some of the insults flung at the bar.
6. Ed Harris looks really different. He's more of a chameleon that I thought. Wow, with that hair. And wow, that performance.
7. "Go away, but don't go too far." Oh, please.
8. Integration of title in dialogue sucks, IMO (in my opinion).
9. This movie moves. Take that however you want to.
10. Editing was a little questionable .... the scene with all the crosses on the mantle showing and they're doing some voice-over dialogues.
Final note: Good job, Ben.

4.5/5stars -- netflix rating: Loved it

"I don't want to find a little kid after they've been abused for three days." Angie
"Nobody does!" Patrick

"My priest says shame is God telling you what did is wrong."Patrick
"F*** him."Remy

TV show #4: Ace of Cakes

I just love this show. The atmosphere in this shop seems just wonderful, and the creations are just wonderful! There are tradition cakes, traditional cakes with a twist, and cakes that are just unbelievably realistic models of cars, homes, and just about anything else.

A quirky, original reality show. Who expected that?

Film #6: Lady in the Water

Okay, I put this movie in my netflix queue immediately because I'm a fan of Shyamalan.

First of all, I think the acting in this movie was as good as it could be for a HORRIBLE STORY. One of my friends (who I think refuses to read this blog) says that he likes "what it tries to do." TRIES. The concept, I believe, is to put an ancient myth into modern times (and the quest to find one's "purpose", goodie goodie). But... no. It doesn't work. It's contrived, Shyamalan, and corny. The storytelling is congested and just ... not good. Bad writer/director! Bad! (that's meant to be in a chiding tone, like "bad dog!" Get it?

But what really grinds my gears is that I really liked most of his films (except for Unbreakable... it was a good concept but I felt underwhelmed in the end), and this really one disappointed me.

For some reason, there seemed to be a lot of fuss about the fact that Shyamalan played such a big role in his own film and maybe that threw him off. I disagree. I think the writing was just not up to par -- I can only say that PERHAPS if he had been sitting back and watching the whole thing he would have seen how bad it really was. That's the only thing I can maybe see as an agreement to that statement.

one star (Netflix rating: hated it)

TV show #3: Dirt

Yep. I watch it.

What drew me to watch it in the beginning:
Courtney Cox. I'm a FRIENDS fan, so I consider it my duty to at least "try on" a new series that anyone in the ensembles takes on. With the exception of Joey. Oh, dear, that was a bad idea.
It's about celebrities and celeb-utantes. Dirty pleasure.

Unfortunately, the second season seemed really skimpy. I don't feel as if it developed as well as it could have. No one ought to blame the writer's strike ... but can they?

Second ding: I don't buy the Lucy/Holt romance. I can't put my finger on WHY, though.

Film #5: There Will Be Blood

Wow, this movie blew me away! Yes, it's long. Yes, it's epic. But, yes, you really should see it.

Daniel Day Lewis is an amazing actor. If anyone can think of a film he's done where he's horrible, please tell me. But he seems to breathe, sweat, and salivate talent. Perhaps his roles have been larger-than-life for his past few films, but he can REALLY pull it off.

What I thought was really great was how the antagonist, that punk Eli, was SO MUCH like him. They both would do whatever it took to get what they wanted. They both really wanted the same thing, I think. Hmm, but what IS it.... ?

And you cannot talk about this movie without talking about the scene where Daniel gets "saved" ("I'VE ABANDONED MY CHILD!") -- it's so intense, but I'm so glad that they didn't do the whole thing where he actually IS saved. He was just doing what he had to do to get what he wanted. And the final scene just proves that he and Eli are two cuts of the same cloth. Granted, Daniel is the exterior cloth (you see what you get), and Eli in the interior (all the bad ghosts are in private).

Another scene that is just phenomenal is the fire scene -- I'm not spoiling anything because this gets talked about a lot for its technical complexity. It was beautiful and tragic. I think its great that an oil FIRE has to be put out via DYNAMITE. Even if it is true, is that not ... a wonderful statement?

Random #1: Comedy Central's Night of Too Many Stars

Okay, so I am indeed writing my paper, but I need background noise. So I'm watching the DVR-ed "Night of Too Many Stars" the was on Comedy Central last night. (Benefits like CRAZY to autism education. Good job, CC.)

The opening act was dumb. Maybe that was the point, but these stars were not prepared to do an opening number. Not prepared enough to make it funny. It was more awkward than funny.

I love Jon Stewart.

Kevin James is HI-LARIOUS!

Larry David made me laugh. I want to see Curb Your Enthusiasm. It's in my netflix queue.

Adam Sandler pushed the envelope with a live performance and his barrage of curse words. I think he made Stewart kinda nervous.

Project Runway ... right after Golden Girls!

Okay, so before I get back to the mess that is my homework I watched E! news. Don't judge me.

So apparently Project Runway will be returning at some point ... but not on Bravo. It'll be on LIFETIME. That's right.

This oughta be interesting.

Game #1: Supple

Yeah, so with all the crap I have to do, I still manage to waste enough time to merit an entertainment blog. Who knew?

Anyway, I like playing games - PS2, PC, the Wii, if you have it.... so I'm going to start my amateur GAME review in here, too.

So there's a game you can download on yahoo (and several other sites) called Supple. It's like a less cool version of the sims -- this is a slight variation of someone's else's thoughts ((s)he merely called it a "sims for girls").
Things to note:

• The characters speak actual English, so people don't sound like they're talking to dogs or babies.
• You're a female character ... this game is obviously geared toward women/young ladies.
  
• There doesn't seem to be a tutorial, just annoying pop-ups that cover about 45% of what you need to know.
  
• I suck at it because I can't get past the first "day"
• ... and yet I kinda want to buy it. But trust me, I won't.
  

Amanda's rating?
3/5, "liked it"

TV show #2: The Tudors

Historical drama. Shows like this really help me understand history as a human story. I liked ROME as much as I like The Tudors, if not more. The darkness and the underground scenes are beautiful, the costume design is flawless (in my certainly flawed sight), and have I mentioned that Jonathan Rhys Meyers is to die for? Oh, yummy. Not to sound like a 21-year old who only watches The Tudors for the eye candy, but the attractiveness of the men in this series far outdoes that of the men in ROME.

Stuff I may have (mis)learned about this period in England:

• Women (or maybe just queens?) make shirts for their husbands.
• Men eat pomegranate for virility... maybe specifically for a son?
• Anne Boleyn's a tramp. Haha, just kidding. But I see the strings from her fathers hands to her head, arms, and, dare I say, legs? Accurate, think you?
  

I'm expecting Suzy to chime in and shake her head to the inaccuracies of the series ... she IS my (non)resident history buff, after all!

Book #1: As I Lay Dying

When I started this book, I dove straight to the internet for assistance. I needed help figuring out who was who. Maybe that was cheating because so much of the experience of Faulkner is sifting through the fog... but there are plenty more complicated texts by this dude that I'm sure I'll attempt to tackle in the future.

For me, what I actually LIKE about this book is the fact that the narrator shifts between characters. I didn't expect the ending - it was abrupt, I mean, the events weren't all that shocking. And my initial reaction was, "What if this were told from another character's perspective?" I'm thinking I might check out The Sound and the Fury just to see how far I can push myself through it.

*Also, I looked for a few books on my reading list, and I was really hoping to find Wise Children, but I would have had to order it. So I might look for it in the library tomorrow when I pick up my books for what I will refer to as my 548 project.

Scorsese and the Stones

So, as you all probably know, unless you don't know me very well, I listen to NPR whenever I'm in my car unless some stupid show like "Echoes" is on. I drove just a bit this weekend, and EVERY time my radio was on, I heard about Scorsese's latest project: Shine a Light. It's a documentary about The Rolling Stones.

Now, I'm not going to go on a rant about this doc, because I don't think I could appreciate it, not being a Stones fan. What I AM curious about is how the heck I wound up hearing about this movie five times. ALL from NPR, at that! Does NPR have a stake in the flick? Haha, you may say. But are they putting my $5 pledge into a movie that I have no interest in supporting?

I'm kidding. I know NPR's not in the movie business. And I've sadly never donated a cent to the radio station that's like a mentor.

Also, Ebert's back. And his first review (at least on the website)? Yep. Shine a Light. 4 stars.

Film #4: No Country for Old Men

As I seem to be WAY behind the times, I have to admit a certain admiration for the Coen brothers. OR, as the Bard would say, the Brothers Coen. Maybe. Anyway, last weekend I saw O Brother, Where Art Thou, and enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. Some of you may recall my bitter, bitter feelings towards NCFOM without having seen it, but you must likewise remember that I am a simple person, and thus, a pushover for the movie Juno.

At any rate, I really, REALLY loved this film. I was not without moments of sheer confusion, disgust, and, somehow, amusement. Watching this movie reminded me a bit of the Kill Bill volumes: the violence is somehow a character in addition to the characters' actions. And somehow it becomes not only a strangely artistically choreographed event, but, well, it no longer IS an event.

There's very little music. The hardest adjustment is when you KNOW something bad's about to happen. No creepy music. I heard no music at end credits, too. So simple.

What an eye these guys have. There were so many scenes where I wish I had just paused and looked. Particularly when Ed Tom (Tommy Lee Jones) enters a hotel room and you can see his shadow... very Western... And after the first few scenes where death has either just visited or is just around the corner (first few scenes), there is that element, that unmistakable proof of the human struggle. I mean, Crazy Anton strangles a police officer, and there are so many scuff marks on the floor, you can just imagine how tough that is. I'm reminded of a Hitchcock film that I've never seen where a woman's trying to kill a man and he just doesn't seem to die! What is that? The perseverance of life?

Tommy Lee Jones is amazingly versatile as an actor, and they way he just takes on the exhaustion, the disbelief and yet complacency with the state of things today (which, we learn, is no different from 100 years ago) ... it makes me want to weep, it's so beautiful.

Javier Bardem -- WOW. This guy has creepy psycho DOWN. Excellent.

Josh Brolin -- Very surprising character, at least to me. The first few scenes where he just utters a word are SO powerful and ironic and strangely funny. MY favorite line? "Yeah."

Woody Harrelson -- Wow, um, Woody's kinda hot. Sorry to move away from acting skills (he, of course, did an excellent job), etc, but he's VERY attractive in this movie. I have no clue why.

Okay, I'll stop. To warn those of you who haven't yet seen this movie, it's pretty darn violent, and it's quite long. But I didn't realize it was that long until I put the DVD back in its netflix sleeve and saw the duration. It's a complicated movie (to my brain), but I didn't feel as if it moved slowly.

Rating: 5/5 stars OR netflix "I loved it"

Books I'd like to read

This is kind of like a review. Okay, so based on the numerous novels cited in How to Read Literature Like a Professor (required reading for my night class ... but I really am enjoying this book!), I would like to read the following:

Lady Chatterly's Lover (Lawrence)
Women in Love (Lawrence)
Wise Children (Carter)
Mrs. Dalloway (Woolf) -- I've wanted to read this for a long time anyway
Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
The Hours (Cunningham) -- I think
Metamorphoses (Ovid)
The Tempest (Bard)

And please don't shun me because I haven't read these books yet. I read Jane Eyre for FUN.

Film #3: 21

Watching this film in the theater was a testament to NOT reading film critics' reviews before seeing a flick. At least for me. I read Emerson (Ebert's editor)'s review of 21 before seeing it, and that was a big mistake. Emerson (who I must regard AS Ebert because Ebert was out-of-commission for 21, I suppose) thought that the actual story as good enough to translate into the film, but the screenwriters changed too much and it came out as a cookie-cutter kinda movie. So I had that in my brain walking into auditorium 8.

Anyway, this is what I think, or first impressions
Cutie dudes: Sam Golzari (puppy dog eyes that make me want to CRY), Jim Sturgess (I sang "Hey Jude" to myself about 3 times during this movie. Across the Universe really sank in.), and, of course, Mr Spacey.
Reminded me of: Across the Universe, for one obvious reason (leading man), but also certain scenes with use of bright color. but mostly the obvious reason. And the Oceans' movies... obviously, the Vegas. And any movie where theres a mentor, the mentee revolts, gets a "hot chick", etc (see Wall Street)
What did I take away from it?: I realized that, although I love the way he does it, I hate it when Spacey plays a character like this (I'm being vague so as not to give away anything). I just always see him as Lester Burnham, lovable, pot-smoking, almost-pedophile. I still prefer roulette at casinos, and i don't even TRY to beat it.
What annoyed me: Ugh, I know it's Vegas, so its all part of the scene, but 1)I hate strip club montages. And club montages with the skimpy top montages. Come on. 1.5)There was some definite cheese present. 2) This was a pretty predictable movie, when you think about it.
But I liked it because...: I love Kevin Spacey, and all the acting was top notch. I love the Vegas. The movie was entertaining enough.
Quotable quotes: None that I can think of.

Also, this movie proves that I'm not that good at math. The oh-so-simple probability problem in the classroom?... I still don't get it.

All in all? 3/5, OR a netflix "liked it"

Anyone dig the new review format? Or do you guys prefer my mindless rambling as they come to me (see Rev:Why Did I Get Married?) I'm all about suggestions, people. And If I get no comments, I'll take myself out to my car and cry because no one cares what I think about the movies.

Film #2: Why Did I Get Married?

Okay, I liked this movie more than I thought I would... the first 20 minutes were pretty trite. I'm not sure I liked the idea of opening with Ms Jackson lecturing a bunch of undergrads, and the ending awards ceremony was kinda dumb. Most of the characters were believable, the one exception being Mike. If anyone believes this as a realistic character, please let me know; if your argument is good enough, I may rescind my comment. The relationships are all pretty well-developed, as well as the characters, but Ms Jackson's whole basis that they're all in CO for a "retreat to ask 'Why did I get married?'" seems to be absent. They just get together, drink, and chat. And then she writes a book about them? There something missing, but more there than I had anticipated.

I didn't know it was originally a play ... nor do I care. I think it's natural to compare a film to its "original" (cough, Harry Potter readers, cough), be it play or novel, but I try *TRY* to judge a film as it is. Yeah, it was hard to watch Memoirs of a Geisha, though.

Anyway, this movie get a 3.5/5 stars from me.

My humble thanks...

...to those as blogspot/blogger/what have you reviewers for recognizing me as a human :) I will try to be less logical and robot-like in the future!

More reviews to come this weekend! I'm going to see "21" with my kick-butt friend, Katie. Although I've heard some discouraging reviews, I still want to see Mr Sexy ... I mean, Mr Spacey.

Film #1: High Fidelity

So it's Easter morning, and, after 7 long hours of sleep, so before I get back to my reading, I'm watching High Fidelity.

I'm a huge John Cusack fan, so it's a decent movie in my book. The fact that Tim Robbins plays a creepy dude definitely is a positive. There are a few movies with direct address to the camera that I can deal with, and this is one of them. The whole concept of a character rating events in his life, such as the "top five most painful breakups of all time," in addition to the typical top five songs or recording artists.

Are there still guys who collect LPs? I can't imagine the space constraints. The magic of digital files. I watch TLC a little more that I like to admit, and while watching this I keep thinking, "He can convert ALL those to digital now!"

Rating: 4/5 stars

Stuff I want to see...

Here's my beef with netflix.com, which I love unconditionally: I find some interesting movies after reading reviews, and it's not available. That's all, netflix. I still love you.

• Hamlet (2000) : Hamlet told in the corporate world.
  
• Millions (A Lottery Story): The Minnesotan lunch ladies who won the lottery
• Tropical Thunder: Looks funny. This is my one freebie.
• 21. I have been waiting for another Kevin Spacey film.
  
• Alllll the movies in my netflix queue.

Movies I have little to no interest in seeing:

• Shutter: Looks like another The Grudge. No thank you.
• Actually, there are a LOT of movies out that I have no desire to see.
  

TV show #1: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Okay, so I'll start with what I'm watching at the moment: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

This show it rightfully rated TV MA. The situations start as your average sitcom. For example, I'm watching S02E05. Deandra, or Dee, starts a conversation about Million Dollar Baby when she and her brother and friends are walking home from somewhere; they predictably hate the movie because women don't have muscles and can't fight. The gang proceeds to get mugged, and the boys abandon Dee.

More predictably, Dee signs up for a self-defense class and starts training. Meanwhile: the boys discover the genius of underground street-fighting.

Where IASIP takes it to the next level: Dee starts taking steroids and the boys get Charlie to be an underground street fighter.

The challenge of this show: make it to that "next level" while keeping humor.