143/365 Strictly Sexual

Starring: Amber Benson, Johann Urb, Kristen Kerr, Stevie Long

Genre: Comedy

Discovery: I don’t exact know.  Netflix put it in my queue.  Maybe one night after too many beers I decided it might be a quirky flick to watch…your guess is as good as mine.

Summary: Two girls who are fed up looking for love ‘hire’ two out of work construction workers to live with them & be their ‘boy toys’.  Needless to say, one couple ends up happily ever after (Johann Urb, Kristen Kerr) while the other one has a full blown meltdown, Chernobyl-style (Amber Benson, Stevie Long).

First Glance: I don’t want to bag anyone who has the guts to make a movie about love & relationships that is a hard topic to narrate well.  Few can navigate the nuances of the complex topic that is romantic love.  I enjoyed getting a male perspective of the female experience.  Written and directed by guys.  The women were portrayed pretty honestly (although a little to0 ‘crazy’ for my liking).  This reeked of film students grabbing their buddies’ camera and a group of pals making a movie on weekends.  I don’t dig that part.  For all the raving the peeps did in the commentary about the DP, I was like “Are they for real, it is horrible”.

Deeper Look: Nope, not this time, peeps.  Keep looking elsewhere.  Ok wait, I need to be fair…The “buddy couple” (as i refer to them) who started off rather awkwardly really grew on me as they developed a friendship & chemistry by getting to know each other vs the other couple that was all about the bedroom.  I guess that’s deep, right?

What I Took Away from this Movie:  Instant attraction isn’t the key to a successful relationship & a 100,000 budget doesn’t go a long way when trying to make a decent film.

Final Glimpse: It was alright.  I wouldn’t disavow seeing it but neither would I tell anyone to rent it.  Does that tell you something?

89/365 Twilight: New Moon

Starring: Robert Pattison, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner

Genre: Drama

Discovery: I saw the first one and it was time to check out the next flick in the series.

Summary: 2nd movie in a series, picks up with Bella and Edward “breaking up” because Edward doesn’t want to see Bella get hurt by a vampire.  Their love is doomed so he goes away leaving her to pick up the pieces.  She mopes for about 4 months and then we see her get back to living & enjoying a friendship with childhood friend, Jacob.  They have a strong connection but Edward is ALWAYS in her thoughts.  She does dangerous things to ‘see’ him.  In the end, she runs to Edwards’ rescue when he tries to sacrifice himself because he thinks she is dead…interesting conclusion follows.

First Glance: I thought this film was really well shot.  The DP captured more warm & vibrant tones in this one.  It wasn’t as bleak as the first that had all grays and greens.  Of course, a big part of the film is the chemistry between Kristen and Rob.  It is definitely there.  Rob P even looks less “constipated” this time around. Thank you, Chris Weitz for showing Robby there is more than being a big mope to get across star crossed love.  One of my favorite scenes is the very end when they are in the forest.  ’Nuff said, no spoilers.  I would be remiss if I didn’t say that Taylor really muscled up for this film, and had his fair share of shirtless moments.  Good job. Pretty decent CGI werewolves.

Deeper Look: N/A this time around.  Just enjoyed the movie for the fluffy fluff it is.

What I Took Away from this Movie: I do not enjoy star crossed love.  It makes me sad.  I guess, that is the point of it, right?

Final Glimpse: See it.  Fun & cheesy romance flick.

88/365 Trucker

Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Nathan Fillion, Benjamin Bratt, Jimmy Bennett

Genre: Drama

Discovery: Recommendation.

Summary: Diane (Michelle Monaghan), a mom who abandoned Peter 10 years earlier, is forced to take care of him when his father (Benjamin Bratt) gets cancer. Her married friend, Runner (Nathan Fillion), opens up her heart a bit when he declares his love for her.  At first, there is little love lost between the Diane and Peter. She has no idea just what it takes to be a loving parent after living with her guard up for so many years.  Ultimately, their bond is restored as they learn the meaning of love and family.

First Glance: Great cinematography in this movie.  It takes place on the road a big part of the film.  I really felt the expansive nature of the life of a truck driver. Michelle Monaghan played a perfect blend of embittered, fiercely independent woman while exposing a vulnerable woman under her crusty exterior.  She & Nathan had an easy chemistry which was filled with longing looks & unsaid dedication to each other.

Deeper Look: You never know what you are going to get when you get an indie movie about an absentee parent.  It could come of terrifically false if you move too fast or make it play out in an unnatural way.  Neither of those things happen.  The director took the time to show us two very uncomfortable characters getting to know each other all over again. That paid off.  I was sold on the story of this woman who didn’t understand what it was to be a mom; yet, by the end of the story opened herself to learning.  Diane grows up so much through the film.  The boy (Jimmy Bennett) had the best chip on his shoulder only overshadowed by his desire to know if his mom really wanted & loved him. Beautiful moment at the end between the two.

What I Took Away from this Movie: It is never too late to step up to the plate and let your heart love.

Final Glimpse: Slow, meandering movie about a mother/son relationship.

75/365 The Black Balloon

Starring: Toni Collette, Rhys Wakefield, Gemma Ward, Luke Ford, Erik Thomson

Genre: Drama

Discovery: I saw the cover art (which is different than the one above) & immediately had a feeling it would be a special movie.

Summary: A coming of age tale set in the early 90′s about Thomas and his brother, Charlie (who has autism).  Thomas starts a new school where he experiences some of the prejudices people have against Charlie  and his own feelings of alienation. His parents  are loving but overcome with the responsibilities that is involved with taking care of Charlie.  Soon Thomas meets Jackie (Gemma Ward) who shows him friendship and true kindness.  A misunderstanding leads to a showdown between the brothers but also the eventual healing between them.

First Glance: Can Toni Collette ever do wrong?  I don’t think so.  Even though she wasn’t the main character, her touching portrayal of harried, loving mom was so fab.  I gush!  In fact, every single actor brought top caliber performances that had me 100% in the story.  Once it started, I was ‘in’ this film.  The DP created beautifully intimate moments of family life.  It felt domestic & real.

Deeper Look: I could go on for days about what I loved:  The relationship dynamics in a loving but challenged family.  A young man struggling to find his place in the world.  First love.  Dealing with a family member with some special needs.  Moving to a new place.  The one element that impacted me the most was: Thomas feeling second fiddle within his family because they had to focus so much on Charlie.  It was heartbreaking to see that struggle.  I’ve felt that way myself in my own family (my brother has some serious challenges in his life).  It made me cry, I won’t hide that.  Delicately balanced in was the Aussie sense-of-humor.  It continues to rock my world; it’s irreverent & not too broad. This movie interweaves ideas seamlessly.  I could not ask for a more unaffected, complex view of youth. PERFECTION.

**Thank you Alissa (the writer/director) for creating such a film.  It was a pleasure to watch.

What I Took Away from this Movie: 1) Love is a powerful force.  2)  Unconditional acceptance is a necessary part of love.

Final Glimpse: Stop the presses!! This movie is the exact reason I love film so much. Please see as soon as you can.  You will be thrilled you did.

74/365 Summary of 365 Challenge

The past week it has been the total shits for movie watching.

No joke.  It almost has me wondering if I over estimated the

ability for Hollywood to put out a decent movie.

It could be my frustration talking since I made a trip to the video

store and out of 4 movies, ONE was even worth the time.

ONE.

So instead of full reviews, I’ll do a summary listing.

Movies I would recommend you watch.  Definitely.

1) I’ve loved you so long (french)

Movies that are good not great.

1)  Watchmen

2)  Broken Embraces

3)  Possession (with the alternate ending as the REAL one)

Movies that I would rather go to the dentist & have him pull out all my teeth than see again

1)  Women in Trouble

2)  Henry & June

3) The Fourth Kind

Since all things film are subjective, check one of these out & see what you think.  Get back to me if you do!

Seems like I’m going for the thrillers/supernatural/horror genres right now.  They are having the best luck with me.

Interesting.

71/365 High Life

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Stephen Eric Mcintyre, Joe Anderson, Russif Sutherland

Genre: Dark Comedy

Discovery: You know the drill, I watch all movies with Timmy in them, and now Joe Anderson (who is currently on my radar as a high caliber actor)

Summary: Dick (Timmy Olyphant) is a guy who is trying to live a productive life.  When his friend, Bug (Stephen Eric Mcintrye) visits him at his job it leads to Dick being fired.  Now in need of money the two hapless dudes create a plan to rob an ATM.  Dick realizing they need help brings in Donnie and Billy who add their own skills to the mix.  Thing is, the gang doesn’t have enough common sense to pull of a successful heist.  Mishaps ensue. Leading to a very chaotic conclusion.

First Glance: Think ‘Oceans 11′ for Dummies. If not for the excellent sound design and stylized shots this movie could have left me cold.  I liked the premise of the story but it seemed like it ‘tried too hard’.  This is not to say that the acting wasn’t good, the boys brought it.  I really enjoy Joe (my new discovery) and Stephen’s characters.  Ridiculous.

Deeper Look: As interesting as the movie was, I couldn’t get into it.  Everything was fine but weird.   I struggle to put my finger just on what I didn’t like; sometimes it just comes down to the mood I’m in.  So give it a chance & see what you think.  (Let me know, I would love to hear your opinion)

What I Took Away from this Movie: My crush on Timmy is firmly intact in spite of him looking like a scruffy mess.

Final Glimpse: Rent.

70/365 The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Starring: Robin Wright, Blake Lively, Alan Arkin, Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Maria Bello, and Winona Ryder ( a real ensemble)

Genre: Dark Comedy

Discovery: Watched a few weeks ago, finally getting to the review.  I adore Robin Wright, she has such a tough vulnerability.

Summary: Pippa (Robin Wright) is raised by an emotionally unstable mom (who loves her but is ill equipped to parent, played by Maria Bello), so she goes to live with her aunt.  During that time she meets her lover and future husband, Herb (Alan Arkin).  He forces them to move to a retirement community.  That is where she slowly starts ‘losing her mind’ but finding her true self.  She falls in love with a neighbor, Chris (Keanu Reeves),  who is like a guardian angel; loving her for who she really is.

First Glance:  Director Rebecca Miller is brilliant at bringing some very fine performance out of the actors.  Robin and Keanu shine.  Alan plays loving but unfaithful husband perfectly.  Shot beautifully, there were a few scenes that I was just entranced by.  (Behind the scenes girl says:  I would spoil to share but they are pivotal scenes. So you will have to trust me.) Wonderful story of being true to yourself.  LOVE.

Deeper Look: It would be so easy with a movie like this to get too maudlin.  To be full of itself.  Wonderful performances and fantastic writing keep this from being so. There are moments of chaos, great warmth, fun, heartbreak, and adventure.  Each one leading you further into the woman that is Pippa.  Utterly charming.  I related to pieces of this film, the idea that one has to bend themselves into a ‘good person’ to please the people around them.  The moment she is freed from this constraint is such a joy.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Your history is just a story.  It’s the present that matters.  Love heals.

Final Glimpse: Please see this movie.  Lovely, rich, and nuanced dark comedy that has such heart.

68/365 Hot Tub Time Machine

*this is where I realize that the 365 will go on hiatus when I work.  It isn’t possible to do both.

Just worked on a CBS pilot called ‘The Odds’, a cop buddy show.  Short and sweet. There is no guarantee this will air, it all depends on the fall lineup (in fact, very few of pilots shot actually see the light of day)

On to the review:

Starring: John Cusack, Rob Cordry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke

Genre: Comedy

Discovery: New Release ala 80′s style

Summary: After a friend seemingly tries to commit suicide, his buddies take him to their teenage hangout spot ‘The Kodiak’.  When they take a dip in the hot tub, it short circuits and takes them back to the Winter Fest 1986. Each guy has a ‘mission’ to complete in order to get back to their life in the present.

First Glance: In the hands of lesser actors/comedians this could have gone completely wrong.  This cast pulls out a pretty funny movie.  Each one brought a very different type of humor to the story.  Going back to the 80′s made me nostalgic. Those costumes were fantastic.  The best part of the movie really.

Deeper Look: Not too much to comment on except that if you grew up in the 80′s this movie will make you chuckle.  Several historic references thrown into the script. Playing off a few classic films of the time.  Not to mention all of the horrendous trends.  Take a trip down memory lane.  (Behind the scenes girl says: I loved the line: “the 80′s sucked, it was known for Ronald Reagan and AIDS. Shit!”)

What I Took Away from this Movie: Embrace the chaos.

Final Glimpse: Good but not great comedy.  Put on your favorite 80′s wear and make a trip to the theater to watch Hot Tub Time Machine.

69/365 Fling

**no poster image, sorry!

Starring: Brandon Routh, Steve Sandvoss, Courtney Ford, Nick Wechsler, Shoshana Bush

Genre: Drama (almost as bleak as they come minus the first 2 minutes)

Discovery: A “third tier” movie = blind pick

Summary: Samantha and Mason are the ‘perfect couple’ , thing is, they are bored in their relationship & want to experience new adventures.  Both agree to an open relationship.  Samantha pursues her college sweetheart while Mason romances his best friends’ sister.  Neither one expects it to lead anywhere but complications arise when the heart gets involved.

First Glance: I gave this a chance, I really did.  What can I say positive?  Ok…I liked the lighting.  The DP played well with different colors & moods.  Costumes were contemporary & hip.  Then zippo.  Not going to glorify a film that smears love & commitment and calls it “honesty and truth”.

Deeper Look: This is a movie that I wish I had not even watched.  I will give the director credit for taking a stand and exploring tough topics like infidelity, jealousy, and love.  That aside, I do not agree with his ‘opinions’ so this film made me feel queasy.  Nothing enjoyable about watching a relationship self-destruct because of very poor choices made on the part of the characters.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Open relationships really don’t work.

Final Glimpse: Risky & gutsy but not my cup o’ tea.

59/365 The Hammer

Starring: Adam Corolla, Heather Juergensen

Genre: Comedy

Discovery: My friend, Brandi, recommended this one to me.

Summary: Jerry, an aging carpenter/amateur boxer,  gets in the ring and knocks out one of the favorites.  This leads to him getting noticed by a coach who only wants him as a sparring partner for his prize fighter, Brown.  Undeterred, he enters a ‘rocky-like’ quest to get a spot in the Olympics while juggling his new love interest, Lindsay.  The ultimate showdown leads to a fight with Brown.

First Glance: I had no idea what I was in for when I started watching this. Comedians often can’t make the leap to the big screen (Dane Cook, love him, but he sucks as an actor).  This was such a treat to watch.  Not only does it have tons of heart, it’s funny as hell.  Adam plays hapless, bumbling hero better than anyone I have seen lately.  He is surrounded by a very strong supporting cast.

Deeper Look: Who doesn’t root for the underdog?  I love a good story where the unlikely guy rules the day & gets the girl.  They shot completely in LA even though a small part of the story took place in “Phoenix” (Behind the scenes girl says: they didn’t fool me, I knew it was Hollywood.  Phoenix doesn’t have that type of architecture.  Geeky detail)  This had the indie stamp all over it.  Small production, nothing really grand happens; just a good story & good acting.  The fighting was fairly authentic although the best “punch” comes outside the ring.  That’s all I will say since I don’t want to spoil.  I promise, if you take a chance on this movie you will have plenty of laughs.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Follow your dreams no matter what.

Final Glimpse: Who knew Adam had the acting chops to pull off such a funny indie gem.  I laughed (out loud) hysterically & that doesn’t happen much with the contemporary comedies.  A must see!

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