01/29/06 The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005), directed by Ken Kwapis

watched w/ Leslie, Sarah & Rebecca; DVD (family's copy) @ my parents' house (Southern Pines, NC)

Being that today was my parents' anniversary, I went home to visit them and my little sisters. They are all fully aware of my year-long challenge here, so far be it for them to try and throw me a bone. Yes, it's not below me to sit through a so-called "chick flick" in order to keep my nose in the air, but please. This is the type of movie that appeals to my 11 year-old sister, and that is a little upsetting to me. I'm by far no conservative, but sometimes these movies that are geared towards the younger crowd involve actors/actresses that in reality are closer to 30, playing teenagers in high school doing things high schoolers shouldn't really be doing with other actors/actresses that portray & are 30. That creepy thematic element keeps me from ever taking it seriously. Plus, it's about magic pants...c'mon. Unless your Bootsy Collins or Willy Wonka, don't come yapping to me about magic pants. There is sadness in parts, which later made me feel somewhat bad for having made fun of them all the way throughout the film. And no magic pants can cure it.

2 out of 5 stars

01/28/06 Chicago

Chicago (2002), directed by Rob Marshall

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

OK, I'm going to say right off the bat that I don't like movie musicals. So, that right there hurts this movie's potential from the get-go. However, this viewing was a scientific observation on my part, as Leslie & I went to see the actual musical stage production of Chicago this evening in Raleigh. I much more preferred the stage production (adds 1 1/2 stars easily); which allows for more exaggeration, choreography, and comedic relief. The movie had not enough of those, nor did it translate well to celluloid in my opinion. It did, however, allow for more character development and back-story. Some routines were cool, like the Murderers' Row, but it's not my cup of film-tea. Stick with the stage, so you won't get the hook.

2 out of 5 stars

01/27/06 Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain (2005), directed by Ang Lee

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Crossroads 20 Cinema, Cary, NC)

Garnering tons of critical acclaim, and probably some Oscars to come, this film was one of those that lived up to it. If your not familiar with the plotline, it is one that will shock your senses and leave those uptight conservatives reeling in the aisles (if they make it through even 1/2 the movie). Not to ruin it for you, but it's too hotbed of an issue not to address. We need to talk about this. It's sacrilegious, but Hollywood feels it necessary to inflict their evil upon us. It involves Australians trying to pull off a very midwestern countrified American accent and get away with it! Yes. I've said it. Now, that being said, and in all honesty this is a great film. It recounts a life-long relationship of two men set in the very taboo world of the 1960's, that breaks all boundaries of westerns and love stories along the way. A film that will be remembered for a long time.

4 out of 5 stars

01/26/06 Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

Get Rich Or Die Tryin' (2005), directed by Jim Sheridan

watched w/ Joel; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

I really tried to like this film. 50 Cent's life story does have an incredible past to it, but it never included (nor should it have) acting. Say what you will for him as an artist, but he didn't even play himself very well here. Terrence Howard steals the show as usual. More gritty than an 8 Mile (it's easy to try & compare, so I'll resist), but still showing a softer side. And what?!?! It was directed by the dude who did My Left Foot! Hmmm...sure, I'm sure knew how to relate to this storyline, what with the hard streets of Dublin to grow up in. I did pay a dollar-fitty (sorry, couldn't resist there) to see it. It's a hardknock life yo.

2 out of 5 stars

01/25/06 Teenagers From Outer Space

Teenagers From Outer Space (1959), directed by Tom Graeff

watched w/ Leslie & Sarah S.; DVD (personal copy) @ home

Bought this one in the bargain bin awhile back. It looked funny, and extremely low-budget. Ed Wood-type craft here. I joked about this being ultimate MST3K fodder, not knowing that it has actually been ravaged by them before. Must have missed that episode. We three served as the necessary commentary anyway, noting four important elements to B-movie effects: 1-strings attached to "living" skeletons; 2-laser guns set on vaporize resemble a shiny coin in hand reflecting in the sun; 3-there are no aliens out there named Derek; and finally 4-giant lobsters will eat you, so run.

3 out of 5 stars

01/24/06 The Aristocrats

The Aristocrats (2005), directed by Paul Provenza

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ home

So, stop me if you've heard this one before...no seriously, please stop me, because I don't dare repeat it. This is aptly labeled as quite possibly the most obscene, vulgar, and disturbing thing you may come across in American cinema (heck, Japanese for that matter). While the joke that we all know will & should offend is there, it's the stuff around & behind the scenes with tons of great comedians telling their renditions that makes this bearable. Belive me, it's sick & twisted enough to warrant never watching it, but it's the free-form jazz approach & psychology of the comedic mind on display here. All that in the sublime telling of a horrible joke. I hope that no one under the age of 21, or over the age of 33 watches this thing, or we may have problems.

3 out of 5 stars (hesitantly)

01/23/06 Just Friends

Just Friends (2005), directed by Roger Kumble

watched w/ Leslie & Joel; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

Your basic run-of-the mill romantic comedy, spliced w/ Farrelly Bros. type gross-out humor, and an improv kind of slapstick. Ryan Reynolds (aka Van Wilder, or Mr. Alanis Morissette if your nasty) can be a funny dude, and carries the movie's good moments. Their are some whacked out characters, and him trying to be a bit too Jim Carrey at times. It's the subtle background jokes that get you though.

3 out of 5 stars

01/22/06 Bad Girls

Bad Girls (1994), directed by Jonathan Kaplan

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

No, it's not what you think. Sounding very tittilating, the title remains purely titular (look it up). You would think that a randy bunch of cowgirls from a brothel kicking vigilante butt would be enough. You would think Drew Barrymore showing off her cash & prizes would solidify it. You would think that the colloquial quips of the Wild West would keep you laughing. However, I almost dozed off. Yup. Sorry Drew. Sorry Wild West.

2 out of 5 stars

01/21/06 Murderball

Murderball (2005), directed by Henry Alex Rubin & Dana Adam Shapiro

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix)

I've been wanting to see this doc for quite awhile. Documentaries are great in that they allow you to explore a very real universe, usually foreign to your own. This is not only a film that displays the phenomenon of wheelchair sports (most remarkably the rugby), but the inspiring lives of quadriplegics who have had to overcome adversity in rebuilding the way they experience life. All their collective tragedy becomes fuel feeding the catharsis that is quad rugby.

5 out of 5 stars

01/20/06 - Underworld: Evolution

Underworld: Evolution (2006), directed by Len Wiseman

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Starlite Drive-In, Durham, NC)

Let me just start by saying, this is the perfect drive-in movie. Aside from a make-out romance, this is the scary action flick that's great to witness on a huge outdoor screen. It's been years since I ever went to one, and the event alone made the movie oh so enjoyable. It was tough to decide if this is better than the first one, but I believe it is. Although it started a bit confusing, it went into the backstory of the lycans vs. werewolves saga. Beautifully graphic fight scenes, and gory fantasy. Everything has this blue-gray tint...aside from the jerk in the front row who wouldn't turn his headlights off!

4 out of 5 stars

01/19/06 Crash

Crash (2004), directed by Paul Haggis

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

I knew this would be an emotional rollercoaster. I knew this had a lot of Oscar buzz behind it. I knew Sandra Bullock was supposed to be a meany in it. I knew the ensemble cast was interwining stories of embattled race relations & tragedies. What I didn't know is that I would really like it so much, fulfilling the buzzworthiness. A real gut-check of American society. Plus, this honestly had what could easily be the sweetest & saddest scenes ever in a film. If you welled up at the scenes I'm talking about, you're a sucker. If you didn't tear up at them, you're a liar. I'm a sucker.

4 out of 5 stars

01/18/06 Aeon Flux

Aeon Flux (2005), directed by Karyn Kusama

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

Aeon Flux had always been one of the craziest, grossest, and controversial cartoons of my early heyday. Who didn't love MTV's old Liquid Television staple, with her ridiculously skimpy attire & wild futuristic acrobatics? Albeit hard to top, this exciting film did deliver with good special effects that stayed as true to the cartoon as humanly (CGI) possible. Plus, Charlize Theron in those same skimpy outfits ain't bad either.

4 out of 5 stars

01/17/06 A Very Long Engagement

A Very Long Engagement (2004), directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home

I love Jeunet's films, and their masterful cinematography. They always have a sense of quest, encountering many curious creatures along the way. Set in WWI-era Europe, this is a powerful love story that plays out through the horrors of war. The landscape is both brilliant and sad at the same time. Awesome. And the one other note on this...in honor of my best friend whom I borrowed the film from, it is he & his wife's anniversary today...which works in the title & choice of material for me.

4 out of 5 stars.

01/16/06 Hustle & Flow

Hustle & Flow (2005), directed by Craig Brewer

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

A very gritty & emotional portrayal of coming from nothing, trying to be something, falling back to nothing, and leaving optimism in the end for something. Up & down, yet the characters pull you in & make you want to know what is going to happen. Howard earns well-deserved praise for his role here, and director Brewer shows promise. Plus, you can hear D-Jay say "man" w/ that Memphis twang...eat your heart out Nelly.

4 out of 5 stars

01/15/06 The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes (1938), directed by Alfred Hitchcock

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (personal copy) @ home

A Hitchcock that I have owned for awhile, and now finally viewed. One of Leslie's favorites of his, so she wanted me to see it. Unfortunately having watched Flightplan first, I can see totally where they ripped this off. This is a great little mystery. The shoot-out scenes are some of the worst portrayals of dying on celluloid, albeit a sign of the cinematic times. I loved the characters, dialogue, intrigue, and espionage all wrapped in one (facial bandage). You'll have to see it to get that last one.

4 out of 5 stars

01/14/06 Broken Flowers

Broken Flowers (2005), directed by Jim Jarmusch

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Jarmusch is one of my favorite directors. Murray has segued into this brilliant tragic-comedian of late. I'll admit the ending was weak & left us hanging, but the journey was intriguing. An aged & pathetic Don Juan, his forensic loving Ethiopian best friend (who is a great character), and seeking answers in life. The soundtrack is jazzy, the soundtrack is great. I will expect a burned copy of that Jason, thank you very much.

4 out of 5 stars

01/13/06 Friday The 13th

Friday The 13th (1980), directed by Sean S. Cunningham

watched w/ Leslie & Joel; theater (Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC); Retrofantasma Film Series

The sheer kitsch value of watching this horror classic on Friday the 13th, and its 25th Anniversary...I couldn't pass it up. It was pure shredded cheese, and gory debauchery. This is why movies like Scream and Scary Movie exist. How can these kids be so stupid? Plus, watching this screening w/ a bunch of horror movie geeks in the cinema made it worth the price of admission.

3 out of 5 stars

01/12/06 Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life

Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life (1983), directed by Terry Jones & Terry Gilliam

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

Monty Python is classic, we should all be able to agree upon. Those who don't, have no sense of humor. I'd never actually seen this one before, and I've never seen all of Life Of Brian. However, I think I can safely say this is my least favorite of the 3. It had its moments w/ the war scenes & "Every Sperm Is Sacred," but not enough to keep you laughing like Holy Grail. They're still originals though, and Gilliam's an animating genius.

3 out of 5 stars

01/11/06 Drumline

Drumline (2002), directed by Charles Stone III

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Is it bad that I liked this movie. Perhaps. So sue me. It was the typical story of hard to teach kid w/ tons of talent, winning the girl & the limelight...but with percussion! It's fun to see marching bands throw down. I also like the simple fact that it's of a subject matter that doesn't get much Hollywood play, but in a very Hollywood way.

3 out of 5 stars

01/10/06 Last Days

Last Days (2005), directed by Gus Van Sant

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

OK, Van Sant has to be minimalist and artsy now. We get it. Elephant is Columbine, this movie is Kurt Cobain. I haven't seen Gerry yet, but I think it's Matt Damon & the Affleck kid walking the desert. We get it, now stop it. At least this one had some cool music, and wild cameos (i.e. Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth).

2 out of 5 stars

01/09/06 Flightplan

Flightplan (2005), directed by Robert Schwentke

watched w/ Leslie & Joel; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

We've begun a tradition of at least once a month, going to the $1 movie and watching a "bad" movie. This title does not limit us to one particular type of bad movie, but rather opens the discussion for what is truly a bad film. I'll be honest, it wasn't horrible. Plot inconsistencies, Jodie Foster again in a Panic Room w/ wings, and the worst air marshall in history. So bad it may have been good...plus I need to see The Lady Vanishes.

3 out of 5 stars

01/08/06 King Kong

King Kong (2005), directed by Peter Jackson

watched w/ Leslie & Jason; theater (Sandhills Cinema, Southern Pines, NC)

Much anticipated, and it delivered. The special effects were cool, going in-depth on the island was great, and it stayed very true to the classic storyline. Only thing that kept it from being a full-out masterpiece, was the overly cheeseball acting of Adrien Brody & the pathetic Jimmy kid.

5 out 5 stars

01/07/06 The Upside Of Anger

The Upside Of Anger (2005), directed by Mike Binder

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

I was pleasantly surprised by this darkly off-beat dramedy. Kevin Costner as a goofy lush (hey c'mon, in the movie), and quirky kinky family drama played out. Good casting all around.

4 out of 5 stars

01/06/06 Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005), directed by Nick Park & Steve Box

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Blue Ridge, Raleigh, NC)

Our old chums W & G. A weird affinity for both vegetables & cheese, and British overbites. Alas, it is always funny to see these claymation capers. Is it just me, or does Gromit remind anyone of Brain in Inspector Gadget?

5 out of 5 stars

01/05/06 Maid To Order

Maid To Order (1987), directed by Amy Holden Jones

watched w/Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

Took the whole 80's cheese factor and applied it to It's A Wonderful Life and smacked it upside the head w/ Pretty In Pink and then got drunk with Arthur. Wrinkled suits is all I'm saying.

2 out of 5 stars

01/04/06 Lenny

Lenny (1974), directed by Bob Fosse

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

A very well done take on Bruce's life. Tragic & hilarious, and well played by Dustin Hoffman. His early career performances are really great. Story told in a faux-documentary style is nice too.

4 out of 5 stars

01/03/06 March Of The Penguins

March Of The Penguins (2005), directed by Luc Jacquet

watched w/ Leslie, theater (Blue Ridge)

I'm a sucker for nature documentaries, and this is of a high caliber. Really intriguing story, beautiful cinematography, informative, and cute in a way Disney could only dream of.

5 out of 5 stars

01/02/06 Honky Tonk Freeway

Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), directed by John Schlesinger

watched w/ Leslie, VHS (personal copy) @ home

OK, the guy who directed Midnight Cowboy decides to steer Cannonball Run through the retired community of Florida in the coked-out 80's. Oh, and a trucker anthem theme song. Cameos and turds galore

1 out of 5 stars

01/01/06 Adventures In Babysitting

Adventures In Babysitting (1987), directed by Chris Columbus

watched w/ Leslie, DVD (personal copy) @ home

a great 80's comedy that I never really caught. lighthearted, ridiculous, white girl sings the blues, and Vincent D'Onofrio as Thor. That's the basic 4 food groups of the 1980's.

3 out of 5 stars