District 9 (2009) - My younger brother told me he didn't care for the movie and what I knew of it was told to me by others. Something about cat food and aliens and being symboic for the apartheid or immigration or what not. I did actually like the movie. I thought it was interesting and different and entertaining in a creepy kind of way. I know it took me a while to getting around to seeing the movie, but I'm not so up to date on my movies most of the time anyway. The movie wasn't ground-breaking by any means. It probably falls into the category of "It's all been done" which is basically an acceptable category for nearly everything in this world, but it was done well. I like the fact that the Nigerians still find ways to scam others ;) Nothing against the Nigerians I do know in real life... just the ones that send me spam ;) I did not find the movie to be overly preachy, but I did find myself distracted at the inconsistency b/w documentary style and being able to witness more than a doc would see. I felt it was a little off-setting. Understandable for needing to release the full story, but still a little too mixed-format.
Adventureland (2009) - When I saw the preview for this movie, I thought it was going to be funnier than it was, but instead a got an angsty movie and surprise, surprise... Kristen Stewart was in it. She didn't stray too far from her brooding, crybaby crap. I have yet to see much range from her. Kind of like Julia Stiles who only played one role: "I don't need a man, Oh yes I do." Anyway, this movie was advertised (in my memory) as a comedy and I was disappointed to find a drama, but glad for whatever comedic moments were dispersed. The funny stuff was pretty funny, I just wanted more of it and less of the whiny crap. I liked watching Ryan Reynolds play a jerk... he's so pretty. ;)
Kindergarten Cop (1990) - "It's not a tumor." "Boys have a penis. Girls have a vagina." Now that that's out of the way... This movie is a staple to my childhood/upbringing. This says a lot actually. The movie is probably not one of the first to put a body builder tough guy in a room full of kids... or is it? ;) I do enjoy this movie. And I figured out the female cop is basically me b/c she has to eat all the time. She says she is hyperglycemic. Apparently I'm not, but I'm close. And she married a chef. But I'm too picky to need anything too fancy. But I'll still consider it as an option. Anywhoo.... if you haven't seen the movie by now, you really should, if only to transport yourself back to a happier time when an over-sized Austrian man was all that stood between crooks and your children.
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) - If you've acutally seen this movie, you might not completely lose respect for me when I say that I really enjoyed it. I always love any 80s homage, especially one that does it really well. Especially one that involves time travel and Chevy Chase . The humor was spot on and the characters are pretty fun. And the squirrel stuff was funny. Yes, you should expect some crass humor, but let's face it... there are few comedies made these days that don't entail poop, fart, barf or sex jokes. I'd be hard-pressed to name many. So this movie was a win in my book. So much so, that I had to watch it the next day. It was just too much fun to pass up.
Powwow Highway (1989) - I would like to thank the library for this one. I have a leaning towards Native American movies/books/whatever and I did enjoy this one. There were moments that reminded me of another Native book I read that involved two Natives on a car trip to NM, but I think that one was for the one character to find his father? If anything knows which one that is, kindly let me know. I'd like to do a comparison. This movie is one of those that will only let you feel good if you just give into it. And if you know a bit about Native politics/mannerisms. You have to just go with the mysticism aspect and learn to let go of your cynicism like Buddy has to do. The movie focuses on him and a lovable oaf who seems to have a disconnect from reality. But it's kind of okay, because you want to believe him and be a part of it.
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) - I can only take so many cheesy Elton John songs in one sitting and there were too many in this one to not rub me the wrong way. The movie DID make me want to stock up on pink flamingos and garden gnomes and it was an interesting twist on the classic Shakespearean story. But I'm glad my nephews had refused to see this as they probably would have been squirming through the lovey-dovey crap right along with me. It was clever, but I doubt I will watch it again. Apparently it was produced by Travelocity... you know, the roaming gnome and all that. I was kind of surprised by the big names that I respect.... Emily Blunt , Michael Caine and Maggie Smith. I was entertained to find Ozzy Osbourne , Patrick Stewart andTo Be Fat Like Me (TV 2007) - Try to not be toooo surprised when I tell you that, yes, I watched a Lifetime movie. But it was on Hulu and it didn't seem to be overly goopy. So I went for it. I was happy at some of the turns at the end, in that the characters weren't 100% formulaic. And I mean, the fat girl friend, the former best friend and the love interest. If you ever watch this movie, get back to me for a discussion and I can talk about what I mean. Either way, I thought it brought up some important themes in our society, namely obesity and the daily judgements people go thorough. Losing weight (not that I would know, sorry) is an ongoing process. If a person could lose all the weight on the day they decided to, I'm sure they would be more than happy to do so. But in the meantime, other people need to not be so judgemental and think we have a one-up, while our comrades go through a stressful, trying process of trying to get their body in shape. Big props to anyone on the journey to a healthier you
| Hulk Hogan |
Fagbug (2009) - I thought this movie was interesting and Erin Davies non-confrontational methods helpful to the cause. Whereas some people would go off on people that say homosexuality is against their religion or smack a guy who said he would watch her make out with another person (CREEP FACTOR!!), she did a good job of holding back and just letting people speak. In the creepy hick's case, it showed him for what he really is. I thought the movie was interesting and could actually see a couple of my friend's undertaking a project such as this. I like the fact that Erin was able to partake in many gay pride parades and hate crime death memorial services as she toured the nation, trying to get a feel for the people's tolerance. There were only a couple things that were odd for me. There was a scene in which Erin was leaving Chicago and she said something I couldn't catch and was crying. I had no clue what was going on. Apparently she left her box of t-shirts outside the car and drove away. That was a little distracting. That and the font was too cutesy and hard to read. Otherwise, I basically enjoyed the movie.
A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop (2009) San qiang pai an jing qi (original title) - I love Yimou Zhang in general. I have not seen the Coen Brothers Blood Simple (1984), but I can only surmise that the story was catching enough to be re-done. Something tells me that I'll like Zhang's version better, if only for the characters and the landscape. I'll have to see the Coen's sometime too. It was a little Tarantino-esque for me as well, but that didn't stop me from liking it ;)
Trantasia (2006) - It happened to be on tv and I happened to watch it. I found it interesting. It didn't really pigeonhole anyone, but in fact made it obvious that even among the transgendered, there are so many different thoughts and preferences that you shouldn't bother lumping them together. After all, you can't lump all heteros together, or even all gays, so why assume you can here. I thought the film was an interesting way to learn more about people that are usually on the fringe of society and therefore, little is known about them. It's quite the mind-bender, even for someone as gay-friendly as myself. There is such a wide spectrum of people in this world, that you never really can tell much about a person until you know them in depth. I will say, I was intrigued to see Victoria Parker/Porkchop in this arena. Actually, now that I've checked his imdb page, it does clarify that he is not a transsexual and was mistakenly cast as such. Porkchop gets around!! ;) I've seen him in Pageant (2008) and on RuPaul's Drag Race season 1 so was confused as I thought he was just a drag queen and not trans.. But anyway... watched the movie and enjoyed it b/c it didn't pigeonhole people or put them into nice little boxes. I didn't walk away going, 'Oh, I understand now' but rather, 'Wow, what a variety of experiences.' I do have to laugh at the sore losers though. Of course, I'll never know the valididty of their claims of bias and poor pageant-running. But when you claim you're looking for the 'World's Most Beautiful Transsexual', you might want to have the a better representation of countries, but whatever.
Wilby Wonderful (2004) - Another Hulu find. It was okay. Kinda slow. I really like Sandra Oh in general and Ellen Page kinda grows on you. Talent will do that ;) Small town. Scandal to hide. It was okay. Characters kinda standard in that they are kind of mockeries of a standard. Wasn't terrible. I like the play on words for the title.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) - Don't know if I've mentioned this before, but this is one of my favorite movies and it's better than the original b/c of the wide array of gremlin characters and all the jokes they get to put in. Much less scary than the first one, which is probably why I like it more.
Boyfriends and Girlfriends (1987) L'ami de mon amie (original title) - Ugh... such a boring movie. Silly Frenchies... Fabien was actually cute and Alexandré looked like Colin Firth. But that was the best part of the movie. The girl who played Lea was striking. But altogether the movie was just dullllll.
So that's 12 movies in one month. You're welcome :)
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