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So I have 19 movies to report on that I've watched since I last posted July 6th. Ooops! But I've been pretty busy the past couple months with a job search and a move. Here we go!
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Bart Got a Room (2008)
While Danny's father and mother independently search for love, Danny is
on his own desperate quest to find a prom date. Danny's search becomes
progressively more pathetic once he and his family learn that Bart, the
school's biggest dweeb, not only secured a date for the prom, but got a
hotel room as well.
Director:
Brian Hecker
Writer:Brian Hecker
Stars:
Steven Kaplan,
William H. Macy,
Cheryl Hines |
See full cast and crew »
Purchased from Antique/Thrift store. Watched sola.
I will admit. I mostly purchased this movie because William H. Macy had a fro. And it was a pretty decent movie. The characters were interesting, as was the setting and situations. It was a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed it.
Director:
Writers:
Purchased from Antique/Thrift store. Watched sola.
I will admit. I mostly purchased this movie because William H. Macy had a fro. And it was a pretty decent movie. The characters were interesting, as was the setting and situations. It was a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed it.
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Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves
back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife.
Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl
with problems of her own.
Director:
Writers:
David O. Russell (screenplay),
Matthew Quick (novel)
Stars:
Bradley Cooper,
Jennifer Lawrence,
Robert De Niro |
See full cast and crew »
Rented from Omaha Public Library. Watched with my S.O.
A friend recommended this movie a zillion times to me and I finally found a copy on my library shelf. For some reason I was expecting a darker movie. Sure, there were dark spots, but there was a lot of comedy in it too. We really enjoyed the film. I thought it did a great job of treating tenderly people who have their lives upended and have a rough time dealing. It was great to see truly imperfect characters and to be able to relate with them and cheer for them.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Director:
Writer:
Stars:
Stars:
Rented from Omaha Public Library. Watched with my S.O.
A friend recommended this movie a zillion times to me and I finally found a copy on my library shelf. For some reason I was expecting a darker movie. Sure, there were dark spots, but there was a lot of comedy in it too. We really enjoyed the film. I thought it did a great job of treating tenderly people who have their lives upended and have a rough time dealing. It was great to see truly imperfect characters and to be able to relate with them and cheer for them.
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When a Stranger Calls (1979)
A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
From my S.O's collection, watched with him.
I told Andy we shouldn't watch this before bedtime. And lo and behold, he had to check all the doors in the house for the basement and upstairs before I'd let us go to sleep. He learned to believe me when I said I couldn't watch scary/suspenseful movies before bed and we may never again. But he thought my reaction to a certain scene was hilarious even though I screamed and hit Andy repeatedly in fear saying "I don't like this!". Truth be told, I guess I liked it. I liked seeing Carol Kane in a non-comedic role. At first, I tried to be all jokey-jokey when it started, but that's my defense mechanism I use to counteract fear. Obviously it didn't work. And what I think worked so well about this movie is how easy it is to relate to that primal fear that you are being hunted. Unfortunately, for women, that fear is always under the surface. I agree with the tag line "Don't Watch It Alone" and would add "Don't Watch It At Night"! What Andy likes to say about this film is that, even though it was made in the late 70s, it can still very much elicit a response from a modern audience. :P
P.S. I only made it 25 seconds into the trailer just now before I had to stop it. :P
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Forks Over Knives (2011)
Examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative
diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by
rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.
Director:
Writer:
Stars:
Lee Fulkerson,
Matthew Lederman,
Alona Pulde |
See full cast and crew »
Rented from OPL and watched with my S.O.
I had previously watched and reviewed this movie in November 2013 and you can find my thoughts here. This time I watched it with Andy and he was astounded at the data. He also wanted to know how in the hell I allowed him to feed me steak and eggs right before we watched this film together. I knew however that seeing is believing. It also prompted us to watch some other documentaries you will see in a moment. A month later, our diet has changed a little bit and we have purchased the cookbook. We did try a couple of the recipes and they made us feel good and ready to continue our day, instead of bogged down. However, it's been difficult to jump in full on yet, but we at least have the knowledge.
Rented from library and watched with S.O. Andy.
This short documentary was a great way to learn HOW to change one's diet and what foods we thought were healthy are not. It seems to basically be about substitution. This is a must for anyone looking to change one's diet after watching the previous movie.
Rented from OPL and watched with my S.O.
I had previously watched and reviewed this movie in November 2013 and you can find my thoughts here. This time I watched it with Andy and he was astounded at the data. He also wanted to know how in the hell I allowed him to feed me steak and eggs right before we watched this film together. I knew however that seeing is believing. It also prompted us to watch some other documentaries you will see in a moment. A month later, our diet has changed a little bit and we have purchased the cookbook. We did try a couple of the recipes and they made us feel good and ready to continue our day, instead of bogged down. However, it's been difficult to jump in full on yet, but we at least have the knowledge.
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Forks Over Knives Presents: The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue (2011)
Join Rip Esselstyn, former Texas firefighter and bestselling author, as he teaches the White and Wali families the basics of a whole-food, plant-based diet.Rented from library and watched with S.O. Andy.
This short documentary was a great way to learn HOW to change one's diet and what foods we thought were healthy are not. It seems to basically be about substitution. This is a must for anyone looking to change one's diet after watching the previous movie.
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Vegucated (2010)
Vegucated is a guerrilla-style documentary that follows three meat- and
cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks
and learn what it's all about. They have no idea that so much more than
steak is at stake and that the planet's fate may fall on their plates.
Lured by tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover
hidden sides of animal agriculture that make them wonder whether
solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. Before long,
they find themselves risking everything to expose an industry they
supported just weeks before. But can their convictions carry them
through when times get tough? What about on family vacations fraught
with skeptical step-dads, carnivorous cousins, and breakfast buffets?
Part sociological experiment and part adventure comedy, Vegucated
showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who
are trying their darnedest to change in a culture that seems dead set
against it.
Director:
Marisa Miller Wolfson
Writer:
Marisa Miller Wolfson
Stars:Marisa Miller Wolfson
Rented from the OPL and watched with S.O. Andy
Another documentary on our way to re-examining our food intake. The good parts of this movie was the look at HOW animals are treated before they are slaughtered for human consumption. I feel there is a big disconnect and that if people actually saw the truth about what happens to animals before they make it to the plate, it would make them rethink their meals, even a little bit. After watching 'Forks Over Knives' I thought it was silly to prove that vegans can eat Oreos only because it contains no animal products. This to me seems like a cop-out and proof that one can still have an unhealthy diet as a vegan. Of course, food choices are up to the individuals, so veganism is what you make of it. I also thought it was nice to see the struggle that these participants went through, because if one is going to undertake a new diet, one needs to understand the challenges. Otherwise, the movie was full of some very interesting facts and it's worth a watch.
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Brave (2012)
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom
that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on
her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Directors:
Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman,
and 1 more credit »
Stars:
Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson
|
See full cast and crew
From my personal collection. Watched with my 12 year-old nephew.
I previously reviewed the film in July 2012 and loved it. To any naysayers who think boys can't relate to a female lead... I say 1) then why are females expected to relate to male leads and see those movies? and 2) my nephew liked the movie. The truth here is that a well-told story with interesting characters supersedes lines drawn by gender. Great film. Adventure, comedy, intrigue, good message. One of my favorites.
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United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against
time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and
governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Director:
Marc Forster
Brad Pitt,
Mireille Enos,
Daniella Kertesz |
See full cast and crew »
From the OPL. Watched alone.
I really wanted Andy to watch with me because the first five minutes were gripping. The film started right away, setting up character and situation pretty quickly. The film presented info for audience members to figure out what was going on and make their own conclusions. It was an interesting take on the genre. Sure, there were some unlikely bits, but as far as storytelling goes, our hero is the best at what he does, which is one of the tenets we have been taught as screenwriters: Make your heroes and heavies strong. In this case, it happened. There were quite a few intense moments that made up the well-timed pacing. And then when reports of the quick spread of Ebola filled the news in the week after I watched this, it made me nervous. ;) I know there are plenty people more in tune with the horror/action genres that have a lot of gripes about the film, but it kept me interested/engaged, so I guess it worked for me. :P
Stars:
From the OPL. Watched alone.
I really wanted Andy to watch with me because the first five minutes were gripping. The film started right away, setting up character and situation pretty quickly. The film presented info for audience members to figure out what was going on and make their own conclusions. It was an interesting take on the genre. Sure, there were some unlikely bits, but as far as storytelling goes, our hero is the best at what he does, which is one of the tenets we have been taught as screenwriters: Make your heroes and heavies strong. In this case, it happened. There were quite a few intense moments that made up the well-timed pacing. And then when reports of the quick spread of Ebola filled the news in the week after I watched this, it made me nervous. ;) I know there are plenty people more in tune with the horror/action genres that have a lot of gripes about the film, but it kept me interested/engaged, so I guess it worked for me. :P
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Now You See Me (2013)
An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who
pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their
audiences with the money.
Director:
Louis Leterrier
Jesse Eisenberg,
Common,
Mark Ruffalo |
See full cast and crew »
Rented from the library. Watched sola.
Let's talk about a movie that I didn't like. SPOILER: I think I was okay with it until the end. Then I HATED it. I don't like being duped and I found the reveal to be implausible, ill-contrived and just dumb. Also the idea that the dynamics between the four magicians didn't change in the year they worked together? No. And the actions of the lead were meant to fool the audience. It was all a ruse and a set-up. I suppose since we are talking about magic tricks, that's to be expected but I didn't like it. Technically, the setup and the payoff matched in a way, but I didn't buy it.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Rented from the library. Watched sola.
Let's talk about a movie that I didn't like. SPOILER: I think I was okay with it until the end. Then I HATED it. I don't like being duped and I found the reveal to be implausible, ill-contrived and just dumb. Also the idea that the dynamics between the four magicians didn't change in the year they worked together? No. And the actions of the lead were meant to fool the audience. It was all a ruse and a set-up. I suppose since we are talking about magic tricks, that's to be expected but I didn't like it. Technically, the setup and the payoff matched in a way, but I didn't buy it.
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The Protector 2/Warrior King 2 (2013)
When the owner of a major elephant camp is murdered, Kham finds himself
the number one suspect and on the run from both the police and the
deceased's vengeful twin nieces. But luck is on Kham's side when he runs
into an Interpol agent sent to Thailand on a secret mission.
Director:
Prachya Pinkaew
Writer:
Eakasit Thairatana
Stars:Eakasit Thairatana
From S.O. Andy's collection. Watched together.
For some reason, I like martial arts movies. Maybe it's because my dad watched them on TV that I find them bearable (versus golf that Dad watched/slept through). Andy really likes Tony Jaa (in addition to Bruce Lee of course) and the guy has some great moves. There was a bit of sub-par acting from non-Thai speaking actors, but it's probably very difficult to communicate on a set with foreigners. There were plenty of great action sequences and a nice elephant to boot. I liked the kickass women, but an outfit or so one of them wore was too unbelievable for me....That's my major criticism about women's portrayal in film and comics and games... not enough clothing/armor and outfits that would be difficult to move in freely and that objectify the woman instead of allowing her fighting skills to speak for themselves. But anyway, nice action flick for anyone needing some martial arts fun.
P.S. Watching movies like this always make we wish I knew how to kick butt and look cool doing it!
P.S. Watching movies like this always make we wish I knew how to kick butt and look cool doing it!
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Food, Inc. (2008)
An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
Director:
Stars:
Rented from OPL. Watched with S.O.
This is another documentary that Andy and I watched as part of our food learning. It's pretty terrible to see the regulations or lack thereof, and how few companies actually control our food supply. It explains why food recalls are so expansive. I really recommend this movie for a better understanding of how our food system works.
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Accidents Happen (2009)
There are dysfunctional families... and then there are the Conways. After a family tragedy, 15-year-old Billy Conway has become the de facto glue between his bitter mom, distant brother, and stoic dad. But when Billy starts to act out, everything changes for him and his family.
Director:
Andrew Lancaster
Writer:
Brian Carbee
Stars:Brian Carbee
Geena Davis,
Harrison Gilbertson,
Harry Cook |
See full cast and crew »
Purchased from Thrift Store. Watched Sola.
I love Geena Davis. Definitely didn't expect it to be such a downer. I was expecting more silly. It was still really good.
Stars:
From my S.O's personal collection. Watched together.
I'm pretty sure you can guess I didn't pick this movie. In the past year, I've learned more about wrestlers than I cared to, but I guess it's relevant to my pursuits as a screenwriter and member of the entertainment industry. I've got to say, Paul Heyman is annoying, but he isn't a shlump when it comes to putting in the work and having business savvy. It was interesting at points, annoying at others, and seemed a bit long for me, but there was a lot of information to pack in. It doesn't seem like they tried to sugarcoat or protect him much and showed varying viewpoints, so that's good. If you don't like wrestling, you probably won't be watching this anyway, unless your S.O. does. Then, good luck. ;) :P (P.S. I've seen Wrestlemania a couple times before this with co-workers so I can't blame Andy entirely. Actually watching the most recent Wrestlemania was good lead-up so I had at least seen Paul Heyman in action before.)
Writers:
Stars:
Stars:
Purchased from Thrift Store. Watched Sola.
I love Geena Davis. Definitely didn't expect it to be such a downer. I was expecting more silly. It was still really good.
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Despicable Me 2 (2013)
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal.
Rented from OPL. Watched sola.
I love me some minions. It took me far too long to get around to seeing this one. It was okay. It's always hard to watch sequels to movies you love so much. I didn't like the body design of Kristen Wiig's character. Too skinny! And she was a little annoying at parts. But I liked another chance to visit my favorite characters. Does one NEED to see the first one to understand this one? Maybe. I know it helped me. I'm not sure if I'll buy this one. Like I said. Love the first one. Makes the sequels judged to a higher/harsher degree. :(
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Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman (2014)
Director:
Kevin Dunn
From my S.O's personal collection. Watched together.
I'm pretty sure you can guess I didn't pick this movie. In the past year, I've learned more about wrestlers than I cared to, but I guess it's relevant to my pursuits as a screenwriter and member of the entertainment industry. I've got to say, Paul Heyman is annoying, but he isn't a shlump when it comes to putting in the work and having business savvy. It was interesting at points, annoying at others, and seemed a bit long for me, but there was a lot of information to pack in. It doesn't seem like they tried to sugarcoat or protect him much and showed varying viewpoints, so that's good. If you don't like wrestling, you probably won't be watching this anyway, unless your S.O. does. Then, good luck. ;) :P (P.S. I've seen Wrestlemania a couple times before this with co-workers so I can't blame Andy entirely. Actually watching the most recent Wrestlemania was good lead-up so I had at least seen Paul Heyman in action before.)
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Girl Rising (2013)
The movie tells the stories of nine girls from different parts of the
world who face arranged marriages, child slavery, and other
heartbreaking injustices. Despite these obstacles, the brave girls offer
hope and inspiration. By getting an education, they're able to break
barriers and create change.
Director:
Richard Robbins
Rented from OPL. Watched with S.O. Andy
I forget where exactly I saw this on Facebook, but I looked into it and rented it right away. It was saddening to see how terrible females have it across the globe but uplifting to see the spirit and the drive of young women and organizers that are working hard to change the situations. I highly recommend this movie! It's a great collaborative effort and was very creatively conceived. Nice presentation and statistics.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
A group of mutated warriors face off against an evil kingpin who wants to take over New York.
Director:
Jonathan Liebesman
Stars:
Watched in the theater. Shocking I know! Watched with 15 year-old nephew.
I was a big fan of the Turtles growing up. That's why my favorite color is orange. I once told my mother that I was going to marry Mikey and she could visit us in the sewer. Ah, the dreams of young girls. ;) Anyway, I know a lot of my peeps were unhappy with the casting of Megan Fox and with the design of the turtles. But I have to say, after the initial shock of how ugly they looked, I came to appreciate the detail that went into making each turtle different from each other with something other than the color of the eyemask. Of course there were some unbelievable parts (I mean within action sequences, b/c there is NOTHING about Turtles that mutate and train to be ninjas that is implausible. It could totally happen.) I will say I was irritated with the way that Mikey treated April. I guess that was always his shtick, but the feminist in me was like 'oh my gosh, can't he respect her instead of sexualizing her?!' Yeah, I know. But that's the way I felt. Anyway, who else braved the ticket price (okay, I paid matinee prices) and saw the movie? Tell me what you think! Oh yeah, I also thought Shredder was a chump for relying on his fancy suit, that the turtles left Splinter without first aid for WAY too long, and again, I wanted to be a ninja after watching their fancy moves.
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Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.
Director:
James Bobin
Ricky Gervais,
Ty Burrell,
Tina Fey |
See full cast and crew »
Rented from Redbox. Watched with 15 year-old nephew.
I always like the Muppets, and this followed in the same vein as they usually deliver. It was kinda goofy to see some American actors doing fake French and Russian accents, but I guess Hollywood chooses recognizable actors for American audiences. And I love Kermie, but how many decades has he had cold feet about marrying Piggy? Sigh. :P Anyway, normal Muppet fun to be found here.
Writers:
Rented from Redbox. Watched with 15 year-old nephew.
I always like the Muppets, and this followed in the same vein as they usually deliver. It was kinda goofy to see some American actors doing fake French and Russian accents, but I guess Hollywood chooses recognizable actors for American audiences. And I love Kermie, but how many decades has he had cold feet about marrying Piggy? Sigh. :P Anyway, normal Muppet fun to be found here.
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Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.
Writers:
Frank Miller,
Frank Miller (graphic novels)
Stars:
Mickey Rourke,
Jessica Alba,
Josh Brolin |
See full cast and crew »
Watched in theaters (matinee pricing) with S.O. Andy.
It's been many years since I saw the original and Andy really wanted to see it. Good thing he's also gotten me into comic books lately because it was so stylized I might have been left behind if I was a regular moviegoer. I enjoyed it enough. Andy said he was judging it against the first movie too, which I mentioned before, is impossible to avoid. I enjoyed the movie enough, despite nudity and whatnot. I know, I'm such a stickler. :P
Stars:
Watched in theaters (matinee pricing) with S.O. Andy.
It's been many years since I saw the original and Andy really wanted to see it. Good thing he's also gotten me into comic books lately because it was so stylized I might have been left behind if I was a regular moviegoer. I enjoyed it enough. Andy said he was judging it against the first movie too, which I mentioned before, is impossible to avoid. I enjoyed the movie enough, despite nudity and whatnot. I know, I'm such a stickler. :P
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Sling Blade (1996)
Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of
his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small
town.
Director:
Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton,
Dwight Yoakam,
J.T. Walsh |
See full cast and crew »
From S.O. Andy's personal collection. Watched together.
I'd heard good things mentioned about this movie a few times. Most recently I believe by a fellow panelist at SNAFF. The title had made me think it would be some sci-fi/action type thing but I was so wrong. I read the synopsis on the DVD and was in for it. I still got something different than I imagined, but I really liked it. I kept thinking of the quirks of some of the special needs youth/adults I've volunteered with, the level of accuracy, how Billy Bob chose the role/idea, and the comparisons and reception it received in line with Forrest Gump a year or two earlier. I found it interesting how so many of the people that met Karl projected their own assumptions and life stories on him. It was a pretty interesting movie. I'd love to hear from others who have seen it.
From S.O. Andy's personal collection. Watched together.
I'd heard good things mentioned about this movie a few times. Most recently I believe by a fellow panelist at SNAFF. The title had made me think it would be some sci-fi/action type thing but I was so wrong. I read the synopsis on the DVD and was in for it. I still got something different than I imagined, but I really liked it. I kept thinking of the quirks of some of the special needs youth/adults I've volunteered with, the level of accuracy, how Billy Bob chose the role/idea, and the comparisons and reception it received in line with Forrest Gump a year or two earlier. I found it interesting how so many of the people that met Karl projected their own assumptions and life stories on him. It was a pretty interesting movie. I'd love to hear from others who have seen it.
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Well, there you have it. Only took me about 4 hours to type this all up. So I really hope at least 10 people looked at this. I don't expect people to look at EVERY movie, but to use this as a way to find some new movie ideas. Hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave comments and feedback either on the blog here or on Facebook where you found the link. BYE!
