Little Miss Cinema: September 2015

HOLY CARP, (yes, carp), it's been more than 5 months since I updated my movie blog! Yowza! So I'm guessing it will take multiple attempts to get this blog entry written. I started to do this a month ago but I must have gotten distracted.... I'm going to do this differently this time to save myself a bit of time. Instead of searching for the posters and trailers, I'm just going to list the movie name, including the link to the IMDb page for that particular movie. I'll have a shortened version of my thoughts on the movie, but will not provide a link for a trailer. That will be your homework, should you find the movie interesting from my brief description.

The Voices (2014) This was definitely a different movie. It was bizarre and well-executed, aesthetically speaking. The set design was great and it was certainly a fun role in which to watch Ryan Reynolds. We knew when we watched the trailer, it was just something we had to see. Watched on DVD with my S.O.
The Trip to Italy (2014) In the sequel, they got the Michael Caine impressions out of the way within the first 10 minutes, which was probably a good thing, or the viewer may have spent the rest of the movie in anticipation and not enjoying the film. It was another study of friendship and mistakes on the open road. As usual, some of it was over my head because of the references to certain things, but it was still worth watching, if only for the beautiful Italian countryside. Watched on DVD, sola.
A Fantastic Fear of Everything (2012) I usually watch anything if Simon Pegg is in it. This wasn't one of my favorites. I guess I wasn't sure on the tone and felt it got switched up on me. Worth a watch if you are craving something out of the norm. Watched on Netflix with S.O.
Inherent Vice (2014) I know it did well with awards, and I guess it's based on a book, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I guess I don't really care for the drug-fueled characters that have lots of vices. So I suppose I should have known better since the title gives it away. But I know plenty of people would enjoy this one, for sure. Watched on DVD with my S.O.
Who's Harry Crumb (1984) Silly and fun, Andy wanted to watch this favorite from his past. Full of pratfalls and sight gags, you get what you expect from this comedy, and that's alright when you're in the mood. Watched on Netflix (?) with S.O.
Cuban Fury (2014) I'd seen the trailer for this and knew it was on my list. I'm usually a sucker for dance movies, and just as I watch anything with Simon Pegg, same goes for his companion Nick Frost (the Pegg cameo was pretty fun). I also REALLY like Chris O'Dowd and of course Rashida Jones is never a bad addition. It was pretty standard as far as storyline goes, which is fine. Watched on Netflix, sola.
Knights of Badassdom (2013) I'm also a sucker for Peter Dinklage and am usually intrigued by LARPing movies, as I've seen a few good ones. It was a pretty decent movie, if you allow for some unreal happenings. Watched on Netflix with S.O.
Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) It was more of the same as sequels go. Relying on stereotypes of secondary characters to pull us through. Still fun to see the cameos and hear the songs. Watched in a second-run theater.
Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) I've said before I'm not a huge fan of drug movies and although I love Bill Murray, I wasn't really into this. I guess I just don't care for the Hunter S. Thompson persona. I can't relate to someone so devil-may-care. Watched on ? with S.O.
Practical Magic (1998) I've seen this one before and decided to watch it again. Sandra Bullock is one of my absolute favorites. We've been watching a lot of Witches of East End on Netflix, so I was craving some sister-witch time. It's a movie film that plays on the bonds women have throughout their lives and how some things are greater/more important than perception/judgement of others. Watched on Netflix sola.
The Way Way Back (2013) I'd wanted to see this for a while. Great cast, relate-able characters and situations. Even if we haven't lived them, we understand. Pretty universal. Watched on DVD sola.
Triumph of the Will (1935) This I watched online for research for a feature film I wrote. Really creepy propaganda that gives a great sense of time, place and character. With hindsight being 20/20, watching this is a great exercise in being able to call out bullshit that is currently being broadcast. Good practice in utilizing/reawakening critical thinking skills. Watched on Youtube.
Smoke Signals (1998) The last time I previously reviewed this movie was 2013. Always a great film. I'd been dying to watch it again, especially since I wrote a small homage to the film in one of my lines in the feature script I was writing at the time. I got to share this movie with a room full of other writers/creatives and it was well-received.
Freaks (1932) Apparently, even thought I first watched this movie in college when I started this blog, I never reviewed this film. I got to share the film and we watched the behind the scenes on the production because my companions were that interested in it. I'm drawn towards the 'other'/circus/sideshow realm. It's intriguing to see people portrayed. I know that later, some of the actors felt it was a negative portrayal, but I find it fascinating. It makes me want to know more about the people involved. Watched on DVD with other writers/creatives.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) Even though I've watched this movie multiple times, I'm not showing I've reviewed it before. This is a movie my family quotes often. It's relate-able and funny and has original characters that are pulled from real life. It started my love of Nia Vardalos off on the right foot, as I'm sure it did for many people. It shows a great transformation of character and story. I'm really looking forward to the sequel!!! Watched on DVD with family once again.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) I usually like Wes Anderson but maybe this was just too much of "more of the same". The characters talked so quickly that if I didn't watch everything with subtitles, I might have missed the words. As it was, I had a hard time interpreting what was said, which detracted from my enjoyment. I thought the focus was on style and less on making me give a shit about the characters. I didn't really care for the story and was kind of disappointed. Watched on DVD with my Pops, I believe.
Saved! (2004) I last reviewed this film in 2012. Still one of my favorites as it is painfully close to the truth of what Catholic school can be like. Watched on Netflix sola... with S.O. popping in for a while.
Inside Out (2015) Mindy Kaling is one of my favorites so I was looking forward to hearing her. I'd also heard many good things about this film and was interested to see how the writers/creators had created a film about emotions. Enjoyable. I wouldn't mind watching it again. Watched in a second-run theater.
Chef (2014) A little long (or maybe I watched it in chunks that day). I like the cast and thought it was a nice story of family and road movies. Food movies make me wish I had the desire/talent for cooking. Oh well. That's why we turn to movies, eh? ;) Plus it doesn't help that I'm too cheap to eat out at restaurants anyway. I'm all about 'feed me now and feed me cheap... and oh yeah, it should probably be healthy. I also like the realistic use of social media, both in the story and the aesthetics. Watched on Netflix, sola.
Spy (2015) I love Melissa McCarthy (and have written a movie for her, if anyone from her camp is able to read this... please contact me!) and I knew I was going to see this movie. Luckily, it was pretty good. I also was REALLY excited for Miranda Hart's appearance. I love her show and can't wait for other people to discover her wonderful comedy too. "Such fun!" (quote from her self-named show Miranda - I still need to watch her in Call the Midwife). I liked how watching this film empowered me along with the character, even mentally. I can't wait to watch it again. My S.O. loves imitating Jason Statham and I wanted him to watch this film with me, but I wasn't sure how the tone would play out. After watching the film, I'm confident he'll enjoy it. Watched in a second-run theater.
Undertaking Betty (2002) Cute British film. Comedy of errors, in a way. I really enjoyed Christopher Walken's role in the film. I'd probably watch it again for the over-the-top mortician humor. Watched on Netflix sola.
Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (2011) Pretty straightforward story. You get what you'd expect. Nice cast. Hilarious to watch Jane Fonda essentially play Lily Tomlin's character in the show Grace and Frankie while still using the name Grace. Catherine Keener is always wonderful, and it was neat to watch a different Olsen sister grace the screen. Watched on Netflix sola.
Get Hard (2015) I'm sure you're not surprised if I say this movie wasn't profound. You'll get what you expect with this comedy. Lot of dick jokes, but what do you expect with a prison theme? It was okay. Watched on Apple TV with friends.
One Small Hitch (2013) Standard rom-com with no surprises. Watched on Netflix, sola.
Minions (2015) Of course I had to watch the film as I love me some minions. I was kind of worried how they were going to pull it off, but it was a great utilization of the hero's journey with plenty of interesting turns. SPOILER: I love how they tied in Gru at the end. END. Watched in a second-run theater.
Clueless (1995) Always a nice kickback to a bygone era of hilarious fashion. Nice to see so many wonderful actors in younger roles. Watched on Netflix sola with S.O. appearing every once in a while.
The Skeleton Twins (2014) When I first saw the trailer, I was intrigued to see two stellar comedians act in something a bit more serious. They of course did wonderfully. I liked how the backstory was slowly revealed piece by piece. Watched on Netflix sola.
Brave (2012) This is one of those movies I've watched multiple times and love to share with new viewers. Original review here. A shorter review here. Watched with both parents and two of my nephews, including one that had seen it before.
Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971) It's been a long time since I saw this. I remembered it fondly, but when I started it for my two youngest nephews (age 13 and 10), I was reminded how dated the cartoons were for this CGI generation. It also was two hours long and we all felt it drag quite a bit. Still a great movie that shows us how far we have come with our film technology in the past 44 years. Don't expect your youngin's to love it though, sadly.
Ant-Man (2015) I knew nothing about this Marvel story until I heard Paul Rudd was going to star in it. It was enjoyable and I'd probably watch it again. I'll still kill ants though, sorry. Watched in a theater with my 13-year-old nephew.
Kill Me Three Times (2014) Another Simon Pegg vehicle. Wasn't sure exactly what we were getting into, but I think we enjoyed it. Watched on Netflix with my S.O.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) I enjoyed the first one and rightly assumed I'd enjoy this one as well. Wonderful cast, yet again. Watched on DVD sola.
The Decoy Bride (2011) Easy to cast off as another rom-com, but I love that it took place in Scotland, which brought it's own charm, especially since the voice of Brave was the lead actress. Enjoyable for the genre. Not incredibly dumbed down. I might actually watch it again. Rented from the library, also available on Netflix, watched sola.
For a Good Time, Call... (2012) I'm sure I posted about this a few years ago, but can't find an original post... I think I use the phrase "good time" too frequently in my reviews perhaps? But I enjoyed the film when it first came out and I saw it with a couple girlfriends in D.C. This viewing made me miss my girlfriends, as I watched it alone. This film is very 'girlfriend' and parallels them like any other romantic relationship. It's a sweet take on a dirty industry. I'd watch it again. It's bright and colorful and cute and the wonderful Nia Vardalos makes a cameo. Watched on Netflix sola.
In a World (2013) Pretty unique film. I really liked the inner look at recording studios, as well as a complicated father-daughter relationship. I liked all the accents/voices, especially since my sister excels at the same. I like the look at women's struggles in the film industry and the reality of it. And the cameo by Geena Davis. Watched on Netflix sola.
The Way (2010) Big kudos to Emilio Estevez for writing, directing and acting in this film, also a vehicle for his father Martin Sheen. Based on a book, it was a nice father/son, coming-to-terms, road movie. I liked to learn about the El Camino (The Way) pilgrimage in Spain and although slow-paced, it was still gripping emotionally. Rented from library, watched sola.
Unfinished Song/Song for Marion (2012) I don't know why, but the movies about older people losing their partner completely wrecks me. This was a sweet film and it had me sobbing several times. Instead of the cancer-stricken wife dying right away, we got to become attached to her and see how much of a transition our main character had to do. I've enjoyed seeing Terence Stamp ever since I saw him in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This was a sweet film, touching. Rented from the library, watched sola.
Calendar Girls (2003) I'd heard nothing but good things about this 'ripped from the headlines' feature film. Cheeky and fun. Although I had a bit of a tough time telling two of the short-haired brunette leads apart from each other. I really enjoyed it and would watch it again, as well as recommend to others. Rented from the library, watched sola.
Annie's Point (2005) I picked it up from the library because it had the awesome Betty White in it. I figured it was going to be surface-level and it basically was. No big surprises here. Rented from the library. Watched sola.
Bridesmaids (2011) Surprisingly, I can't find a review for Bridesmaids, but I know I must have because I've seen it before. It's not a superficial movie even though its a comedy. I like that our character is already at a low when the movie begins because we already wonder if her life can get any worse. And of course it does. It plays with female friendship in adulthood and how trying weddings can be. I was watching this as background noise and didn't finish watching it that night.... but couldn't help but need to finish it the next day. It's one of those that you have to finish because you need that satisfaction of seeing the characters make it. And loved that Chris O'Dowd was the love interest, which I had forgotten about. Watched on DVD, sola.
Welcome to the Jungle (2013) It's like Office Space meets Lord of the Flies. And it works. It was fun to see the bullshit corporate world placed in a jungle with Jean-Claude Van Damme in a humorous role and excelling at it. I also loved seeing Kristen Schaal of The Last Man on Earth (among others) and Megan Boone pre-The Blacklist. Watched on Netlix with S.O.
Sex Ed (2014) Ever since I read the synopsis on Netflix, I was intrigued to see Haley Joel Osment in this role. The students ended up being younger than I expected (which makes sense) and the tone/storyline turned out differently than I expected and I liked it. It also had me add Retta to my list of actresses for a feature I have in mind. It wasn't until I was typing up this blog and saw the character name on imdb that I got the 'Ed' joke. And Osment does a great job portraying a teacher... Great message and some interesting things too. Watched on Netflix sola.
My Boyfriend's Back (1993) We found this on VHS while out treasure hunting and already had the following movie waiting for us to watch at home (same theme of love interest returns from the grave) so we figured we'd watch chronologically. It's very campy/cheesy and wasn't the best. It was also not properly named because SPOILER the boyfriend isn't the one who came back from the grave. If you are looking for some old school cheese, this is it. Watched on VHS with S.O.
Life After Beth (2014) After we'd seen the trailer, we'd been wanting to see this for quite some time. Luckily our friends had a copy to lend us. We watched it after the previous one to see if they handled it any differently, and it was of course, much better. I like the cast a lot and it was interesting to see a film that, revealed in the 'making-of', wanted to portray the emotional trauma of a horror film on a more personal level. It was an interesting movie, concept, and execution. I enjoyed seeing Aubrey Plaza freak out. At times, she reminded me of my sister (actress as well) and it was fun. There were a couple of story specifics in their world that made me question the logic a bit, but I liked the new take on zombie films. Watched DVD with S.O.
Cake (2014) I'd been eyeing this film for a while. I like Jennifer Aniston films and this was a unique role. I still wasn't sure what it was about when I saw the trailer, but it was about chronic pain which doesn't sound very thrilling but when combined with the loss of loved ones, makes for an emotionally-charged film. I like that we pick up further down the road in that action and layers of their lives are revealed. We don't instantly know what's happened, but get to observe it as it unfolds. It was compelling and about an aspect of many people's lives that we don't experience on a day-to-day level, and that's important to see to help promote compassion and understanding, one of the abilities of film. Watched on Netflix sola.

So there you have it.... 45 films. Ha cha cha! Have you seen any? Did I pique your interest on any of these? Which ones?

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Sunday, September 20, 2015

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