Directed by Javier Bardem's cousin, this Spanish flick is one of those 'up-the-ante' comedies with zany characters and situations that keep getting out of hand... but everything works out okay in the end. I found it in a discount bin at Goodwill (along with another Spanish-language Christmas movie). If you know any Spanish at all, you will be able to tell the titles do not translate into each other. If you like zany comedies and are okay with reading subtitles, this is a fun romp to spice up your holiday movie routine. :) P.S. Sorry the trailer doesn't have subtitles!)
Fun trivia... Writer Scott Mosier is the same friend of Kevin Smith of Clerks, Dogma etc. I only recognized that because I just finished Smith's book/audiobook. Anywho, my major gripe about this film is mainly "too bad the turkeys didn't warn the Indians". Sadness. But as far as the film goes, it was okay. Actually we had been planning on seeing Gravity but there was a website mixup and change of times for the release of Hunger Games. I REALLY liked the homage at the end, the way in which the turkeys respected the dead. I teared up a little bit because it was really a tasteful and touching image/idea.
Payne is a local hero because he's from Omaha and has made quite the name for himself in Hollywood. Besides that, I do honestly enjoy his films. This is one of the first that he didn't write (although he did re-write Nelson's script to give it the Payne touch). And it hit the nail on the head. The characters were well-rounded and relatable and very rural Nebraska. It was a really nice film and June Squibb is kind of my hero. She actually reminds me of my mother, except my mom isn't as mean outright. It was a really good flick and Dern was great too. Oh, and I can't believe that the guys who played brothers (the no-good cousins) aren't related. Someone clear that up for me! They look so similar!!!!
I am a Trekkie by association. Dad, friends, so I know what's up... more or less. I had seen the one released a few years ago. This was more of the same goodness. I like the characters and the comedy/wit. Easy to get into for story and action. Yes and yes. :)
Not as stupid as I was told it was. I honestly liked it. It was a cool concept and played out pretty well. I was kind of surprised there were so many screenwriters involved, but I guess it had a lot of room for error. I wonder what other deviations there were in other revisions, now that I think about it. Anyway, there were some nice characters and you could see their changes. It was a great idea (graphic novel-based) to combine the two genres and give us something new.
Pretty fun movie that shows how greed corrupts. Fun faces you'll recognize. If you like comics, collecting, or seeing inept people try to outsmart each other and destroy lives... this is a flick to see.
It's been quite a while. I've watched 16 movies in three months since I last updated this blog. That's not a lot compared to what I usually watch, but I've been working more, writing...and watching TV shows. :) So here goes.
This was an interesting movie because it examined spirituality as a commodity. A filmmaker basically tried to make an unspiritual man into a spiritual man through yoga. I've often shaken my head at the commercialism that yoga has undergone, and how unlike traditional yoga it has become. So it was great to see this examined more thoroughly. I recommend this movie for anyone interested in yoga, spirituality, or examining making an ancient practice into some kind of sellable commodity. Notes after rewatching trailer: Oh, also if you want to see really cool places without leaving your comfortable home. And the laughter yoga seems kind of fun ;)
Sometime during my youth, I watched this show on The Disney Channel, over and over again. (We may have taped it off TV... but I'll never admit that in a court of law!) I really liked this movie and this time got to introduce it to my nephews, who also really enjoyed it. I like the actors and enjoy seeing them appear in other movies and shows. It's interesting that the movie poster makes the kids look smaller than they are. Makes me wonder if this is some kind of fat-shaming or if it's reminiscent of some fake posters we see in the movie? It's a movie about underdogs, to which most people can relate because we all feel out of place sometime. It's a load of fun and I recommend it.
Sometimes foreign films move at a different pace, or maybe it's learning to adapt to another culture. This film makes you, or tries to make you, empathize with someone you may dismiss. It makes you think about morals and why we have them, where we fall on a spectrum. I'm not sure if I liked it or not... it's been almost 3 months since I watched, but if you are looking for a boundary expander, check this one out. It's not necessarily full of characters you'd like to know personally, but that's the beauty of cinema: be a peeping tom into another world with little repercussion, other than your own new outlook.
This is one of those mopey "ugh, I'll never find anybody" type movies, but it's a good one that shows us that life isn't always as simple as we think it is when we compare our lives to someone else's. Everyone is dealing with their own drama, and it's just about finding someone willing to deal with yours. If you like Parker Posey, you've probably already seen this, and I think I may have already seen this film before, but it was nice to watch. Just be prepared for a lot of ennui. ;)
This is another "woe is me, love sucks" movies. I found it kind of annoying and pretentious. I know, I know, how dare I say that about a 'current classic'. I think one has to know music better to appreciate it. I will say, I know we have all wondered about our past loves but most of us would never contact them. Not exactly my type of movie, but some of the characters were fun. I enjoyed seeing Darlene from Roseanne make an appearance. :)
If you've been an immigrant or foreigner in another land, you can appreciate this film. It's a great look at the role that women play in families and how torn they can be trying to make the sacrifices they are called to make. It's a beautiful movie and I do recommend it.
I absolutely love Simoon Pegg/Nick Frost movies. Everything is so well tied together. Every reference you see on screen is a loose-end that WILL be tied up. Very clever and characteristic of their other films you've come to know and love.
From what I can understand, it is a classic film from a classic filmmaker in a bygone era. I always appreciate Indian films, and lucky for you, there is no song and dance in this one. It IS two hours long though. It was enjoyable though. Morality, attraction, housewife going crazy. :) But in a good way, I guess. ;)
I found this movie to be quite interesting. It examines how food can make our break our health. Of course, the filmmakers promote a certain way of eating, but to me it made sense, especially with the facts they provide. It was kind of a way to look at genetically, evolutionarily, what should we be eating? It's an interesting idea that eating or not eating certain foods could have such a monumental impact to our affliction with cancer and/or heart disease. The idea that one's diet is such a large factor makes sense and it's worth a watch, especially when one sees how profoundly it affects some of the people on screen. I know it's made me think more carefully about what I put into my body. Most definitely worth a watch!
This is definitely not my type of movie. If all goes according to plan, I won't be personally dealing with pregnancy, so pregnancy/baby movies are not my favorite themes. But it was research for a script I hope to co-write with the similarly-childfree-minded friend who suggested this film to me. I can't say it was an amazing film but you know if it's the type of movie you'd like to watch, so don't let me stop you! There is some truth and funniness to it, and I'll admit there was one part with Cameron Diaz holding the baby where I did tear up because I got the preciousness of life and all that jazz, but being an aunt is my ticket! Do what feels right... including watching or avoiding this movie! ha! :)
I'd wanted to see this movie from the moment I saw the trailer. The topic and actors really intrigued me. I thought it was really well done and am interested in the true life story. It was a great story we rarely see and I did cry at the end. Brilliant and touching film!
I'm not usually into horror films, but one of my short scripts was accepted into the Mile High Horror Film Festival and one of my friends picked out this movie. Good choice. Bloody, creepy, nerve-wracking, and left us talking. I do recommend this Spanish horror film if you get the chance. Looked great.
Also one of the movies I saw at the Mile High Horror Film Festival; also picked out by my friend; also a great choice! It wasn't typical horror in that the main character is already dead! Abigail Breslin did a great job! Definitely check this film out for a suspenseful, well-done movie. This basically is more creep factor, less-bloody than the previous movie.
Also part of the Mile High Horror Film Festival AND I got to see Meg Foster, meet Roddy Piper and have him sign a couple items for a friend ;) (video here) It was better than I expected, knowing what little I knew about it. The music was minimalist and creepy a la John Carpenter. I liked the concept and how it played with our perception of good and evil... And I want me a pair of those dang sunglasses!
Okay, I was coerced into seeing this film, but had seen all the documentaries about it leading up to actually seeing the film, so I knew what I was getting into... John Carpenter's minimalist and creepy musical compositions. The film did what it was supposed to do but I wanted to slap Jamie Lee Curtis. Every time she thought she killed him, she turned away and then he was back in action. P.S. I've got Halloween fatigue I can't even watch the trailer! Too much documentary! ;)
I had watched the film 49 UP a few years ago and was just thinking 'I wonder if the next one came out yet' and looked it up... it was released about two days prior! Basically this is the latest installment in a documentary that has interviewed the same group of people every 7 years since they were age 7. It's extremely interesting! It really makes you stop to think about physical and personal growth that we make in our lifetimes. I wish there was a little more variety, but it's a really cool concept. It helps open the world up a little more and create bonds with fellow humans.
If any of you has ever had to be in a country in which you don't speak the language, you can understand how challenging it is to learn a language. Of course this film is far-fetched in that the character has 4 weeks to learn, but I think it does a pretty good job of showing the intelligence of non-English-speaking people who are trying to learn English. This is a hot-button issue for me as I lived in South America for five months. Any time an American gets mad at foreigners and wants them to "learn English" I assume that person has never attempted to learn another language or they would know just how hard it really is.
Anyway, as far as the movie goes, there were definitely some stereotypical characters and some stuff that didn't come across right, but I enjoyed the film, more or less. I had wanted to see it for a while so was happy to find it at my library. The main issue is whether a mother is allowed to have a life outside her children or can she find independence. I, of course, have my own take on that, but the film is what it is. Of note is the actress Sridevi who has appeared in more than 200 films in India from 1967 to current day. "Sridevi was the highest paid Hindi actress from 1985-1992 and the 2nd highest paid Hindi actress from 1993-1996." She had returned from a hiatus to make this film and did a smashing job.
This concept/movie was first brought to my attention on my vacation for Fourth of July weekend. I then found out it was playing in my town, so of course I had to see it. I also saw in the credits that I knew the DP Nicola Marsh. I'd worked with her on a film. This film was great. The concept was amazing: the backup singers that make music memorable. Get ready for a lot of music history (easily presented) and the impulse to tap your feet, bob your head and dance in your seat! I always love music documentaries... combines my love of music and cinema for maximum results. Definitely check this movie out!
I was very happy to find a Chilean movie, as I lived in Chile for 5 months. I enjoy the fact that is has content that is 'navel-gazing' but a character makes fun of that very fact. There are plenty of humorous moments and to me they were very Chilean, so I enjoyed the brief step back into another part of my life. Of course, one can relate to it without having spent time in Chile. ;) The other thing to note is that at the beginning, we are told exactly how the story will end, but it is still a surprise anyway. It was nominated at several festivals and took home some awards. Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le! ;)
One of my nephews chose this movie. I remember thinking when it came out that it looked less than good, but it was actually a nice movie. Seemed quite original to me. I enjoyed the characters and the concept. Something new in a land of remakes. I see it was a book first, but that's okay. ;)
This came along in a four-pack I bought
and Bill Cosby is pretty awesome, so I watched it while I scanned family
photos. Pretty fun movie. I think the film still holds up today too, so
introduce it to your youngin's... or your old'un's... good fun for
everybody. :)
I'd been wanting to see this movie since I saw the stained glass image of Hypatia in a library in Burlington, Iowa in June. This film is upsetting because of the accuracy of the historical content, or what I assume to be accurate with different religious groups slaughtering each other in the name of their gods. And the subjugation of women thanks. Left a bitter taste in my mouth just because it's upsetting that this is so much of humanity's history and to an extent, the present day. This film was very good, don't get me wrong, but it was heavy content for me. I'm glad I watched it because it gave me some things to process. It also made me want to learn a lot more about many topics. I do recommend this film for sure because it's quite the eye-opener. On a picky note, a couple camera shots were gimmicky for my taste and some of the white historical text was too hard for me to read (partially background colors and partially my screen size/quality). Good film.
