Grey Gardens (2009)
In 1973, documentary filmmaking brothers Albert Maysles and David Maysles decide to change the focus of their latest project from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to her aunt and older cousin, ... See full summary »
Director:
Michael Sucsy
Writers:Michael Sucsy
Stars:
Drew Barrymore,
Jessica Lange,
Jeanne Tripplehorn |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LXmQfbp-LM
Purchased at antique store. Watched with S.O.
We had watched the documentary a month or two ago and were intrigued to know how the made-for-tv movie would stack up. It was a pretty decent estimation or elaboration from what we learned in the documentary. It was hard to not be attuned to the dialogue and correlate it to the accuracy of its appearance in the documentary. There were a couple lines out of place, but the intent seemed to be there. Drew Barrymore did a wonderful job portraying the mannerisms of Little Eadie. Jessica Lange did really well too, but was a bit underweight in the older years of Big Eadie. I was distracted often by the prosethics/face alterations for both women. It helped to give a plausible background for the documentary but was less of a car wreck to watch than the documentary. I enjoyed it and think it stands alone from the doc, but I recommend both.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LXmQfbp-LM
Purchased at antique store. Watched with S.O.
We had watched the documentary a month or two ago and were intrigued to know how the made-for-tv movie would stack up. It was a pretty decent estimation or elaboration from what we learned in the documentary. It was hard to not be attuned to the dialogue and correlate it to the accuracy of its appearance in the documentary. There were a couple lines out of place, but the intent seemed to be there. Drew Barrymore did a wonderful job portraying the mannerisms of Little Eadie. Jessica Lange did really well too, but was a bit underweight in the older years of Big Eadie. I was distracted often by the prosethics/face alterations for both women. It helped to give a plausible background for the documentary but was less of a car wreck to watch than the documentary. I enjoyed it and think it stands alone from the doc, but I recommend both.
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Killing Season (2013)
Two veterans of the Bosnian War -- one American, one Serbian -- find
their unlikely friendship turn tense with one of them reveals their true
intentions.
Director:
Mark Steven Johnson
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yseYEtQoJQ
Recent addition to S.O.'s collection; watched with him.
A big distraction was Travolta's accent and wondering the whole time if it was believable or not to anyone who knows Serbian or Bosnian accents. But I really liked the movie. As filled with violence as it was, it was basically an anti-war movie. A comment in the film was that we have been fighting for thousands of years and we don't know how it ever started. And yet we'll keep on doing it. So much injustice done in the name of war. I think that this movie would be appreciated by people on both sides of the debate. Two strong characters, both skilled in combat made for a suspenseful story. Sure, some things were a bit predictable, but there were moments of unsurity.
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Teen Wolf (1985)
A struggling high school student with problems discovers that his family
has an unusual pedigree when he finds himself turning into a werewolf.
Director:
Michael J. Fox,
James Hampton,
Susan Ursitti |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9288e8zujFk
Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.
This movie is as old as I am. Boom. As much as I know this film is supposed to be iconic and I love Michael J. Fox, I do have some complaints. The film pacing was lacking. The whole beginning was him just saying he felt weird. And we never really address him losing his virginity, whereas if the protagonist was a female, that would be a big deal, right? Something major, but for a guy, we just gloss it over as 'lucky him, even though the bi-atch used him to get her kicks/get back at her boyfriend'. And there was plenty of cheesiness to it. I do like the concept of the town embracing it and not being frightened of it. Oh, there was the inconsistency of why didn't his dad hear the dog whistle too, but MAYBE the dad wasn't as sensitive to it anymore as his transitioning son was. Also, it wasn't quite clear if the mom died or how or if she was a wolf, so when the punk guy said he shot Fox's mom in the garden, it made me wonder if she was supposed to be a werewolf too. FUN TIDBIT: While watching the film, S.O. and I noticed plenty of Cornhuskers/Aksarben posters and old Nebraska license plates, which means this movie takes place in our home state of Nebraska. Cool find!
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9288e8zujFk
Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.
This movie is as old as I am. Boom. As much as I know this film is supposed to be iconic and I love Michael J. Fox, I do have some complaints. The film pacing was lacking. The whole beginning was him just saying he felt weird. And we never really address him losing his virginity, whereas if the protagonist was a female, that would be a big deal, right? Something major, but for a guy, we just gloss it over as 'lucky him, even though the bi-atch used him to get her kicks/get back at her boyfriend'. And there was plenty of cheesiness to it. I do like the concept of the town embracing it and not being frightened of it. Oh, there was the inconsistency of why didn't his dad hear the dog whistle too, but MAYBE the dad wasn't as sensitive to it anymore as his transitioning son was. Also, it wasn't quite clear if the mom died or how or if she was a wolf, so when the punk guy said he shot Fox's mom in the garden, it made me wonder if she was supposed to be a werewolf too. FUN TIDBIT: While watching the film, S.O. and I noticed plenty of Cornhuskers/Aksarben posters and old Nebraska license plates, which means this movie takes place in our home state of Nebraska. Cool find!
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Neighbors (2014)
After they are forced to live next to a fraternity house, a couple with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down.
Director:
Seth Rogen,
Rose Byrne,
Zac Efron |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5Gq5hdFRY
Watched with the Netflix renters (sis, her man, and my man)
Yeah, not great. I do appreciate what I'd heard in a Seth Rogen podcast/interview/(NPR?) where he said that his wife suggested the wife should be a fun character too instead of being the stereotypical voice of reason. I see how that was incorporated, but overall, it was just an odd film. Everything was done for gag purposes, even and especially the creation of most of the characters. It didn't feel realistic (which I know I'm supposed to have a suspension of disbelief, but still). I wasn't sold on it. When I had seen trailers, it looked stupid, and I wasn't wrong. They tried too hard. And as my sister pointed out, quite unrealistic that girls would stand in line to buy casts of penises/dildos from frat boys. Ugh. I did appreciate that it made fun of frats at the same time it made this frat something stranger. But that was also a weird point too. Anyway, no thanks.
Director:
John Madden
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDY89LYxK0w
From my personal collection. Watched with my sis, her man, and my man who fell asleep.
I couldn't believe that I hadn't reviewed this movie back in 2011 when it came out! I searched in my archives on my blog (it goes back a way) and nope, didn't find it. I originally watched this with my mom in the theater and know I was the youngest person there. I also kept looking longingly at the Indian background because I had been there a couple years prior for a wedding. I was glad I had a trip lined up to Mexico, because the wanderlust was kicking, so for those of you who love to travel, beware! I had originally wanted to see the movie for many reasons... it took place in India and it had a great cast, full of many seasoned actors. This film was a really nice reminder of what it's like to grow older and feel less appreciated or useful. I really liked the idea of a more interesting retirement village and I myself might sign up! I thought it was a nice film. Had a small Bollywood-ish theme to it, but no song and dance routine. ;) I'm really looking forward to the second film!
Director:
Debra Granik
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5Gq5hdFRY
Watched with the Netflix renters (sis, her man, and my man)
Yeah, not great. I do appreciate what I'd heard in a Seth Rogen podcast/interview/(NPR?) where he said that his wife suggested the wife should be a fun character too instead of being the stereotypical voice of reason. I see how that was incorporated, but overall, it was just an odd film. Everything was done for gag purposes, even and especially the creation of most of the characters. It didn't feel realistic (which I know I'm supposed to have a suspension of disbelief, but still). I wasn't sold on it. When I had seen trailers, it looked stupid, and I wasn't wrong. They tried too hard. And as my sister pointed out, quite unrealistic that girls would stand in line to buy casts of penises/dildos from frat boys. Ugh. I did appreciate that it made fun of frats at the same time it made this frat something stranger. But that was also a weird point too. Anyway, no thanks.
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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they
believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its
advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm
in unexpected ways.
Director:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDY89LYxK0w
From my personal collection. Watched with my sis, her man, and my man who fell asleep.
I couldn't believe that I hadn't reviewed this movie back in 2011 when it came out! I searched in my archives on my blog (it goes back a way) and nope, didn't find it. I originally watched this with my mom in the theater and know I was the youngest person there. I also kept looking longingly at the Indian background because I had been there a couple years prior for a wedding. I was glad I had a trip lined up to Mexico, because the wanderlust was kicking, so for those of you who love to travel, beware! I had originally wanted to see the movie for many reasons... it took place in India and it had a great cast, full of many seasoned actors. This film was a really nice reminder of what it's like to grow older and feel less appreciated or useful. I really liked the idea of a more interesting retirement village and I myself might sign up! I thought it was a nice film. Had a small Bollywood-ish theme to it, but no song and dance routine. ;) I'm really looking forward to the second film!
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Winter's Bone (2010)
An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.Director:
Jennifer Lawrence,
John Hawkes,
Garret Dillahunt |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O8F8JtSVmI
From my S.O.'s personal collection. Watched with him.
Remind me to not get lost in the backwoods of Missouri! Yowza! It wasn't quite what I thought from the trailer I had seen years ago. I thought she actually traveled farther from home than she did in the movie. But basically the film is frightening for the reality it probably shows. The nasty side of communities that get swept under the rug. Basically don't go poking around because you won't like what you find. I thought there was a great amount of subtext to it too; things unsaid or implied. It was a depressing reminder of the futility of some people's life situations and the struggles they come up against. Sometimes hard to watch, but a good film, for sure.
Director:
Tim Burton
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHeZCEFwhI
New addition to my personal DVD collection (family favorite formerly on VHS); introduced to SO.
My family and I have loved this movie since we saw it way back when and frequently greet each other with 'ACK ACK ACK!'. There is a lot of star power in this movie and it's quite fun to watch. Highly recommendable if you don't take things too seriously. :)
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnD2EacXk0E
Recent addition to my collection; watched alone.
Found it in the $5 bin and thought it was worth a try. Plus, I wanted to see Robin Williams again. :( He didn't really shine in the role. The film was basically a comedy of errors, and that made more sense once I saw it was adapted from a French movie, which I'd like to see now. You have to have a suspension of disbelief and take it at face value. It was okay. But not realistic. Fluff piece. But I really like Keaton, Sarandon and DeNiro. Heigl's okay too, but her situation was easy to call. I didn't know who any of the other actors were. The two brothers. If you are looking for a light movie, this one will do.
Director:
Brad Anderson
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rawTSQ1RKQ0
Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.
I like period pieces but this one made me angry for all the right reasons: the abhorring treatment of people we now call those with "special needs" and such. At times it was hard to watch. It was intriguing that's for sure. I can't say much for fear of giving it away, but I do recommend this one.
Director:
Hart Bochner
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O8F8JtSVmI
From my S.O.'s personal collection. Watched with him.
Remind me to not get lost in the backwoods of Missouri! Yowza! It wasn't quite what I thought from the trailer I had seen years ago. I thought she actually traveled farther from home than she did in the movie. But basically the film is frightening for the reality it probably shows. The nasty side of communities that get swept under the rug. Basically don't go poking around because you won't like what you find. I thought there was a great amount of subtext to it too; things unsaid or implied. It was a depressing reminder of the futility of some people's life situations and the struggles they come up against. Sometimes hard to watch, but a good film, for sure.
_______________________________
Mars Attacks (1996)
Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor.
Director:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHeZCEFwhI
New addition to my personal DVD collection (family favorite formerly on VHS); introduced to SO.
My family and I have loved this movie since we saw it way back when and frequently greet each other with 'ACK ACK ACK!'. There is a lot of star power in this movie and it's quite fun to watch. Highly recommendable if you don't take things too seriously. :)
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The Big Wedding (2013)
A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding.
Writers:
Justin Zackham (screenplay),
Jean-Stéphane Bron (motion picture "Mon frère se marie"), 1 more credit »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnD2EacXk0E
Recent addition to my collection; watched alone.
Found it in the $5 bin and thought it was worth a try. Plus, I wanted to see Robin Williams again. :( He didn't really shine in the role. The film was basically a comedy of errors, and that made more sense once I saw it was adapted from a French movie, which I'd like to see now. You have to have a suspension of disbelief and take it at face value. It was okay. But not realistic. Fluff piece. But I really like Keaton, Sarandon and DeNiro. Heigl's okay too, but her situation was easy to call. I didn't know who any of the other actors were. The two brothers. If you are looking for a light movie, this one will do.
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Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
A recent medical school grad who takes a position at a mental
institution soon finds himself taken with one of his colleagues --
though he has no initial idea of a recent, horrifying staffing change.
Director:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rawTSQ1RKQ0
Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.
I like period pieces but this one made me angry for all the right reasons: the abhorring treatment of people we now call those with "special needs" and such. At times it was hard to watch. It was intriguing that's for sure. I can't say much for fear of giving it away, but I do recommend this one.
______________________________
Just Add Water (2008)
An offbeat romantic comedy about a decent guy, Ray Tuckby, with a
dead-end life in the dead-end town of Trona, CA. After encouragement
from a stranger whom he happens upon, Ray begins to dream again. He
sheds the parasites in his life, musters the nerve to pursue his
childhood love, and finally takes back his community by toppling the
local teenage Meth-baron.
Director:
Writer:
Hart Bochner
Stars:Hart Bochner
Dylan Walsh,
Jonah Hill,
Justin Long |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjVkdIE0gmo
Recent addition to my personal collection (thrift store); watched alone.
This is one of those movies that relies on you believing that the main character is one of those innocent guys who doesn't have a clue... or a set of balls. Of course, that's what the movie is about. But he and his love interest are too dopey and innocent for me. And the meth-head looked like he was supposed to be Eminem. It wasn't the worst movie, and I more or less enjoyed watching it unfold, but wanted to slap him a few times. I didn't like the end when all the women are pregnant to indicate 'oh everything is grand and perfect now'. As my dad would say "Like, gag me with a spoon. As if!" I hate the indication that "it's just what you do". Find a partner and pop out a baby. Of course, this is ME talking and I've known for a dozen years that I'm not called to be a mother. So I do expect/desire a bit more diversity than some stereotypical trope that does nothing to further a story than act as a bookend and an indication that "it's all going to be okay and life is so perfect because babies indicate a perfect life". Blah blah blah. It's probably hard for infertile couples to be confronted with that trope as well. (Yes, adoption is an option, but infertility for couples is difficult, but aaaaaanywaaaaaay....) Yeah, it was okay. I think I originally thought to give it a try because it had some Sundance Audience Choice laurels on it or something. Oh yeah, Melissa McCarthy (my future BFF/coworker) was in it... playing an unruly mullet-wearing woman (with an infertile husband btw! couldn't tell if she was pregnant at the end of the movie too. :P )
Director:
Kevin Smith
Director:
Will Gluck
Stars:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJS-wWqVAyk
Recent addition to S.O.'s collection; watched with S.O.
This was one rom-com that we both liked. It made fun of all the cheesy cliches, but basically delivered on them, but I don't hold it against it. ;) There were several dialogue moments that rang true to us so was relatable and funny. Nolan Gould looked so young it! He's on Modern Family and looks sooooo much older now. Crazy what 4 years does to a kid. :) (His role was kind of fluffy anyway). I did find out that my S.O. claims he didn't know what a flash mob is, but I find that so hard to believe. How can that be true? In the year 2015?! If you want a slightly less cheesy than normal cheesy romcom, this one will do. :)
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjVkdIE0gmo
Recent addition to my personal collection (thrift store); watched alone.
This is one of those movies that relies on you believing that the main character is one of those innocent guys who doesn't have a clue... or a set of balls. Of course, that's what the movie is about. But he and his love interest are too dopey and innocent for me. And the meth-head looked like he was supposed to be Eminem. It wasn't the worst movie, and I more or less enjoyed watching it unfold, but wanted to slap him a few times. I didn't like the end when all the women are pregnant to indicate 'oh everything is grand and perfect now'. As my dad would say "Like, gag me with a spoon. As if!" I hate the indication that "it's just what you do". Find a partner and pop out a baby. Of course, this is ME talking and I've known for a dozen years that I'm not called to be a mother. So I do expect/desire a bit more diversity than some stereotypical trope that does nothing to further a story than act as a bookend and an indication that "it's all going to be okay and life is so perfect because babies indicate a perfect life". Blah blah blah. It's probably hard for infertile couples to be confronted with that trope as well. (Yes, adoption is an option, but infertility for couples is difficult, but aaaaaanywaaaaaay....) Yeah, it was okay. I think I originally thought to give it a try because it had some Sundance Audience Choice laurels on it or something. Oh yeah, Melissa McCarthy (my future BFF/coworker) was in it... playing an unruly mullet-wearing woman (with an infertile husband btw! couldn't tell if she was pregnant at the end of the movie too. :P )
______________________________
Tusk (2014)
When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba
while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best
friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.
Director:
Writer:
Kevin Smith
Stars:Kevin Smith
Justin Long,
Michael Parks,
Haley Joel Osment |
See full cast and crew »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCQJnOn0ru0
Recent addition to S.O.'s collection. Watched with him.
Right before we watched this movie, my S.O. accidentally took a shoulder to the nards and he said that wasn't nearly as painful as watching this movie. Apparently this movie was based off an idea that came from a podcast and people could vote whether this movie should be made or not. And Kevin Smith's logic in the behind the scenes was "If someone watches this and thinks 'This got made? Shit, I can make something!' and goes out and creates, then I've done my job." Seriously? Making a shitty movie is inspiration? In a weird, twisted way, yeah, he's right. Sometimes starting off is rough, but it's how people learn. But we learned the hard way that this movie was really bad. It started off with some clout, the annoying-as-hell podcaster gets kidnapped by a really intriguing old man and we wonder where the hell it's going. And then it progressively just gets super dumb. And then completely terrible. Johnny Depp was misused and held up the action of the story. Be on the lookout for his daughter and the daughter of Kevin Smith as the Clerks in the convenience store, a role they will supposedly be reprising in Clerks 3. But yeah, even though Tusk was professionally shot and looked good, the special effects was dumb and detracted from the movie (ie the big reveal) and that was probably the point it lost us. Too dumb and no going back. No getting back our time either. If you want to see a terrible movie, watch away.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCQJnOn0ru0
Recent addition to S.O.'s collection. Watched with him.
Right before we watched this movie, my S.O. accidentally took a shoulder to the nards and he said that wasn't nearly as painful as watching this movie. Apparently this movie was based off an idea that came from a podcast and people could vote whether this movie should be made or not. And Kevin Smith's logic in the behind the scenes was "If someone watches this and thinks 'This got made? Shit, I can make something!' and goes out and creates, then I've done my job." Seriously? Making a shitty movie is inspiration? In a weird, twisted way, yeah, he's right. Sometimes starting off is rough, but it's how people learn. But we learned the hard way that this movie was really bad. It started off with some clout, the annoying-as-hell podcaster gets kidnapped by a really intriguing old man and we wonder where the hell it's going. And then it progressively just gets super dumb. And then completely terrible. Johnny Depp was misused and held up the action of the story. Be on the lookout for his daughter and the daughter of Kevin Smith as the Clerks in the convenience store, a role they will supposedly be reprising in Clerks 3. But yeah, even though Tusk was professionally shot and looked good, the special effects was dumb and detracted from the movie (ie the big reveal) and that was probably the point it lost us. Too dumb and no going back. No getting back our time either. If you want to see a terrible movie, watch away.
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Friends With Benefits (2011)
While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan
Harper and Jamie Rellis soon discover however that adding the act of sex
to their friendship does lead to complications.
Director:
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJS-wWqVAyk
Recent addition to S.O.'s collection; watched with S.O.
This was one rom-com that we both liked. It made fun of all the cheesy cliches, but basically delivered on them, but I don't hold it against it. ;) There were several dialogue moments that rang true to us so was relatable and funny. Nolan Gould looked so young it! He's on Modern Family and looks sooooo much older now. Crazy what 4 years does to a kid. :) (His role was kind of fluffy anyway). I did find out that my S.O. claims he didn't know what a flash mob is, but I find that so hard to believe. How can that be true? In the year 2015?! If you want a slightly less cheesy than normal cheesy romcom, this one will do. :)
__________________________
The Shepherd: Border Control (2008)
A former New Orleans cop battles drug cartels and ex-Army Special Forces
who are smuggling drugs from Mexico into U.S. through a Texas border
town.
Part of my S.O.'s personal collection, watched with him.
I got wrapped into watching it. Missed the first 15 minutes and went back and watched it after it was all said and done. I get wrapped into action flicks sometimes when there is some cool martial arts to watch, even if it's highly unlikely. It wasn't the worst flick I've seen. Some unbelievable parts. Some stuff just to show off Van Damme's ripped bod. I like how even though there was a female opposite him, it didn't end up turning into some distracting love affair crap. S.O. is a big fan of Brit Scott Adkins who was a big fan of Van Damme's, so that's cool to work with one's idols. :) Hopefully we both get to do the same someday when it comes to our screenwriting endeavors, hopes and dreams.
Well, thanks for staying tuned! Did you get to the bottom? I did. What do you think? Anything you want to see now? Anything you plan to stay away from?
Well, thanks for staying tuned! Did you get to the bottom? I did. What do you think? Anything you want to see now? Anything you plan to stay away from?
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