Monday, November 30, 2009

1289 - Freddy Got Fingered


I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I watched this. Especially when I've got a stack of movies I should be watching. In all fairness I was half-watching and half working on a Christmas present. Either way. Scott McLaren owes me 87 minutes of my life back and I will have it somehow! I really shouldn't blame him - he described the scene above and I was intrigued. It's my own damn fault... however I'll still claim those minutes...
I now need to clense myself with something good. I've been bad about watching films lately, but it's only because I'm so immersed in catching up on TV series. I've got at least a half a dozen on the go. Alas, it still makes no excuse for me wasthing my limited viewing on stuff that I know will be trash.
Whoever greenlit this film should be deeply ashamed.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

1288 - Bruno


First off, I can't imagine even trying to make this film in the wake that was Borat. The mass success, plus the exposure that Cohen got would have made it difficult to film given how he works, not to mention the expectations. The project was, somewhat, doomed from the start.

I have to say though, this film picked up a bit in the middle. And there's some wonderful and disturbing stuff in here, particularly regarding what some parents will allow their kids to go through in an effort to get a gig. I'd go into specifics but I wouldn't want to rob you of the jaw-dropping experience.

Hit or miss, no one has bigger balls than Cohen for the situations he'll put himself into for the pure exploitation of human nature.

This film isn't firing on all cylinders, but there's enough here to make it worth the watch. Bruno was always my favorite character of Cohen's and so I expected more, but understand the circumstances he was under. It could have been a hell of a lot worse.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

1287 - Redbelt


I was really surprised by how much I liked this film. It's not that I expected to dislike it, but wow. It just flowed beautifully for me, the characters, the story, it all just... worked. I really wish that I had more to say about this, but I strongly recommend it. Really really nice.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

1286 - Three Amigos!


I never saw this film as a kid. I remember this girl I had a crush on that worked in the video store where I grew up always watched it while I was in the store, and so I never wanted to rent it because I knew it would mean she'd have to turn it off and give it to me. So that's my excuse.

It's such a product of it's time and you could never get away with the wonderful goofiness today unless you're making a dick & fart Wayans-type film. There's some really great jokes in this film, my favorite is when Chevy Chase shoots the invisible swordsman by accident.

There's been several films of this ilk since this came out: Tropic Thunder, Galaxy Quest (which I haven't seen either) come to mind.

Glad I finally saw it.

Monday, November 09, 2009

1285 - Mad Men: season three


First time I watched this series as the episodes were airing. I love this show. In the absence of The Wire it fills that void of solid epic novel-esque writing. I adore this series and all that comes with it. I don't want to ruin a damn thing, so all I'll say is that this was a fantastic season in what is a truly great story. They've done some really interesting things in this season, in particular the final episode and I can't wait to see the next chapter of this story. I can't recommend this show highly enough.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

1284 - A Dirty Shame


When you sit down to watch a John Waters film you have a pretty good idea of what you're in for. Everything is hyper-real. That's the point. He's trying to make a comment on society in a way that entertains him. And does it entertain others? I suppose that's a matter of opinion. I'm not phased or shocked by sexuality - but I think that the big problem for me is that I didn't quite get the point of it all. Maybe I wasn't trying hard enough. If you're a Waters fan you'll no doubt enjoy it - if not, it might be hard to get into it.