tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127460922024-03-13T13:36:20.948-04:00The Fabric of a World Unfoldingthe rambling thoughts of a young filmmaker and the discoveries he makes through film, life, and everything in-between...Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.comBlogger1367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-45168186264973129972014-09-20T23:50:00.001-04:002014-09-20T23:50:14.728-04:002057 - The To Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember when the trailer first came out for this and I was super interested in it then - largely because I’m knee deep in sex comedies of my own. I thought that this was a really sweet, funny, and heart warming coming-of-age story. It checks off all the required boxes that come along with a sex comedy - Aubrey Plaza continues to wow me in a character that could so easily be a stereotype but she finds the nuances and the layers without ever abandoning her characters initial concept. We’ve seen the story a dozen times of the dude trying to lose his virginity so it’s nice to see the female perspective - especially since anytime a girl is shown being sexually adventurous she’s often labelled as a slut, here Plaza is courageous and curious - a go getter. The 90’s setting was inspired and the jokes weren’t farcical and well placed. </div>
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If you like smart sex comedies with heart this one is absolutely worthy of your time and attention and it’s on Netflix. Give it a whirl.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-41170802740458966412014-09-19T23:41:00.000-04:002014-09-19T23:41:15.448-04:002056 - Total Recall (original)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's better! Despite it's datedness, this film still stands up - the sci-fi isn't as corny as you'd expect it to be because it's got such a distinct style. There's something mildly trashy about it with three-breasted hookers and hooker dwarves with machine guns and a young mutant Dean Norris. But the thing that makes this miles ahead better is that the story is simple - the poor people are being screwed over by the rich - smothered by the lack of air that the rich are keeping, and can easily provide for them. In this film it makes sense why Quaid was kept alive - I'm not entirely sure that it was in the remake. The reason this also works is because we see physical evidence of what Arnold is fighting for - to let people breath and live - we keep cutting back to them to get a sense of the importance of his mission. It means something for us and therefore we root for him... this film is fun and entertaining. Both versions are on Netflix if you want to do a comparison - though I strongly suggest just spending time with this one - the remake is mostly's meh - though I quite liked how they better integrated Kate Beckinsale's character - a small victory in that non-film....Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-10301126820538149952014-09-19T21:27:00.000-04:002014-09-19T21:27:02.168-04:002055 - Total Recall (remake)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meh. Why the hell remake this film? (then again, why the hell did I watch it? and what was I expecting?). The original was one of my favorite films from childhood - I remember rewatching it over and over. This just feels so disposable. Though now I'm going to rewatch the original.... maybe it doesn't hold up as well as I remembered. This one however just feels kind of empty and pointless. Meh.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-10881341302122929462014-09-19T21:22:00.002-04:002014-09-19T21:22:16.374-04:002054 - Boyhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There was so much hype behind this film that it was impossible to go into it with a fresh set of eyes. When I first heard about the film and the construction of how it was made over 12 years I was a bit annoyed as I’d had a similar idea for a project - though because I knew it was Linklater doing it it made me excited. It’s hard to separate the story from the style. On one hand you’ve got an incredible cinematic achievement - on the other you’ve got something that’s pretty simple, a story that isn’t all that spectacular. And while it’s full of nuance and some really lovely moments, on the whole I think I have to ask - was his really worth 12 years of someone’s life? I realize that it happened in and amongst other projects and other things, but I don’t know. I know I’m being a bit cynical because this film was so universally loved, but I just felt like this story could have been more universal in some ways and more affecting. It did stick with me a bit. I’d love to see what special features the DVD has. I’m not dismissing it - I liked it - though I did find it dragged on in parts. I’d wholly recommend it to anyone who likes simple character based stories. </div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-15958853139123137562014-09-16T21:03:00.000-04:002014-09-16T21:03:12.347-04:002053 - The One I Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The trailer for this intrigued the hell out of me. Combined with the fact that I adore Elisabeth Moss and really dig the Duplass brother’s stuff it had me at hello. </div>
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Part of the fun of the film is the mystery element, and I don’t want to say too much. It’s about a husband and wife who are at their wit’s end of what to do with each other, and then at the advice of their therapist they go to a retreat-esque cabin where all goes really well… too well… and they start to question that. </div>
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The best part of the film is how the “element” (as I’ll call it in a non-spoilery way) does a really beautiful job of dissecting relationship issues in a fun, fresh, and really really smart way. I LOVED that about the film. The worst part is how the “element” closer to the end tries to explain itself in a realistic way, and almost destroys what came before by doing so. I HATED that about the film. So this is a tough one for me. I think it’s worth seeing for sure, but by the end I didn’t love it as much as I did at about the half-way mark. The performances are fantastic and the ideas are interesting - so based on that alone I can recommend it. It’s definitely a conversation piece. I’d say give it a go if you’re a fan of the cast and like messed up loved stories and think pieces.</div>
<br />Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-18797824320469032892014-08-27T00:25:00.000-04:002014-08-27T00:25:00.945-04:002052 - Seeking a Friends for the End of the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's something really fun and freeing about the end of the world. The reason The Walking Dead is so popular has less to do with zombies and more to do with the 'what if' scenarios that go through one's mind. Here we have a story told in a world where the tone feels just a bit off. The film feels like it wants to be a satire, but it doesn't fully commit. And while I actually quite adore Kiera Knightly normally, I found that she and Steve Carell were in two different films here, and I liked the one that he was in a bit better. Ultimately it feels like she was mis-cast somehow - I just didn't feel their connection and it wasn't for a lack of trying on their part. It just felt... forced. And I think since the film hinges on it, it kind of ruins the ending for me. I didn't hate it by any means, but it's also not the kind of film I'll go out of my way to recommend either. For my money, if you want to see a solid end of the world flick that has a similar (but stronger) vibe, check out a Canadian classic "Last Night" by Don McKellar. You won't be disappointed!Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-33098671166287910862014-08-25T22:43:00.000-04:002014-08-25T22:43:52.900-04:002051 - True Blood: season seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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And thus, it ends. Thank the sweet lord. I felt like I was cursed by this show to be mildly interested in it, yet never really satisfied. It had a really strong start, and I’m not entirely sure just where it went off the rails. There started a pattern where there was a bunch of random stories that came together mid season - and that was always largely impressive. I have to say that I felt that this season was both a somewhat decent swan-song, but at the same time becoming a bit too much of a soap opera and less of the fun exciting show that we started off with. This final season was very devoid of any real conflict or stakes, except for the very end (pun very much intended). </div>
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If someone were asking if they should start watching this series, I’m not entirely sure what I’d say. I suppose I’d say it’s worth giving it a kick, especially for the earlier seasons. Like so many series it just went on for the sake of going on, having lost it’s umph and way. I never hated this show, but if I’m honest it was always a guilty pleasure at best.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-19542318785890686062014-08-25T22:39:00.001-04:002014-08-25T22:39:31.186-04:002050 - Wreck It Ralph<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I loved the premise of this when I first saw the trailer, but I have to say that I totally under-estimated this film. I realize that John Lasseter has his hands in it, so it should be no surprise, really. The story here is super fun, super tight, and ridiculously smart. The story turns are very sophisticated and keep me curious where everything was going. I enjoyed this as much as my son, and maybe even a little bit more. This one is an easily recommended, especially if you’ve got a kid who enjoys his video games.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-15646441812965498142014-08-22T23:11:00.000-04:002014-08-22T23:11:23.248-04:002049 - The F Word (aka What If)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're in the USA or UK then you might know this by the unfortunate title "What If" but here in Canada it's got the awesome title of "The F Word". I love this movie so hard. I'm a romantic-comedy nerd, so I give a lot of them a pass just because I like the genre, but when I find one that's done so amazingly well it makes me want to scream from the rooftops - and this one does. It's a wicked funny script, a charming as hell cast, and a really mature direction that's also playful. I think this was my favourite film at TIFF last year, and it's up there with my favourite of the year in general. It's being added to the ranks of When Harry Met Sally and it deserves to be. Elan Mastai and Michael Dowse have crafted a beautiful, funny, sweet, and heartfelt romance that isn't shy at all about being set mostly in Toronto. <br />
This film came out wide in Canada this weekend and I think it's still in the USA - please please please go check it out - it deserves a huge audience. If you see this film and don't laugh a fair bit it's likely because you're dead inside. I love it and can't wait to own it!Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-73908545371233746212014-08-22T23:04:00.000-04:002014-08-22T23:04:16.028-04:002048 - Thank You For Sharing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Man - it looks like I haven't watched anything this month, but I've actually been watching a bunch of stuff, but just in bits and pieces as I prep for my next film, so it's weird to write about stuff in that context. Although I feel like I've missed a few here. Apologies!<br />
I wanted to see this 'cause I like the premise and the cast a lot. Josh Gad is a superstar in my mind. I love Mark Ruffalo but he looks creepy unshaven. I'm sorry to say, but that really weirded me out, that and his character's nonstop smile kind of grated at me in a way that was confusing because he's easily one of my favourite actors. I just had a hard time really getting into and caring about his character and story - same with Tim Robbins. Josh Gad stole the film for me, it could have easily been just about him and it would have worked well. So I like this, but didn't quite love it. Give it a whirl on netflix if you're curious - it's about sex addicts!Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-62912229147186164252014-08-03T08:22:00.003-04:002014-08-03T08:22:49.175-04:002047 - Guardians of the Galaxy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting to the point, for me, where it’s akin to the work done in the heyday of Pixar. And given that Disney owns both them and now Star Wars, anyone who owns stocks in the Mouse are certainly going to be happy in the upcoming years.</div>
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Like most people I didn’t know ANYTHING about Guardians of the Galaxy going into this. And I came out wondering if this was my favourite of the Marvel side-franchises. It is so goddamn good. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a Marvel film, including Avengers. It starts off with a huge gut-punch - which hit me especially hard because of personal reasons - and then it involved into something that was sweet and funny and grand. Chris Pine is an all-star, and Bradley Cooper makes Rocket more than just a wise-talking side-kick. </div>
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My only complaint, and this is more a big-world question than anything else. The villain’s lair/world(?) just feels so small and empty. He wants to destroy things, a planet, but I never really got a strong sense of why - outside of the fact that it was evil and he’s evil. If I have a complaint with this film it’s that the villain was a pretty weak cardboard cut-out - zero personality besides ‘bad’. So that was the weak part of the film for me - that said the rest of the ensemble is so delightfully entertaining that it doesn’t hurt the overall movie like it should. </div>
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Keep up the good work, Marvel. The way you weave all your properties together is such a clever way of insuring viewership - but it’s also rewarding for the audience. Keep up the quality and I’ll keep showing up. </div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-74102296291697441722014-07-26T22:30:00.000-04:002014-07-26T22:30:42.262-04:002046 - Begin Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s hard to watch this film and not feel like you’re floating. It’s the kind of film that makes you remember emotions and feelings that you thought were numbed by every good thing that became before it. It means one thing - it’s the kind of film that makes you feel new feels, and that’s something spectacular in and of itself. I loved this film. Kiera Knightly has never been better and she is magic alongside of Mark Ruffalo. It’s a love letter to the art of creation so it has a special place inside of me. The music itself is really fantastic and with a purchase itself (which I’m doing as I type this). There are so many clever and beautiful sequences here that I’d love to go into great detail about, but I’d really rather just convince you to check it out yourself. This is easily one of my favourite films of the year so far. It’s a beautiful, entertaining, and powerful little flick. I liked Carney’s “Once”, I love “Begin Again” - looking forward to a nice third instalment of this ‘making-an-album’ trilogy!</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-33841416104272902222014-07-20T19:33:00.001-04:002014-07-20T19:33:58.574-04:002045 - Bad Grandpa & Bad Grandpa.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working on a hidden camera show I thought it would be fun to check this out. I like this better than the typical Jackass fair because of the storyline that’s present - it’s actually a decent little storyline in and amongst fucking with a lot of strangers - which I can absolutely get behind. I won’t ruin a damn bit because that’s half the fun. Netflix offers the .5 version, which is essentially a combination of making-of and also bonus scenes - if you like behind the scenes stuff this one is pretty entertaining, especially the inner workings where they show how the hides, etc… work. This isn’t for everyone, but the people who like this sort of thing are going to like it a lot.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-60862325288642890652014-07-19T23:59:00.001-04:002014-07-19T23:59:33.892-04:002044 - Oldboy
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It’s always dangerous territory to remake a much celebrated film - especially one that has such a twist ending as Oldboy - and then to do nothing new with the twist… it’s a bizarre choice given that the only real audience for this film is fans of Spike Lee and people who have seen the original - and that is likely the same audience, I imagine. So I guess my first question is - what the hell was the point of this? Stylistically this film doesn’t even touch the original - there’s nothing super special or unique happening here outside of Lee’s own version of the “hammer fight” sequence. It might have looked a bit flasher, but the original still takes the cake by a long shot, as does the entire film. Who knows, maybe if I’d seen this without the original I’d have a different opinion - but it’s just a bit too much of a rehash. Shame.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-19618025976894370932014-07-19T21:51:00.001-04:002014-07-19T21:51:41.987-04:002043 - Men in Black III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Part of the problem with this series now is that the freshness of the concept is long gone. Pulling back the curtain and showing how further integrated aliens are into our world isn’t fresh anymore. Gags like Andy Warhol work mostly because of the casting rather than the gag itself. The casting is interesting - there’s a spot on Josh Brolin doing a young Tommie Lee Jones, but despite how much I LOVE Emma Thompson, is Alice Eve REALLY the best representation of her at a young age. For his credit I didn’t even recognize Jermaine Clement as Boris the Animal. </div>
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I think if you can over look the logic issues with the time travelling it’s a fun film, and way way way better than the second instalment. That said, had it not for being on Netflix, I doubt I would have ever put any effort into checking it out. Enjoyable enough!</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-89963078881561133232014-07-18T22:13:00.000-04:002014-07-18T22:14:17.984-04:00Seconds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Scott Pilgrim remains one of my favorite series of all time, and so the other day when I realized that Bryan Lee O'Malley's first Pilgrim follow-up was finally out I ordered it right the hell away. It's the story of a cook looking to fix some mistakes from her past and gets the chance do to some magic mushrooms (not to be confused with the drug). <br />
I loved the style of this - visually it builds upon what we've seen of him before but there's an additional artistry present that shows his growth. There's a really awesome narration technique that's playful and fun. It's a beautiful and sweet story told with a wink, always aware that it's there to entertain. If you like O'Malley's work from the past this will not disappoint.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-65502610920462159292014-07-18T21:45:00.001-04:002014-07-18T21:45:46.480-04:002042 - Nurse Jackie: season six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're six seasons in, so if you're reading this without having seen anything yet - go back and read my previous posts, 'cause there are SPOILERS AHEAD...<br />
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FINALLY, Jackie has gotten her ass kicked by all the shit she's put people through. As much as it was fun watching Jackie be a total shit this season and just be a proper addict and fuck everyone else over - it was frustrating because usually she pulls a horseshoe out of her ass at the last minute. It looks like heading into the seventh, and I hope final, season that they're working on an exit strategy. Having watched Showtime continually renew both Dexter and Californication until they were creatively sucked dry I hope that they know what they're doing this time around and resolve this story in a way that pays tribute to it's golden days. The show has meandered and stalled a bit, but where this season ends I feel in pretty good shape.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-13403180488531164262014-07-14T16:56:00.001-04:002014-07-14T16:56:38.633-04:002041 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Andy Serkis - you are easily one of the most underrated actors of your generation. I re-watched bits and pieces of the first instalment of this re-boot to head into this and I have to say that this is shaping up to be one of my favourite franchises. I think these two films blow the water out of the original series. Not just because of the effects, although to be fair it’s the technology that allows for the emotional layer that makes it truly special. </div>
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What’s really lovely about this second chapter is that we care about both sides of the camp. It’s not humans or apes - both parties are good and bad. It’s real and honest in that sense. We’re conflicted and have no idea how it’s going to go. </div>
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I don’t want to say much more, because it’s best just to experience this all for yourself. This is the best blockbuster I’ve seen this summer, and I can’t wait to see it again. If you have absolutely any interest in this film do yourself a favour and see it on the big screen.</div>
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Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-6467766993703524262014-07-12T00:11:00.000-04:002014-07-12T00:11:28.036-04:002040 - Wish I Was Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was a Kickstarter backer on this project. I was a fan of Garden State, and as a crowd-funder myself I wanted to follow the campaign. One of my perks was to get an advanced screening of the film, so that’s how you’re hearing from me early.</div>
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I have to be honest. I didn’t love it. Some other reviews have said “it was good enough to make you wish that it was better” and I think that’s fair. Another review that said it’s “Phony, shallow, and completely disconnected from reality. To make matters worse, it thinks it’s sincere, deep, and realistic.” and while that’s pretty harsh - I can’t disagree. There’s so many lines in this that feel like it’s really clever, but no one would ever talk like that let alone consistently always have the perfect thing to say at the exact perfect moment. At times it feels like we’re watching a marathon of clever ideas that Zach Braff had and how he wedged them all together. And wedging isn’t far off - there’s so many things going on here that look like they’re there for the sake of the visuals than anything else. </div>
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I read somewhere that Braff spent years trying to get this film made within the system and couldn’t get it done - which seeing the end product, it doesn’t surprise me. The last thing I wanted to do was crap on this film, but I can’t honestly endorse it. I like what he’s trying to accomplish - it’s a film about the difficulty of being a parent, so there’s things here that I dig, but as a whole - it’s messy. And it’s hard to care about a hero who puts himself ahead of his family and tries to use his dream as a defense. A lot of us find a way to do both. </div>
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The highlights are Mandy Patinkin and the soundtrack - which is worth buying for sure - though it feels clumsy with how it’s used in the film, especially compared to how well the music was used in Garden State.</div>
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So if you were obsessed with Garden State than you’re going to see this anyway. If you don’t dig Zach Braff to begin with, this likely won’t help. Please do check it out for yourself though - I’d be happy to be in the minority when it comes to disliking something.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-88139084116442987302014-07-11T22:05:00.000-04:002014-07-11T22:05:28.926-04:002039 - American Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For some reason I found myself checking this out on Netflix. It’s an interesting thing. I don’t know if this was a bad film or a pretty okay one. It’s tough when it’s a reunion sequel to a much loved film from your childhood. I thought that this one did a really great job of playing up the original, and I think also the fact that I’ve grown up along with these guys doesn’t help at all either. As a stand-alone piece I don’t think it would be all that satisfying or entertaining - but as a welcoming home party it’s worth the effort for sure.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-48820876408214198192014-07-08T10:17:00.002-04:002014-07-08T10:17:44.268-04:002038 - The Green Hornet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember when this came out and I think it was crapped on to a fair degree. I started watching this in the background but found myself pretty drawn in my how much fun it was. Seth Rogen isn’t doing anything out of the blue for him, but through this kind of character it’s a unique spin on it. I love Kato - I knew nothing going into this about the Green Hornet, so I don’t know how awesome he was in previous incarnations, but him here is a lot of fun.</div>
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Christoph Waltz is ridiculously funny here, he plays a properly menacing villain who has a funny gimmick going on that sustains the film really well. Cameron Diaz feels like the odd-man out here, and I’m not sure why - it’s the only piece that feels a bit off for me. The action and set pieces are pretty great, and there’s a solid story at work here amidst the chaos. I liked it, in fact, I’d show up for a sequel, though that seems unlikely given Seth Rogen’s feelings about how it all went down. </div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-20920552436053525702014-07-04T22:16:00.000-04:002014-07-04T22:16:35.082-04:002037 - Californication: season seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You were the show whose pilot knocked me off my chair - I was so in awe with what I’d seen, so jealous of the power of the writing. As you went along I had a troubled relationship with you - I had a hard time taking you seriously during your goofier moments but you always pulled me back when you got around to being poignant.</div>
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The problem with sustaining a series with a troubled hero like Hank Moody is that you can only go so far in his growth without abandoning what was exciting about him in the first place. So it’s hard to sustain this long-standing story of the love of his life when he’s constantly with other women. After a few seasons of that you kind of start to feel like those two aren’t really destined to be together. I believe it was season five that ended with his crazy girlfriend trying to kill him. That was an inspired story choice, and really gave us material to go somewhere real and honest and dark with the character, but it largely got squandered and Hank set off on another kooky adventure in show business. This season worked as a swan song. I liked the idea of him connected with a long-long son, and having the dual relationship between his two baby mamas - though I have a hard time buying he wouldn’t have given it a shot with Heather Graham - not just because she’s gorgeous, but because they have a clean slate like he and Karen never could. Alas. </div>
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Evan Handler has always been a joy, and there’s a special place in my heart for Pamela Adlon.</div>
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If you’ve never seen this series I’m not entirely sure I can advocate for it’s entire run. I definitely think it’s first three or four seasons are worth your time - after that it’s a little hit or miss. David Duchovney is always delightful though, so there’s that as well. I’ll miss the characters a little and seeing where they go, but I can’t say I need anymore. Let’s see what Tom Kampinos has up his sleeve next.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-64415588472658865252014-06-30T22:59:00.000-04:002014-06-30T22:59:42.949-04:002036 - Orange is the New Black: season two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that’s how you progress a story! This season took what the first season began and beautifully brought it to the next level, furthering to nuance the characters - not forcing us to love or like them all, and even show sides of them that change how we see and feel about them otherwise. It’s bold and beautiful storytelling and I loved it. Even bringing in a “big bad” so to speak didn’t feel too formulaic, which it ran the risk of doing. I don’t want to get into any specific details because it’s such a beauty to discover yourself, but I will say that this show doesn’t disappoint and it leaves us in a beautiful spot for where we come back in season three. That said, we can move on from Jason Biggs storyline now, thanks. Nothing against Biggs, I just don’t see how that story helps us moving forward.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-42881122051359459422014-06-30T22:50:00.001-04:002014-06-30T22:50:12.693-04:002035 - The Grand Seduction
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I tried to see this while it was on the festival circuit last year but it was always up against something I couldn’t miss - but it worked out nicely since I was able to go see it with my wife. This is the kind of film where if you hated it, I might just accuse you of being dead inside. It’s pretty damn charming. It’s simple and sweet and entertaining. Often films that take a gentler approach to innocent comedy pander a lot to their audience where this one felt pretty smart in it’s comedy. I found myself laughing out loud regularly. And Gordon Pinsent gives one of his most entertaining performances (in a career full of them) - also lovely to see Peter Keleghan as well. Brendan Gleason was simply perfect as the small town man that steps up to rally the troops together and save the town. If you’re from a small town, or just like good hearted films, please do yourself a favour and check this out - especially if you’re looking for something to do on Canada Day!</div>
<br />Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12746092.post-14975299836576492972014-06-25T07:41:00.000-04:002014-06-25T07:41:47.423-04:002034 - Edge of Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From the guy who made Swingers… Sorry, I can’t help but say that in my head whenever I see a Doug Liman film. I have to say that I don’t really have a strong love or hate for Tom Cruise. With few exceptions (Magnolia, etc…) I find that Tom Cruise is pretty much Tom Cruise in most things - not a bad thing, but nothing to get super excited about. This is one of his most fun roles to date - a serious action movie that doesn’t take itself super seriously. It’s Groundhog Day as an action sci-fi film. I love that we get a combination of seeing him stumble through the ‘repeat’, but then also seeing sequences where he’s clearly done this several times, and watching Emily Blunt be the ‘fresh eyes’ each time is ALWAYS enjoyable. She’s a powerhouse and a fantastic edition to the action lady group. You can have your Angelina Jolie’s (for the record, I like Jolie) - but give me Emily Blunt any day and I’m a happy man. I also quite enjoyed Bill Paxton here, and I’m often so-so about him. </div>
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If you’re up for a smart and fun action flick, this one doesn’t disappoint at all. Well worth seeing, especially in the theatre.</div>
Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08000127548389264297noreply@blogger.com0