Greeks, Empires, and Noises

Get Him to the Greek


Get Him to the Greek was actually really funny and had a few moments of sweetness. Something I would never expect to say about a film that includes a threesome. I suppose it goes with out saying that this is predominantly a guy film. Lots of sex and vomit, etc. I will say this, Russell Brand is very convincing as a drug addicted rock star. They make some interesting observations about some of the shallow attempts bands and singers make to create what they consider to be art. Worth seeing in the theatre. Would probably buy it on DVD from a discount bin.


Empire Falls (2005)


Per usual, I'm playing catch up. I was faintly aware of Empire Falls before because my mom read the book and already seen the miniseries. But thanks once again to the PSH kick, I shelled out the $18 for the two disc set. Money well spent. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, I knew the basic idea of the movie, but had no idea what I was getting myself into. This is a miniseries, so it is a bit long. I stayed up until about 3 in the morning the night I got it and watched it all the way through.

The main story revolves around Miles Roby (Ed Harris) who is struggling to keep his life together. His ex-wife (Helen Hunt) is about to get married to an older man (Dennis Farina). His father Max (Paul Newman) is an alcoholic who convinces an older, senile priest to steal the church's money and station wagon. Miles has a daughter in high school, Tick, who befriends the weird kid. They live in an old New England town that has lost its factories and fallen into decay. While Miles is struggling with all of these current problems, he is also discovering his late mother's secrets. I'm stopping there to avoid giving away too much.

There are a lot of flashbacks to Miles' childhood, where we find PSH rocking the mysterious man in a clean white linen suit. With a gorgeous either 1950s or 1960s convertible. There are some disturbing elements that can be difficult to watch. But everything is woven together so beautifully. And there are some moments that you just do not see coming. All around great cast, Paul Newman in particular. Fantastic movie, worth seeing and buying.


Noises Off! (1992)


When there is a buy 2 get 1 free DVD sale I can't resist. However, some times I just want to finish and get out of the store. In one of these sales, on a whim I grabbed Noises Off! My 1 free. Since I bought it about two weeks ago, I've already rewatched a couple of times. A movie about a touring play. The movie is broken into three very obvious acts. They've had two weeks to pull the production together. Act I is their final rehearsal of the play's first act. Act II is one of the performances, again the first act of the play, but it's all back stage and becomes a silent movie. Act III is a combination of back stage and on stage, again during the first act. Everything just flows really nicely and the comedy is reminiscent of slapstick and screwball.

The cast. Let me tell you about the cast:
Michael Caine, Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, Marilu Henner, Nicollette Sheridan, and Denholm Elliot are the main people. Julie Hagerty and Mark Linn-Baker also play parts. This is an amazing group and a little sad to watch because three of the primaries have passed away. Christopher Reeve really had a flair for comedy, which I never would've really considered because he is always Superman to me. And it's great to see this big, hulking man play such a timid character who gets nose bleeds whenever violence comes up. But my favorite has to be John Ritter. There's just something about him in this movie that is just so engaging. It reminds me why I'm a fan of his.


Coming up next time, a TV post. United States of Tara and Sapphire & Steel. Two very different genres and decades. So stay tuned.

Reviews: Movies & TV - 1

Reviews
An odd couple of weeks. I haven’t been watching my usual massive amounts of films thanks in large part to the start of the semester (which I’m so over already). However, the viewings for school have been enjoyable thus far and we’re already two episodes into the second half of Burn Notice season 3.
SPOILERS WILL BE FORTH COMING. Read cautiously.






For a class about 1950s American Cinema I had to watch The Asphalt Jungle. Which turned out to be a fantastic 50’s film noir. A great caper film that I won’t give away, definitely a must see. Also in a very small supporting role is a blonde starlet we know as Marilyn Monroe. If you have a fancy for crime films this is a classic that you should go out of your way to see.






Watched Along Came Polly for the first time in while. It’s actually a really enjoyable, quirky comedy. Not only is it a different kind of story with a male character who’s obsessed with settling down, but it has a stellar cast. I of course re-watched this movie because of this on going Philip Seymour Hoffman thing. And he is as enjoyable in comedies as he is in dramas. But there is also Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing, Hank Azaria, and Alec Baldwin. I found that it’s worth a second look.






SPOILERS AHEAD, TURN BACK NOW.





Now, the two recent episodes of Burn Notice: Incredible! It felt like there was going to be a bit of a slow start there, but now the ball is rolling. This past episode was great for so many reasons. There was so much character development and back-story given! As a devoted Bruce Campbell fangirl I was thrilled to see some background for Sam. Just SO good! I rarely go and buy episodes offline the day after they air. But this episode I did.
Of course I enjoy the Michael and Fi getting their relationship to a somewhat functional level. But I was just so excited that they brought in someone from Sam’s past and that BC got to do a little more as far as emotional scenes go. He doesn’t get angry like that very often. And then there was Maddie, our comic relief. Who was also amazing when she put her foot down with Mack and said, “He’s my son’s best friend. And come to think of it, he’s mine too.” Great episode.





Also in the TV realm this past week we saw the last episode of Dollhouse. First want to address my Alan Tudyk love. And the sheer thrill I felt at the fact that Joss Whedon DIDN’T KILL ALPHA! I was worried that we were going to see a Serenity redux there. However, two other well loved characters died. But in true Joss Whedon style it was done for the greater good (Doesn’t change my opinion about Wash). A good show, way to go out on top Joss.





In the vein of TV, though not a current show, I’ve become obsessed with Eli Stone. Wow. A fantastically quirky show that provided the viewing audience with George Michael hallucinations, visual effects that are reminiscent of Ally McBeal and singing, dancing Victor Garber. That’s right Spy Daddy has mad skill. It’s a great show, very sweet and funny. And you can’t beat the soundtrack. Another program that was taken off the air before it really got to spread its wings.

And So It Continues

As with all new fandoms this Philip Seymour Hoffman infatuation continues. Watched The Savages, Scent of a Woman, and Charlie Wilson's War. All three of which were incredible in their own way.

The Savages (2007) was heart breaking but at the same time quite funny. Laura Linney and PSH are siblings who have to take responsibility of their dementia ridden father after his long time girlfriend passes away.

Philip Bosco plays the father, a terrific actor that I'm always excited to see whenever he pops up some where. The acting is just indescribable. There are moments that are just hysterically funny and then there are others that just reduce you to tears. It's a testament to the writing as much as the performances. The writer/director Tamara Jenkins also did one of my favorite movies, Slums of Beverly Hills.

Scent of a Woman (1992) was... interesting. I watched it with a headache so that was probably a mistake on my part. Al Pacino is so loud. I liked the general premise and Chris O'Donnell was great, as was PHS, especially for being such young actors at the time. Pacino is... well he's Pacino. He screams and is horribly vulgar which tries my nerves after the first hour. The infamous tango scene was delightful and it was interesting to see Gabrielle Anwar in a different role (considering that I mainly know her as Fiona on Burn Notice). Bradly Whitford also pops in for the incredibly awkward family dinner.

It's a good movie, worth seeing if you have the time. But I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to see it again. It was long and had a few moments of "seriously? There's more?"

Charlie Wilson's War (2007) written by Aaron Sorkin, starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams... Yeah, it's a good movie. Based on real events mixed with the quippy delight of Aaron Sorkin's writing. This is one movie that I actually wish were longer. When I saw that Sorkin was writing it I was worried that it was going to be a rehashing of The West Wing in a different decade with a congressman instead of the President. But it was unique and enjoyable.

Definitely a movie you won't regret seeing. Especially enjoyable if you're a bit of a covert agency buff like I am. PSH character is with the CIA, dig it.

Empire Falls should be arriving next from Netflix. Soon as I send back Sky High... that's right, I rented a Disney movie. But in my defense it's about a high school for the kids of superheroes and has a great grown up cast. Bruce Campbell, Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Cloris Leachman, Kurt Russell, the list goes on. It's just a fun movie that lets you escape for a little bit. No hidden motive behind the story, it just is what it is.

Also waiting for Going Back to arrive, a $10 purchase with Christmas money. One of Bruce Campbell's earlier movies that doesn't have the living dead. I'm super excited to see it! And will report back after I do.

That's all for now. Happy New Year to all three of my readers.

-Geek Girl

Tuesday Reviews

A few movie recommendations today, as well as one to caution against. Spent Friday enjoying a few Netflix. Two great movies, one less than superb. Also found a treasure at the used bookstore.

First, my treasure. State & Main. A whole $11 at Bookman’s, totally worth it. There’s something about movies that revolve around making a movie that entertain me.

So we have the cast and crew of this film, “The Old Mill,” being forced to leave their location because of the lead actor’s (Alec Baldwin) indiscretions with a young girl. You’ve got William H. Macy as a producer that you hate, trying to get this production put together while cutting corners. Their budget has been drained and the change of location hasn’t made things easier. First time screenwriter Joe White (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is sweet and a bit naïve about the business still. He confronts the usual issues of compromising his integrity, changing his story, and adapting to life with these film people.

Alec Baldwin (Bob) and Sarah Jessica Parker (Claire) are actors playing actors. The locals in the town are fascinated by the film crew and begin to ignore their normal routines to be involved with the process. Young Carla (Julia Stiles) takes an interest in Bob. While the local bookstore owner, Ann (Rebecca Pidgeon), strikes up a friendship with writer Joe. I’ll stop the summary there, if I keep going I’ll end up giving everything away.

A very funny, intelligent movie. Worth renting or buying, you’ll want to watch it a few more times. I really don’t know how this film stayed off my radar for as long as it did. Luckily I’m going through a Philip Seymour Hoffman phase right now. Brilliant cast, great script, make time to check this out.

Finally saw Protocol! (To which I cannot find the trailer)

Goldie Hawn comedy from 1984. The plot is simple enough Sunny Davis (Hawn) is a sweet, straightforward waitress at a failing safari themed bar. One night she prevents an assassination of a dignitary and is shot in the process. Of course the media gets involved, suddenly this struggling cocktail waitress is in the public eye. She is given a job in the protocol department, unaware of the fact that she is being used. It’s a fairly predictable film, but with the cast makes it worthwhile. In smaller roles you’ve got Ed Begley Jr., Jean Smart, Kenneth Mars, Chris Sarandon and Cliff De Young (I have an on going game to see how many times I spot Cliff De Young, he’s like Waldo).

On a whim I added Table for Three (2009) to my queue. The trailer looked funny enough and Johnny Galecki has a small role. It actually turned out to be a really amusing movie.

Brandon Routh plays Scott Teller, a single guy who has just been broken up with and is grudgingly on the hunt for a new roommate. He ends up renting the room to a couple, Mary (Sophia Bush) and Ryan (Jesse Bradford). Not just any couple, the most obnoxiously perfect couple imaginable. They begin to hang out as a group of three, but things are threatened with Scott meets Leslie (Jennifer Morrison). Mary and Ryan take it upon themselves to sabotage the relationship. It’s a very funny movie, full of a lot of those moments where you want to cover your eyes but can’t look away.

Now a less than glowing review for Dr. T and the Women (2000). Richard Gere is Dr. T, a popular gynecologist in Texas. His wife Kate (Farrah Fawcett) has had some kind of mental break, supposedly from being loved too much. His daughter Connie (Tara Reid), a conspiracy theory enthusiast is often busy giving tours of the grassy knoll and book depository. His other daughter Dee Dee (Kate Hudson) is a Cowboys alternative cheerleader planning her wedding. Her relationship with maid of honor Marilyn (Liv Tyler) is called into question, are they friends or more than that. Then there is Dr. T’s relationship with new golf pro Bree (Helen Hunt).

Overall, I was expecting something more from this movie. I only found three of the characters really interesting (Connie, Kate and Shelley Long’s character Carolyn). As usual I was less than pleased with their portrayal of a conspiracy theory enthusiast, for some reason Hollywood seems to think that anyone who has an interest in theories is insecure and unstable.

Farrah Fawcett does a spectacular job as Kate and I ended up wanting to see more about her character. There was just something lacking in the story, it failed to hold my attention and seemed rather lackluster, the ending in particular. Also there should be a warning when a movie is going to show the birthing process. I don’t need to see that, nor do I care to. Just a little heads up would’ve been nice. Less than impressed, I wouldn’t bother seeing this movie if you don’t have to.

I’m going to end up watching State & Main again. Two Netflix should be arriving today: The Savages and Sky High.

And a little reminder that The Hangover is out on DVD today. One of the best comedies I’ve seen in a while. So be sure to check it out.

Theatre Recs

Long time between posts, apologies and bygones to my three readers. With the semester wrapping up now, hopefully updates will be a bit more frequent.

Saw two great movies in theatre these past couple of weeks.

Pirate Radio (or The Boat That Rocked if you're of the UK persuasion)

One of my favorite movies, not just for 2009 but all time. Saw it twice in the theatre, it has to be good for me to go more than once.

First of all the cast. A stellar group of performers that offer something for everyone.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is the incredible DJ known only as "The Count." I am now convinced that he is one of the most talented actors out there and doesn't get the amount of recognition he deserves.

Also in the cast Nick Frost, a delight for those of us who are fans of Hot Fuzz, Spaced and Shaun of the Dead. Bill Nighy, who we all know as the aging pop star from Love Actually. The majority of the cast is British and fans of BBC shows will recognize them as such. Also a small appearance from January Jones, Mrs. Betty Draper herself!

And a very special surprise actor/actress that I will not mention, cause I'd hate to spoil it for those who've yet to see.

The story takes place in the 1960s, when pop and rock music were banned from British radio stations. Because of this pirate radio stations were popping up in the North Sea, Radio Rock the most popular. Young Carl is sent to live with his godfather, Quintin (Nighy) and we go from there. The government is hell bent on shutting them down and the effort is lead by Kenneth Branagh. It's a brilliantly written script, lots of British humor. The same writer and director of Love Actually, Richard Curtis, guarantees a high production value.

Something else to be commented on: The Music. Oh my God. Hands down one of the best soundtracks I've heard in a long time. It's the beauty of a period piece, none of those emo, alt rock songs you get today with every independent film out there. The Kinks, The Beach Boys, The Who. I actually didn't have to buy the soundtrack because I already had most of the songs. After I left the theatre there was no way I could get my music loud enough. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a great speech about the music and what it represents, how you can try to silence the radio stations but there's no way you can silence the message.

See this movie, even if you have to go out of the way.

The Blind Side

This was really an incredible movie. Perfect for the holiday release.

Based on a true story a family takes in a homeless young man who goes to school with their kids. I think you get the gist of things from the trailer, but it really is a well made, touching movie. It's got moments of cliche, but what movie doesn't. Sandra Bullock is hands down one of my favorite actresses of all time and I think it's time she got herself an Oscar. Kathy Bates and Tim McGraw also do justice to the roles they fill. And of course Quinton Aaron who plays Michael is just incredible as the male lead.

Definitely worth seeing if you haven't already.

Coming up, that I really want to see:

It's Complicated

Holy Cast, Batman! Most excited to see Steve Martin, "Not a great time to be feeling groovy"

The Strip

I'm in it for Dave Foley, shocker I know.

Sherlock Holmes

I'm a Holmes fan from way back, ever since the 7th grade. So I do have mixed feelings on this. Ultimately every reproduction of Holmes can bring something new and incredible but at the same time anger those of us who enjoy the canon. The original text aside, I really like the look of Robert Downy Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and Watson, they seem to have a nice chemistry, looking forward to the release.