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.

Mad Men, Life on Mars, and Other Delights

Finally started watching Mad Men, didn't go out and buy it mind you. Netflix baby. It's actually an interesting show and I'm really enjoying it. Don Draper is a bit of a tool, personally I'd like to see more of some of the other characters. Definitely going to add season 2 to my queue.

Life on Mars came out on DVD today. Waiting till Friday to get it. I really wish that life would've lasted a little longer. Such a terrific show, interesting, incredible cast, and just down right fun. However, it seems that a lot of the shows that actually require thought don't last too long. Of course that just might be me being bitter about loosing a weekly installment of Michael Imperioli and awesome 70s music. A show worth checking out. The best summation of this show "Like the UK version; except with less tea and more ass kicking."

Hooked on Alias! Holy crap! I have no words to describe how much I adore this show... that's a lie, I can find the words. Spy shows are going to win me over every time. They have ever since I was a little girl, running around dressed all in black, calling myself Jane Bond. There's humor in it, constant ass kicking, disguises, gadgets and Victor Garber. Everything required for an awesome show. Who would've thought that the best friend from Sleepless in Seattle would make such an awesome Spy-dad. Also Tarantino makes a couple of appearances... that's where I lack words. There was a small appearance by Ricky Gervais as well, Jack Bristow kicks his ass. So worth buying season 3. I'm working my way through season 4 right now and will get around to 5 shortly.

Have found myself enjoying NCIS lately. Considering that it's on a constant loop on USA and that my dad and sister are both big fans. I always avoided because I didn't want to get sucked into another crime show but this one seems to be original in its mannerisms.

Watched the movie Management with my sister this afternoon. It's Steve Zahn and Jennifer Anniston. An okay movie, drags a bit here and there. Kind of a way to tell those future stalkers out there that if you persist it'll work out for ya. Not required viewing by any means, but there are worse things you could watch.

Well that's about all for tonight.

4 Day Weekend Baby!

Netflix arrived today, you know how excited I get when that happens!

So this is what came:

Love in the Time of Money (2002) an Indie/romantic comedy. Normally these movies tend to be identical and depressing but I actually enjoyed this one... although it still had hints of being depressing. And it is rated R for a reason, there are some areas that might be uncomfortable for some people. I don't want to give anything away but there are some dealings with suicide in it.

So, the amazing cast. No one can feel depressed with this cast:

Steve Buscemi

Rosario Dawson

Michael Imperioli (*melts*)

Jill Hennessy

Adrian Grenier

And many more. The movie is woven together with little segments about different characters. They each get about 15-20 minutes each and then they meet someone and we follow that person to the next portion. It moved quickly and had some dark comedy. Now I know everyone thinks that Adrian Grenier is all dreamy and what have you. But I beg to differ. Between Michael Imperioli and Steve Buscemi there was just no screen left for Adrian. Imperioli tends to get type-casted as the Italian badass, but this movie proved that he is capable of so much more. And I'm just happy any time Steve Buscemi gets a girl in a movie. I'm always like "Yay! Good for you!"

Now the other movie that arrived that I watched tonight was Miami Rhapsody (1995). This is one of those movies that I think I've seen all of, but aren't quite sure of it. What a great flick! Again a fantastic cast:

Sarah Jessica Parker

Gil Bellows (Billy from Ally McBeal anyone?)

Antonio Banderas

Mia Farrow

Kevin Pollak

Jeremy Piven

A small part for Ben Stein

And some very uncomfortable moments from Kelly Bishop (Aka Emily from Gilmore Girls) Some people I just see as a "grown-up" no matter what age I am. And when they get freaky or say dirty things, I find it moderately unsettling.

So SJP's character Gwen is at a new Gynocologist and starts to tell this story about how she was proposed to. It takes off from there, looking at the different marriages and relationships around Gwen and how they affect her. It really is a great movie, especially if you're looking for something to just kind of veg out and watch.

I also got Las Vegas, An Unconventional History: American Experience... because that's just how I am. I love documentaries about cities, periods in time, Hollywood pre-Hays or post-Hays Production Code, the rating system for movies, the use of the F-word, past presidents, etc. I'm all kinds of Doc-geek.

And on that note, Conan is starting and my geeking must be focused on that lanky, red-headed delight.

--Geek Girl

Movies for School

I love being a film student. A big part of our curriculum is watching movies. Can't do better than that!

So today I watched Memento. A movie that I had heard about but never had a real desire to see. But for my script analysis class I had to. It actually wasn't that bad, a bit strange but interesting in its ways. The main character Leonard has a short term memory problem and can't remember anything past his wife's murder. But things aren't as they seem and the only thing he has to go on are notes, tattoos on his body and Polaroids. Worth seeing:

The other movie I watched for today was Casablanca. Which was of course incredible, it's Casablanca! A nice reminder of what the film industry was once capable of. I had seen bits and pieces over the years but never actually sat down and watched the whole thing. Until today that is. A great film, recommended for one and all:

Also watched Hocus Pocus! A favorite from childhood. Found it for $9 at Wal-Mart and just couldn't resist. Really just put me in the mood for Halloween.

Of course Hocus Pocus put me in the mood for Bette Midler so I put on First Wives Club. However, this is just putting me in the mood for a Goldie Hawn movie so I foresee Banger Sisters in the near future or Foul Play (Depending on my mood). Of course I still have Sudden Death to watch from Netflix. It's an action movie with Jean Claude van Damme that takes place at a Penguins game in the 90s. The trailer is basically a Die Hard rip off. Similar shots, same song. Still excited to watch it because of my love of hockey and action movies.

That's all for this moment in time.

On the off chance that someone reads this, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

--Geek Girl

A Long Lapse

It has been almost two years since I've posted anything here. Stumbling across this link and discover that I remember the password! This prompted me to start up again. I figured that I would use this to write about movies, TV shows, other geeky stuff on a regular basis (Hopefully).

So Netflix has been my boyfriend lately. Nice and reliable, I always get an email if something's going to be delayed, really quite delightful.

Yesterday I received The Last Days of Disco (which was just released this past Tuesday) and season 3 of a Canadian show called Robson Arms.

The Last Days of Disco was enjoyable enough. Any movie that has a soundtrack that features disco music makes me happy, so right of the bat there was that. The cast was great too. The main characters are Alice (Chloe Sevigny, pre-Big Love) and Charlotte (Kate Beckinsale). Alice is still developing her personality and starts off as a very "kindergarten teacher" type girl. But she slowly comes out of her shell (sex with Robert Sean Leonard gets that ball rolling). Charlotte is a self indulgent bitch that you want to hit at various points through out the film.

Fans of Gilmore Girls will be amused to see Chris Eigeman (aka Jason) as Des, one of the club owners who is on a downward spiral. We're first introduced to his character as he is going through different women, breaking up with them by convincing them that he's gay. He takes an interest in Alice, but has a personality similar to Charlotte's. This adds to irritation.

There's the minor part of Rex, filled by Mark McKinney. Sadly he's only there for a few fleeting minutes.

Overall the plot is a bit fuzzy and there's a lot of random jumping around. But it's fun to watch the interaction between these different characters. And it's a different portrayal of the 1970s, which was surprising considering that it was made in 1998. While it's not a must see, it is worth seeing.

Now Robson Arms, a great Canadian TV show about an apartment building in Vancouver and the intersecting lives of the people who reside there. I enjoyed the first season and had originally gotten it because Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall) and Megan Follows (Anne of Green Gables) both had parts in it. As well as William B. Davis AKA The Cigarette Smoking Man from X-Files.

I haven't seen Season 2 but I was trolling Netflix the other day while I was in a Dave Foley mood and saw that he was in season 3 of Robson Arms.

In this season the building has new owners from America, played by Dave Foley (as Chuck) and Allison Hossack (as his wife Trixie). There is of course the usual stereotype of the Americans, but there's something about Dave Foley's way that keeps me from being annoyed.

If you enjoy dramedies this show is worth checking out.

While on the topic of Dave Foley and Mark McKinney, The Kids in the Hall have started to film Death Comes to Town!!

http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/08/21/kids-in-the-hall-reunite-tv-series/

And on that happy note, I've got 20 minutes till Conan starts.

Until next time, keep geeking =)

--Geek Girl