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.

Devoted Fandoms

Hardcore fangirls (and boys) are an interesting breed. I consider this thought as I sit through the Grammys waiting for a brief moment of Quentin Tarantino. Suddenly I begin to consider all of the long B-movies, the crappy award shows, the random episodes of TV I have sat thru in order to see an actor or actress that I’m a fan of.

For instance, Ed Wood. One of the longest, most random movies you could sit through, especially if you aren’t a fan of Johnny Depp. No no, as a Vincent D’Onofrio fan I waited for an 8-minute appearance towards the very end of the movie to see VDO playing Orson Welles. And when I got there I discovered that his voice had been dubbed by that of the man who used to play The Brain (as in Pinky and The Brain).

But we still sit through these things even if just for a glimmer. We stay up till 3 in the morning to record a movie off TV because the movie isn’t going to be released on DVD anytime soon. And to buy it on VHS from Amazon would cost more than you care to pay. It’s amazing the things we do.

In that same thread, I point to the massive outpouring of devoted Conan fans these last couple of weeks. There were rallies held in the rain, “I’m With CoCo” shirts and signs, and a mass online campaign to show support for the ginger giant. It’s no secret that I am a devoted fan and I have never been so proud to be a part of a fan community.

So my three readers and any other fangirls or fanboys out there, tell me about your hardcore fandoms.

Team Conan

Movies, Awards and Debacles

As usual I apologize for the lapse in postings. Must say upfront, before I become distracted by the Conan/Leno/NBC debacle, that It’s Complicated was incredible. See it now and then go see it again. I went twice and it just convinced me even more that there’s nothing wrong with idolizing Nancy Meyers.

Rented Duplicity… it was good. Not great. The twists were incredible, I’ll give them that and I did enjoy the ending. But there were a few spans during the movie that failed to hold my attention.

Golden Globes were tonight. Pleased with some disappointed with others. I’m sorry but Avatar holds no interest for me. There were a lot of great choices for best dramatic picture and that was not the one that I would’ve picked. Not even one of the top three that I would’ve picked. Tarantino was robbed all over the place. I was however, very pleased that The Hangover took best comedy film, Sandra Bullock FINALLY won (best actress in a drama for Blind Side) and Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart. Both are superb performers and these acknowledgements have been a long time coming. Also pleased that Drew Barrymore won for Grey Gardens, she is just the dearest person. And Mo’Nique for Precious, what a sincere acceptance speech.

I’m going to be brief about the whole Conan/Leno thing. It is probably not a surprise that I’m on Team Conan. I’ve grown up watching him. I adore his self-deprecating, random, quirky humor that I’ve always felt a kinship to. If I could watch him all the time I would. My personal feelings about Conan aside, as someone who wants to work in the Television industry I am embarrassed and ashamed of both NBC and Jay Leno. They tried a new experiment and it didn’t work. But instead of just cancelling Jay they decide to wedge him in between the news and Conan. Now if the show isn’t working at 10 o’clock, why would it work better at 11.35?

If Jay Leno returns to the Tonight Show he isn’t going to do anything different, the program isn’t going to grow. It’ll simply go back to the same old shtick that we said goodbye to months ago. Why would you want to take a step back? Conan O’Brien has been making a valiant effort to put his mark on the program. Take a moment and look back, didn’t he turn the Late Night program into something that drew in numerous fans? Didn’t he produce results with time?

Instead of giving Conan a chance, support, or a solid lead in, NBC has decided to rest on their laurels. And it is a disservice to Conan, the Tonight Show staff, and the viewing audience… that might explain why they don’t have one at the moment.

I am so horribly embarrassed by this whole thing, both as an audience member and someone who aspires to work in this industry. The situation makes NBC look bad, it makes Jay into a villain, and it makes out the industry to be exactly what people imagine it to be. Granted Jay should take a page from Johnny Carson’s book and bow out gracefully. But that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. This is rumored to be Conan’s last week. Which saddens me, but I am hopeful that he’ll get an offer from Fox and crush NBC in the ratings (which isn’t too difficult to do).

And on that I wrap this up. Doing a lot of script work recently, it's been good.

Team Conan.

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.

What the What!?

CAUTION! MAD MEN SPOILERS FOR SEASON 3!

So I missed most of season 3 of Mad Men. I've only caught the last three or four episodes. You faithful watchers can just imagine my surprise when I was watching "The Grown Ups" this past Sunday and Duck suddenly calls Peggy looking for some afternoon delight. Apparently not a surprising action if I had seen this:

So I have two different positions on this.

(1) Ew. Well... ew-ish. I just never thought of these two together. Personally I was always a bit bummed that Peggy didn't end up with Paul, I think it was. The guy who was really nice to her in season 1 and took her for lunch, then kissed her in the office. And I am of course happy that it's not Pete. I hate Pete. I want to punch him in the head.

(2) Score one for those who enjoy unusual pairings. I am one of these people. I really enjoy when shows pull something like this, putting two random characters together. (Which explains my desire for a Toby/Kelly shipping on The Office) It creates a level of realism, gives the audience a break from all the beautiful people getting together.

Keeping with the vein of Mad Men, does anything think we're going to see some more Joan/Roger development? I don't know why, but there's something just deliciously interesting about them and these little moments they keep having on the phone.

Now. "The Grown Ups" Season 3 Episode 12. Bullet-points baby!

• How freaking incredible! I've been waiting to see how they were going to handle the Kennedy Assassination. And I think they did so beautifully.

• The whole time that Pete and Harry were talking and you could see the news playing quietly in the background. I was just going "turn up the volume! Look to your left!"

• Again, I was a bit blindsided by the whole Duck/Peggy thing.

• Everything with the wedding was just the best kind of tension.

• I love that at the end of the night Roger was on the phone with Joan. There's something I don't like about Jane, she's like the poor man's Joan.

• Thought the way they framed everything beginning with Kennedy's assassination, having that tension afterwards, and then the climax of the show coming at the same time as Oswald being shot by Ruby. As a student of writing I enjoyed it and as a conspiracy theory enthusiast I was impressed with how they used the material.

A great night of TV. I really wish that they had a longer season but at the same time they really pack each episode.