Everyone You Hate is Going to Die by Daniel Sloss

Title: Everyone You Hate is Going to Die

Author: Daniel Sloss

Publisher: Knopf 2021

Genre: Memoir; Comedy

Pages: 259

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

Daniel Sloss's stand-up comedy engages, enrages, offends, unsettles, educates, comforts, and gets audiences roaring with laughter—all at the same time. In his groundbreaking specials, seen on Netflix and HBO, he has brilliantly tackled everything from male toxicity and friendship to love, romance, and marriage—and claims (with the data to back it up) that his on-stage laser-like dissection of relationships has single-handedly caused more than 300 divorces and 120,000 breakups.

Now, in his first book, he picks up where his specials left off, and goes after every conceivable kind of relationship—with one's country (Sloss's is Scotland); with America; with lovers, ex-lovers, ex-lovers who you hate, ex-lovers who hate you; with parents; with best friends (male and female), not-best friends; with children; with siblings; and even with the global pandemic and our own mortality. In Everyone You Hate Is Going to Die, every human connection gets the brutally funny (and unfailingly incisive) Sloss treatment as he illuminates the ways in which all of our relationships are fragile and ridiculous and awful—but also valuable and meaningful and important.

At Christmas, my mother was raving about this one and demanded that I read this one. I had a bit of hesitation as I’m not usually fan of memoirs and comedy, but I thought that I would give it a try. There were funny passages and I did enjoy some the chapters. However, I didn’t love it and wasn’t ever desperate to get back to reading the book. Sloss’s voice swerved to grating at times and the casual arrogance was a bit much. I just didn’t love reading this one. I might enjoy his standup special, but reading the book form was not the best.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

Title: Solutions and Other Problems

Author: Allie Brosh

Publisher: Gallery Books 2020

Genre: Graphic novel; Memoir

Pages: 518

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

Solutions and Other Problems includes humorous stories from Allie Brosh’s childhood; the adventures of her very bad animals; merciless dissection of her own character flaws; incisive essays on grief, loneliness, and powerlessness; as well as reflections on the absurdity of modern life.

Another lovely collection of stories from Allie Brosh’s life. There were a few stories that I really connected with, some other ones were really funny, and some were a bit strange (in that they didn’t seem to have a point). Like all collections of stories, I don’t love all of them equally. But, I might say that really did choke up during her story about her sister. I was not expecting that turn and it really threw me for a loop. Overall an enjoyable collection of comics from a very complicated person.

Next up on the TBR pile:

NMJ #15: We're the Millers

Title: We're the Millers

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts

Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Written By: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders, John Morris

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia:

• The cast played a prank on Jennifer Aniston by playing the Friends (1994) theme song ("I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts) instead of TLC's "Waterfalls" during a take. This was the last clip used in the bloopers.
• Make-up artists made a prosthetic replica of Will Poulter's genitalia for the tarantula bite.
• It can be assumed that David named his family the Millers after his apartment complex, 200 Miller Street Apartments, located on N. Miller Street.

Summary: A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Review:

Just one of those movies we've had on the server for awhile. Not good, not bad, just a middle of the road comedy. I'll admit that there were a few scenes that I laughed out loud. But most of the movie was so-so. And the feel-good message was a bit forced in parts.

Best Bits: 

• Rose O'Reilly: You're making $500,000 and giving me only $30,000? Casey Mathis: $30,000? I'm only getting $1,000! Kenny Rossmore: You guys are getting paid?
• Scottie P.: You know what I'm sayin? David Clark: Well, I'm awake and I speak English, so yeah, I know what you're saying.
• Todd - Strip Club Owner: Hey, Rose, I know you're [air-quotes] "technically" on break, but I need a lap dance. Table five. Just don't get too close. The guy has two hook-hands. Rose O'Reilly: [sighs] How did we let that guy back in here? Todd - Strip Club Owner: I don't know. He must've picked the locks. [Chuckles]
• Rose O'Reilly: You're not a neighbor. You're a drug dealer. Whose apartment smells like cheese and feet. David Clark: Mm. Yeah, it's a candle I got from Anthropologie. 'Cheesy Feet' is what they call it. It's a best-seller.

NMJ #10: Knights of Badassdom

Title: Knights of Badassdom

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage

Directed By: Joe Lynch

Written By: Kevin Dreyfuss, Matt Wall

Genre: Horror, comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

• The main cast went through Live Action Role Playing sessions before filming and Peter Dinklage was declared the most successful out of everyone.
• Disowned by director Joe Lynch after the film was delayed and re-edited by IndieVest.
• "The Battle of Evermore" is also the name of a popular Led Zepplin song.

Summary: Live-action role players conjure up a demon from Hell by mistake and they must deal with the consequences.

Review:

On my to watch list since it came out, but I never seemed to get around to it. The first half of the movie is a silly comedy. And then it changes to a serious horror film. The change is a bit abrupt, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter Dinklage makes this movie better than mediocre. Plus the effects are surprisingly decent.

Best Bits: 

• Eric: And Guinevere the fearless, who's plus-three ass of perfection should keep the memory of she who should not be mentioned at bay. Gwen: Plus-three? Clearly you underestimate my endowments.
• Ronnie Kwok: [in distress] You just summoned a succubus from Hell! Eric: [pauses] Sorry.

NMJ #6: Penguins of Madagascar

Title: Penguins of Madagascar

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG

Starring: Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knight, John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch

Directed By: Eric Darnell, Simon J. Smith

Written By: Michael Colton, John Aboud

Genre: Animated comedy

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: At the theater

Trivia:

• Benedict Cumberbatch cannot pronounce "penguins" correctly. Instead, he says "pengwings".
• One of the sheep that the north wind had was from "How to Train Your Dragon"
• John Malkovich had been offered the role of Dr. Octavius Brine three and a half years before the film's release, and thought that it would be funny to use his voice for an octopus.

Summary: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it.

Review: 

I took the boys to see this at their request. It wasn't high on my list of movies to see, but I really did enjoy it. The penguins are the best part of the Madagascar movies. I love their rapid fire dialogue. It's well done. And this time we get some fun side characters with the North Wind and Dr. Brine. I would definitely recommend this movie for a great family movie night.

Best Bits: 

• Corporal: He hacked into our system. Skipper: Debbie! Kowalski: Dave. Skipper: Dave! [There's no sound on the screen] Eva: Where's the sound? Kowalski: Dave, your microphone, it's not working. Classified: Click on the button with the picture of the microphone. Short Fuse: Every time a villain calls in, this happens. Dave: Hello? [the screen goes off] Dave: Hello? Kowalski: But, now we can hear you. Short Fuse: So annoying! Kowalski: But we cannot see. Short Fuse: Every time! Classified: It's like talking to my parents.
• [They've arrived in Shanghai] Kowalski: We've arrived in the center of Dublin, Ireland.Skipper: We gotta blend in. River dance. [They start river dancing]
• [the penguins have just blown up a ship] Skipper: Kowalski, analysis. Kowalski: We are really... awesome at this! Skipper: High one! [They all high five]
• Classified: We are the North Wind, and no one breaks the Wind.
• Skipper: Leopard seals! Nature's snakes. Kowalski: Technically, snakes are nature's snakes.

New Movie January #1: Anchorman 2

My 30 Day Challenge this month is all about new movies.  I challenged myself to watch 30 new-to-me movies.  I'll be pulling primarily from my neverending Netflix queue but may always get to a movie or two in the theaters...

Title: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell

Directed By: Adam McKay

Written By: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia: 

• Marion Cotillard is drinking Laughing Clown Malt Liquor at the final brawl scene, a reference to Talladega Nights.
• When the Winnebago is rolling, a bat can be seen flying near the window at one point, in reference to the bats served in Champ's restaurant.

Summary: With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Review: 

Overall I just wasn't excited about this one as the first movie.  The scene in the winnebago is priceless and the final brawl is amazing.  But other than that, I just didn't laugh a lot this time around.  I mainly kept watching to see what stupid thing Brick would do next.  He's the funny in the movie.  I probably won't rewatch this one...

Best Bits: 

• Ron Burgundy: If you've got an ass like the North Star, wise men are gonna want to follow it.
• Brick Tamland: I can always guess how many jelly beans are in a jelly bean jar, even if I'm wrong.
• Ron Burgundy: Who the hell is Julius Caesar? You know I don't follow the NBA!
• Ron Burgundy: Let's not down play the fact that that is Stonewall Jackson ghost right there.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Title: Hyperbole and a Half

Author: Allie Brosh

Publisher: Touchstone 2013

Genre: Graphic novel; Memoir

Pages: 384

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Mount TBR; Bingo -- 5 from 2013; 52 Books -- W48; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it!

FROM THE AUTHOR: This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain what it is. I tried to write a long, third-person summary that would imply how great the book is and also sound vaguely authoritative—like maybe someone who isn’t me wrote it—but I soon discovered that I’m not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly. So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book:

Pictures Words Stories about things that happened to me Stories about things that happened to other people because of me Eight billion dollars* Stories about dogs The secret to eternal happiness*

*These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness!

I have followed Brosh's blog for awhile now and always find myself moved by her posts.  Her raw honesty cuts right to my soul.  (Okay, that sentence sounded a bit crazy, but it's completely true).  I may not have her specific problems, but I think everyone can relate to believing themselves to be crazy and fucked up every once in a while.  It's nice to have that reaffirmation.  And it's wonderful to follow Brosh's stories in and out of the crazy in her life.  While reading, I laughed quietly to myself and loudly to everyone.  I teared up on my occasions.  I also found myself shaking my head in agreement to some of her more introspective stories.  This may look like a fun little collection of stories with illustrations, but it's so much more.  Brosh stands stripped bare before the reader allowing them to see all her flaws and all her beauty.  This is a must read!

MoM #30: Identity Thief

Title: Identity Thief Y

ear Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho

Directed By: Seth Gordon

Written By: Craig Mazin, Jerry Eeten

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: On the server

Trivia:

• When Sandy first arrives to Miami, Florida to catch Diana at the salon. The scene starts with an aerial zoom in of a coastline, then a short cut to Sandy waiting in the car outside of the salon. The scene tries to depict Winter Park as just a short drive from Miami when in truth Winter Park is a suburban city of Orlando, FL, about a 5 hour drive outside South Beach.
• Every car they took, except for the original rental car, has a crushed can of Red Bull on the dash.

Summary: Mild-mannered businessman Sandy Patterson travels from Denver to Florida to confront the deceptively harmless-looking woman who has been living it up after stealing Sandy's identity.

Review: 

One of those movies that could have been awesome or absolutely horrible.  It was thoroughly mediocre.  There were some funny parts, but I just wasn't horribly entertained by it.  And this is so sad.  I really like Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.  Instead of carrying the hilarity through the movie, we are supposed to believe that Diana starts to grow a conscience.  Not a good move.

Best Bits: 

• Diana: I just want to be upfront and say I visually enjoy you.
• Sandy Patterson: Do you know what a sociopath is?  Diana: Do they like ribs?
• Sandy Patterson: You're diabolical.  Diana: Thank you.  Sandy Patterson: That's not a compliment.  Diana: I know.
• Diana: Dawn Budgie... That's a terrible fucking name.

MoM #29: Shaolin Soccer

Title: Shaolin Soccer

Year Released/Rating: 2001 PG-13

Starring: Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-fei Wong

Directed By: Stephen Chow

Written By: Stephen Chow, Kan-Cheung Tsang, Min Hun Fung, Chi Keung Fung, Wei Lu

Where I Got It: Netflix

Genre: Action, Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Trivia:

• This was the most successful Hong Kong-made movie ever in Hong Kong, making HK$60 million (about US$4.7 million) at the local box office.
• Banned in mainland China because it did not await certification before being released in Hong Kong.
• Stephen Chow dubs his own voice for the American release.
• Mui is the only character who can speak Mandarin.

Summary: A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.

Review: 

J had been harping on me to to watch this one for awhile now.  It was ridiculously silly in parts.  I can't believe that I actually watched it.  Pretty silly... But there were a few actions scenes that were good.  I'll give it that.

Best Bits: 

• Sing: What are you going you look like ET?  Mui: Trust me, I can do it.
• Sing: I'm not here to fight, I'm here to play soccer!
• [talking to a TV camera] Sing: I want to say hello to my parents and my Kung Fu master, but they're all dead.

MoM #25: Can't Hardly Wait

Title: Can't Hardly Wait

Year Released/Rating: 1998 PG-13

Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Charlis Korsmo

Directed By: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan

Written By: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: I own it

Trivia:

• The film takes place on Wednesday, 17 June 1998: Barry Manilow's 55th birthday.
• Ethan Embry's character is in a scene during the song "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits. Ethan Embry's character in Empire Records is also in a scene with "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits.
• The Klepto Kid, played by Chris Owen, appears in multiple scenes stealing something: - Some random items from the convenience store when Kenny Fisher makes his introduction. - A small statue that belongs to Molly (the girl hosting the party). - A Loveburger T-shirt when the band is fighting amongst themselves. - A police car when the party is being broken up. - And finally, a gumball machine at the restaurant the morning after the party.
• This was Charlie Korsmo's first (and last) on-screen appearance since Hook. He was attending MIT when he was offered the role.
• Filming the final scenes of the party meant a chaotic destruction of the house. DirectorsDeborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont gave the go-ahead to completely trash the place. This involved the cast and crew pulling out drawers, dropping food all over the floor, messing up the carpets, and someone spray painting "This Party Sucked" on the front door. This all happened in one hour.

Summary: Multicharacter teenage comedy about high school graduates with different agenda of life on graduation night.

Review: 

This is one of my high school favorites.  I love the crazy characters and ridiculous premise. It's just a fun movie.  But, I think part of the enjoyment of this movie comes from the fact that I was in high school when this movie was released.  I don't think it translates to today, but I still love it.  Rewatching, I am struck by just how many famous actors have little parts in this one.  Jason Segel stoned and eating a watermelon!  Love it!

Best Bits: 

• Stoner Guy: You know who else I like that didn't get much play? Velma from Scooby-Doo. She was cool. She was a hip, hip lady.
• Denise: Just so you know, judging from my little experience, I kind of believe in fate. It just works in really fucked up ways sometimes.  Preston: Especially in your case. I'm sorry. You gave that to me, I just had to take it. Take care. Peace out, G!
• Kenny Fisher: 'Sup, ladies? Yo Jana, wanna dance?  Jana: I'm allergic.  Kenny Fisher: You're allergic to dancing?  Jana: Yeah.
• Angel Stripper: Oh I'm the weird one? You're the one calling Barry Mannilow from a phone booth at 2:00 am!
• Preston: Hey, I've got one for ya. Remember that time when I was about to talk to that beautiful girl, and you came up to me and started telling me all these asinine stories? Remember that, huh?  Reminiscing Guy: No.  Preston: Gee, that's funny. Because it *just happened*!  Reminiscing Guy: [saddened] Hey, I ain't gonna forget this, man! You just wait, I ain't inviting you to any 10-year reunion!

MoM #15: Everything You Want (Love Surreal)

Title: Everything You Want (Love Surreal)

Year Released/Rating: 2005

Starring: Shiri Appleby, Nick Zano, Alexandra Holden

Directed By: Ryan Little

Written By: Steven A. Lee, Kevin Lawrence King, Natalie Prado

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: It was at a very young age that Abby found herself experimenting with the gift of art while she practically grew up with her aunt while her parents would travel the world without her. Years later she's living with her friend and co-worker Jessica and has the perfect boyfriend, Sy, who doesn't mind seeing romantic comedies, posing for her artwork, and playing in the snow. But suddenly Abby begins tutoring Jessica's cousin, Quinn, about the world of art and while doing so finds herself torn between what real love is. Can she choose between the perfect boyfriend of her dreams and the fun-loving boy from her humanities class? Written by cestlavie03

Review: 

About halfway through the movie, I realized that I have seen this before...  Show's just how memorable a movie it is.  That said, it's a run of the mill made for tv romantic comedy.  The characters are fairly likable.  The plotline is fairly predictable.  That's just about it...  Nothing really else too explain.

Best Bits: 

• [in an art gallery] Quinn Andrews: It looks like spaghetti.  Abby Morrison: Well maybe to you, but I happen to see something else.  Quinn Andrews: Fettucini, I got it.
• Quinn Andrews: [while playing pong - the first primitive video game] Just quick question man, when are you gunna get a new game?  Calvin Dillwaller: They made new games?
• Sy: If he breaks your heart... I'll ...  Abby Morrison: What are you gunna do huh? Are you gunna like stab him with some imaginary sword?
• Quinn Andrews: Cal, the light.  Calvin Dillwaller: Quinn, the pants.  Quinn Andrews: What?  Calvin Dillwaller: I thought we were playing word association!  Quinn Andrews: No! Just shut off the light!

MoM #12: Rapture-Palooza

Title: Rapture-Palooza

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Anna Kendrick, John Francis Daley, Craig Robinson

Directed By: Paul Middleditch

Written By: Chris Matheson

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: On the server

Summary: Two teens battle their way through a religious apocalypse on a mission to defeat the Antichrist.

Review: 

This is one of the those amazingly funny black comedies that most people would find offensive.  But I found it absolutely hilarious.  The love the ambivalent attitude of almost all of the characters.  To them the rapture is just another event.  They attempt to muddle through the new world order.  Lindsey's brother is my absolute favorite.  He's friends with the wraiths, smokes pot, and overall loves the effects of the rapture. Definitely not for everyone, but J and I loved it.

Best Bits: 

• Mr. House: There's no good reason to blow up Chicago. Except for the food, the weather and the people.
• Mr. House: You know, if you asked my opinion, the guy's gotten a bad rap.  Ben House: He's the antichrist, Dad.

MoM #10: Men in Black 3

Title: Men in Black 3

Year Released/Rating: 2012 PG-13

Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin

Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld

Written By: Ethan Cohen, Lowell Cunningham

Genre: Action, Comedy, Scifi

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Library Loan

Trivia:

• This is Will Smith's first film in 3.5 years, since the release of Seven Pounds in December 2008. This is the longest he has gone without appearing in a movie since his film career started in 1993.
• The number CRM-114 makes two appearances in this movie in the form of text that appears on the outside wall of the Lunar Max prison (seen after Boris breaks out) and the ID for the bunker on the beach at Cape Canaveral. These numbers are a nod to director Stanley Kubrick, who used this number in his movie Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
• The zip line escape system shown at the Apollo launch pad really did exist. It was installed for the Apollo program and enhanced for the Space Shuttle program. In some pre-launch emergency scenarios, the crew would have ridden steel cages down the zip lines to explosion-proof bunkers. Astronauts practiced using the system as part of their training, but it was never used in an actual emergency.
• The white weird looking 'alien' fish which can be seen in the Chinese restaurant's kitchen scene is in fact an actual fish, Psychrolutes marcidus (or blobfish)
• Frank the Pug does not appear in this film, but his picture is seen in two places: J's apartment, and a carnival poster at Coney Island (seen when J is pulled over).

Summary: Agent J travels in time to M.I.B.'s early days in 1969 to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.

Review: 

Not really an amazing movie, but fairly entertaining.  I always like the combination of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.  Unfortunately, we don't get much of them together in this movie. Josh Brolin does a decent job of imitating Jones' K, but I just didn't completely buy it.  Plus, Boris the Animal is too much of a cartoony villain.  Not sinister in the least.  Okay for a free rental, but not worth actually paying for.

Best Bits: 

• [from trailer]  Agent J: All right, pay attention... [neuralyzes a crowd] Okay. You know how you kids won the goldfish in that little baggy at the school fair, and you didn't want that nasty thing in your house so you flushed it down the toilet? Well, this's what happened...  [points to an alien fish towed away]
• Andy Warhol: Dammit K, trying to blow my cover?  Agent J: Whoa, Andy Warhol's one of US?  Andy Warhol: Who's the dumbass?  Agent J: You know, I'd have no problem pimp-slapping the shiznit out of Andy Warhol.
• Griffin: The bitterest truth is better than the sweetest lie.
• [the crew of Apollo 11 are watching the fight between on the launch tower between the agents and bad guys]  Buzz Aldrin: If we report this, they're going to scrub the launch.  Neil Armstrong: [Passively] I didn't see anything.
• Agent J: You know, we been doing some pretty smart stuff over the past day or so, how about we do something stupid? Let's go get some pie!
• Agent K: Do you know the most destructive force in the universe?  Agent J: Sugar?  Agent K: Regret.

MoM #9: State and Main

Title: State and Main

Year Released/Rating: 2000 R

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Rebecca Pidgeon

Directed By: David Mamet

Written By: David Mamet

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

• The Waterford Huskies logo is a replica of the University of Connecticut Huskies logo. 
• The movie, set in Vermont, was shot primarily in a seaside town in Massachusetts. 
• The script page visible in the scene where Ann slaps Joes finger, is an actual script from this film itself, revealing dialogue from the scene where the mayor invites Marty to the dinner party.

Summary: A movie crew invades a small town whose residents are all too ready to give up their values for showbiz glitz.

Review: 

Somehow I have never seen this movie.  J was appalled and had to buy it from Amazon so we could watch it. This movie really hinges on all the little lines.  I just love them!  The cast of quirky characters reminds me of a Christopher Guest film.  I love the ins and outs of the characters' stories.  It's just a fun little comedy/drama with great storytelling.

Best Bits: 

• Walt Price: It's not a lie. It's a gift for fiction.
• Joseph Turner White: How do I do a film called "The Old Mill" when I don't have an old mill?  Ann Black: Well, first you've got to change the title.
• Marty Rossen: I'm going to rip your heart out, then I'm going to piss on your lungs through the hole in your chest! And the best to Marian...
• Joseph Turner White: What's an associate producer credit?  Bill Smith: It's what you give to your secretary instead of a raise.
• Bob Barrenger: I know my lines.  Walt Price: You do?  Bob Barrenger: I just don't know what order they come in.
• [after emerging from an upside-down station wagon he has just crashed]  Bob Barrenger: So, that happened.
• Walt Price: Marty, we got a new town. It's uh... Where are we?  Bill Smith: Waterford, Vermont.  Walt Price: Waterford, Vermont. Where is it? THAT'S where it is.

MoM #5: Leap Year

Title: Leap Year

Year Released/Rating: 2010 PG

Starring: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott

Directed By: Anand Tucker

Written By: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: I own it

Trivia: 

• The number listed for Anna's social security on her apartment application is 987-6543-20. 
• On a movie concerned about special dates (since Amy Adams character wants to propose to her fiancé on February 29) comes the coincidence that both actors who play Amy's love interests in the film Adam Scott and Matthew Goode were born on April 3.

Summary: Anna Brady plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose to her boyfriend Jeremy on February 29, leap day, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriage proposal on a leap day must accept it.

Review: 

I own this movie mostly because I love Amy Adams.  It's not a wonderfully amazing romantic comedy, but there's something to it that I just enjoy.  It's one of my go to movies for when I need a bit of a pick-me-up.  It also helps that Matthew Goode is too cute in this one...

Best Bits: 

• Anna: What are you, the Lucky Charms leprecaun?
• Declan: Jesus Christ!  Anna: ...is Lord.
• Declan: What the hell are you doing here? Anna: could you maybe be nice for just a second, i just flied 3,000 miles just to get here
• Declan: Why don't you stop trying to control everything in the known universe. It's dinner. Have a little faith that it will all work out.

NMF #24: Magic Mike

Title: Magic Mike

Year Released/Rating: 2012 R

Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Olivia Munn

Written By: Reid Carolin

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh

Genre: Comedy, drama

Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Redbox rental

Trivia:

• The film is loosely based on Channing Tatum's experiences as a male exotic dancer before hitting it big as a movie star.
• Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer allegedly did not get along on set.
• In the scene where Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) finally strips, there is a point where he rolls away from all of the women holding his crotch. This is because the extras got a little bit too excited and accidentally ripped his g-string. Instead of stopping the dance, he just incorporated it in.

Summary: A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

Review: One of those movies that I just had to see for myself.  I finally Redboxed it.  It's not as bad as I thought it would be.  I actually enjoyed it.  The dance scenes are pretty cringe-worthy, but the character driven scenes are good.  I loved seeing the dancers in the rest of the our lives.  We get an interesting story.  Soderbergh does well here.

Best Bits: 

• Dallas: [to The Kid] You are the husband they never had! You are that dreamboat guy that never came along!
• Paige: Entrepreneur/stripper? Stripper/entrepreneur?  Mike Martingano: Either one. Paige: I was hoping this was all a joke.  Mike Martingano: It is pretty funny.
• Mike Martingano: I have, like, $13,000 saved.  Paige: Wow. That's a lot of ones.  Mike Martingano: There are some fives in there. Paige: Oh, ok. No twenties? Mike Martingano: Oh, you don't wanna know what I have to do for twenties.

NMF #17: Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening

This isn't a movie per se, but I needed some comedy tonight and we couldn't easily find a comedy I hadn't seen.  So we turned to Netflix and I do like Ansari on Parks and Rec.

Title: Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening

Year Released/Rating: 2010

Starring: Aziz Ansari

Written By: Aziz Ansari

Directed By: Jason Woliner

Genre: Comedy special

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Review: Helped me momentarily forget how crappy I feel today.  Basically he is acting as Tom from Parks and Rec, but that's okay.  He's funny just the way he is.  Plus, the bit about sheet thread count left me breathless.

Best Bits: 

• Aziz Ansari: I like living in L.A. One thing I don't like about living here is driving. I always get bored when I'm driving, and when I get bored, I go on the Internet on my Blackberry. So I'm gonna die! And whenever they go through the wreckage, they'll find my phone and be like, whoa, that's what he looked up right before he died? Gonna be so sad. It'll be like: Comedian Aziz Ansari was killed in a car accident today. He was struck by another vehicle while using IMDb to see if Val Kilmer was, indeed, in the film "Willow." A representative for Mr. Kilmer confirmed he was, indeed, in the film and hopes this will prevent future tragedies of this nature. This is the third "Willow"-related death this year.

NMF #12: Life Happens

Title: Life Happens

Year Released/Rating: 2011 R

Starring: Krysten Ritter, Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson

Written By: Kat Coiro, Krysten Ritter

Directed By: Kat Coiro

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A comedy centered on two best friends, Kim and Deena, who fight to maintain normalcy in their lives after Kim gets pregnant and has a baby.

Review: 

Another one of my random Netflix finds.  I love Krysten Ritter in basically anything.  She's just awesome.  And Justin Kirk is just way too awesome.  But I must say that I don't really like Kate Bosworth.  There's just something about her that I just can't like.  The movie is redeemed by a good storyline and fairly likable characters.  I found this movie to be a decent depiction of life and friendship while being a mom.

Best Bits: 

• Kim: I feel like a large chunk of hamburger that's been mooshed into a person.
• Francesca: It makes me crazy now-a-days that people have children when there's so many dogs that are in need of forever homes.
• Henri: Yeah! I can see you. Child on your hip, born to be a mom. Deena: And I see you. Mustache on your face, profiled on To Catch a Predator.

NMF #7: Pizza My Heart

Title: Pizza My Heart

Year Released/Rating: 2005 TV

Starring: Shiri Appleby, Eyal Podell, Dan Hedaya

Written By: Juliet Giglio, Keith Giglio

Directed By: Andy Wolk

Genre: Romance

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia: The Pizza War scene was filmed in weather of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, although it was supposed to be in the summer; the extras and cast were freezing during the filming.

Summary: Another modern spin-off of Romeo & Juliet, this time about two families who each run rivaling pizza restaurants in New Jersey.

Review: 

Another ABC Family romantic comedy.  I have a thing for these cheesy movies. The Romeo and Juliet play is a bit overdone, but most of the actors make it fun.

Best Bits: 

• Jean Paul Veber: [trying to tell the families that he can only pick one to go into business with] I can only go to bed with one of you.
• Joe Montebello: Ma told me to spice up my life.  Gloria Montebello: Not with arsenic. Joe Montebello: Arsenic is not a spice.

New Movie February #1: My Future Boyfriend

Title: My Future Boyfriend

Year Released/Rating: 2011 TV Movie

Starring: Barry Watson, Sara Rue, Fred Willard

Directed By: Michael Lange

Written By: James Orr, Jim Cruickshank

Genre: Comedy, romance, scifi

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia: The character Elizabeth Barrett's name may have been based on the romance poet of the 18th century Elizabeth Barrett Browning. (IMDB)

Summary: An archaeologist (Barry Watson) from 1000 years in the future uncovers a romance novel written in our time. Curious, he journeys back to find out about this thing called "love" from the novel's author (Sara Rue). Set in New Orleans.

Review: As far as TV romance movies go, this was a delight.  Okay the premise is hooky... man from future comes back to learn about love.  But amazingly, it is a cute little fun movie.  I really really liked it.  I think this is due to the actors as opposed to the plot itself.  Somehow Watson and Rue make the characters relatable.  The entire movie is simple, but a nice afternoon's worth of watching.

Best Bits: Elizabeth Barrett: I have no intention of explaining sex to a grown man one more time in my life.