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NMJ #9: Half the Sky

Title: Half the Sky (Part 1)

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Starring: Nicholas Kristof

Directed By: Marco Chermayeff

Written By: Michelle Ferrari

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: HALF THE SKY is a passionate call-to-arms, urging us not only to bear witness to the plight of the world's women, but to help to transform their oppression into opportunity. Our future is in the hands of women everywhere.

Review: 

Very emotional look at the issues women face around the globe. I was conflicted as to the style of the documentary. Having the celebrities as connections for the audience felt very forced to me. I just couldn't get behind that part. The stories from actual survivors were harrowing and yet inspiring. I couldn't look away from those... Very moving.

tags: 5 stars, documentary, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #8: Guardians of the Galaxy

Title: Guardians of the Galaxy

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG-13

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper

Directed By: James Gunn

Written By: James Gunn. Nicole Perlman

Genre: Scifi Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Amazon rental

Trivia:

  • When Dave Bautista found out he got the role of Drax the Destroyer, he broke down in tears, overjoyed at getting a Marvel comic-book role. He immediately signed up for extra acting classes in order to prepare for the role
  • Zoe Saldana nearly broke Chris Pratt's ribs while filming a fight sequence. During training, Pratt and Saldana would wear protective gear so that they could actually hit each other. However, when the day came to film the actual scene, Pratt forgot to wear his protective gear and did not tell Saldana because he thought she would hold back if she knew. Saldana (under the impression that he was wearing the gear like he usually did) kicked him square in the ribs, which made Pratt fall to the ground. According to him, he had a bruise for the remainder of filming.
  • According to James Gunn, Star-Lord's obscene gesture was an improvisation by Chris Pratt.
  • Benicio Del Toro's uncredited cameo as The Collector in "Thor: The Dark World (2013)" was written to set the stage for the film. Benicio Del Toro described the Collector as "Liberace in outer space."
  • Stan Lee's cameo was originally going to feature him as one of the Collector's boxed trophies, giving Groot the middle finger. Disney executives didn't like this and had James Gunn change it to Stan Lee being an alien Casanova.
  • Josh Brolin is uncredited and in fact was the last person cast. He was offered the role while filming Everest (2015). He based the characterization of Thanos primarily on Marlon Brando's role of Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979).
  • James Gunn's brother Sean Gunn was an acting double for Rocket Raccoon during filming.
  • The Collector's residence is riddled with various species: a Chitari and Dark Elf (from previous Marvel space films) can be seen, a cocoon holding Adam Warlock, a cosmic being who became a member of the Guardians (the cocoon is seen empty in the post-credits scene), a dog in an astronaut in a CCCP's uniform (former USSR) who snarls at Rocket. This is Cosmo, a Russian dog who became a member of the Guardians (and is constantly on bad terms with Rocket), Howard the Duck makes an appearance in a case, and slime creatures from James Gunn's previous film Slither (2006).

Summary: A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.

Review:

Finally! Mom, the twins, and I finally sat down and watched this. I'm so glad I finally saw it. This was a great movie. Full of action, comedy, and great characters. I loved the subtle references to the other Marvel movies and characters. But the references weren't essential to understanding the film. Thank goodness! Starlord was amazing, but my favorite character by far was Rocket. My favorite scene was when he was drunk at the bar. That scene showed so much vulnerability and humanity from a CGI character. So great. I can't wait to see the second one.

Best Bits: 

  • Groot: I am Groot. Peter Quill: Well that's just as fascinating as the first 89 times. What is wrong with Giving Tree here? Rocket Raccoon: Well he don't know talkin' good like me and you, so his vocabulistics is limited to "I" and "am" and "Groot," exclusively in that order. Peter Quill: Well I tell you what, that's gonna wear real thin, real fast, bud.
  • Korath the Pursuer: Star-Lord! Peter Quill: Finally!
  • Drax the Destroyer: I can barely see. [Groot releases glowing spores from his body to light up the way ahead] Drax the Destroyer: Where did you learn to do that? Peter Quill: I'm pretty sure the answer is: "I am Groot".
  • Rocket Raccoon: [about Drax] Metaphors go over his head. Drax the Destroyer: NOTHING goes over my head!... My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it.
  • Rocket Raccoon: That's for if things get really hardcore. Or if you wanna blow up moons. Gamora: No one's blowing up moons.Rocket Raccoon: You just wanna suck the joy out of everything.
  • Gamora: And Quill... Your ship is filthy. Peter Quill: She has no idea. If I had a blacklight, this place would look like a Jackson Pollock painting
  • [Quill has just retrieved the prosthetic leg Rocket asked for in order to break out of prison] Rocket Raccoon: You actually got it? I was just kidding about the leg, I just thought it'd be funny!
tags: 5 stars, action, New Movie Month, science fiction
categories: Movies
Thursday 01.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #7: Dear Santa

Title: Dear Santa

Year Released/Rating: 2011

Starring: Amy Acker, David Haydn-Jones, Emma Duke

Directed By: Jason Priestley

Written By: Barbara Kymlicka

Genre: Holiday romantic comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: Beverly Hills 90210 alumni Jason Priestly takes the helm for this warmhearted romantic comedy about a die-hard party girl struggling to change her frivolous ways. Crystal (Amy Acker) comes from a wealthy family. She loves spending money. Her parent's money. When they decide it's time for her to make something of her life they give her until Christmas to clean up her act. Should Crystal fail to comply, her credit cards will be promptly canceled. Petrified at the prospect of having no money and no boyfriend, Crystal has a flash of inspiration when she finds a letter to Santa from seven year old Olivia (Emma Duke). In the letter, Olivia asks Santa to find her widowed father Derek (David Haydn-Jones) a new wife. He owner of a local soup kitchen, Derek has dedicated his life to helping others. Though Crystal has never set foot in a soup kitchen, she soon seeks Derek out and begins volunteering her time in an effort to get closer to him. Little does Crystal realize that Derek's scheming girlfriend (Gina Holden) will do anything to keep her man to herself. Meanwhile, Crystal remains determined to prove herself, despite the obstacles that stand in her way.

Review: 

Cute little holiday themed romantic comedy. The entire movie was carried by Amy Acker's Crystal.  She could have been a completely vapid spoiled brat, but instead we see a person grow and change throughout the movie. I loved the little moments between Crystal and Olivia. A good movie for a cold afternoon.

tags: 4 stars, Christmas, New Movie Month, romantic comedy
categories: Movies
Wednesday 01.07.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #6: Penguins of Madagascar

Penguins_of_Madagascar_poster (1920).jpg

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.
tags: animation, comedy, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Tuesday 01.06.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #5: The Christmas Kiss

Title: The Christmas Kiss

Year Released/Rating: 2011

Starring: Elizabeth Rohm, Laura Breckenridge, Brendan Fehr

Directed By: John Stimpson

Written By: Joany Kane

Genre: Romantic comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: After a spontaneous kiss, a struggling designer ends up falling in love with her demanding boss's boyfriend as she decorates his home for a Christmas party.

Review:

A fun little Christmas movie after Christmas. (Why do I never actually watch these during Christmas?) Sure some of the plot points were clcihes and the dialogue wasn't always great. But I enjoyed this one a lot. It was a nice little light hearted romance romp. I'd add it to the list of feel good Christmas movies to add to your list next year.

Best Bits: 

  • [Priscilla leaves town for a few days] Tressa: You do know what this means, don't you? Wendy Walton: That the flying monkeys can breathe a sigh of relief?
  • Wendy Walton: It is the type of kiss that, years from now when I am suffering from dementia and drooling in my jell-o - I will be thinking about that kiss.
tags: 4 stars, New Movie Month, romantic comedy
categories: Movies
Monday 01.05.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #4: Artifact

Title: Artifact

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Starring: Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, Tomo Milicevic

Directed By: Bartholomew Cubbins (Jared Leto)

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: Telling harsh truths about the modern music business, this riveting and award-winning documentary gives intimate access to singer/actor Jared Leto ("Requiem for a Dream," "Dallas Buyers Club") and his band Thirty Seconds to Mars as they fight a relentless lawsuit with record label Virgin/EMI and write songs for their album "This Is War." Opening up his life for the camera during months of excruciating pressures, Leto reveals the struggles his band must face over questions of art, money and integrity.

Review: 

Fascinating documentary that began when 30 Seconds to Mars decided to sue their label... It was interesting to see the progress (or should I say nonprogress?) of the lawsuit and the band.  The inclusion of interviews from EMI employees and fellow musical artists helped to add context to the issue at hand. I was riveted.. and so was Arthur!  He loved the all the music.  Beyond the lawsuit it was interesting to see how the band approached the album making process.  Very very good documentary.

tags: 5 stars, documentary, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Sunday 01.04.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #3: Sharknado 2

Title: Sharknado 2: The Second One

Year Released/Rating: 2014

Starring: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Vivica A. Fox

Directed By: Anthony C. Ferrante

Written By: Thunder Levin

Genre: Horror Thriller

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netlfix

Trivia:

  • The characters played by Mark McGrath and Kari Wuhrer are named Martin and Ellen Brody. Those are the same names as Roy Schieder and Lorraine Gray's characters in "Jaws". Their son is named Vaughan, which was the name of Murray Hamilton's character as the Mayor in "Jaws".
  • Wil Wheaton's appearance in the film had originally been a joke in The Big Bang Theory: The Gorilla Dissolution (2014) where he gets the opportunity to audition for it after getting fired from another bad horror film.
  • The flight in the beginning of the movie is flight 209, the same flight number as the doomed flight in Airplane!.

Summary: A freak weather system turns its deadly fury on New York City, unleashing a Sharknado on the population and its most cherished, iconic sites - and only Fin and April can save the Big Apple.

Review: 

I actually enjoyed the sequel more than the original.  Setting this one in New York made for some campy fun.  The scenes with the Statue of Liberty's head were spectacularly amazing!  And the subway scene with the two workers, some sharks, and an alligator was priceless.  I just could have done without all the family love crap.  Let's just go kill some sharks!

Best Bits: 

  • April Wexler: Fin, why aren't you having more fun with this?  Fin Shepard: Come on, April. Two of my friends were killed. I almost destroyed Los Angeles. And, oh, yeah... I got eaten by shark. How much fun do you think that was?
  • Martin Brody: [to Vaughn after Fin jumps to safety from the taxi] You know what you just did, don't you?  Fin Shepard: Don't say it.  Martin Brody: He jumped the shark.
tags: 4 stars, horror, New Movie Month, thriller
categories: Movies
Saturday 01.03.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #2: Not Another Happy Ending

Title: Not Another Happy Ending

Year Released/Rating: 

Starring: Karen Gillan, Stanley Weber

Directed By: John McKay

Written By: David Solomons

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Hulu Plus

Trivia:

  • The film was financed in part by a crowdfunding campaign on the website Indiegogo, which raised USD$22,660. Additional funding came through the efforts of producer Claire Mundell, who "[patch-worked] a bunch of different sources of funding together, none of whom interfered in any kind of way with the film turned out".
  • Stanley Weber replaced originally cast Emun Elliott as Tom, which lead filmmakers to write into the script, Tom's French background and an explanation on how a Frenchman ended up in Glasgow to be a publisher.

Summary: When a struggling publisher discovers his only successful author is blocked he knows he has to unblock her or he's finished. With her newfound success, she's become too damn happy and she can't write when she's happy.The only trouble is, the worse he makes her feel, the more he realizes he's in love with her.

Review: 

As far as romantic comedies go, this one was a winner.  We get just enough cutesy scenes between the two leads to satisfy our romance cravings, but not too many to annoy us.  I loved Karen Gillan's writer to death.  And the inclusion of Darsie was just way too much fun.  Overall, the film felt a little too long (pacing issue) and some of the characters like Willie were a bit too cliche.  But I still enjoyed my time watching this little indie film.

tags: 4 stars, New Movie Month, romantic comedy
categories: Movies
Friday 01.02.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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.
tags: 3 stars, comedy, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Thursday 01.01.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #28: Star Trek: First Contact

Title: Star Trek: First Contact

Year Released/Rating: 1996 PG-13

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner

Written By: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, Ronald D. Moore

Directed By: Jonathan Frakes

Genre: Action, adventure, scifi

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

  • At the end of filming, actor/director Jonathan Frakes got the nickname: "Two takes Frakes" because of the efficiency of his style.
  • The Enterprise-E is a Sovereign class starship. The previous ship, the Enterprise-D, was a Galaxy class starship.
  • Captain Picard is likened to "Moby Dick" character Captain Ahab for his obsession with destroying the Borg, as Ahab was obsessed with killing the white whale. Patrick Stewart, who portrays Picard, later portrayed Ahab in Moby Dick. Thus, Patrick Stewart became the first actor to have quoted "Moby Dick" as the Captain of a vessel in more than one series.
  • In this film, the EMH says "I'm a doctor, not a doorstop". This is a nod to Dr. McCoy from Star Trek the original series. Whenever McCoy was given a non-medical task, he would say "I'm a doctor, not a... (bricklayer, moon shuttle conductor, escalator, etc.)"
  • Alice Krige suffered much discomfort throughout the film. Her costume was too tight, causing blisters, and the silver contacts she had to wear were so painful they could only be kept in for four minutes at a time.

Summary: Captain Picard and his crew pursue the Borg back in time to stop them from preventing Earth from initiating first contact with alien life.

Review: I've seen the original cast Star Trek movies, but none of the newer ones (except the newest J.J. Abrahms movie).  J figured that I was far enough into the series (ST:TNG S4) to start watching some of the movies.  This one is really good.  I enjoyed this movie. It's like a good episode, just longer.  We get the initial idea, references to past episodesnew characters, and even some old characters.  The pacing kept me entertained throughout.  Although I did find the scenes aboard the Enterprise much more interesting than those set on Earth.  Overall, a very enjoyable movie night.

Best Bits: 

  • [Quoting "Moby Dick"] Captain Jean-Luc Picard: And he piled upon the whale's white hump, the sum of all the rage and hate felt by his whole race. If his chest had been a cannon, he would have shot his heart upon it.
  • Lily Sloane: Jean Luc, blow up the damn ship!  Captain Jean-Luc Picard: No! Noooooooooo! [Smashes glass and model ships with his phaser] Captain Jean-Luc Picard: I will not sacrifice the Enterprise. We've made too many compromises already; too many retreats. They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further! And *I* will make them pay for what they've done. Lily Sloane: You broke your little ships.
  • Lily Sloane: Borg? Sounds Swedish.
  • Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Reports of my assimilation have been greatly exaggerated.
  • Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Mr. Worf, do you remember your zero G combat training?  Lt. Commander Worf: I remember how it made me sick to my stomach.
  • Lieutenant Commander Data: [about the Borg Queen] She brought me closer to humanity than I ever thought possible. And for a time, I was tempted by her offer. Captain Jean-Luc Picard: How long a time? Lieutenant Commander Data: 0.68 seconds sir. For an android, that is nearly an eternity.
  • Cmdr. William Riker: Mr. Worf, you do remember how to fire phasers?
  • [the Vulcans have landed to meet Cochrane] Vulcan: Live long and prosper. Dr. Zefram Cochrane: Thanks.
  • Emergency Medical Hologram: Please state the nature of the medical emergency. Dr. Beverly Crusher: Twenty Borg are about to break through that door. We need time to get out of here! Create a diversion! Emergency Medical Hologram: This isn't part of my program! I'm a doctor, not a doorstop. Dr. Beverly Crusher: Well, do a dance! Tell a story! I don't care! Just give us a few seconds! [the Borg break in as Crusher and her people escape through an airduct] Emergency Medical Hologram: Ahem, according to Starfleet medical research... Borg implants can cause severe skin irritations. Perhaps you'd like an analgesic cream?
  • Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Mr. Worf... I regret some of the things I said to you earlier. Lt. Commander Worf: "Some"? Captain Jean-Luc Picard: As a matter of fact, I think you're the bravest man I have ever known. Lt. Commander Worf: Thank you, sir.
  • Cmdr. William Riker: [looking up at the moon] Wow! Look at that! Dr. Zefram Cochrane: Don't tell me you've never seen the moon before. Cmdr. William Riker: It's just looks a lot different, that's all. There are 50 million people living on the moon in my time.
tags: 5 stars, New Movie Month, science fiction, Star Trek
categories: Movies
Thursday 02.28.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #27: The War Bride

Title: The War Bride

Year Released/Rating: 2001

Starring: Anna Friel, Brenda Fricker, Aden Young

Written By: Angela Workman

Directed By: Lyndon Chubbuck

Genre: Drama, Romance

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: WW2: In London, Lily marries a Canadian soldier who goes off to war. She and her newborn daughter are invited to come and live with his family in Canada, where conditions are not as splendid as he had described. And nobody knows if and when he will return.

Review: One of those random choices from Netflix and it was a cute one.  A little bit of drama, a little bit of romance, we journey with Lily from the uncertainty of wartime London to the uncertainty of the plains of Canada.  I've decided that I really like Anna Friel.  She's just adorable in everything I've seen her in.  And "Betty" and "Sylvia" round out a great cast of women.  If you like a bit of period romance, pick it up.

tags: 5 stars, drama, New Movie Month, romance
categories: Movies
Wednesday 02.27.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #26: The Bourne Legacy

Title: The Bourne Legacy

Year Released/Rating: 2012 PG-13

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton

Written By: Tony Gilroy, Dan Gilroy, Robert Ludlum

Directed By: Tony Gilroy

Genre: Action, adventure, mystery

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Redbox rental

Trivia:

  • Before this movie was seriously considered, director Paul Greengrass jokingly suggested to make a fourth Bourne movie called "The Bourne Redundancy".
  • Shipped to theaters under the code name "Marcher". This was also the fake title filming took place under.
  • The message scrawled on the mirror in the hotel room, 'No More', is an anagram of the fake surname Cross gives to Marta, 'Monroe'.
  • Daniel Craig visited his wife Rachel Weisz during their shoot in Manila. Producer Frank Marshall was glad to see them together, saying: "It was pretty cool to have James Bond on the 'Bourne' set with Aaron Cross. We had a great time. It was really fun."

Summary: An expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.

Review: I enjoyed this volume way more than the previous Bourne movie.  The shaky cam was limited to the last action sequence.  The plot line was a nice change of pace.  The characters were decent.  I loved seeing Jeremy Renner as the "new Bourne."  It was a thoroughly fun ride.  Great little action film to enjoy some night.

Best Bits: 

  • [last lines]  Dr. Marta Shearing: Are we lost?  Aaron Cross: No, I was just looking at our options.  Dr. Marta Shearing: Oh, I was kinda hoping we were lost.
  • Drone Spec: What kind of weapon system is this guy operating?  Dita Mandy: He's probably got a rifle.  [Drone operators exchange incredulous glances]  Byer: It's a high-powered rifle.
  • Aaron Cross: [to Dr. Shearing] Now, I've got a plan, and it's just not that complicated. What I'm going to do is wait for the next person to show up to kill you. Maybe they can help me.
  • Dr. Marta Shearing: You've been shot!  Aaron Cross: It's all right.
tags: action, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Wednesday 02.27.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #25: Hysteria

Title: Hysteria

Year Released/Rating: 2011 R

Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Pryce

Written By: Stephen Dyer, Jonah Lisa Dyer, Howard Gensler

Directed By: Tanya Wexler

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Redbox rental

Trivia: Dr. Granville’s electromechanical vibrator was portable but had a wet cell battery that weighed about 40 pounds.

Summary: The truth of how Mortimer Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science.

Review: This has been on my list for awhile.  The movie did not disappoint.  It's something like a romcom but set in the 1880s.  We see a man and woman come from very different perpectives who grow to appreciate each other.  In the process, the man helps invent the vibrator.  Sounds like one fun ride.  It was entertaining and delightful.  Maggie Gyllenhaal is awesome like always.  Hugh Dancy plays a great bumbling doctor. And Jonathan Pryce shines as the slightly backwards physician.  Loved it!

Best Bits: 

  • Molly: What do you call that little thing?  Edmund Smythe: I was calling it the feather duster.  Molly: Well I'd think of something quick, so that a girl knows what to ask for.
  • [first lines]  Mrs. Bellamy: I truly don't even know why I'm here, doctor.  [pen scraping]  Well, of course it's difficult running a large household by oneself. And raising four children is exacting, but they're wonderful, wonderful children. And my husband, he's a good man. A very hard worker. Um... Ahem. Well, there is just one thing. Sometimes at night, when he comes to me, I imagine myself splitting his fat bald head with a great large ax.[pen scraping]
  • Charlotte Dalrymple: I'm fine. I have lots of friends in prison.
tags: New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Tuesday 02.26.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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.
tags: 4 stars, comedy, drama, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Monday 02.25.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

NMF #23: Battlestar Galactica

Title: Battlestar Galactica (TV mini series)

Year Released/Rating: 2003

Starring: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff

Genre: Science fiction

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: On the server

Trivia:

  • The hand held camera shot of Secretary Roslin being sworn in as the new President of the Twelve Colonies is a direct reference to the historic photograph of Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force 1 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
  • Commander Adama's final speech to his crew (including his repeated use of the phrase "So say we all!" to rally them to action) was largely improvised by Edward James Olmos.
  • Ragnar Anchorage, the hidden supply dump, is named for Ragnarok, the Norse legend of the final battle at the end of the world.
  • The humans live on 12 planets and moons known as "The Colonies of Kobol", whose names are taken from Zodiac signs. During Season Two, Laura Roslin mentions that the Zodiac signs are the "ancient" names of the colonies: Aerelon, Tauron, Gemenon, Canceron, Leonis, Virgon, Libron, Scorpia, Sagittaron, Caprica, Aquaria and Picon. At the end of the miniseries, Cmdr. Adama mentions a 13th colony called Earth. These references were influenced by the religious beliefs of series creator Glen Larson: The Twelve Tribes of Israel, the 13th is a group of Israelites who migrated to North America. "Kobol" is a misspelling of "Kolob," according to Latter-day Saints, is a place near the throne of God.
  • Tricia Helfer based her performance on Daryl Hannah's Priss in Blade Runner. Edward James Olmos, who co-starred in the film, gave her a copy to watch.

Summary: A re-imagining of the original series in which a "rag-tag fugitive fleet" of the last remnants of mankind flees pursuing robots while simultaneously searching for their true home, Earth.

Review: J has been bugging me about watching this series for years now (we don't speak of the ending...).  So, we decided to start with the mini series tonight.  Man, what a ride!  It was nonstop from beginning to end.  An amazing storyline, amazing space battles, amazing characters.  I loved every minute of it and couldn't wait to keep watching.  This is such a great show.

Best Bits:  

  • Laura Roslin: I don't know why I have to keep telling you this, but the war is over. Adama: It hasn't begun yet.
  • [first spoken lines in the show]  Number Six: Are you alive?  Boxey's Father: Yes.  Number Six: Prove it.
  • Baltar: So now you're telling me, um, now you're telling me you're a machine?  Number Six: I'm a woman.  Baltar: You're a machine. You're a synthetic woman, a robot.  Number Six: I've said it three times now.  Baltar: Well, forgive me, I'm having the tiniest little bit of trouble believing that because the last time anybody saw the Cylons they looked more like walking chrome toasters.  Number Six: Those models are still around. They have their uses.
  • [looting the display Viper Mk.2s from the museum for combat duty]  Starbuck: You sure they'll fly?  Tyrol: Well, the reactor's still hot, so all we have to do is pull the rad buffers from the engine, refuel it, load the ordnance, and you're ready to go. The biggest problem is getting them over to the port launch bay. Starbuck: Why can't we use the starboard launch? Tyrol: It's a gift shop now. Starbuck: Frak me.
  • Apollo: [both of their Vipers are attached together while trying to land on the Galactica] We're coming in a little hot, don't you think?  Starbuck: [lying] No, not really.
tags: New Movie Month, TV
categories: Movies
Sunday 02.24.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #22: Special

Title: Special

Year Released/Rating: 2006 R

Starring: Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthrone, Josh Peck

Written By: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore

Directed By: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore

Genre: Drama, Fantasy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Amazon streaming

Summary: A lonely metermaid has a psychotic reaction to his medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero. A very select group of people in life are truly gifted. Special is a movie about everyone else.

Review: An interesting little action drama indie flick.  The idea of a man who claims to have superpowers is intriguing.  I love the slow progression into madness, or is it?  The way we experience the movie, I can never really tell and that's just awesome.  It's even shot like a dream making it much more interesting to the audience.  I enjoyed this random little movie.

Best Bits: 

  • Jonas Exiler: That was exciting. You have a genuine flair for making a scene, don't you, Les?
  • Les: [has just run full-speed into a wall] I'm, uh, I'm not like most people.   Cop #1: Yeah, I can see that.
  • Les: Your force field is good; my teleporting is better.
tags: 4 stars, action, drama, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Saturday 02.23.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #21: Explorers

Title: Explorers

Year Released/Rating: 1985 PG

Starring: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Bobby Fite

Written By: Eric Luke

Directed By: Joe Dante

Genre: Adventure, Scifi

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

  • As the boys look through the junkyard for the pieces for their ship, Rosebud (the sled from Citizen Kane) can be seen sitting at the top of a pile.
  • When the helicopter pilot looks at the newspaper, one of the headlines says "Kingston Falls 'Riot' Still Unexplained". Kingston Falls was the town where the events in Gremlins(also directed by Joe Dante), took place.
  • The film was never finished, and was released as a work in progress when the studio decided to move up the release date and release the film as it was, telling director Joe Dante that he was finished and they were going to go ahead and release what he had at that point.
  • Wolfgang's "talking" rat is named Heinlein, after science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein, who wrote many stories about young boys experimenting with spaceflight.
  • Inside Wolfgang's basement, the toy monkey from the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, can be seen.
  • Feature film debut for both Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix.
  • River Phoenix, who had grown up in communes in South America, was somewhat unfamiliar with popular culture and slang words. During rehearsals it became a running joke when he would attempt scripted well-known words and phrases and usually pronounce them incorrectly.

Summary: Ben Crandall, an alien-obsessed kid, dreams one night of a circuit board. Drawing out the circuit, he and his friends Wolfgang and Darren set it up, and discover they have been given the basis for a starship. Setting off in the ThunderRoad, as they name their ship, they find the aliens Ben hopes they would find... but are they what they seem?

Review: This is a great movie.  I feel like I would've completely fallen in love with this movie if I had watched it during childhood. Even watching it during my 30s, I really enjoyed the movie.  We get three precocious children making contact with an alien race.  There are enough science fiction references to keep the adult geek in me entertain.  Plus, we get some awesome 80s-ness.  I think we need to introduce the boys to this movie during the summer.  Something tells me they would love it!

Best Bits: 

  • Wak: Look, I know I must look weird to you but how do you think you look to me? Listen, I watched four episodes of "Lassie" before I figured out why the little hairy kid never spoke. I mean, he rolled over, sure, he did that fine but, I don't think he deserved a series for that.
  • Ben Crandall: [stuttering, astounded at the violent film footage] But thi - see, this isn't real! A-a-and we don't really kill people! Well, we do, b-but n-not aliens, 'cause we haven't met any!
  • Ben Crandall: I've waited all my life to say this.  Darren Woods: Be my guest.   Ben Crandall: We come in peace.
  • Heinlein the Mouse: [pressing buttons] I would like... cheese... go... to... hell...
  • Ben Crandall: What's that?  Wak: Uhh... Space Pirates.
tags: 1980s, 5 stars, action, adventure, New Movie Month, science fiction
categories: Movies
Thursday 02.21.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #20: Love's Kitchen

Title: Love's Kitchen

Year Released/Rating: 2011 PG-13

Starring: Dougray Scott, Claire Forlani, Michelle Ryan

Written By: James Hacking

Directed By: James Hacking

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

  • Given a limited initial release (4 screens) in the UK, it famously took just £121.00 during its opening weekend.
  • Claire Forlani and Dougray Scott are married in real life.

Summary: Rob Haley (Dougray Scott), an up-and-coming chef and restaurateur in London, is grief-stricken when he loses his wife. With encouragement from his infamous friend and real life TV Chef Gordon Ramsay, Rob decides to spice up his life by turning a run-down country pub into a gourmet restaurant. His food catches the eye - and taste buds - of beautiful American food critic Kate Templeton (Claire Forlani) and they soon both write a recipe for love that leaves both their hearts - and their stomachs - in full.

Review: I was expecting a run of the mill silly romantic comedy, but this was a pleasant surprise.  The characters seemed realer.  The gimmicks were few and far in between.  The setting was fun (love the restaurant idea).  The overall feel of the movie was nice.  I couldn't really find anything to complain about.  It was a great little romantic movie.

tags: 4 stars, New Movie Month, romance
categories: Movies
Wednesday 02.20.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMF #19: Mega Shark Vs. Crocosaurus

Title: Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus

Year Released/Rating: 2010 R

Starring: Jaleel White, Gary Stretch, Sarah Lieving, Robert Picardo

Written By: Micho Rutare, Naomi L. Selfman

Directed By: Christopher Ray

Genre: Action, horror, scifi

Star Rating:  1/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia: The ship in the beginning of the movie, the USS Gibson, is a battleship. At present there are no battleships serving in any navy, including the United States Navy.

Summary: Do I really need one?  Shark vs. croc, huge size, enough said.

Review: The sequel to Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus.  I didn't think it was possible to get worse than the first one, but the sequel accepted that challenge and passed with flying colors.  This is just horrid.  The CGI is bad.  The acting is horribly over dramatic.  The plot line is ludicrous.  And the dialogue is just plain unbelievable.

tags: 1 star, action, horror, New Movie Month, science fiction
categories: Movies
Tuesday 02.19.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

NMF #18: The Warrior's Way

Title: The Warrior's Way

Year Released/Rating: 2010 R

Starring: Dong-gun Jang, Kate Bosworth, Geoffrey Rush

Written By: Sngmoo Lee

Directed By: Sngmoo Lee

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Western

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

  • The painting in the saloon is a parody of Edouard Manet's famous "Dejeuner Sur L'Herbe" (itself a copy of Raimondi's engraving "The Judgment of Paris"), with the setting changed to the prairies, and buffaloes and tepees in the background.

Summary: A warrior-assassin is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission.

Review: A very strange movie, but I liked it.  A master swordsman in the Old West.  Cowboys versus ninjas, just an awesome, interesting idea.  The movie is just gorgeous.  I love the settings and the overall look of the movie.  It has a surreal quality.  The side characters are all way too fun, especially Eight-Ball.  There are some beautiful shots in this movie.  A definite must see.

Best Bits: 

  • Lynne: [throwing knives blindfolded] You dead?   Yang: Not yet.
  • Yang: We are called sad flutes because when you cut the throat, the last sound is like a sad flute.   Lynne: Dang! Skinny, you sure know how to throw a dang cat in a party room, don't cha.
  • Lynne: By saving me we've ruined every new thing you've found here.   Yang: This new world without you, not so new.
  • Ronald: You've done good on this garden - for a laundry man.  Yang: You do good shooting - for a drunken man.
tags: 4 stars, action, New Movie Month, Old West
categories: Movies
Monday 02.18.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 
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