Saturday, October 30, 2010

Todd has a Cause

Todd is doing his part to get Prop 19 passed. Please enjoy.
**FYI, the legislation didn't pass**

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween: You Never Know What to Go As...



Dressing up. Getting candy. Scary movies. 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Due Date


Earlier this year when we got our first trailer for Due Date I was oddly unaffected. Is this supposed to be a comedy? I didn't laugh once. Then I thought, hopefully they're saving all the good stuff for the film itself. Turns out, not true.

You would think that they'd be able to rest a lot of the heavy lifting on their main leads. Robert Downey Jr. has come back from his drug years to due his best acting work. He could do this in his sleep. Zach Galifianakis killed it in The Hangover, so there should be some left in the tank.

The problem is the script. You're supposed to relate and / or sympathize with these two guys. One is amazingly unlikable. The other is impossibly clueless. It is just scene after scene of flat moments. Now that doesn't mean there are no laughs. But you need to hit a certain ratio when it comes to a comedy, and I remember being the only one laughing a few times. When I wasn't laughing, you know you're in trouble.

Did you enjoy it?
Mildly. I'm glad I saw it for free.

Would you see it in theaters again?
No. One and done.

Would you buy it?
Ooooh the inevitable 'Unrated Version'! No.

Would you rent it?
Nah.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Eh. If there was literally nothing else on, possibly. Give it a second chance.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Modern Family Challenge: Part Four, Disc Four

Last disc. How'd we do? I will admit it is genuinely funny network show. It does have its cliched moments but never goes too overboard. The fourth disc had a lot of misunderstandings (Little Phil's birthday at the batting cages, Phil's dad is sad because he's giving the dog away, Manny is on the "no fly list") but again, they add those because people expect it but they don't overdo it, in my opinion.

So, I will officially take this time to redact my statement about how terrible Modern Family is comedy wise. Challenge complete. Now, what's next? Big Bang Theory? Two & A Half Men (still the number one comedy in America!)? Not sure I'm ready for that yet...

Friday, October 22, 2010

Chicago International Film Festival 2010

The Chicago International Film Festival is over. I had the chance to catch four films this year. Overall, I thought it was an okay year. I noticed a lot more mainstream American films in the mix, which makes me a little sad. When "RED" is playing, you know they're trying to get more people to attend. That being said, there were some good films. A Somewhat Gentle Man won the 2nd place jury prize.


 The Myth of the American Sleepover

Set to a backdrop of a few different sleepovers the last few days before school starts, this movie feels more like a patchwork of ideas, than a fully formed movie. It definitely reminded me of my junior high and high school days. But it meanders from plot to plot and character to character. With another pass at the script this could have been a something special.

Did you enjoy it?
Moreso, that it let me think back to my juvenile days.
Would you see it in theaters again? No.
Would you buy it? No.
Would you rent it? Probably not.
Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV? No.




En Ganske Snill Mann (A Somewhat Gentle Man)

Set in my ancestral land of Norway, this film stars Stellan Skarsgard as a recently paroled convict. He sets off to reconnect with the family he left behind and settle the score with the man who put him in jail. The tone flows from drama to comedy with somewhat ease. Of the films listed here, this one was my favorite.

Did you enjoy it? Yes.
Would you see it in theaters again? Probably Not.
Would you buy it? No.
Would you rent it? Maybe.
Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV? Sure.




Trust

This one is most likely to play at the Landmark Century on Clark Street. Its independent, but has a couple of stars as the parents (Catherine Keener & Clive Owen). It's the story of a girl who meets someone on the internet that turns out to be not who they said they were. I know, I know. How cliche! But the movie is handled very well and at times I thought it was going to go off the rails but reigned itself in. Not wholly satisfying in a Hollywood way, there are a lot of things left unresolved, just like in real life.

Did you enjoy it? Yes.
Would you see it in theaters again? No.
Would you buy it? No.
Would you rent it? No.
Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV? No, the subject matter is really not set up for repeat viewing. Unless you're "that" guy.



 
Cameraman: Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

This documentary about a cameraman who grew up shooting films in the golden age of cinema. It's one part historical, one part technical, and one part portrait of a man. Because of his age, they had only a few talking heads that would have worked with him directly, but a lot of people who grew up appreciating his work (Martin Scorcese) talk about his influence.

Did you enjoy it? Yes.
Would you see it in theaters again? No.
Would you buy it? No. But I might buy some of the movies he shot.
Would you rent it? No.
Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV? Maybe in passing.



And that's a wrap. See you next year.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Modern Family Challenge: Part Three, Disc Three


And now we take a turn for the worse with disc three. There are two more episodes that I saw on the original run of the series. I'm talking about Fifteen Percent, where Mitchell convinces Jay that Shorty (guest star Chaz Palmeteri) is gay. Oh the predictament. And the worst offender My Funky Valentine. Remember that one time in your life where everyone you know saw you when your jacket was caught on an escalator and you were naked underneath. Uproarious.

Truth Be Told, where Phil miscommunicates with his high school girlfriend would be damaging as well, if it weren't for Judy Greer, the Arrested Development alum. This episode most reminds me of that long forgotten series. Starry Night is the best of the disc. Jay telling Manny to razz Mitchell because that's what brothers do, was really funny and touching. Coming from a blended family I can relate.

Next disc has Game Changer, which will remind me of early adopter Lish, for sure.

Did you enjoy it?
Yes, but to a lesser degree than what has come before it.

TO BE CONCLUDED...

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Falling on Our Swords Tonight


Band of Horses returned to Chicago on Tuesday night. The sloppy southern fried rockers started the show by performing a couple songs on one of the side balconies. It was Ben and the newest back up singer in the rotation also playing guitar. It was pretty great. Then then got down to the main stage. Guitar and monitor trouble persisted. They powered through the best they could.

The most shocking thing about the whole night was when Ben lit up a cigarette and smoked during one of his songs. How weird is it that in today's climate, that is considered an act of rebellion?

As they add more songs to their repertoire they have to cut some others from the setlist. Sadly, I did not get my pick to click, Our Swords. But they did cover Cee Lo's GEORGIA. That was the final song in the encore. Here is the setlist:

Balcony Acoustic:
Evening Kitchen
No One's Gonna Love You

Full Band on Stage:
Compliments
Cigarettes, Wedding Bands
Factory
Marry Song
Laredo
The Great Salt Lake
NW Apt.
Islands on the Coast
Blue Beard
The General Specific
Older
Part One
Weed Party
Is There A Ghost? (he said it's about his ice maker)
Wicked Gil
Ode to LRC
Funeral

Encore:
The First Song
Georgia


Did you enjoy it?
Yes.
Would you see them in concert again?
Yes.
Would you buy their album?
Yes.

Friday, October 15, 2010

We Don't Need Roads



In honor of the Back to the Future 25th Anniversary release on blu-ray, it is in select theaters for two shows.
It is on the cover of E. Weekly this week.

There is a reunion on the Scream Awards with Michael J. Fox and Leah Thompson. 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Modern Family Challenge: Part Two / Disc Two


And we're back. Next disc. Another episode I had seen during the original run of the first season. "En Garde" is the episode where Manny fences versus a girl. I am beginning to believe it was just rotten luck that every thing I had seen from this show were the worst moments. Oh man, you mean not only is Manny fencing a girl, but she's an orphan and her friends are all in wheelchairs. The height of comedy.

But then we get to their biggest coup, Ed Norton guest stars. Not only that, but he plays the bassist for Spandau Ballet. In an episode that could have been another bad "misunderstanding" where Claire can't get gifts for her husband, it ends up being played well. She tries but can't. He admits she can't. That's it. Nothing gets too over the top. Plus, Elizabeth Banks as an adult baby. Kudos.

Then we come to Fizbo and Undeck the halls. A little more outlandish, but still pretty funny. At this point, I will watch future episodes in future seasons, but most likely I will rent the DVDs.

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Again? Is this show in theaters?

Would you buy it?
Nah.

Would you rent it?
How do you think I'm watching all these episodes?

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Reruns. Maybe.

Monday, October 11, 2010

RED (Retired, Extremely Dangerous)


When we start our film. Frank Moses is living a quiet life of retirement. He calls a women who works at processing his retirement checks. Then one day some people come to kill him. They are unsuccessful. Thus, our adventure begins.

The good thing about the movie is its about retired people and how they transition from a life of action to a life of quiet solitude. They all handle it differently but none of them handle it well. It was originally a DC Comic and the transition to film was pretty seamless.

The best thing the movie does is stack the film with some great actors. Bruce, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker,  Brian Cox and Karl Urban (oh, and Ernest Borgnine). Did I mention Richard Dreyfuss? Man, I am out of breath. Great cast. All bringing their A-game.

This movie is right in my wheel house. Comedy and action. It has the perfect blend of both. If you're looking for some fun you can't miss.

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Maybe.

Would you buy it?
Possibly.

Would you rent it?
Yes.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Yes.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Modern Family Challenge: Part One / Disc One


First disc completed. Okay, so looking back over the pilot episode. I remember watching it and realizing they wanted to be slightly clever by showcasing three families and not really having them overlap. So the last scene you realize that the "Modern Family" are all one big family. A clever conceit that luckily wasn't overt or too much of the focus. After that we get into the season. When the show originally aired last season I watched about the first three and then stopped. So, this was already worn territory. And in hindsight, they aren't the strongest. I preach "sticking with" shows. The first season is usually the weakest. It does take some time to get in a rhythm. I remember giving up on 30 Rock after about 4 episodes when it first aired but luckily I went back over some reruns and caught the rest of the season.

On this viewing, I will remove my complaint about it being too much about miscommunication. You could see where I would get that from. The cream puff incident on the plane. Oh you meant real cream puffs. The stolen bike. Why not just ask your son? The hot neighbor. Classic Phil? But, to be fair, those are few and far between.

But that being said, there still aren't a ton of laugh out loud moments. I do concur that it is a funny show, but I'm not sure it's always funny "Ha Ha". There's also something I realize about this show and why people love it. It's relatable. Most of my friends are married. Most have kids. They can relate to Phil & Claire. Or the baby situations with Cam & Mitch. In one way or another, they know these people and situations.

That's why I would relate more to Community, which a lot of Modern Family fans hate. If you can't relate to a thirty-something man child with no feelings who hangs out with a guy who relates to the world via the movies and TV shows he grew up watching, then you should count yourself lucky. I am surprised any women like Community. They don't have a surrogate female character.

But this is about Modern Family. I'm still unconvinced that its worth my time or DVR space, I am getting there. One disc down, two to go.

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you buy it?
No.

Would you rent it?
Already have.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Not yet.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The American


The American came out to some fanfare in September. It seemed released too early to be considered for an Oscar. It was released too late to be a summer tentpole. September is notorious for dumping your movies you can't market to audiences. That doesn't necessarily mean you have a bad film. It just means you don't know what to do with it.

What we have here is a movie about a real life James Bond. He's an assassain. It's not glamourous. It's lonely. It's quiet. You work and you wait. And that's what you get in this movie. A lot of short sentences. Quiet contemplation on screen. There is some action, but mostly it's the moments in between. Mole described it as a romantic In Bruge. I would consider it a quiet 007 movie. If you take both of those into consideration, you have a pretty good idea about what the movie is.

That's not a knock on the film. I think it is fantastic. I think Mole enjoyed it to a lesser extent that I did. But I would highly recommend it. What we both agreed on was that it isn't going to try and give you big twists. You might be looking for them, but it is straightfoward. Which in itself is a twist. Nowadays you are always looking for the rug to be pulled out from under you. To not have that happen actually makes for an interesting twist. (How telling is it that a movie that doesn't have a surprise ending actually IS the surprise).

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
You'd be hard pressed to find it still playing, but I wouldn't go again.

Would you buy it?
No.

Would you rent it?
Sure. And if you didn't see it, you should too.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Eh. It'd be a good nap movie, but probably not great for repeat viewing (except for the skin...).

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Social Network


I'm too old for Facebook. Yes, my ninety year old grandmother has a Facebook page. I say that "I'm too old" in reference only to the fact that I wasn't in on the ground floor. It was for college students long after I was out of college. Yes, I have a Facebook page. I deleted it for a while, then had to create a new one. Not because I was missing all the online fun. But when your whole family lives in another state, you sometimes want to know what is going on with them. And Facebook is really the easiest way for someone who doesn't want to pick up the phone (who does that anymore?).

What got me interested in this movie were two men: Aaron Sorkin (Qs) and David Fincher (Alien3). One of the best writers currently working and one of the best directors around getting together to tell the seedy tale of  the creation of Facebook. If they thought there was something interesting there, then so do I.

...And there is. Recently, my roommate and I were watching "The Soloist". When it was done, she said it was kind of boring because nothing really happens. I told her it was based on a true story. Sometimes in life nothing happens. And then sometimes you get sued for millions and millions of dollars for creating a website that everyone in almost every country has heard of.

Based on the biography "The Accidental Billionaires" the story is told in flashbacks during two different depositions. Both of them involve Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) the founder of "The Facebook". The movie is highly entertaining. It might be considered a little long for some and others might be thrown off by all the technical talk (APACHE server, anyone?). But if you can handle that, then are left with a story of a socially awkward teenage genius.


Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Yes.

Would you buy it?
No. I think there are few DVDs worth purchasing anymore.

Would you rent it?
Yes.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Yes.