Taped From New York...It's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

Television history is being made before your eyes...

It's not often that The Tonight Show gets a new host.

This is the 6th time in 60 years that someone new has taken over the desk.

The last time that I put any serious time into watching this show, Johnny Carson was the host.

When he said goodbye, I was upset that David Letterman lost the gig to Jay Leno, so I moved to CBS with Dave when Leno came onboard, and that's pretty much where I stayed for the next 22 years.

Sure, there were occasions when Jay would be on, usually because I had let an episode of ER or Law & Order run through the local news, and then The Tonight Show would start and the monologue would be half over before I realized I needed to change it.

I rarely found Jay Leno funny.

Amusing, sure.  

He's had lots of amusing bits over the years, but a great majority of those are because of the dumb people in America (Jay Walking, Headlines) moreso than anything Leno brought to the table.

Then there was the whole Conan O'Brian fiasco, and any begrudging respect I might have had for Jay over the years was washed away.

So it was with great happiness and a touch of skepticism that I welcomed the news that Jimmy Fallon was taking over The Tonight Show.

Taking it back to its roots in New York City.  Bringing a younger generational spin to the granddaddy of late night talk television.

Thanks to the Winter Olympics and a newborn, I watched The Tonight Show for seemingly the first time in a generation when Fallon came aboard.

And I laughed.

In fact, to sum up my feelings on the regime change:

I've laughed more in 2 weeks watching Jimmy Fallon than I did in 22 years with Jay Leno.

I've always been a fan of Jimmy Fallon since his days on Saturday Night Live.  His comic sensibilities and all around showmanship have been on display over the last two weeks.  

To be fair, I never watched an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Sorry, I was hooked on Craig Ferguson.

So, not being familiar with any of his routines from that show, I'm not sure what skits/routines are old bits, but they all work for this viewer.

Whether he's dancing with Will Smith looking at the history of hip hop dance or rapping with Justin Timberlake, there's nothing Fallon is afraid to try.

Pretty cool.

I'm happy to say that I'm once again a fan of The Tonight Show.

I think Johnny Carson would be proud of what Jimmy Fallon is bringing to the show and bringing it into the 21st Century.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: If I'm up, I'll keep tuning in.  Otherwise, I'll keep checking out the video highlights on YouTube/Facebook/Twitter, etc.

A Month Of Marginal Movies Comes To An End... "Elysium"

Elysium (2013)

Rated R for language and violence

Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Shalrto Copley

Directed by Neil Blomkamp

The Story:

In the year 2154, the wealthy have moved to Elysium, a man-made space station that keeps the inhabitants healthy and prosperous.  Naturally, none of this care and prosperity make it back to Earth, where people slave away, hoping to someday make it to Elysium.  Secretary Delacourt (Foster) wants to ensure no illegals ever make it to Elysium and employs extreme measures, such as sleeper agent Kruger (Copley) to make sure nobody leaves Earth.  When a former criminal (Damon) is faced with a chance to make something out of the last few days of his life, he fulfills a promise to his best friend to get her to Elysium.

There was an interesting sci fi flick crammed into a bloated mess about immigration laws.

Too slow and plodding, with the setup way too long for the inevitable payoff.

I think I fell asleep for 10 minutes, woke up, and apparently hadn't missed much.

I'm not sure how Jodie Foster received such top billing, she hardly is even in the movie. 

Unless it was the part I slept through?

:)

Final Grade: C-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Nah, an interesting idea hidden behind a bloated story is not my idea of something I want to watch again.

War Is Just A Game With A More Serious Outcome..."Ender's Game"

Ender's Game (2013)

Rated PG-13 for violence

Starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Aramis Knight

Directed by Gavin Hood

The Story:

In the future, the Earth was threatened by an alien race.  Saved by a heroic pilot (Kingsley), the Earth regrouped and has formed a battle fleet that will chase down the aliens and ensure that they are never again threatened by the species.  To do this, the military uses children who they push and assess to see if they can find their next great leader. Colonel Graff (Ford) believes he has found such a prodigy in Ender Wiggin (Butterfield) and he is recruited to lead the forces into battle.  But is a child really the right leader in the balance of life and death?

Well, it was no After Earth, thank goodness!

But again, I've been stuck in a rut with a bunch of average movies.

Granted, at the end of the day, that's way better than a bunch of terrible movies.

This film feels like it could have used a bit of trimming to shorten it's almost 2 hour runtime down to 90 minutes.

A few tweaks here and there, could have lifted this one a little higher.

No complaints with Harrison Ford, thankfully growing his hair back.  His gruff demeanor lends more believability to the film and tries to anchor it with his performance.

Ben Kingsley is also a nice, but wholly underused, addition to the cast. The character is integral to the film, and I would have liked to have seen more.

Otherwise, the kids engaging in military games, pushing each other in the pursuit of their objectives and the final question of who were the real monsters keep this film from being a total letdown.

Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could watch it again, but I'd be in no hurry.

Is The Movie Boring, Or Am I Suffering From "Paranoia" ?

Paranoia (2013)
Rated PG-13  for language

Starring Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, Harrison Ford, Amber Heard

Directed by Robert Luketic

The Story:

Adam (Hemsworth) is a cocky know-it-all at a technology firm run by Nicholas Wyatt (Oldman).  When he gets fired, he takes his company card and his team out on the town for one last hurrah.  Wyatt is irritated and drags Adam back in.  He's going to set him up to go undercover for his rival, Jock Goddard (Ford) and steal secrets.  What a tangled web we're weaving...

Another "should have been better..." film.

You've got Oldman and Ford, but the two barely spend any screen time together.

The two do everything they can to elevate the proceedings whenever they are onscreen, but really, it's not a lot to keep you engrossed.

The sinister-ness is downplayed and mostly the movie peddles along at a clip just around boredom.

That, and Ford should leave his hair alone, he looks terrible with that short-cropped stubble.


If you want a good twist and turn movie, watch The Firm instead.


Final Grade: C-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: That's a neither to both.

R.I.P. Harold Ramis 1944-2014

The world became a much less amusing place Monday with the passing of Harold Ramis.

He was a triple threat in Hollywood: Writer. Director. Actor.

Of the 3, he was probably most famous, and will be remembered for his acting role(s), most notably as Dr. Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters.

However, it was likely his writing that won over most of us as fans in the first place.

Animal House, 1978

  "Ladies and gentlemen, I'll be brief. The issue here is not whether we broke a few rules, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - we did.

But you can't hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole fraternity system?

And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our educational institutions in general?

I put it to you, Greg - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society?

Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America.

Gentlemen!"

Harold Ramis' first writing assignment for the big screen: Animal House.

If he had done nothing further with his writing career, that would be pretty impressive.

But Ramis wasn't done yet...

Meatballs, 1979

 "And even if we win, if we win, HAH! Even if we win! Even if we play so far above our heads that our noses bleed for a week to ten days; even if God in Heaven above comes down and points his hand at our side of the field; even if every man woman and child held hands together and prayed for us to win, it just wouldn't matter because all the really good looking girls would still go out with the guys from Mohawk because they've got all the money! It just doesn't matter if we win or we lose. IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER"

In 1979, Meatballs was released.  Again, Ramis was one of the writers, and he worked with Bill Murray and director Ivan Reitman for the first time.

This is an underrated classic in my opinion, and I watched this movie countless times on tv growing up.

However, sandwiched between Animal House and his next film, Meatballs often gets overlooked.

Caddyshack, 1980

  "License to kill gophers by the government of the United Nations. Man, free to kill gophers at will. To kill, you must know your enemy, and in this case my enemy is a varmint. And a varmint will never quit - ever. They're like the Viet Cong - Varmint Cong. So you have to fall back on superior intelligence and superior firepower. And that's all she wrote."

Once again, a film written by Harold Ramis, but also for the first time, he sits behind the director's chair.

How did he do?

It's in the hole!

This is the undeniable sports classic when it comes to golf, Caddyshack will live forever.

It was 1981 when I became aware of Harold Ramis, the actor...

Stripes, 1981

 "Army Training, Sir!"

10 years old, and I went to the movies with my parents and we saw Stripes.

Yes, I have awesome parents.

While much of the movie may have soared over my head at the time, the premise of the story was straightforward enough, and the acting and writing were, and still are, hilarious.

This was the 2nd time that Ramis, Murray and Reitman worked together.

Even more successful than their first outing, but nothing would prepare them for what came next when they all worked together.

However, it was time for Ramis to direct his 2nd feature film before that happened...

National Lampoon's Vacation, 1983

No Bill Murray this time, but he did call upon a Caddyshack alumni to lead as Clark Griswold.  This movie still holds up well after all these years, and is only overshadowed by Christmas Vacation thanks to the annual replayability during the holidays.


Then, the phenomenon happened, and thanks to the title song, lives to this day thanks to 80s radio airplay...

Ghostbusters, 1984

"We're ready to believe you!"

Once again, Ramis writes for Murray and directed by Reitman.

Easily the biggest hit of their careers, and a movie that is still great, 30 years later.

Sadly, the much rumored Part 3 won't happen now.

Fast forward to 1993, and Ramis and Murray teamed together one last time, and created a masterpiece...

Groundhog Day, 1993

"This is pitiful. A thousand people freezing their butts off waiting to worship a rat. What a hype. Groundhog Day used to mean something in this town. They used to pull the hog out, and they used to eat it. You're hypocrites, all of you!"

Written and directed by Ramis, and starring Bill Murray, this was their last collaboration together.

The movie is cinematic genius, partly due to Murray's delivery, but Ramis' direction is effortless and his writing is as crisp and sharp as it ever was.

I will cap off Ramis' career with one last film (even though it had a sequel...)

Analyze This, 1999

"I wasn't really gonna whack you."

"Paul..."

"Okay, I was gonna whack you. But I was real conflicted about it."

Harold Ramis wrote and directed Analyze This starring Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro.

It's brave enough to write a comedy and have it star Billy Crystal, who is already hilarious.

But they took DeNiro and gave him a sense of humor.

And it worked!


The low points to Harold Ramis' career are really inconsequential.

He left us with a legacy of work that, at least for me, makes him one of unquestioned great cinematic comic minds of the late 20th Century.

I will miss his further contributions to film.

I will cherish those memories he gave us.


R.I.P.

Be Yourself...Or At Least Someone Else..."A Case of You"

A Case of You (2013)
Rated R for language

Starring Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood

Directed by Kat Coiro

The Story:

Sam (Long) is a writer who is looking for his muse to break out from the hack jobs he's been hired to write.  He meets Birdie (Wood) and is totally smitten.  Of course, she is fired from her job, and Sam takes to finding her by stalking her Facebook page.  Using her page to try and impress her, the two begin dating.  But the more in love he falls with her, the less of Sam is really being offered.  Will he continue to lie to impress the girl of his dreams, or come clean and risk losing her?

This is another one of those films that I wanted to like more than I did.

Nothing inherently wrong with it, and it passes 90 minutes fairly well.

However, when you're a romantic comedy, you have two very important hurdles to clear.

Be Funny.
Be Romantic.

How did this one fair?

It should have been funnier.

It should have been more romantic.

Again, one I'll chalk up to missed opportunities.

A great list of cameos that popped in to small, pivotal-ish roles to help the narrative along.

Vince Vaughn, Sam Rockwell and Brendan Fraser to name but a few.

Not terrible, not wonderful.

Give it a whirl if you're so inclined.

Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Nah, I'm good, thanks.

Time To Play The Game... "Triple H: Thy Kingdom Come"

WWE: Triple H- Thy Kingdom Come

Starring Triple H, The Rock, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Jim Ross, The Undertaker

The Story:

The WWE returns with another excellent documentary, this time chronicling the career of Triple H.

I've made no secret that I think Triple H is one of my favorite wrestlers of all time.

While The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin were the undeniable stars of the WWE during the Attitude Era, Triple H made an excellent foil for them both when they were not facing off against each other.

It's fun going back and watching his rise to stardom from very humble beginnings to where he is today.

I also make no secret that I find the criticism that he married the boss' daughter being the only reason that caused him to make it to the top, to be complete rubbish.

He was at the top before their relationship ever happened, and he has been far removed from the main title picture for so long now, it's not even remotely valid criticism.

The only thing it did allow, was for a smoother transition to the other side of helping run the WWE as his in-ring career winds down.

Which is really no different than what Vince McMahon has done for dozens of wrestlers who help behind the scenes after they hang up the boots.

Triple H just gets a bigger office.

;)

Great documentary, now available for streaming on Netflix as of this writing.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'd love to add this to the WWE collection side of the DVD library. :)

"The Real Story: Indiana Jones" Or, At Least That's What They Claim

The Real Story: Indiana Jones (2009)

The Story:

The Smithsonian Channel began a series in 2009 where they looked at the behind the scenes real-life stories that may have inspired some of Hollywood's biggest hits. From the first season, a look at the stories that may have inspired Indiana Jones.

While George Lucas and Steven Spielberg say that Indiana Jones was a throwback to the movie serials of the 30s and 40s, apparently those serials were inspired by Roy Chapman Andrews, adventurous archaeologist.  While his were purely scientific endeavors, a German scholar, Otto Rahn spent his life searching for the Holy Grail.

Through recreations and archival footage, the show makes a case that these were the real inspirations, whether Lucas or Spielberg knew it or not.

Again, not a bad show, but a lot of repetition of stock footage and the same facts throughout the 43 minute run time.  I suppose with commercials, this works, but going from start to finish without a bathroom or kitchen break... this show should be paced at 30 minutes.

:)

Now streaming on Netflix as of this writing.

Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Once was good.  I may give another shot or two at some of their other episodes.

Ready For The Weekend? Better Have An "Escape Plan" From Work

Escape Plan (2013)
Rated R for Violence and language

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel

Directed by Mikael Hafstrom

The Story:

Ray Breslin(Stallone) lives to break out of prisons.  He is hired to analyze, test and escape from the best prisons on the planet.  When the Feds come looking to have Breslin check out the greatest prison ever developed, he agrees, but soon finds himself trapped in a prison with all of his fail-safes gone.  He meets another inmate (Schwarzenegger) and the two begin to slowly hatch Breslin's escape plan.  But with the Warden's (Caviezel) ever present guards and cameras, it looks like this could be the end of Breslin's storied career of being able to escape.

This was a fun little movie!

The previews didn't lie, and I had a great time watching the film.

I don't think any kids growing up in the 80s would think that we would still see Arnold and Sly making movies 30 years later, but I'm glad they are.

And for the most part, lately, their movies are turning out to be as good, or better, than much of the stuff they were in from the 80s on through to today.

That's not bad at all.

Caviezel's warden seems to be missing a few pieces of his character, probably on the cutting room floor.  He's an odd duck, to say the least, but he is disturbingly effective in his role.

Also nice to see Sam Neill pop up as the prison doctor.  Haven't seen him in ages.

Give it a shot if you haven't yet seen it.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I quite enjoyed this one, and would have no problem owning or watching it again.

A Peek Behind Hollywood's Curtains... "America's Sweethearts"

America's Sweethearts (2001)

Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Cusack, Hank Azaria, Christopher Walken, Seth Green

Directed by Joe Roth

The Story:

Lee Phillips (Crystal) has been fired as a movie publicist by his boss (Stanley Tucci).  However, when the latest film is being held hostage by director Hal Weidmann (Walken) they beg Lee to come back and try and save the movie that stars the split power couple of Gwen and Eddie (Zeta-Jones and Cusack).  Can Lee save the movie and the couple?

I may be in the  minority but I am one of the few that likes this movie.

I found the film to be very funny and engaging when normally all-star films like this flop.

With Crystal as the helm as one of the writers, all of the characters have a unique voice and vision within the film.  Even the smallest parts have something to add overall to the film.

Hank Azaria probably has the best role in the film as the home-wrecking Spaniard with the crazy accent. :)

It's an interesting, if madcap look at life behind the camera as well for Hollywood stars. 

You can see the romantic setups coming from a mile away, but with the cast and storyline that's assembled, it is definitely a ride worth taking.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I do own a copy of this movie, and I would say it gets a spin every few years.

At Least You Know There Will Be No Sequel... "Last Vegas"

Last Vegas (2013)
Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen
Directed by Jon Turtletaub

The Story:

Billy (Douglas), Paddy (DeNiro), Archie (Freeman) and Sam (Kline) are lifelong best friends.  When Billy calls Archie and Sam to let them know he is finally tying the knot and saying goodbye to nearly 60 years of bachelorhood, the guys plan a road trip to Vegas to celebrate.  However all four have to be there, and Paddy and Billy had a bit of a falling out.  Archie and Sam will work on getting Paddy to the party, but when all four friends are together, some differences between friends simply have to be resolved.

This is another one of those films that should have been much, much better than it was.

As it is, it's okay.

Nothing great.
But with these four actors on the screen, you're getting quality performances by them all.

It's just that many of the situations of dialogue that they are given don't live up to the moment.

Even the Morgan Freeman factor can't propel this one to greater heights.

That said, the final act helps bring the overall feeling of the movie up a bit.

Good, but not great.

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could watch it again, but have no need to buy it.

"In A World..." Was Way Too Boring To Endure...

In A World (2013)
Rated R for language

Starring Lake Bell, Fred Melamed, Rob Corddry
Written and Directed by Lake Bell

The Story:

Carol (Bell) is a voice coach who lives in the shadow of her father Sam (Melamed), the current king of the voice overs now that Don LaFontaine has passed away.  As a new gig is announced that will use the "In A World..." intonation, whoever lands this job will likely become the new king.  Carol wants that king to be a queen and she tries to land a job reserved exclusively for men.

Or that's what the story seemed liked.

There was also a romance involved.

However, 20 minutes in, and I really still didn't care for any of the characters and I turned it off.

Perhaps I missed out on greatness, I guess I'll never know.

As someone who is a big fan of voice-over actors, heck it was the first "dream job" I remember wanting to have as a child.  My hope was to grow up and become the next Mel Blanc. :)

Nope, I just never latched on to these characters.

The longer it played, the more glazed over my eyes became.

Sorry, Lake Bell, I was not a fan.

Final Grade: D

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: None whatsoever.

You Know Their Music...Now Learn Their Names. "20 Feet From Stardom"

20 Feet From Stardom (2013)
Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Bruce Springsteen, Sting

The Story:

As the title states, 20 feet from the lead singer, these backup singers are what provided much of the hook for the music of the 60s and 70s.  Odds are, you already know the songs, and like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love, you know the voices.  You just don't know the names to the ladies in question.  Or, as we'll learn, many times their vocals were sent out under different names entirely.

It's a fascinating  look at the ladies who became stars in their own right, even if the public never knew who they were.

Darlene Love, whose biggest solo hit, Christmas(Baby Please Come Home) is revisited every year on The Late Show with David Letterman is indeed the most famous of all the singers, but by no means is she the only talented backup singer profiled in this documentary.

Again, while the majority of this documentary looks back at the powerful vocalists who helped define the sounds of the 60s and 70s, there are still background singers today, backing some of the biggest acts.

They just aren't as prolific as they once were.

Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and Sting, among others, extol the virtues of these ladies and how important to the work and sound they truly are.

Sheryl Crow, herself a former backup singer offers some insight as well, as possibly one of the most famous backups to make the long 20 foot walk to the center of the stage.

An amazing soundtrack to a really good movie.

Now streaming on Netflix if you're interested.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I don't think I would need to own it, but would have no problem watching this very well made documentary again.

You Say You Want A (Musical) Revolution Weekend..."Billy Joel: A Matter of Trust-TheBridge To Russia"

Billy Joel: A Matter of Trust- The Bridge to Russia (2014)

Starring Billy Joel, Russia :)

Directed by Jim Brown

The Story:

In the summer of 1987, Billy Joel was the first western act to bring Rock & Roll to Russia  to tour behind the Iron Curtain.

Within 2 years, the Berlin Wall was knocked down.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Joel's six concerts in Moscow and Leningrad were filmed, and some footage was shown on HBO back in 87.

Now, a new special with additional footage and new interviews reflecting on that tour are shown, currently playing on Showtime.




It's a great time capsule of a time in transition, captured perfectly by Joel's energetic performance.

The songs are wonderful, and the atmosphere of the entire production is infectious.

This is what Americans felt when the Beatles came on Ed Sullivan.

That's pretty cool to witness in retrospect.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I wouldn't have any problem watching it again, always been a huge Billy Joel fan.

You Say You Want A (Musical) Revolution Weekend... "The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles"

The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles

Feb 9th, 1964.

Ed Sullivan introduced the Fab Four to North America.

The world was never the same.

While the Beatles didn't create Rock & Roll, they did redefine it.

50 Years later, the Grammys pulls out an all-star tribute to the Beatles.

Here's some thoughts I had as the extravaganza unfolded...

First, I don't think I will poke too many holes in the performers that got up on stage and offered their renditions.  Some more faithful than others.  Some that were cleverly repackaged.

Why?

Well, it's two-fold.

First, it takes some nerves to get up on stage that is pandering to an audience filled with other singers and celebrities and saying "I'm going to do a Beatles song!"

Then, multiply that by infinity, because you're also doing this performance in front of Paul and Ringo!

As the cameraman caught all throughout the night, Paul McCartney loves to singalong to the Beatles songs.  I would imagine it's reflex.

Next, I think they really, really, really missed out by not having Dhani Harrison and Julian Lennon get up on stage and perform at least one number with Paul and Ringo.  It would have been surreal and awesome.  Surreally awesome, even!



Loved the backstage interviews with the crew that was there on that night, as well as Letterman's interviews with Paul and Ringo back on the actual Ed Sullivan stage where it all began.

It could have used some editing, and it sounds like a DVD could come out with the trimmed for time footage.

I wish they would have aired the Beatles entire performance on the Ed Sullivan show, but again, perhaps they will add that to the DVD.

I think they could also do without so much showing the audience during these shows.  I'm not watching to see what other people think of musicians singing.  I want to see them singing.

Otherwise you end up panning to Tom Hanks awkwardly caught not singing to Hey Jude at the end.

Tsk tsk Mr. Hanks.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I don't think I'll buy it on DVD, but I've got it recorded and there were a few numbers worth revisiting in the future.

Proof I Saw One Good Film This Week... "Captain Phillips"

Captain Phillips (2013)
Rated PG-13 for language and violence

Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi
Directed by Paul Greengrass

The Story:

Captain Phillips (Hanks) kisses his wife (Keener) goodbye and heads out to captain his container ship through the dangerous waters off of Somalia in 2009.  When his vessel is boarded by pirate captain Muse (Abdi), Phillips winds up in a hostage situation and his only chance at survival is the intervention of the U.S. Navy.

This is a movie that sneaks up on you.

It is equal parts drama, and thriller.

The suspense ratchets up a notch at a time with each passing moment, until it all explodes at the end of the film in a climax that ends the situation in but a moment.

Hanks is great, as always, inhabiting the role of Captain Phillips.  His performance is subtle and you can't help but feel for his character as he does everything he can to keep his ship safe...then his crew...then himself.

When the final act unfolds, I found myself a little misty eyed at the conclusion of the rescue effort.

That's how masterfully Greengrass was able to pull off a rather straightforward action yarn so that you feel nearly as exhausted as Phillips by the end of his ordeal.

Well done.

Final Grade: B+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: While not a film I'd likely buy, I would watch it again in the future.

Senior Citizen Tomfoolery..."Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa"

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)
Rated R for language and nudity

Starring Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll
Directed by Jeff Tremaine

The Story:

Irving (Knoxville) is elated now that his wife has passed on.  He's a free man who can enjoy the pursuits of happiness that all 86 year old men want: Strippers.  Ah, but when he is suddenly saddled with his grandson (Nicoll) on a road trip from Nebraska to North Carolina, the two get into a myriad of crazy adventures as Irving must give the boy up to his deadbeat father.  Of course, road trips have a way of bonding people, and perhaps Irving will get more than he bargained for out of this road trip.

Okay, that's basically the summary of the bridge that holds together a collection of hidden camera stunts for Knoxville to pull on unsuspecting people across America.

What Happened?

Some are crazier than others.

Some are downright hysterical.

Much of the amusement comes from the reactions of all of the people that witness what is happening.

I think the guy pictured above is still ticked off about his penguin.

:)

If you've watched any of the Jackass series or movies, you know exactly what you're getting here.

The extra heart comes from the attempt at a bonding road trip story between grandfather and grandson.  Any time it begins to get truly sentimental, don't worry, they'll throw something at you to break up the moment.

My favorite stunt:

The talent contest at the girls beauty pageant.

She...Uh...He's My Cherry Pie...

Absolutely hilarious.

Plus, Cherry Pie is just an exceptionally good song.

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I've seen it once, I'm good to go.

Celebrating The Youth of Today..."The Bling Ring"

The Bling Ring (2013)

Rated R for language

 

Starring Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson, Claire Julien

 

Directed by Sofia Coppola

 

The Story:

 

A group of teens use social media to track their favorite celebrities, then break into their houses and rob them blind while the celebs are out partying.  And yes, it's based on true events.

 

Meh.

 

That's my overall reaction to this movie.

 

Of course, that's been my reaction to the entirety of Coppola's directing efforts that I've seen.

 

Yes, including Lost in Translation.

 

It was competent enough, but never really engaged me.

I'll Show Him Competent Enough...

 

I never really connected with any of the kids, so didn't feel anything but indifference when they got caught and punished.

 

And really, all they did was trade in their criminal behavior for a quick 15 minutes of fame.

 

Only in America.

 

Final Grade: D+

 

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I had enough of my time stolen already, I'm good.

Do You Suffer From "A.C.O.D." ? You Just Might...

A.C.O.D. (2013)
Rated R for language

Starring Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Amy Poehler, Jane Lynch

Directed by Stu Zicherman

The Story:

Carter (Scott) is an Adult Child of Divorce (ACOD) from his parents Hugh (Jenkins) and Melissa (O'Hara).  The two despise each other, and their relationship has forever scarred how Carter thinks of love.  When his younger brother (Clark Duke) is going to get married, Carter wants to make sure both of his parents come, but at least pretend to be civil with one another.  When Carter discovers that this reunion has caused the two of them to engage in an adulterous fling with one another, his world begins to come crashing down around him.

I had high hopes for this film, and felt like it never lived up to the potential.

It has an amazingly talented cast, but much of the scenes just don't sparkle with crisp gags or anything.

The movie waffles between laugh out loud funny and just amusing.

Is Walking In On Your Parents Hilarious or Amusing?

Sometimes it also wants to bring a little drama to the proceedings.

It may be this balance that was most troubling aspect of the film.

The actors are all really good, but much of their dialogue or situations just sort of happen with no rhyme or reason.

The potential for Adam Scott as he realizes that he is actually a test subject in a book about children of divorce is ripe for the picking, but really that entire subplot just fizzles on the vine.  Aside from introducing Jessica Alba to the movie, for no other reason than to have Jessica Alba in the movie apparently.

I think that I had 3 really HA HA moments and otherwise, just an amused smile from time to time.

That's a disservice to what this film would, and should have delivered.

Too much squandered potential.

Especially with the cast of this pedigree.

Dude, He Totally Didn't Love This Movie!

As the credits roll, the crew weighs in with their thoughts on divorce, and it's amazing how many are indeed scarred by their parent's divorce, and most want nothing to do with marriage.

Sad.

Final Grade C-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Nope, the disappointment is still too fresh.

Miley Monday!! Get Ready To Go "So Undercover" !!

So Undercover (2012)
Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Miley Cyrus, Jeremy Piven, Mike O'Malley, Joshua Bowman, Lauren McKnight

Directed by Tom Vaughan

The Story:

Molly(Cyrus) is a private eye working with her dad (O'Malley).  She is approached by FBI Agent Armon (Piven) and asked to go undercover to provide protection to Alex(McKnight), a college sorority girl who may be in danger because of her dad turning evidence against the mob.  As Molly tries to fit in, she begins to unravel the mystery of who might be out to get Alex, and it could be the handsome student (Bowman) who she might just be falling for.

You've seen this before, it was called Miss Congeniality, and yes, it was better than this one.

We're Going To Come In Like A Wrecking Ball...

That said, this wasn't an abysmal viewing experience that you might think it was.

This was probably Miley's last movie where she attempted to bridge her Hannah Montana fame with her new adult superstardom and lost her mind.

Nice time capsule of what used to be.

You Say "Twerking" Is The Wave Of The Future?

All involved do a fine job, and besides a bit of language, this is a made for tv/direct to DVD movie all the way.

Again, that's not always a bad thing.

You will see all the twists and turns that they attempt to throw at you coming from a mile away, but at a brisk 90 minute run time, really, I've got no complaints.

Nothing great, but nothing terrible.  I've endured much worse. ;)


Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could watch it again if I was channel surfing, but otherwise no real need to run out and own this one.

Today's Review Is Designed To Fly Under The Radar... "Stealth"

Stealth (2005)
Rated PG 13 for Language

Starring Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Sam Shepard

Directed by Rob L. Cohen

The Story:

The Navy has developed a fighter jet with an artificial intelligence running the show.  Teaching it the ropes are three of the Navy's best, Lt's Gannon (Lucas), Wade (Biel) and Purcell (Foxx).  But when lightning strikes the jet, the A.I. malfunctions and decides it must take out all hostiles.  Can the 3 humans talk some sense into their computerized counterpart before World War III starts?


Remember War Games and Short Circuit?  Mash the two together, and there you go.

:)

Okay, not quite, but that might have been more interesting than what we got.

And really, this film isn't really that bad...

It just wasn't as good as it should have been.

Josh Lucas does fine as the leading man, and perhaps of the 3, is the most believable as a great Navy pilot.

Does This Flight Suit Make Me Look Fat?

Biel suffers a similar fate to Denise Richards in a Bond movie, and she just doesn't seem that believable as a fighter pilot.

Then there's Jamie Foxx who rebounded from this one to snag an Oscar for Ray.

Does This Flight Suit Make Me Look Like An Oscar Winner ?

Shepard plays the human villain role, but his is more from a misguided duty than pure evil.

Most disappointing were the cheesy special effects.

No offense, but when a jet smacks into a mountain, don't go slow motion, it just really destroys the credibility of your movie.  Better to just hit it with an explosion than show a really poor model crumbling into a ball.

This is the 2nd time I've seen it since it was released.

I think I liked it better the first time I saw it and thought I would purchase it in the future.

Now?

Final Grade: C-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Nah, future me has talked myself out of it. ;)

Looking For An Over-The-Top Comic Book Movie? "Kick-Ass 2"

Kick-Ass 2
Rated R for Language and Violence

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Donald Faison, Morris Chestnut

Directed by Jeff Wadlow

The Story:

Inspired by the heroics of Kick-Ass (Taylor-Johnson) other citizens are now donning costumes to make a difference on the streets.  They create a group and invite Kick-Ass to join.  Hit-Girl (Moretz) is being raised by her guardian (Chestnut) and is finding a hard time adjusting to life as a vigilante being watched by an overprotective cop.  Meanwhile, The Red Mist (Mintz-Plasse) is plotting his revenge with a new name and a band of thugs all his own.  Soon all the stories will overlap, and things will hit the fan!

The adaptation of the Graphic Novel by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. continues!

The first Kick-Ass film was okay.

Over-the-top violence with some funny dialogue and characterization sprinkled throughout.

If you liked the first one, you'll like the sequel.

I Did It For The Money!

Jim Carrey is amazingly subdued as Colonel Stars and Stripes.

I'm not sure what his beef with the movie was, he knew how violent the first one was, and I'm sure he read the script for this one...

So it just struck me as odd when he refused to promote the film.

Ah well, but to each their own.

The Star Of The Show

Moretz is the real star of the franchise thus far and she should have a bright career in Hollywood as she's got the charisma to keep the audience glued to the screen when she's on.

Final Grade: B-/C+ range

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Sorry, I'll stick with the Marvel movies, I can enjoy those with my kids.

Rough Seas Ahead..."Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters"

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)
Rated PG for Violence

Starring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Douglas Smith, Leven Rambin, Brandon T. Jackson, Anthony Head, Stanley Tucci

Directed by Thor Freudenthal

The Story:

The halflings of the gods return as their safe haven is threatened by outside forces that want to destroy the gods of Olympus.  The only way to save the world is to hunt down the Golden Fleece.  However it is Percy Jackson's (Lerman) rival Clarisse (Rambin) who is selected for the quest.  However Percy and his best friends Annabeth (Daddario) and Grover (Jackson) go on their own quest.  They are joined by Percy's newly discovered half-brother, Tyson (Smith), who just so happens to be a Cyclops.

I enjoyed the first Percy Jackson film, and no, nobody in the family has ever bothered to read the books, so no comparison to the source material will be forthcoming.

It's an enjoyable movie that's suitable for the whole family to watch together.

It's also been a few years since the first film, so now I'm curious to go back and watch it again and see how this story builds off of it.

Naturally, not enough time is given to Head and Tucci to be much more than plot device managers, but they both do a fine job with their limited screen time.

Plus, Tucci probably has the funniest line/gag in the whole movie, so that's something.

:)

I Am Stanley Tucci... Acting God!

The story itself is fairly straightforward, but it helps tie the two movies together rather nicely.  Some of the action sequences are tremendously inventive and fun, and the special effects are really well done throughout.

Wondering how the actual aging of the stars will affect future sequels, but sign me up for a third installment, because they leave on enough of a cliffhanger to want to see what happens next.

That's much better than the alternative.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I will likely pick  it up in the future and add it to the library next to the first installment.

A Movie Review You May Or May Not Refuse..."The Family"

The Family (2013)
Rated R for Language and Violence

Starring Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron, John D'Leo, Tommy Lee Jones

Directed and written by Luc Besson

The Story:

Fred Blake (DeNiro) and his family (Pfeiffer, Agron and D'Leo) are a Mafia family in witness protection who keep getting relocated by Agent Stansfield (Jones) because the Mafia is gunning (literally!) for them.  But while you can take the family out of New York and into a sleepy French town, they don't exactly leave their instincts behind with how they deal with problems.  As Fred begins penning his memoirs, the family he snitched on is closing in on finding their location.

Another little gem from Besson, but it starts off a little slower than many of his films.

However, it remains infinitely watchable throughout, and DeNiro plays a mob guy better than pretty much anyone at this point in his career.

Don't get me started on how surreal it becomes late in the film when he attends a screening of Goodfellas to comment on how realistic that movie is.

Am I Talking About Me?

:)

Stroke of genius.

As I've mentioned previously, it's great to see Pfeiffer back on the screen.  It seems like years went by with nothing from her, and suddenly she's popping up all over the place.  She's a great actress, and it's great to have her back.

Tommy Lee Jones is great, as always, if a bit underused in the film.

However, I am thankful that they didn't use the tried and true Agent is a snitch angle and kept him on the straight and narrow trying to protect his assignment.

While I cannot condone the methods that Frank and his family use for solving problems, many of them would actually cause stress levels to drop and customer satisfaction to rise if they were practices used by everyday consumers.

:)

Final Grade: C+/B- area

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Not a purchase, but I could watch it again in the future with no problem.

Don't Mess With The Fro... "Undercover Brother"

Undercover Brother (2002)
Rated R for language

Starring Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Aunjanue Ellis, Dave Chappelle, Chi McBride, Neil Patrick Harris

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee

The Story:

"The Man" has plans to take aspiring political candidate, General Boutwell (Billy Dee Williams) off the map, and have him start a fried chicken franchise with a mental drug in the coating which will brainwash the black customers that eat the chicken, and make them act "more white".  Well, the secret group, The BROTHERHOOD is trying to stop The Man, but they need the help of the coolest agent of them all: Undercover Brother (Griffin).  Who will win this high stakes race war?!?

Forgive my description of the movie, but it's one that I have to either reveal very little, or I have to spill the whole thing.

I'd rather err on the side of caution.

This Review Is Solid!

This is one of the funniest movies I've seen, and I've watched it dozens of times since it first came out.

Hilarious from start to finish.

Griffin is on fire as Undercover Brother, and the entire cast assembled around him is terrific.

As the agents of The BROTHERHOOD, you have The Chief (McBride), Sistah Girl (Ellis) Conspiracy Brother(Chappelle) and Smart Brother (Gary Anthony Williams).  They are joined by the token white guy, Lance (Harris).

Solid!

 

To say that Harris steals nearly every scene he's in is an understatement.

And that takes some serious doing, because so does Chappelle every chance he gets, and Griffin works overtime to make sure that he remains consistently hilarious.

Success all around.

I would be remiss to not mention that Kattan probably has his best movie role as Mr. Feather, the # 1 henchman for The Man.

Then there's Denise Richards who carries herself better here as White She Devil than she ever did as a Bond Girl.

Truth in Advertising

Go ahead and watch this movie.

I dare you not to laugh.

:)

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Love it. Own it.  Watch it at least once a year.  Still hilarious every time.