This movie had a place on my blog before it ever existed. I remember sneaking in to see American Pie with a buddy of mine while we were on vacation with my grandparents. Ah, good times... noodle salad.
Anyways. This movie is only for people who grew up with the other films. Not the "Band Camp" or "Naked Mile" either. I mean American Pie 1,2, and Wedding. This movie reunites us with our long lost friends greading up for their late 10 year reunion.
Everybody comes back for the reunion. Jim (Jason Biggs), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Vicky (Tara Reid), Stifler (Sean William-Scott), Heather (Mina Suvari), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), The Milf Guys, Shermanator, Nadia, Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy), and even Stifler's Mom. Which is awesome.
Almost all the jokes revolve around our past experiences with these characters. So if you haven't seen the old ones (DO) then don't waste your time. You won't care about any of this. Some of the jokes aged better than others.
The sound track was the sound track of my youth, and every time I would notice a new song I remembered all the same junk this movie wants you to remember. Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, Chumbawumba. Yeah, I dug it.
It was a reliving of the memories of years past with poop jokes, sexual tensions, and awkward moments. Just like I remember.
It also has those weird sweet moments that the others had. You don't really see until they are there. Like the freindships, or Jim and Michelles relationship. It really kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. even admist all the dirty humor.
This movie is just for us whom American Pie was their "teen-sex comedy". If it wasn't yours then don't bother, but me and my generation will love it for what it was as well as is.
Memories....
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Three Stooges (2012)
Again I preface this by noting the "2012". The Three Stooges are an icon trio of comedy, and if you do not know who they are then quit reading and go away. I do not want to be your friend.
I had made up my mind about this movie before I went to watch it. I knew there was no way that this movie could not suck. It was a remake, and a remake of icons of the industry. It had to suck. And it wasn't terrible. I liked it. For several reasons.
This movie knows what it is, and that it had an insurmountable mountain to climb. But they made a good go at it. I watched a mini marathon of the Stooges on AMC the night before watching this movie. Do you know what this movie was? More of an homage than a remake. Everyone seemed to work very hard to make this as much like the originals in modern times as possible. It was even broken up in to episodes. It is good, old fashion, obvious, slap stick humor. It was directed in such a way as to show the art of what their predecessors did before them, and acted to augment that direction.
Our Stooges Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso), and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) were all just mirror images of the past. their chemistry and fluidity was wonderful. Who impressed me more than them was the little them played by:Lance Chantiles-Wertz, Robert Capron, Skyler Gisondo respectively. These young gentlemen did not get that much time, but made good use of the time they had.
This movie is dumb, goofy, and slapstick. Despite its many modern follies, again I liked it. Cause that is not what i thought it was about. If you don't like the Stooges or sight gags, then pass. However if you are student (like myself) of all things comedy watch, remember, enjoy.
I had made up my mind about this movie before I went to watch it. I knew there was no way that this movie could not suck. It was a remake, and a remake of icons of the industry. It had to suck. And it wasn't terrible. I liked it. For several reasons.
This movie knows what it is, and that it had an insurmountable mountain to climb. But they made a good go at it. I watched a mini marathon of the Stooges on AMC the night before watching this movie. Do you know what this movie was? More of an homage than a remake. Everyone seemed to work very hard to make this as much like the originals in modern times as possible. It was even broken up in to episodes. It is good, old fashion, obvious, slap stick humor. It was directed in such a way as to show the art of what their predecessors did before them, and acted to augment that direction.
Our Stooges Larry (Sean Hayes), Curly (Will Sasso), and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos) were all just mirror images of the past. their chemistry and fluidity was wonderful. Who impressed me more than them was the little them played by:Lance Chantiles-Wertz, Robert Capron, Skyler Gisondo respectively. These young gentlemen did not get that much time, but made good use of the time they had.
This movie is dumb, goofy, and slapstick. Despite its many modern follies, again I liked it. Cause that is not what i thought it was about. If you don't like the Stooges or sight gags, then pass. However if you are student (like myself) of all things comedy watch, remember, enjoy.
21 Jump Street (2012)
I put the "2012" notation on this just in case there are audience members who do not know that this is a reboot from the 80's.
Now that that is out of the way I can just say how much fun I had at this movie. Basic idea is that two less than stellar cops are reassigned to a revived program to help bring down a growing drug ring.
I had started to miss the Jonah Hill of old. He comes roaring back with all the one liners and hilarity you would hope for. The one that surprised me was Channing Tatum he let himself be funny and he was. Hill and Tatum also had a good buddy vibe. Which was the driving force of this story.
Our very adorable female lead was Brie Larson. She is our kind hearted, obviously was more than just naive, love interest for Jonah.
There is of course Dave Franco (we can just do away with James, now. We have his clone), Booze Cruise to me and my crew (Rob Riggle) who is always hilarious, Ice Cube, Ellie Kemper, and a new favorite of mine Mr. Jake M. Johnson. All of these people round out a very entertaining cast.
What sold this movie the most to me is that the people who made this movie know that you are thinking, "Great another BS remake." And they embrace that vibe and make fun of themselves. They make fun of themselves almsot the entire time, because not only is it a gap between original and new. But also in Hill and Tatum and their new friends.
All things considered this is how I like my remakes. As original as it can be, and funny in the same measure.
Now that that is out of the way I can just say how much fun I had at this movie. Basic idea is that two less than stellar cops are reassigned to a revived program to help bring down a growing drug ring.
I had started to miss the Jonah Hill of old. He comes roaring back with all the one liners and hilarity you would hope for. The one that surprised me was Channing Tatum he let himself be funny and he was. Hill and Tatum also had a good buddy vibe. Which was the driving force of this story.
Our very adorable female lead was Brie Larson. She is our kind hearted, obviously was more than just naive, love interest for Jonah.
There is of course Dave Franco (we can just do away with James, now. We have his clone), Booze Cruise to me and my crew (Rob Riggle) who is always hilarious, Ice Cube, Ellie Kemper, and a new favorite of mine Mr. Jake M. Johnson. All of these people round out a very entertaining cast.
What sold this movie the most to me is that the people who made this movie know that you are thinking, "Great another BS remake." And they embrace that vibe and make fun of themselves. They make fun of themselves almsot the entire time, because not only is it a gap between original and new. But also in Hill and Tatum and their new friends.
All things considered this is how I like my remakes. As original as it can be, and funny in the same measure.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Hunger Games
This weekend I jumped on the big movie band wagon and headed out to see The Hunger Games. The gist is that in the future the wealthy government picks 2 teenagers from each of the apparently much less fortunate 12 districts that make up the country. These 24 young people are put in an arena to fight to the death on national television. And one girl makes a difference. And for the most part I enjoyed it.
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is our main character from district 12. She is our kind hearted warrior who's heart and good nature help her to her ends. Ms. Lawrence does this very well. She is Strong and vulnerable. Likable yet distant. I think she shows the angles of this character well.
Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark. Peeta is our strong male counterpart from district 12. He is OK. He seems a bit awkward at times. Which may have been the intent, but not knowing more about the character/story makes it seem out of place. But he does have his moments of clarity where his character has more substance.
The supporting cast also does add a good bit to the film. Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Sutherland as the president.They all do a rather good job a bringing a special individuality to their character. Makes you feel like they need to be there. regardless of how small of a part they play.
There are a few minor technical things that I didn't like. For instance, there are a few times where they do the shaky action camera. And it can have its purpose, but I am here to watch a movie. I cannot do that when you shake the camera so much. This is not a big special effects movie. So when you have it, it should be perfect. However, There are these giant dog things. I am pretty sure that the same people who did Twilight's werewolves did these dogs. cause they were not as good as they should have been. The just looked to fake. Served their purpose, but took my attention in a bad way.
The story is what this movie originated from, and as for its translation from book to film I cannot say. I have not read the book. But I liked it, and more importantly where it is going. The early portions felt a little dry for me. I would have liked to have a little more history on my characters and their situation. Now I still liked them, and was invested in their situation. So it wasn't a deal breaker, but again I would have like a little more back ground. I think that subsequent viewings and even the sequel will make me like this even more because I will know more about my characters and their situation, and thus be able to invest more emotionally with them.
Compliment sandwich folks! The people I know that have read the books have loved this, and the people that have not have liked it. So it must not be terrible. I am off to watch a movie on a book I have read. HARRY POTTER LIKE A MAN! And may the odds be ever in my favor...
The acting was good. Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is our main character from district 12. She is our kind hearted warrior who's heart and good nature help her to her ends. Ms. Lawrence does this very well. She is Strong and vulnerable. Likable yet distant. I think she shows the angles of this character well.
Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark. Peeta is our strong male counterpart from district 12. He is OK. He seems a bit awkward at times. Which may have been the intent, but not knowing more about the character/story makes it seem out of place. But he does have his moments of clarity where his character has more substance.
The supporting cast also does add a good bit to the film. Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Sutherland as the president.They all do a rather good job a bringing a special individuality to their character. Makes you feel like they need to be there. regardless of how small of a part they play.
There are a few minor technical things that I didn't like. For instance, there are a few times where they do the shaky action camera. And it can have its purpose, but I am here to watch a movie. I cannot do that when you shake the camera so much. This is not a big special effects movie. So when you have it, it should be perfect. However, There are these giant dog things. I am pretty sure that the same people who did Twilight's werewolves did these dogs. cause they were not as good as they should have been. The just looked to fake. Served their purpose, but took my attention in a bad way.
The story is what this movie originated from, and as for its translation from book to film I cannot say. I have not read the book. But I liked it, and more importantly where it is going. The early portions felt a little dry for me. I would have liked to have a little more history on my characters and their situation. Now I still liked them, and was invested in their situation. So it wasn't a deal breaker, but again I would have like a little more back ground. I think that subsequent viewings and even the sequel will make me like this even more because I will know more about my characters and their situation, and thus be able to invest more emotionally with them.
Compliment sandwich folks! The people I know that have read the books have loved this, and the people that have not have liked it. So it must not be terrible. I am off to watch a movie on a book I have read. HARRY POTTER LIKE A MAN! And may the odds be ever in my favor...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Artist
There was a reason that movies went from being silent to talkies. And after watching The Artist, I am not sure why they didn't continue to make silent films for longer than they did.
What this movies does with only "mugging" (as they call it) is tell a very good and engaging story. A story of a huge silent star to struggles with the inevitable change to talkies. You sympathize with our male lead George (Jean Dujardin) who spends his fortune and sanity trying to fight the future. While the female star of our show, Peppy (Berenice Bejo), embraces the talkies and becomes the next big thing. And with a supporting cast that includes John Goodman, James Cromwell, and Malcolm McDowell it just rounds out it cast that quiteltly acts out a winner. And I can't forget the adorable little dog is soo cute!
The music of this fine film plays wonderfully in sync with the tone of the scenes. It fills the void that the voices of the actors would usually fill, that completes the mood of the scene. Having said that the absence of music resonates as loud as any spoken line could when times of seriousness arise.There is one scene with sound that sourrounded by the rest of the movie makes for a truey surreal and trippy experience that i thought added a nice edge a feel to the movie.
There are so many good things to say about this movie. Good story telling, good acting, and good music. It is a fantastic tribute to the foundation of which the movie we love were built on. As much as Hugo was a love letter to the movies. I think this movie was equally such a letter. I highly recomend to anyone who truely loves and entertainging movie.
What this movies does with only "mugging" (as they call it) is tell a very good and engaging story. A story of a huge silent star to struggles with the inevitable change to talkies. You sympathize with our male lead George (Jean Dujardin) who spends his fortune and sanity trying to fight the future. While the female star of our show, Peppy (Berenice Bejo), embraces the talkies and becomes the next big thing. And with a supporting cast that includes John Goodman, James Cromwell, and Malcolm McDowell it just rounds out it cast that quiteltly acts out a winner. And I can't forget the adorable little dog is soo cute!
The music of this fine film plays wonderfully in sync with the tone of the scenes. It fills the void that the voices of the actors would usually fill, that completes the mood of the scene. Having said that the absence of music resonates as loud as any spoken line could when times of seriousness arise.There is one scene with sound that sourrounded by the rest of the movie makes for a truey surreal and trippy experience that i thought added a nice edge a feel to the movie.
There are so many good things to say about this movie. Good story telling, good acting, and good music. It is a fantastic tribute to the foundation of which the movie we love were built on. As much as Hugo was a love letter to the movies. I think this movie was equally such a letter. I highly recomend to anyone who truely loves and entertainging movie.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Act Of Valor
This is one of those movies that I am proud to have gone and seen. There are many things technically wrong with this movie, BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT. The point of this film is to show the unparalleled bravery and commitment that our servicemen exhibit. And because of that there will be no credit links in this post. In making its point of valor, this movie is a complete success..
It begins with showing how these are real people. Men who have families, friends, and lives. Lives that they have given to the service of their country. A service not in as a judge, or a congressman. But a warrior who, by the very nature of their job, has to kill or be killed for a living.
The film then jumps in to the action. The very cruel nature and use of terror is shown with the blowing up of an ice cream truck at a school and escalates from there. The SEAL team is then called into action.The actions scenes are fast efficient and brutal. Every action movie should be done this way. The actions shots are engaging. They put you in the middle of the action.You'll get no clever lines and no frills. Just real tough men doing real tough work. With silent kills, in your face dog fights, and car chases this movie delivers. And the heroes are not supermen. They are just as able to be wounded and the next man, and it happens. The fact that they have real servicemen participating make all of the actions scenes pop, and takes them all to the next level.
The very real nature and truth in the story is what makes this movie so compelling. The acting is not fabulous, but the fact that the story is a retelling of actual events that actual people did make it every enthralling. It makes you proud of every single serving soldier.
On a personal note. There is no way that these men and women are getting compensated nearly enough for putting their lives on the line. I vote for taking the politicians money to pay these fantastic men more. Since they do actual work and risk actual limb.
In conclusion this movie, despite it dark subject, is a feel good movie. It fills you with pride for your country and pride in the military. This real story of service just blows away any technical complaints I may have had. Thank you to all those who serve our country. You not only keep us safe, but others around the world safe. The world is a better place with you in it. God bless you.
It begins with showing how these are real people. Men who have families, friends, and lives. Lives that they have given to the service of their country. A service not in as a judge, or a congressman. But a warrior who, by the very nature of their job, has to kill or be killed for a living.
The film then jumps in to the action. The very cruel nature and use of terror is shown with the blowing up of an ice cream truck at a school and escalates from there. The SEAL team is then called into action.The actions scenes are fast efficient and brutal. Every action movie should be done this way. The actions shots are engaging. They put you in the middle of the action.You'll get no clever lines and no frills. Just real tough men doing real tough work. With silent kills, in your face dog fights, and car chases this movie delivers. And the heroes are not supermen. They are just as able to be wounded and the next man, and it happens. The fact that they have real servicemen participating make all of the actions scenes pop, and takes them all to the next level.
The very real nature and truth in the story is what makes this movie so compelling. The acting is not fabulous, but the fact that the story is a retelling of actual events that actual people did make it every enthralling. It makes you proud of every single serving soldier.
On a personal note. There is no way that these men and women are getting compensated nearly enough for putting their lives on the line. I vote for taking the politicians money to pay these fantastic men more. Since they do actual work and risk actual limb.
In conclusion this movie, despite it dark subject, is a feel good movie. It fills you with pride for your country and pride in the military. This real story of service just blows away any technical complaints I may have had. Thank you to all those who serve our country. You not only keep us safe, but others around the world safe. The world is a better place with you in it. God bless you.
Friday, February 24, 2012
A View To A Kill
Sadly, I haven't been to see a new movie in a while so I am going to just blog it up about an older movie I have re-watched. And most recently I have watched "A View To A Kill". IMDB has this rated at a 6.2. And I really don't like to give number ratings because I feel like they change over time, but in this case I like it. Because it is just slightly better than average. It has everything I want from a Bond film. Beautiful women. lots of action, and a marvelously elaborate world domination scene.
The more I see Roger Moore as 007, the more I like him. A very confident and polished look that suits the character. The female costars Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones fall a little flat in the acting department for me. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was Roberts first performance ever. In which case it would be her last. Because outside of being of very pleasing eye candy I can barely stand her. Grace is better in that she doesn't have to do much acting. Her strong silent character suits her for the majority of the film until the end where she gets betrayed. I let it slide though because I enjoyed her for the other 90 minutes. The one person who I wish we could make a revival in the bond world for is Chistopher Walken. He was the most over the top character, and yet the least goofy. He already has a menacing look like he knows something you don't, and will do whatever it takes to dominate. I feel as though his villain could be taken from this Bond and put into a more modern serious Bond and still work.
From underwater, to over the Golden Gate Bridge, this Bond try to continuously out-do itself with action. It does for the most part. A final encounter on the top of the bridge is a nail biter. Even the goofy horse race scene the Zorin rigs the hurdles is fun to watch. They all play well up to the main plot which is to flood Silicon Valley and corner the computer chip market.
Having said all of these good things I have to end on a bad. It is just too goofy. There is a fun cool element to 007 movies, that I don't think this one exactly captures. This one is too much fun. It is very entertaining, however I just feel it misses on those almost real moments that James needs. Be it with his female co-star or villain.
All in all again this is slightly over average. Could be my love for this franchise or just my love for Mr. Walken.
The more I see Roger Moore as 007, the more I like him. A very confident and polished look that suits the character. The female costars Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones fall a little flat in the acting department for me. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was Roberts first performance ever. In which case it would be her last. Because outside of being of very pleasing eye candy I can barely stand her. Grace is better in that she doesn't have to do much acting. Her strong silent character suits her for the majority of the film until the end where she gets betrayed. I let it slide though because I enjoyed her for the other 90 minutes. The one person who I wish we could make a revival in the bond world for is Chistopher Walken. He was the most over the top character, and yet the least goofy. He already has a menacing look like he knows something you don't, and will do whatever it takes to dominate. I feel as though his villain could be taken from this Bond and put into a more modern serious Bond and still work.
From underwater, to over the Golden Gate Bridge, this Bond try to continuously out-do itself with action. It does for the most part. A final encounter on the top of the bridge is a nail biter. Even the goofy horse race scene the Zorin rigs the hurdles is fun to watch. They all play well up to the main plot which is to flood Silicon Valley and corner the computer chip market.
Having said all of these good things I have to end on a bad. It is just too goofy. There is a fun cool element to 007 movies, that I don't think this one exactly captures. This one is too much fun. It is very entertaining, however I just feel it misses on those almost real moments that James needs. Be it with his female co-star or villain.
All in all again this is slightly over average. Could be my love for this franchise or just my love for Mr. Walken.
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