MUST-SEE MOVIE REVIEW: ‘ONCE’


This is the movie that you’ve never heard of but need to see.

Once is this year’s indie-film-that-could, an inspiring story about two musicians who meet in Dublin, Ireland and form a complicated yet beautiful relationship. The movie is not a musical by any means, but it does feature several songs written and performed by lead actor Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and lead actress Marketa Irglova. Hansard, who also appeared in The Commitments, is quite charming as ‘the guy,’ and his chemistry (musical and otherwise) with ‘the girl’ Irglova is both realistic and compelling. 

There are three things I love about this film – the setting, the soundtrack and the overall spirit of the movie.

I am a huge fan of and support independent film. So should you. Go find your local arthouse theatre and make an afternoon of it for Once.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/

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GETTING KNOCKED UP ON A SATURDAY NIGHT


It is not often that a film lives up to serious hype, buzz and expectations.  

If you fit one or more of the categories below, you will enjoy Knocked Up:

A. You have a sense of humor
B. You catch very topical pop culture references
C. You have slacker and/or stoner friends
D. You are a guy
E. You’ve had a baby
F. You know someone who has had a baby

I don’t want to give anything
away, but I haven’t laughed out loud that much at a movie in a very
long time. Yes, there is a bit of potty humor. But it is a far better
film than The 40 Year Old Virgin and a hell of a lot funnier
than most ‘guy movies.’ Although truly, this should not be classified
as a guy flick. Frankly, I think it will be a huge hit because the
concept will appeal to women more than men. At the theater tonight, all of
the women in the audience reacted to the birth scene with great joy and
applause for the familiar. Even those of us who do not have children
appreciated how well Apatow handled matters of pregnancy, birth, and
parenting throughout the film.

(WHAT A) CAST

Katherine Heigl, who was so impressive that the phrase ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘ never popped into my head.

Seth Rogen, whose performance will give false hope to nerdy guys everywhere that they too can land such a lady. He’s kind of like Will Ferrell Lite, but much more subtle. Thankfully.

Paul Rudd, who is hysterical in almost everything he’s appeared in, finally plays a grown up with great success in this one.

Half the cast of (cancelled cult shows) Freaks & Geeks and Undeclared, several episodes of which were written by Knocked Up director Judd Apatow.

Half the cast of The Office in cameo appearances: Steve Carrell, playing himself. Darryl from the warehouse (Craig Robinson). And the temp (BJ Novak).

Leslie Mann, wife of director Apatow and real mother of the daughters in the film.
[POP CULTURE ASIDE: They met on the set of The Cable Guy, which he produced and she was in.]

Iris and Maude Apatow, the cutest onscreen kids I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t care about nepotism when it actually benefits a motion picture.

Harold Ramis, known forever as Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters but perfectly cast here as the equally hapless father to clueless son Rogen.

Joanna Kerns, with a saucy haircut that Maggie Seaver from Growing Pains would never attempt.

Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live, who stole the few scenes she was in.

Loudon Wainwright III: musician, actor and Apatow regular.

Alan Tudyk, who I’ll always think of as Steve the Pirate from Dodgeball and the patient with the accent in that crap Sandra Bullock rehab movie, 28 Days.

Ryan Seacrest, in a refreshingly funny cameo.

Seriously, give up 2 of your weekly lattes for the price of admission to this one. I would be VERY surprised to find out that you didn’t enjoy it…

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KNOCKED UP & WAITRESS: TWO THINGS I’VE NEVER BEEN…


…but I really want to see both movies!

Ever since Waitress debuted at Sundance in January and I wasn’t able to get a ticket, I have looked forward to the release of this Keri Russell film with enthusiasm. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews, which is bittersweet given that writer/director/co-star Adrienne Shelly was murdered late last year before she ever got to experience the success of her little-film-that-could.

Besides the welcome return of Keri Russell (Felicity) into our entertainment consciousness, Waitress features a great supporting cast: Nathan Fillion (Firefly/Serenity), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jeremy Sisto (Six Feet Under), Eddie Jemison (Oceans’ 11-13), and Andy Griffith (!).

As for Knocked Up, it looks damn funny; the movie had me with the first trailer. Believe it or not, I’m actually a big fan of Katherine Heigl’s comedic chops (and look forward to witnessing it on the big screen, especially after her dreadful Grey’s storyline this year). Plus, this film is from the mind of Judd Apatow, who wrote and directed The 40 Year Old Virgin.

The more recent ‘guy’ movies from the last two years have been very disappointing. If this film had Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell or a Wilson brother in the lead role, I would not leave my couch on a Friday night. But Seth Rogen? I’m first in line for the Milk Duds in popcorn.

Here are the trailers for both:

WAITRESS
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/waitress/trailer/

KNOCKED UP
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/knockedup/

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MOVIE REVIEW: YEAR OF THE DOG


I couldn’t get a ticket to see it at Sundance in January, so when Year of the Dog was finally released locally, I made sure to see it.

Molly Shannon is quite good in a very unglamorous and emotional role, but outside of a few cute dog moments, it’s actually quite dark. The film is similar in spirit to two other movies that Year of the Dog  writer/director Mike White wrote,The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck. But he also wrote School of Rock and Nacho Libre, so I suppose I was hoping for a bit more in the broad comedy department.

As for the supporting cast of Year of the Dog, Peter Sarsgaard and John C. Reilly are both miscast, but Laura Dern and Regina King provide much-needed comic relief.

A rental. End of story.

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JOHN KRASINSKI & EDWARD NORTON: INTERESTING RUMORS ABOUT BOTH


I very rarely delve into celebrity gossip and speculation, but…

File under: Oh no.

I hope the rumor that John Krasinski (The Office) and Renee Zellweger are dating is another instance of the ‘working together on a film, spotted having coffee’ variety. Right now they’re filming Leatherheads, which is written, directed by and co-starring George Clooney. I am happy to see Krasinski hit the big time, with this film and the upcoming License to Wed with Mandy Moore and Robin Williams. AND yes, I realize that Zellweger is an Oscar-winning actress. But I am looking at her famous ex-boyfriend track record (see: Kenny Chesney, Jack White, Jim Carrey), and I have the right to be protective of my favorite Office man.

File under: Oh no, part 2.

Apparently, Edward Norton has signed on to play Bruce Banner in the new Incredible Hulk (which, thankfully, will be entirely unrelated to Ang Lee’s aberration adaptation in 2003). It’s not that I can’t picture Norton in the role; after all, he certainly proved his physical adaptability in the incredible American History X.

I’m just hoping that as talented as he is, he’ll reinvigorate the big screen adpatation of the comic; more of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins than Tobey Maguire’s lifeless Peter Parker in Spider-Man.


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MAN UP! TESTOSTERONE FILM FEST – BOND, ROCKY, TALLADEGA


This past weekend turned out to be a Testosterone Film Festival of sorts. Here are some reviews.

CASINO ROYALE

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed this film. I’ve always been a casual fan of Bond movies, and the latest installment is the best in a very long time. But take my opinion with a grain of salt – my favorite is the campy A View to a Kill.

Daniel Craig is the perfect choice for Bond. I appreciated his more serious nature and that he didn’t come across as overly suave and smarmy like Roger Moore or Pierce Brosnan. The action sequences and even the poker game were pretty damn entertaining. This just might be the very first Bond DVD I add to my collection.

ROCKY BALBOA

I have to admit that the theme song gets me every time; I am a total guy in that regard. But when the score is the best part of the film, you know you’re in trouble.

If the audience was supposed to feel sorry for Rocky, the movie was a success. The story and pace were a tad too slow, and there certainly was not enough screen time for Milo Ventimiglia, who plays Rocky’s son (genius casting). I liked the boxing scenes but would have preferred watching Stallone fight in a tank top or UnderArmor shirt; the texture of his chest now resembles fried eggs. It is obvious that he endured extensive training for the film, and wanted to show what he was still capable of (as Rocky and in real life).

The fact that Rocky won Best Picture in 1977 is not lost on me. Neither is the fact that Stallone was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Screenplay. He is a very talented actor (see: Cop Land) and writer. But in my esteem, the first three  Rocky films were the best. And although I did not love Rocky Balboa, it was certainly ten times better than Rocky IV or  Rocky V.

TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY

Talk about potential. Yikes. I know I’m probably the last person to finally see this movie, but I was very disappointed and actually fell asleep before the end! That NEVER happens. I will watch absolute crap just because it’s on, and can manage to stay awake through it. But not this one.

Don’t get me wrong – I like Will Ferrell. I think that my opinion of this film is tainted by the fact that I had just watched him in Stranger Than Fiction and LOVED it. You should definitely add that one to your Netflix list, for amazing performances by both Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Anyway, I found Talladega Nights dull and uneven. I only laughed out loud once, which is sad considering the cast. The best part about the entire movie was Sasha Baron Cohen and his hilarious over-pronunciating French accent. So given the choice, when it comes to Will Ferrell comedies, I’ll stick with Anchorman.

Later this week I will be immersed in an Estrogen Film Festival, as I just rented Shut Up & Sing and Marie Antoinette. Good times!

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