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!