Megamind

I'll say it. Dreamworks is KING. With the exception of Pixar, Disney kinda sucks, but Dreamworks has produced hit after hit with little recognition. Think about it. Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon to name the more recent ventures, whereas even Pixar failed more or less (Story wise) with Up and Wall-E. Megamind (Farrell) is the super villain to Metro Man's super hero. It's the basic hero/villain premise that takes a great comedic turn. Megamind is actually able to kill Metro Man and therefore is basically given control of the city out of fear. He soon becomes bored with his new power, which his right hand man (who is actually a fish named Minion) that gets around in a mechanical body built for him by Megamind. Minion's (David Cross) mechanical body is equipped with fur, as if to resemble a bigfoot. That detail cracked me up for the entire film.  Megamind realizes he is evil and must have a hero to make his life complete. Essentially by being defeated on a regular basis, he finds purpose. He uses some of Metro Man's DNA to create another hero. This goes horribly wrong, and now he must become the hero to save his city. His turn for the better comes around because of a little emotion called love. Dreamworks has more clever story lines with in depth jokes written for adults, but suitable for children. The first big laugh came inside the 15 minute mark when we get to see the hero and anti hero dialogue during a match. It's witty and funny. Then the laughs continue very regularly throughout until the very end, which near the end I saw a poster that mocked the Obama campaign posters from his election year that got me to go "HAHAHAH". Watch the movie and you will see. Dreamworks continues its stronghold on premier comedic animation.

NBM rates Megamind - Phenomenal

Buy It
 

2011 Oscar Winners.....the one's we care about anyway

Best Picture - The King's Speech

Directing - Tom Hooper / The King's Speech 

 Actor in a Leading Role - Colin Firth / The King's Speech

 Actress in a Leading Role - Natalie Portman / Black Swan

Actor in a Supporting Role - Christian Bale / The Fighter

Actress in a Supporting Role - Melissa Leo / The Fighter

Old Yeller

I guess I will continue with classics week with one more. I was going to end it yesterday, but today's post is directly related to a cause I am helping sponsor. My cause is much like Old Yeller, which really boils down to a boy's love for his dog. This story follows a young boy who's best friend in the whole world happens to be a large yellow dog. They do everything together and the time in which the film is set is perfect for a bond like theirs. They hunt the land to provide for the family while the boys Father is away. Yeller is not only his friend, but confidant, hunter and gatherer helper, and guardian. When you spend as much time with anyone, that being human or animal, you unknowingly grow an attachment to it. When you spend day in and day out with certain humans, you grow weary of them, sometimes to the point of hatred. Not the case with dogs. As much as they can anger us, we just have a soft spot for that dumb mutt who knows not why he gets spanked. Travis and Yeller deal with several encounters of the dangerous kind out on the uninhabited land where he grows up. Raccoons, snakes, and bears to name a few. There is nothing they don't do together. The boy sees the dog grow up, but in a way the dog raises the boy into a young man. Watching his every step through his young life and protecting him when need be. One day Yeller literally lays down his life for Travis. He saves the boy in an absolutely dreadful situation where Yeller gives all he has for the boy one last time. The way the film ends is so politically incorrect by today's standards, but it had to be that way, and in 1957 PETA didn't exist.I hope with all my heart you have seen Old Yeller from 1957. I write tonight about a boy and his dog because of another endeavor I am helping out with. My little brother is currently in Afghanistan serving our country for the US Army as an EOD tech. If you are unsure what EOD does, watch The Hurt Locker, then you will have a Hollywood skewed reference of what he does on a daily basis. Click this link Bring DOE home and read how you can contribute to another boy and his dog. Thanks and God Bless.

NBM rates Old Yeller - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!!

The Adventures of Robin Hood

This seems like the perfect film to finish out my classic films week. Talk about a legendary movie comprised from an old story of folk lore and legend. Robin Hood has spawned so many movies and I don't speak of sequels. Just straight word for word stories remade every generation. Anyone who loves the the Robin Hood story and has seen every rendition made will easily say that the only true Robin Hood is Errol Flynn. Made in 1938 I originally saw this movie for the first and only time years ago, that is, until today. The film was being played on TCM in a brilliant lead in to Oscar night. For the past 30 days they have played all films old and new that were nominated or won Oscars. (Thanks Dean-O for the heads up.... ("First useful thing you've ever done for me", The Jester mutters under his breath.) Seriously though, I watched it again today and the only thing that disappointed me was the plethora of color. The first time I saw it, it was Black and White. I do prefer B&W pictures to remain that way. Everyone knows the story of how Robin Hood defends his country against the evil Sheriff of Knottingham and how he will die for what he believes in. He steals from the rich and wicked to give to the poor. He assembles his merry men and they all fight as one unit. The story is the same, but the details vary. It's actually King Richards brother Prince John taking over. Robin must stop Prince John from lethally taking over his brothers country. The stunts were fun to watch and pay attention to how they did them. Errol Flynn with his over confident charisma as Sir Robin of Locksley really plays well. I had so much fun re-watching this superb action film made over 70 years ago. It will never not be the best, and it obviously has staying power. I can't wait for the 100th anniversary blu ray to come out in 2038. I will be getting my own copy at that point.


NBM rates The Adventures of Robin Hood - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!!
 

Bringing Up Baby

Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Does it get any more classic than that? I must give props to my wife for introducing me to this lovely comedy from 1938. It is absolutely hilarious, and the humor still stands in today's realm of perverse shock humor. It's clean, good ole fashioned fun. Not to mention it is Black and White which just adds to its allure. It follows a zoologist on the aftermath of the greatest discovery of his career.Dr. David Huxley (Grant), has completed his puzzle by locating the final bone of a brontosaurus dinosaur. Unfortunately David must kiss some butt in order to get the $1 Million he needs to complete the four year project. This is when it gets funny. His biggest problem is a young heiress named Susan Vance (Hepburn). She hasn't a care in the world and every time she opens her mouth, it makes David's case further from getting what it needs. At one point Susan's Aunt's dog buries his prized bone making is case seem completely ridiculous. No bone, no money. Then enter her new pet. A tame leopard named Baby. David is having the worst day ever and it is just full of earned laughs. I would like to see it again, but now...

  NBM rates Bringing up Baby - Phenomenal

Buy It!!

Bonnie and Clyde

Definitely one of the coolest films ever put down. Bonnie and Clyde is a great story of outlaws on the run, terrorizing communities and robbing banks. Warren Beatty as Clyde, with Faye Dunaway as Bonnie, along with Gene Hackman as Clyde's brother Buck help make this gangster film one of the best. Originally rejected by the institution of film for being entirely to graphic and also being accused of glorifying crime, this film had a tough time to be seen by the American public. I guess for 1967 I see what they are saying, but for today's standards its a day in the park compared to some of the films being released. I was lucky enough to have a rogue history teacher in high school show us this film, otherwise I may never have watched it. I am such a film nerd, most of the class saw this as an opportunity to rest or sleep, but not me. I was glued to the set. Right in the front row. I loved every second of it. The only thing that sucked was class only lasted 45 minutes, so it took more than one day to finish it. I was giddy with anticipation for the next day to be able to finish this classic. The film follows Clyde Barrow right near the beginning of his life of crime. He is not gonna be a part of society. He eventually meets the beautiful Bonnie Parker who is so bored with her small town life, she chooses a life of crime and newspaper headlines. Eventually they meet up with Buck and that's when it gets really intense. Now they have a team. This is how they are able to get farther, pull bigger jobs, and watch each others back. I believe most everyone knows what came of Bonnie and Clyde, but it's still fun to watch up until the very end. The last scene, in particular, is the one that everyone responsible for getting the film released had such a big issue with. Fortunately for us, Warren Beatty as the producer did not want to change a thing, so he didn't. This is a must see for anyone who likes the gangster films. This one has the classic classy feel to it. Acted to perfection by Hollywood Royalty, and throw in a story about young love it really appeals to almost everyone.

NBM rates Bonnie and Clyde - A Work of Cinematic Art

Buy It!!!

  

Get Low

I know it is supposed to be Classic films week here at NBM, but I feel it would be a great disservice to you all not to talk about Get Low now that it is available on DVD. Out yesterday, this may be one of the films I will most push onto anyone I run into. It is a must see, if for no other reason but the scene pictured above. This movie was snubbed by the Oscars. It is everything Oscar loves. Indie film that no one saw or heard about with a great story. It shouldn't surprise me anymore that the Oscar committee sucks, but every year I get a little perturbed at them for at least one thing. I feel Robert Duvall deserved a nomination for Leading actor, and although I haven't seen some of the films, and as much as I love Jeff Bridges, I do feel Duvall deserved his spot. Bridges did awesome as Rooster, but Duvall as the back woodsman hermit who wants to throw himself a funeral party before he dies is absolutely astounding in every way. As for the Best Picture category, I think it could've replaced either Toy Story 3 or True Grit. I will be the first to say that the Toy Story franchise has been life changing for me personally, but it is nominated in the animated feature category. I don't feel films should be able to be in two categories that are essentially the same. True Grit is a re make, that although done well did not get me like Get Low did last night. Get Low follows the story of the Hermit with a reputation comprised entirely of the town folk's stories. He lives off his land and has done for 40 years. One day he went into town to see about a funeral. When the whispers began, he heard them but paid no mind. He knows he is revered as the scary old man who lives in the woods, and he is fine with that. He wants to set the record straight, so he ends up at the struggling Quinn funeral home with cash and a plan. He wants anyone who has a story about him to show up and tell it. Frank (Bill Murray) is the owner and has no issue with Felix's plan. The only problem is to get people to attend a party for a man everyone fears or hates. Felix and Frank print posters, set the date, and then Felix drops a heck of a marketing bomb to ensure it's a full house. Now with the mood set, Felix needs to get some affairs in order, and let it all come to a head. This is one of the best movies I've seen as of late. It's provocative in the fact that you always feel there is more to Felix than he lets on. Then there's Frank. We can't really tell if he is a swindler, or a friend, or a mere business man making his customer happy. This film goes from light hearted fun with great comedic delivery by Duvall to emotionally gripping and heartfelt. By the end, I was several drinks in and my emotions were strong as Duvall delivered an incredibly powerful speech. My only regret is that I spent $1 to rent this at a box that is painted red. I should've saved that buck and put it toward the purchase price.

NBM rates Get Low - Phenomenal

**It may get a bump over the next few years of watching it.

Buy It!!!

 

Cool Hand Luke

"What we have here is Failure to Communicate" is one the most classic lines in film history. I, like many others never knew its origin until I watched Cool Hand Luke for the first time. What I didn't expect was the high pitched voice in which it is delivered. Not a joke or anything like that, just the actors voice. My ignorant brother had that memorable quote as his voicemail message. When I laughed and said I loved that movie, he looked confused. Movie? he said. That's off a Guns n Roses album. Sorry Mitch, you're an idiot. To think

G N R could ever come up with anything that epic is asinine. Back to the film. The legend Paul Newman is Luke Jackson. Luke is a thug who ends up in a southern work camp prison run by a man called only by the name "Captain" (Strother Martin) who is excellent at what he does. What does he do you ask? He conforms prisoners to be good in society. Luke is his biggest challenge. Luke is the cocky, arrogant, "I wanted to get caught" type of man. This is the most brutal of prison systems. Men work all day in the southern heat, eat, and go to bed only to repeat the process 7 hours later. Luke immediately earns a reputation for bucking the system. He will not let "the man" keep him down. He takes orders form no one and accepts any challenge thrown at him. This includes one of the most awful sounding challenges I have ever heard about. Eat 100 hard boiled eggs in 1 hour or less (not even Fuller could do that). If the challenge itself isn't bad enough, he has to do it outside in the 100 degree heat. Luke is a man's man which is why he does so well in that system. Since he will not admit wrong doing, and therefore conforming is out of the question, he does the only thing that makes sense at the time. Escape. He escapes rather easily, but is also caught and brought back rather quickly. At first he just makes a run for it, but after being found and brought back several times only to go in the box (A metal box with no windows that I assume would triple the outside temperature) as punishment he starts being more thoughtful of his plans. Doesn't help though. The young punk never learns his lesson and Captain begins to become perturbed. He absolutely is not gonna let Luke get the best of him, but his bigger worry is how revved up he gets the other inmates. It's basically a tale of who will win? Luke or Captain? A brilliant classic film that will make anyone a Newman fan if they aren't yet already.

NBM rates Cool Hand Luke - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It Now!!

3 Days of the Condor

It only feels Natural (get it?) to start with one of my favorite films. As you can tell from the past 7 months of writing, I love conspiracy movies, and thrillers. This is both, plus it stars one of my favorite actors of all time Robert Redford. It's actually funny how much I like this movie considering A-Bomb introduced it to me for the first time no more than 18 months ago. Since then I have seen it an additional 2 times, and it is so brilliant. Redford is "Condor". Condor is the code name of him and his CIA team who spend all day reading books searching for hidden code. One normal day he goes out to get coffee and comes back to an office full of dead people. His entire team was professionally whacked. For Condor, he is by the book. He knows the rules and procedures of what to do in any case. He immediately calls his contact to report his team's murder. This is when it gets fun. He gets little to no help and is automatically the prime suspect. Now armed with a single pistol he seeks shelter from his former employer, while he tries to uncover the conspiracy. He knows he is being set up, but why? He and his team were mere analysts who, in my opinion, had the worst job ever right behind the CIA team that had to sit in a freshly painted room to make sure it dried. Luckily for Joseph (Redford) he is smart. He probably went to college. He is able to blend in, do research, spy, and convince his kidnap victim, Kathy (Faye Dunaway), that everyone would benefit if she were to sleep with him. What a Genius. He must stay alive, but with Joubert (Max Von Sydow) hot on his trail every step of the way it gets difficult. The hardest part of Joseph's ordeal is the fact that he cannot trust anyone. That makes it hard to get answers. This movie is one of the best, and if you have not seen it, do your self a favor.

NBM rates - 3 Days of the Condor - A Work of Cinematic Art

Buy It!!!

 

I Am Number 4

As far as I am concerned, Director D.J. Caruso is 3 for 3 on his last three films. Disturbia (NBM Review), Eagle Eye (NBM Review), and now I Am Number 4. I have wanted to see this ever since the day I first saw the trailer. It just looked interesting. The trailers do a decent job of selling the plot, while at the same time tells us nothing about anything about what we are about to see. We basically know these people with "special powers" are being hunted and killed in the order they were created. That's what I got out of it. I also thought the main guy didn't know what he was, and Timothy Olyphant was sort of a stalker/protector that only meets him when his life is in extreme peril. Not the case. They actually live together and pose as father and son while on Earth. He does protect him, but Number 4, aka John Smith, doesn't know any other way of life. Constantly on the move, John never has an opportunity to set up roots, or have friends, or fall in love, and that's really the heart of the film. A 17 year old boy tired of running from persons he doesn't know, for reasons he doesn't care about. Number 4 knows he is next in line to be killed. Numbers 1-9 are being hunted and killed in that order and every time one of them is killed a scar symbol is burned into the leg of the remaining few. The movie jumps right into the hunting of Number 3 and what I am writing is not all that spoiler-ish, because the entire back story is given just out of the opening credits. The Numbers are being hunted by a tribe of people called The Mogadorians, or Mogs as they are called throughout to keep the run time at a reasonable rate. A very unpleasant bunch, that look as hideous as they act. The way the make these guys look is very comic book, and I really loved it. Essentially they cannot have these supernaturals alive for their plans to move forward. Henri (Olyphant) delivers as he always does. His short responses are comically perfect, along with sharp wit and sarcasm, one again he makes me realize why I love him so much as a leading man in Hollywood today. The story is not all fights and killing and powers, ala X-Men. It's more about a young man struggling to fit in with others, and himself. It really turns into a coming of age story more than anything. When he meets a girl in the new town they move to, he finally decides to stop running and fight back. This is where the film goes from high school, teenage stuff to downright awesome action and fights. What you don't expect in this type of film are the presence of so many laughs. At times it feels like a comedy and for that we thank you. The special effects are flawless, and the creatures are amazing. Like most all movies, this one comes down to a final battle. Unlike the other films, this one's final battle lasts about 20 minutes and has the best use of surround sound I have ever witnessed at a theater viewing. My seat was vibrating during certain scenes, and shaking during others. It really felt like we were apart of the battle. We did see it in the smallest theater in the place which probably helped acoustically achieve that. I do a good job as a critic of not taking notes or even thinking about how I am gonna write about something when I first watch it. I do however usually have a rating in mind that I feel it will be given. Let's just say that I Am Number 4 eclipsed my pre-conceived notion. The leading lady is a newbie who attractiveness is second only to the other lady who plays Number 6. On a completely different note, the soundtrack is brilliant. Maybe just because I love every song that I recognized which were most of them. Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, XX, and Civil Twilight. The last time a movie had a soundtrack I really connected to was for Varsity Blues, and from that same year the highly underrated Disturbing Behavior.

NBM rates I Am Number 4 - Phenomenal

Based on the books by pittacus Lore called Lorien Legacies

 

Days of Thunder

With the Daytona 500 tomorrow, it feels only right to talk a little Days of Thunder. The premier racin' movie. Even if you are not a fan of NASCAR, that shouldn't matter. This movie is awesome. Back in 1990 it changed things for the sport where cars drive in a circle. It gave people a reason to watch, which I'm sure boosted ratings for at least 1 week before they are realized it is really boring and there is no Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns, or the super turd Russ Wheeler. As you can tell, I do not care for the sport which is why this film is so brilliant. It follows the career of Cole Trickle (Cruise) on his move from open wheeled racing to NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Racing), where I also learned from his Pit crew chief Harry (Duvall) that "there's nothin' stock about a stock car." Words of wisdom. He gets pulled back into the sport by an owner who has a driver, but no crew leader. Cole is ignorant, which helps in a way. He goes fast with no forethought of anything. The hardest thing Harry has to do with him is teach him to listen. Cole has several issues breaking into the circuit, but his biggest one is a fellow driver named Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). He is the old bull on the track and hates Cole's attitude, but at the same time, he can't get around his sexy good looks. Catch 22 Rowdy, we have all been there. They just can't leave it on the track which I appreciate. They race wheel chairs in the hospital which is nice, but the rental car race to get to dinner on time is absolutely priceless. They have their bouts which is the dramatic portion of the script. The humor portion is provided by a relatively unknown John C. Reilly in the first of 2 NASCAR films he would be in (Ricky Bobby anyone?). Harry is my favorite character in the film. The southern Duvall has several words of wisdom that over the years have been some of my favorite quotes. For instance: if anyone asks me to do something and I say I'm busy, the question of "With what?" follows, I say..." eating Ice cream." The kicker is there is never actually any ice cream. After a nasty crash which lands Cole and Rowdy in the hospital with severe conditions, Cole meets Dr. Claire Lewicki (Kidman). I guess technically she formally met his crotch first, but it seemed to work out. Cole is having a tough time getting back on the track, but Rowdy will probably never race again. Cole finally gets back, but can't get past his past accident and starts driving scared. Unfortunately in his absence Russ Wheeler took over his car as a substitute, and was so good he got a car deal of own. Now Cole and Russ are at it, which gives us the best crash ever. The victory lap crash which totals both cars, who happen to drive for the same owner. Awesome. Cole is finally able to Man Up and he goes for the checkered flag at Daytona. Can he do it? Will he beat Russ, or at least beat him up....I hate that guy. I do love this film and watch at least 20 minutes of it every time I come across it. And remember, He didn't bump you, or nudge you, or tap you, or hit you.....he rubbed you, and Son, Rubbin' is racin'. Thanks Harry. Also look for Fred Thompson as the NASCAR commissioner.

NBM rates Days of Thunder - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!!!

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Let's get something straight. Just because we are No Bad Movies doesn't mean there aren't ever films that look completely undesirable that I would not lose any sleep over if I never watched said film. That being said, that was my initial impression of Prince of Persia. It was overly marketed, but still never came across as a movie with any substance. After 1 person, who I don't really trust all that much (J), said it wasn't bad, well, that's good enough for me. So after beginning the film at 10 pm on a week night, there was no way I would finish it. Hold the phone! This movie is really good. Not only good, but better than good. First thing I noticed was the stunts. What I liked about these stunts is the feasibility of them. Any human in prime physical condition with good muscular build could do most of the stunts Gyllenhaal pulls off. I'm not saying I could do them.....but I could. Gyllenhaal plays Dastan. A man who gets the privilege to grow up as a Prince without actually having any royal blood lines. He is adopted as a young mischievous boy, and never looks back. He loves is family and his brothers. Nothing is more important to him than that. He is brave and courageous and has no issues with taking orders from his brothers in the time of battle. Ben Kingsley showed up as his Uncle and the brother of the King. Disney should have promoted that. I didn't realize he was in it at all, and his name alone adds a bit of appeal to anything he does. Dastan is soon framed for killing his father, and is soon the target of the entire Persian army. Led by his oldest brother and now current King, Dastan is not safe anywhere. Fortunately he has recently found a dagger with mystical powers. When the sand inside the dagger is released, the holder of said dagger is able to go back in time to relive the situation over again. It takes him 3 trips the first time to not be outsmarted by his prisoner which spans all of 45 seconds. Now he begins to wonder how far back he could go, and if he could prevent his Fathers murder. The movie is extremely fun, way better than I could have ever imagined, and I am glad I watched it. Jake Gyllenhaal might not have been my first choice as a Persian, but he did well. I don't claim to be an expert on the Persian language, but I'm pretty sure it's not English based, accented with some sort of British/New Zealand twang. One thing is for sure, he proves he is a good actor, because he was able to consistently speak with the same accent throughout the entirety of the film. When something, especially a language form, is invented it would be hard to never falter, but he seemed rather strong and I commend him for it. Also look for Alfred Molina to provide some comic relief based on Ostriches and Taxes. It'll make sense. Trust me.

NBM rates Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - Awesome

Buy your copy today

The Brothers Bloom

This is a film I wanted to watch for a long time, but for whatever reason it stayed on my DVR for months. I think I liked the idea, the trailers were great, and the cast....forget about it. I guess it had such a good chance of being an epic failure, and I didn't know if I could handle that from Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody. Turns out I had nothing to fear. It was quite remarkable. The narrative throughout the beginning will hook you, guaranteed. It's a brilliant deliverance of the written word and it gives the back story of The Brothers Bloom, and how they became Con Men. The world's greatest con men to be more accurate. Con is short for Confidence. They are confidence men which I only found out that after watching the movie "Confidence" with Edward Burns which is also great, but we'll get into that another day. I'm not gonna tell who is who, but The Brother Bloom are Stephen and Bloom. The opening sequence follows them as children and their journey in and out of foster care. The reasons for which they are returned to the foster home from each one of their adopted homes are absolutely hilarious. Then one day a light goes off in Stephen's head. A story actually, and if played to perfection (all 15 parts), then everyone gets what they want -- even the ones being conned. This is life the life these young men set out to master. Skip ahead 25 years and they have become the best in the world. Always getting what they want, unfortunately for Stephen, Bloom is done, and this isn't the first time. He is constantly wondering what his life has become. His job is to get close to "the mark". He has been too close to too many people he had to betray and he is done. Then after a 3 month hiatus Stephen tracks down Bloom for one last job. These premise never go smoothly in any movie, but this is for the big score, probably in the millions. Penelope (Weiss) is the mark for the job and Bloom is unhappy about that. He doesn't like conning woman. It's not a morality issue, but Bloom seems to be easy to fall in love and has had to walk away from to many possible futures of happiness. Once he agrees, he has to "run" into her and start the process. The scene where they first meet is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Not the actual physical part of it, but the Scores he receives from Stephen and Bang Bang (his Asian assistant/explosives expert). If you don't laugh, then I wouldn't trust you if we ever met. The mark in this case is a bit of a shut in. She was orphaned in her teens and inherited one of the largest estates on the Eastern Seaboard. To say she is eccentric would be an understatement. She has unlimited funds, no people skills, and a knack for learning new skill based hobbies....harp, skateboard, juggling etc. The film's direction is absolutely brilliant in that it displays each of her many talents all in the span of 30 seconds. Plus she is beautiful. Bloom is gonna have a tough one carrying through with this one. She is so bored with the life she has, setting the hook isn't that hard. Next thing you know, she is in for some adventure. This leads to that, and that to this, but all in all she gets her adventure and everyone wins...that is until she claims the job is not complete. Now Stephen has to create a new story and have it go perfectly so she will go home. It is a really fun movie to watch and if it seems to get confusing near the end, that's because it is suppose to. It will soon make sense and you should be happy. Back to the direction. I loved the way the brothers dressed. It was as if it should be the 20's, 30's, or 40's. I'm not a clothing historian so I cannot be for sure which decade it looks like. It looks old school and I love their wardrobe throughout. It is shot like it is that era. The luggage, clothes, bike, and boats, but then mixed in is a Lamborghini, graffiti on the building and so on. It does a great job of slapping together the two eras. Mark Ruffalo can do not wrong in my book, and I have loved Adrien Brody since he was in Angels in the Outfield. I know Tony Danza and Danny Glover were the stars of that film, but Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey were the real stars. Next for Ruffalo we get to see if he does as good as Ed Norton in the role of Bruce Banner as the Hulk.

NBM rates The Brothers Bloom - Phenomenal

Buy Your Copy Today

 

Innerspace

This film is definitely in the category of all time childhood favorite movies. When you are young and your Mother loves introducing new movies to you, but at the same time has a high moral code for things her young kids should not see, there are few films that really got wore out in my house. That's not necessarily true. Films back in the '80's films were cleaner and even the bad ones weren't as bad as some of today's PG-13 flicks. We must've watched this tape 50 times. It is a brilliant story with good action and great comedy. I love Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, along with the 1980's brilliance of Martin Short, this film starts off with a bang, takes a strange turn, then keeps going 100 MPH until the very end. As for the image posted for this film, I usually don't like to use movie posters. I like to use images that meant something in the film. It usually is an image that wasn't even seen in the trailer, but I had never seen this picture anywhere. It is so funny, especially since the space ship (Inner space ship, that is) was not actually ingested (Well, I guess there was the kissing scene), but much worse than that, he is injected into the buttocks of Martin Short's character Jack Putter. When pilot Tuck Pendleton volunteers for a science/life/history changing experiment he is just cocky enough to think, "Hey, what could go wrong?" He believes in it so much he loses his girlfriend because he won't change. When the shrunken pilot, who is already in the vile ready to be injected into a scientist for evaluation of the project, something goes terribly wrong. Some bad dudes want the tech for themselves. They barge into the lab and before you know it, Tuck is not in the correct body. A quick thinking scientist who doesn't want this to end up in the wrong hands thinks on his feet. He is gonna die, but before that he injects Tuck into Jack. Jack is a grocery store clerk with a hypochondriac disorder. Tuck has now started his mission, but doesn't know how escalated the situation has become. While navigating Jack's body he needs to be able to talk with his host, see what the host sees, and hear what he hears. This takes a couple of super invasive procedures from Tuck. When Tuck first syncs up to Jack's eardrums, it seems absolutely painful from Jack's perspective, but Short sells it so hilariously. Now that Jack and Tuck can communicate, they quickly figure out that this is not right. They must quickly find out what happened and retrieve the second half of the serum which would regenerate Tuck. First though, he needs to see what's going on. He basically stabs Jack in the back of the eyeballs which looks tremendously painful yet again. The physical comedy thrown into a plot based on thrilling conspiracies and science fiction is a nice additive. Jack needs help from Lydia (Meg Ryan), the disgruntled girlfriend from earlier in the post. He has to convince her Tuck is inside him. Which from a woman's perspective, she probably felt extremely betrayed knowing that less than a week after their breakup, Tuck was already "inside" another human. Jack is able to convince her through very personal details Tuck tells him to say. Now the objective is getting him out of Jack, but how? Kissing. Jack gets to smooch Lydia in the name of science to try and transfer Tuck to a new host. For Lydia it's just something that has to be done, for Jack this is the hottest woman he has ever or probably will ever kiss, so he embraces it. It doesn't work exactly as planned and he remains back in Jack. Tuck is quickly running out of oxygen and this must be resolved soon or he is a dead man. Great action rounds out the movie along with an appearance changing display by Jack that is also funny. Like I said, I love this movie and haven't watched it in about a year, but that will soon be remedied.


NBM rates Innerspace - A Work of Cinematic Art


Buy It!!!

The Holiday

This is part 2 of 2 from the challenge of yesterday. This is probably Jack Black's best movie. It shows he does indeed have so much more to offer than the majority of films he has delivered. Here is a Guilty pleasure on top of just the film. I love Kate Winslet. I don't know why, but I enjoy what she offers up, and how she portrays herself. She is unafraid to do an indie film, but can deliver big time in a studio picture. Maybe it's as simple as she doesn't mind be unclothed on screen. Either way, she is brilliant. This film is the everyday Rom-Com, but it goes a little deeper than others of the same ilk. The movie starts out the same way from two different women across the pond from each other. Iris (Winslet) is enjoying her life when her long time boyfriend, Jasper (Rufus Sewell) ends up breaking up with her out of the blue. At the same time in America, Amanda has just kicked out her boyfriend Ethan (Ed Burns) for alleged infidelity. These ladies need a break. They, without knowing each other or the fact that their situations are similar decide to swap residences for an extended amount of time. Iris comes to LA and can't believe the the weather and lifestyle she is about to be in for. On the other side Amanda ends up in a teeny tiny little village with snow and ice. She thinks she made a mistake, while Iris knows it's gonna be awesome. Since both ladies left without a word to friends or family this is where the film gets thick and good. Amanda gets intruded on by Graham (Jude Law). He is an extremely handsome, well spoken Brit who happens to be Iris' brother. He seems to be more taken with her than she is with him at first. While Iris is enjoying the sunshine the front gate buzzer dings and it's Miles (Black). He and Amanda had an appointment she couldn't bother cancelling, probably because there couldn't possibly be anything more important than what is going on his her life. Luckily he is the playful, silly person Iris needs in her life at this very moment. All four people end up getting closer all the while knowing it can't possibly last. Graham has very good reasons for not wanting to leave, while Amanda would never give up her LA lifestyle. Iris is a bit of a homebody who loves where she comes from and can't imagine not living there, while it seems like the only person who seems to be willing to go to any lengths for true love is Miles. It is an incredibly sweet story that keeps the audience truly hoping for that Hollywood ending, but the odds are stacked against everyone involved. Jack Blacks best movie. There I said it again. Watch it and disagree.

NBM rates The Holiday - Phenomenal

Buy It Today

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Upon posting for the film P.S. I Love You, Dean-O challenged me to not only write a post based on a female driven movie for Valentines Day, but a film that I have a guilty pleasure enjoying. A film no man should watch, let alone like. I really think he just wants to peer into my soul to see if I am really a man or not, but nonetheless I will oblige him. I like this challenge. The obvious choice would be on a movie I have already posted about, The Notebook (read here). I have racked my brain, and I came up with 2 films that I have not yet written about. How awesome am I? I will not only rise above the request, but I will do both movies and post them on consecutive days. This is the first. Ya-Ya!!!!!! I saw this in the theater with my wife and her mother (Husband of the Year, right?). Me and one other person of Male capacity were in a packed house full of estrogen overload. Truth is I like movies and will watch nearly anything. It didn't hurt to have Sandra Bullock and Ashley Judd to look at. Plus James Garner is the man, and I will enjoy everything he does until he is no longer with us. I didn't relate to this film at all, which is why it was great. It knew its core audience, but at the same time the dialogue driven script kept it very interesting. The film is about the impossibilities of the Mother/Daughter relationship. Siddalee (Bullock) plays a woman in distress. He current mindset is triggered by her upcoming nuptials. As she is suppose to marry, she starts recollecting how much her parents couldn't stand each other, and how the children were the ones who had to pay with years of counseling and always wondering why they weren't good enough. The flashback aspect of the film is great. Viviane (Judd) is Sidda's Mother while Ellen Burstyn is the older Viviane during current day. It basically shows how the alcoholism takes over Viv's life, and how that affects the people she loves. All the people except the all for one Ya-Ya's. The Ya-Ya Sisterhood are comprised of four life long friends who vow to always be together. They even pull an Alan and become blood sisters when they are 12 or so. James Garner is Shep, Viv's husband and Father to the kids. He adds the only man factor present in the film. He plays the part of "married too long to the same woman, but why start over now" perspective. It is brilliant, and while everyone bickers and fights, he sits there quietly never getting involved. Very wise man. The point of the entire film is to salvage family, or whats left of it anyway. The on screen resentment and bitterness is so thick you could cut it with a knife. I think this works so well because there are so many movies about the brothers and the bonds that be, but the sisters don't get much play. I will admit to Dean-O and the rest of you this is one of my guilty pleasures. If its on, I have no issue sittin' right down and enjoying every second of it. Happy Valentines Day to all and remember on this VD day try not to catch the VD and you will have a much better day.

NBM rates Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - Phenomenal

Buy Yours Today

Lars and the Real Girl

This is another one of those little gems that, for whatever reason, people seemed to miss. Maybe it was its off kilter persona or the way it wasn't presented to the general public that left it fighting for Oscars, while not being viewed by the normal public. Being Valentines Day eve, this is a good one to write about. It is about true love. Love doesn't have to be between people. It can be anything. One can love his job, or her pet, maybe even a hobby, like paper airplane making or chopping up those little trees Mr Miagi invented. Whatever it is, Love comes from that specific person, and no one should tell them they're wrong. Lars is a bit of an abnormal human based on societies rules. Everyone he is close to, and by everyone, I mean his sister and brother in law, are always at him to get out there and meet people. Lars (Ryan Gosling) lives in his sister's garage, goes to work, church, and back home to eat dinner with his family. Everyday it's the same ol' same ol'. One day to much of the surprise Of his Sister, Karin- played by the strangely hot Emily Mortimer, and her husband Gus (Parks and Rec's Paul Schneider) he announced he will be having a guest over for dinner. A girl named Bianca has come in from out of town to meet him. They informally met on the Internet according to Lars and Karin is jazzed, right up until she gets to meet Bianca. Bianca happens to be one of those incredibly expensive life like love dolls. What is so great is Lars wants nothing of that aspect at all. Basically he created Bianca as a friend and partner for himself, and Karin thinks that if they take her away it may do irreparable damage to Lars' psyche. The Charade begins. He takes her to church, the store, keeps her fed and clothed, bathes her. Basically anything a loving husband would do for their spouse who is unable to provide for them self. It's an extremely touching film and at first we see Bianca as a doll, but the emotion Gosling is able to display really gives her life. He doesn't necessarily speak for her, but he will have a conversation with her in private as if she is responding. It's really quite something. What I really love about this film is the community aspect of it all. Lars is such a nice guy, and in such a small town, everyone knows him and how nice and sweet he is as a person. When Bianca shows up, there is no judgement, or whispers. No one makes fun, or pokes at him. They actually do something hard to fathom. They always ask how Bianca is when they see her, scoot down the pew to make room for not one person, but two, and they generally want Lars to be happy and fulfilled. Even if that means he loves a latex female doll, and that is what completes his life. The story carries us along and we wonder if they are soul mates or if Lars will snap out of it and come to our senses. Either way no one seems to mind, but Karin will eventually wonder if his mental health is ok or not. If you get a chance don't pass it up. You will love it for what it is and it may make you analyze the things you love. I own my copy and if anyone wants to borrow it, let me know.

NBM rates Lars and the Real Girl - Phenomenal

Buy Your Copy Today

The Final Countdown

So was is just me who thought that Doctor Emmit Brown brought to the forefront the possible consequences of messing with the space time continuum? Not the case at all. The Final Countdown was released 5 years prior to Back to the Future, yet until yesternight I had never even heard of it. It very well presented a plot that not only makes you think about what is happening and how you would react to the same situation if faced with it, but it doesn't exit the brain anytime soon after the final credits roll. I love watching actors I didn't grow up with, but as an adult I am fully aware of the legacies they left behind. Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen are the main peeps in this extremely original (for the times) time travel adventure, where the consequences could alter the very existence of everyone involved. So, Laskey (Sheen) is aboard USS NIMITZ to observe the actions of the crew and captain and give suggestions on any way they could improve how they do things and make decisions. The Captain of the aircraft carrier is played by Kirk Douglas. Everything is very routine until an unusual storm presents what turns out to be a wormhole to the past. Forty years in the past to be exact. 1 day before the attack on Pearl Harbor to be even more precise. The brilliant thing about the time travel is no one on board is the wiser to what has just happened to them. Basically the ocean hasn't had many improvements or noticeable changes in the past forty years. It wasn't until they sent out some surveillance aircraft that the pieces began to fall. Other than Douglas and Sheen, there really was only one other major character. Cmdr. Owens. He is some what of a historian and is currently finishing his manuscript about the attack on Pearl and the War to follow. His research compared with pictures taken the day of the portal experience are IIIDENTICAL (llll) (llll). <-- Those are hands. AP knows why.) At this point the fact remains that those who need to know what is happening do know, but soon those people's jobs become increasing tough>>Decision Wise that is. They are wrestling with the question of what to do. They can use the forty years of advanced technology and destroy the Japanese fleet before the attack or let history happen as it is suppose to. The arguments between Lasky, the Captain, and Owens are absolutely mind boggling. Lasky has the most compelling argument for leaving well enough alone, but Owens is conflicted. He kind of wants the best of both, but contradicts himself in some of his though processes. The battle scenes in the air are nothing short of superbly awesomely fantastically brilliant. F-14's going up against 1941 Japanese propeller fighter planes. It's insane to think about the way that fight would go. At one point A-Bomb looks at me and states what he thinks the American pilots are saying, "Eesh, I've never gone this slow before." Funny stuff. What would you do? If the year was 1980 and Pearl took place 40 years earlier like the history books taught you, would you change the outcome if you could? This is the conversation we've been continuing to have over the last 20 hours or so. It's a tough one. I am disturbed I thought The Final Countdown was nothing but a righteous song by the band Europe, which played on a loop on my Rocky IV tape of the soundtrack. I must own this movie and make my children understand how important a decision like this would be. There are so many other things that make this film so right, but I really want any of you who haven't seen it to get a copy any way you can. The blu ray delivered through netflix was actually a very superior quality picture.

NBM rates The Final Countdown - A Work of Cinematic Art

Buy It!!!

Crazy Heart

Watch this film for a couple reasons. It's always fun to see a performance that wins an Oscar. Of course I am talking about Jeff Bridges. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors ever. He has come into his own and it looks so easy for him. He just doesn't seem to try and that's why he is elite. After 5 nominations through his career, Crazy Heart finally brought him the gold and deservedly so. He is absolutely brilliant in his portrayal as a drunken country singer who used to be star, but now at the tail end of a career in which retirement is not an option, he finds himself playing in front of 25 people (who are at least fans) in dive bars and bowling alleys. Unhappy with his life, he blames everyone but himself. He is an alcoholic who doesn't deny that. His biggest issue doesn't lye with doing crap shows or being drunk all the time, but with a man named Tommy Sweet. Colin Farrell delivers an outright superb performance as a country singer loved by thousands. Bad Blake (Bridges) issue is more of a resentment than anything else. Bad taught Tommy everything he knew and while Tommy spent the majority of his early career staring at Bad back, he was able to break free and become a super star in his own right. The writing does a great job of constantly mentioning Tommy and the disdain Bad has for him. It really makes him out to be a jerk who selfishly walked out on Bad Blake and never looked back. Until we met Tommy we have this image of how he is, but Farrell delivers anything but. He is genuine, never forgot how he got started, and still respects Bad and what he does. The visuals of the low budget film are awesome. Nothing special, but I did love that '78 Suburban Bad tours out of. With the key turn powered rear window to the drapes inside, it really is a POS, but it's his POS and it never lets him down. There is no end in sight for Bad, then he meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a local small town reporter in Santa Fe. She wants an interview and he gives her one. They hit it off and it turns into the relationship Bad needs more than she does. I think her 4 year old son is what really keeps Bad coming back. He needs stability, and he also feels he must pay for his mistakes. Without an original song in 3 years, he doesn't know what to do next. Tommy asks for some songs he can record, which would help both Tommy and put money into Bad's pocket. As much as he doesn't want to work for Tommy, he really has no choice. I was loving this movie when it got a whole lot better merely by the appearance of an actor of such a high caliber that his appearance, however brief it may be, can improve something that is already great. I'm talking about Robert Duvall. He plays an old friend of Bad's that owns a bar in his hometown. Him and Bridges in screen together really was a treat. I put off watching this film in fear that it would be laced with "Hollywood Southern Accents" that would be unbearable. Not so. Bridges pretty much sounds southern naturally and he is smart enough not to over do it or try to hard. The one I was really worried about was Farrell. When he first had some lines I was nervous that it could wreck what was a great movie. Wrong again. His performance and delivery did absolutely no shame to the southern draw. When you think about it, Europeans do a much better southern than most non southern American actors. Think about Jude Law in Cold Mountain vs. Nic Cage in Con Air? Need I say more? Will Bad Blake ever catch the break he has wanted and longed for? Watch and see it unfold. I would also like to add, that this is not the typical Hollywood movie of Rainbows and lollipops. It's dark and depressing, and sometimes down right terrifying. Watch it and you will understand that last adjective I used during one particular scene.

NBM rates Crazy Heart - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!

 

Inside Man

It's my birthday today, so I wanted to write about one of my favorite films from the past 5 years. The biggest surprise of this film was who wrote it. Spike Lee returns in all his glory. He delivers a great script in a superb fashion. Denzel is great as always, along with top notch performances by Clive Owen (no big surprise there), Willem Dafoe, Jodie Foster, and Christopher Plummer who all do their jobs perfectly. This is a heist movie, but not the ordinary kind. It's smart, clever, and unlike Oceans it's not that humorous. It's all business. Clive plays a thief named Dalton. He and his crew execute the perfect robbery, but escaping is not in their plan. They want to get caught. Well, to a degree anyway. Hostage negotiator Keith Frazier (Denzel) is on top of this. He is the only one allowed to breech to doors which have been locked by the robbers. Little does he know he is being used by Dalton while thinking he is making head way. We quickly find out this heist is not at all about money. The way the opening scene is filmed sets up a brilliant thought provoking script. Dalton is giving an on camera testimony from his prison cell. So with that it flashes back to the beginning and we wonder why he got caught and if he succeeded at any of his goals. His crack team are dressed from head to toe in painters coveralls with hoods. They wear white masks and sunglasses the entire time. The hostages and threats by Dalton keep the coppers at bay. Eventually we are informed what this heist is really about. Leverage. What? Why? and Who? quickly become our focus. From there the movie turns as thrilling as can be and as an audience we are torn who to root for. The Detective who is being targeted by the Internal Affairs, or Dalton, who is so smart and clever, we just hope his reasons are worth it. As a present to myself I am going to watch this film again today and celebrate its absolute brilliance.

NBM rates Inside Man - A Cinematic Work of Art

Buy It!!

Shooter

Shooter was one of those movie with a trailer that made it look good, but if done wrong could've been horrible. It was probably better than I expected. Mark Wahlberg is a character with possibly the coolest on screen name he has ever had the privilege of calling himself. Bob Lee Swagger. P-I-M-P. He is an Army sniper, but when he and his spotter are spotted by the enemy, he is able to get out alive, while his spotter and best friend isn't so lucky. After this horrific turn of events, he quits the Army, moves to a secluded mountain, and tries to live out the rest of his life in peace. Unfortunately that doesn't get to happen. With a triumphant return to the big screen Danny Glover plays Col. Isaac Johnson. The Colonel needs Bob's help. The Colonel has been tipped off that a hit will be attempted on the President and they need Bob to give them the 411 on the possibilities of which locations in the city it may take place from. He is a consultant, there to provide opinion from the stand point of a professional such as himself. After helping them, things go terribly wrong. The assassination is a success and then all of the sudden it becomes clear. He is being set up. Now he is on the run for the murder of a high ranking official. With every one after him, he has almost nowhere to go, or does he? He ends up at the home of his former partners fiance' with a nasty bullet wound. Although hesitant, she helps him and sends him on his way. He must set out to prove the conspiracy whilst trying to avoid the shoot on site command given to all the pursuers. He beats up one of the feds, proclaims his innocence, and fleas. This fed is pretty "with it" though and realizes the pieces don't add up. Nick Memphis (Michael Pena) ends up on Bob's side trying to figure out who is behind it and why this is happening. The training segments where Bob teaches Nick everything he knows is a lot of fun to watch. Then the fun begins. We have all the build up and the plot points, so now for the action/revenge/clear his name portion. They devise a "storm the ranch" type of plan. Find all the players involved and take em out one by one, or all at once. Doesn't matter. I already mentioned Glover, but Ned Beatty? Awesome as the corrupt high powered senator pulling the strings. All in all, this is a brilliant movie made for men, but enjoyed by women. Will Bob Lee get his freedom? or will he die trying? If you haven't seen it you really are missing out on a great story with another great performance by the under rated Marky Mark.

NBM rates Shooter - Phenomenal

Buy It!!

 

Cyrus

You gotta love indie flicks...no, well I do. This is a good one. It gives us all we want. Good acting, uncomfortable scenes and a no frills delivery of set pieces. It just feels more real to the viewer. Like, that looks like my house, or I drive that car. This story follows John (John C. Reilly) at a time in his life that he is not proud of, no one would be. He gets caught visiting "fun town" by his ex wife who he also still works along side. She informs him she is getting remarried and wants him at the wedding. How could you not be invested after an opening scene like that? They also will not leave him alone until he agrees to go to a party with them to meet some new people. It turns into some very awkward conversations as he is less than suave with the ladies. Fortunately for him Molly (Tomei) shows up and finds him. She likes how he wears his heart an his sleeve and for the most part is utterly hopeless. They end up really hitting it off, then he meets Cyrus. He is her live at home son. They have a creepily close Mother/Son relationship. This sort of creeps John out but not enough to run away from this extremely hot single mother who his out of his league (looks wise anyway). Cyrus seems like a pretty good guy. A little possessive for mom, but not horrible...at first. As John and Molly get more serious Cyrus, who is a 22 year old man, begins to go overboard to sabotage their relationship. He and John end up at each others throats which bothers John but pleases Cyrus. Its a great film with the great cast which also includes Katherine Keener as Johns ex wife, and Jonah Hill as Cyrus. It's classic John C. Reilly, but a bit of a different role for Jonah Hill. Either way it worked well.


NBM rates Cyrus - Awesome

Buy Your Copy
 

The Hangover

I am in so much pain right now.....

A-Bomb had to go to Vegas this week for work so I thought I would write a tribute to being in Vegas. There are several moves about that city, Honeymoon in Vegas, Vegas Vacation, Rainman, etc..but I feel the hangover nailed it on the head. A-Bomb initially stated that the visual above with Stu passed out on the floor, waking up with a live chicken walking around was possibly the best of all time. Now after having viewed the movie and that particular scene several dozen times I realize he is correct. Having dissected every single minute visual aspect of that one still photo it truly is worth a thousand words... Maybe even 2. The genius of the movie can hardly be explained in the written word. It really must be viewed. Todd Phillips himself is a genius and I assume he stays in the comedy realms because you are suppose to write what you know. He revolutionized the genre with his original offering Road Trip and hasn't let us down since. That's right, I even see School for Scoundrels as a success. The Hangover really does the comedy in a completely different way than most other comedies. 3 best friends and the future brother in law head to Vegas for the bachelor party. The writing and directing and I'm sure ad libbing were all brilliant. Once these guys get to sin city the film does a bit of a fast forward. I thought I was in for viewing a night of debauchery and scandal over a 90 minute period that "never happened". Instead we get a time lapse day to sunrise Vegas skyline. Then the guys all wake up in a trashed suite with no recollection of what took place the night before. Then the plot unfolds. Doug, the groom to be, is missing. They have no idea where he could be and the only clues are what they have on them. A couple of receipts, a tiger in the bathroom, a valet ticket, and a tooth. This is when it goes from fun to extremely awesomely funtastic. They must find Doug and get back to California to get him hitched. Alan is by far the funniest character in the film. He loads the screen with laughs and also very strange questions that make us ponder. Phil is the alpha male who is "in charge" of this situation that is completely fubar. Stu is the calm tempered guy who takes to most crap from his friends but goes with the flow. The longer it lasts the better it gets. And when it finally does end, we don't want it to. Mike Tyson add some very funny scenes of his own, and if I ever "volunteered" to be tased, just know that it was more than likely against my will. My advice to A-Bomb while in Vegas would be this: if you meet anyone name Doug, steer clear. Don't take the "floories", or "jaeger" even from a friend. And lastly, absolutely do not lock a naked chinese man in the trunk of your car. Follow these rules buddy, and you will make it home safe. As for the boys in the film, they single handedly spawned an entire male generation who will consistently try to have a better story to tell after their own bachelor party as they did with The Hangover. Which is why

NBM rates it - A Work of Cinematic Art

Buy It!!!