United 93

It feels right to post this review on the 10th anniversary of the darkest day in my American History. Lots and Lots and Lots of films were made about this infamous day, but the only one that looked worth watching to me was United 93. I wasn't sure how it would be spun, ya know - Hollywood and all, but it was absolutely fantastic. I mean, The ending sucked, but at the same time it was glorious. We all know how that flight ended. United flight 93 was headed to crash into the White House, when the passengers took that plane back and crashed it into an empty field killing no one other than the people and terrorist aboard. Those people to me represent what the American fight is all about. The way the film is shot is extremely intense as it should be. It was a true story and we knew that, but at the same time, everyone not on those flights were thankful to be alive, however, while watching this movie there is a very urgent sense by us [the viewer] that if put in that situation, we would do the same thing. It is a harrowing film about the self sacrifice of few to save many. This is a one time watch to me, but I also feel it is a must see to any American who remembers where they were that fateful morning that changed our history forever. I know the film was written with only a few facts at hand, and the dialogue was all made up for a good script, but it always felt real, in the sense, that it was not all Stallone and Arnie killing everyone. It was a group effort thrown together to take back what was theirs. It was sloppy and it is how a situation like that would go down. The only thing I don't agree with was the film makers showed one of the terrorists being remorseful. I feel if one makes a decision to kill thousands of innocents, there is no remorse. It is just ruthlessness at the highest level.

NBM rates United 93 - Phenomenal

Back to the Future.....Nike's?

This is too brilliant not to share. Enjoy the following commercial for a pair of shoes every geek would love to own, but no geek can afford. I am sad for that fact, but a very cool project NIKE is doing for Parkinson's research.

Gnomeo & Juliet

Ok, so I have been saying, "Disney is dead" all year long and though I still stand behind that, Tangled is pretty awesome. However, Gnomeo & Juliet is just solid story telling and originality... to a degree. It is also a Touchstone Pictures film. Maybe I give Disney to much flack. Considering that every film company now does animated movies, perhaps they are just outgunned. I will give a Tangled review this week as well, but today it's all about the Gnomes. Gnomes are funny, and to see them as thinking people just makes it funnier. It kind of reminded me of the first time I saw Toy Story back in 1995. The story of Gnomeo and Juliet, which we all know is actually Romeo and Juliet is just hilarious. What I didn't know about this film was the characters were all based on the classic Shakespeare tragedy. The Gnomes call each other The Reds or The Blues. They tend to their masters gardens all day, and they are only separated from each other by a single privacy fence. They go about their day when the masters leave for the day. The Masters are aptly names Montague and Capulet, and though brief, their exchanges are absolutely perfect. Pay attention, because they are never the focus and we never see their faces, but the dialogue is perfect. Also, you all know I love movies that reference movies, and this one does just that. It is usually cartoons that do tend to do it and Gnomeo & Juliet does it well. Braveheart, that's all I'm saying. I enjoyed this film as I watched it with my wife and then again the next day with my kids. I liked it more than they did, but they are only 2, and don't know what is good and what is food. I do recommend this film for kids and adults. It has those adult humor jokes that makes these films more enjoyable for us, yet kids are none the wiser of what has been said. It is a new take on a very old play, and Shakespeare himself shows up....HILARIOUS...but you'll have to watch it to get any more info than that.

NBM rates Gnomeo & Juliet - Awesome

Your Highness

I really had hoped after witnessing that superb Red Band trailer all those months ago, that Your Highness would have more to offer. It turned out to be what I like to call a "Trailer Movie" (Copyright by NBM and it's affiliates). A "Trailer Movie" is a film that gives away all the redeeming qualities in the trailers, and they don't add much that we have not already seen. I just kept waiting for it, but the plot just seemed to drag on and on, with silly dialogue and F bombs dropping like they are going out of style. I didn't expect much else from Danny McBride, but I did expect a better script. I had an argument about this movie- well, more like an airing of opinions - with the one we call Archangel. He loved this movie. Actually, according to how I read his messages, it should read more like, LOVE!!! I kind of get where he is coming from, but in my opinion, it could have flowed better, without relying on the F word in British dialect to attain the laughs. It follows two very different brothers. Thadius (McBride) and his older Bro Fabius (Franco). Fabius is a national treasure and future king, while Thadius is a stoner, lazy, slacker, foul mouthed dickhead. When Fabius Bride is stolen by the sinister Wizard Lezar, they must rescue her. Lezar has plans for the bride (Deschanel). Thadius gets his first quest much to his dismay. He and Big Bro travel to country seeking Lezar. They run into some foes along the way, and I think the funniest scene in the movie involved the mythological creature The Minotaur. All in all, Thadius is trying to earn respect whist not dying, and Fabius just wants his bride back. I will say, for a secondary character, Thadius' assistant Courtney added several laughs of his own, but not even this brilliant cast which also includes Natalie Portman could get me to watch it more than the one time I did.

NBM rates Your Highness - Good

Rubber

I could not have fathomed that the 400th post would be on the film Rubber. It is not, however, the 400th review, so we still have that milestone to accomplish. This is actually #380, so if you have some requests for an Epic #400, let me know. Back to the film of the hour. One word comes to mind....Regret. As in, I regret I did not watch this sooner, I regret I do not own it, and I regret I waited a week to give you all inspirational words making you run to find a copy. What makes this film better than Great, is its Direction. I want you to imagine WALL-E and multiply it by 10. By that, I am talking emotion. Not yours, but the main characters. WALL-E did not speak, but we knew what he was feeling. All of emotions came through loud and clear through a series of bleeps and bloops. Rubber, on the other hand, takes an inanimate tire and gives it emotion. It is brilliant. We know what is going through his mind - er, hole- at all times. Essentially this is a film about a tire who can move freely and with the mere vibration of his being, he can take life. He does not start out as a ruthless killer, but that is where he evolves to. At 90 minutes it seems like that may be a long time to watch a tire roll around the desert. What makes this film not only tolerable, but hilarious and fun is the randomness of everything going on. From the opening scene when we are visually impacted by a dirt road filled with wooden chairs and a man holding 20 pairs of binoculars. If that isn't good enough, the next 5 minutes will make you fully invest yourself in what's to come. The opening monologue may be the greatest speech and presentation of all time. The director lets us follow Robert (The Tire) as he learns to roll, and his knowledge along the journey from there.  It is funny to see Robert get frustrated because he can't do something, but he just keeps rolling on. Then he realizes his power of destruction. From this point on, you had better not wrong him or else. You may be reading this and asking yourself, What's the point? Why is he alive? All I have to say is, No Reason. It is just pure entertainment that led to the following quote on a message board, "After watching Rubber and explaining the plot to my parents, they now think I smoke pot." Classic. This movie is definitely geared toward the male species as the female species tend to over analyze everything. If you try and over analyze this, your head may explode.

NBM rates Rubber - A Work of Art!!

**I rated it the highest because it is unapologetic, funny, and anyone who could pitch this idea and get funding must be a genius**

Coming This Week!!!!

Check back for reviews of:


Rubber,
Gnomeo and Juliet, &
Lost in Translation.


All to come this week, only on NBM

Our Idiot Brother

This movie was everything I had hoped it would be. It definitely lived up to the TV spots. It gave much more than that though. This is the greatest on screen Ned since Ned Ryerson. Ned (Paul Rudd in his best role since Brian "The Octogon" Fantana.) is a slacker and that is saying it nicely. The trailer kinda made it look like he was nothing but a pothead. Not the case. He is more of a hippie, organic farmer who's outlook on life will make anyone and everyone wish they could be as positive as Ned. He takes everything in stride, he doesn't think too hard on situations, and he always gives people the benefit of the doubt. The opening scene where he gets busted selling weed to a uniformed officer in broad daylight really sets it up for greatness. After his 8 month stint in the can, he is released early for being the most congenial inmate 4 months in a row. This is where we meet his family, and though he is made out to be the problem child, his sister's all have their own flaws, but they don't see it that way. The film follows Ned as he bounces around from one sister's place to the next until eventually they all kick him out for ruining their lives. Miranda (Banks) is a workaholic waiting for her big break as a journalist. Her best friend is also her neighbor. Jeremy (Adam Scott) is at her beck and call, but he even gets tired of her bossiness. Then there is Nat (Deschanel). She is currently a lesbian in a relationship with Cindy (Jones). She seems bored, but doesn't want to deal with her life. Lastly there is Liz (Mortimer). She is the married one with the kid, who isn't happy with her marriage, but won't let anyone else know that. Ned seems to be his sister's scapegoat from their own lives. As long as he is around, he will screw up enough stuff, it really takes the focus off all of them. Usually negative focus. The dialog is so brilliant, and Ned just blows along in the breeze wherever it takes him. I envy him. The funny thing is he knows he is stupid, but he doesn't care. The only things he cares about is never failing his friends, family, and his BFF Willie Nelson - His golden retriever. He is genuinely a nice guy. Not fake, and though his sisters don't get it, everyone he meets tends to love him. They write it off as they just don't know him like they do. This is probably the most "indie" film I have seen in a theater. The only thing that deters it from that moniker is the star studded cast. I am glad I contributed $16 to this film that probably won't gross 6 million in it's opening weekend. By no means is it "Big Screen Movie". It is low budget and dialog driven. The jokes are buried more so than most of the outrageous comedies we see these days, where everything is out in front. I may have to buy it, so to pass it around to my friends and family. It goes from light hearted to dark and back again. It does make you wanna be Ned, but not really. If I could live that way for 1 week a year, that would be sufficient for me. Paul Rudd is brilliant as always, and the guy who plays Billy (TJ Miller) could have had more screen time, but you will understand why he doesn't. Our Idiot Brother will make you laugh, and feel extremely sorry for all the people involved all at the same time.

NBM rates Our Idiot Brother - Phenomenal

Talihina Sky

Being a Kings of Leon fan, I was not going to miss this documentary, which debuted on Showtime this week. Since Showtime was airing it, I knew it would be uncut, and sure enough it was. Talihina Sky follows the band on their rise from unknown to super stardom and everywhere in between. The band is comprised of 3 brothers and their cousin. When i see documentaries, they always seem a little bit fluffy. By that, I mean, they seem to not be honest to themselves or us in the fact that these films can be edited to make everyone win. This does not do that. It does not paint a pretty picture, or a glamorous one either. What I did not expect was the amount of old footage we get to see. In 2003-04 These guys were unknown, so why would a camera crew follow them? I don't know, but I also don't care. This is a true doc following the band for 7 years. That is amazing. It really does more than just band Q and A. It goes down home. They interview the Kings family members...and not just Mother and Father. I'm talking Oklahoma backwoods Uncles, grandparents, cousins. They even drop in a Followill Family Reunion, which is quite comical. I think it is so brilliant, because we all have family like this. They may not speak proper, but they love their kin. I already was well versed in most things KOL, but I learned a few things that made me go, "Huh". Nathan is the oldest of the brothers and he plays Drums. Caleb is next on guitar and vocals. Jared is the youngest of the three. He is on Bass. The cousin is Matthew on rhythm guitar. Matthew was only 17 when he went out on tour with them for the first time. The funniest thing I learned was that Caleb and Nathan were the ones that got a record deal. With that, they needed the rest of an actual band. Caleb said, how about Jared on Bass, to which the new manager asked if he played bass. The answer was no. Jared basically locked himself in a room and learned as fast as possible. That is impressive to me. Then they needed another guitarist, so the logical choice was to stay in the family. The suggested Matthew. Fearful of the same answer he got with the "Jared" question, he reluctantly asked it again. Can he play? The boys responded this time with, "I don't know, we have only heard him play over the phone. To be able to put together a band that sells out stadiums with half of its members unable to play at the time of signing is impressive to say the least. With the KOL recently cancelling the rest of the North American tour without warning, the speculation is that the band is breaking up. As much as I don't like to hear that, Talihina Sky really opens the fan's eyes to what kind of struggles this band has dealt with over the past decade. After watching some of the knock down, drag out arguments we are shown, it is no surprise it would happen eventually. I do not see any of the members starting new bands, ala the Oasis boys, but I do see an extended Hiatus. Probably at least 2 years, upon which time several songs will be written in the current depressive state by all the boys on their own terms. Everyone needs a break, and after seeing how hard these guys work, they deserve one. I do wish it came on better circumstances, like actually finishing your tour. At least you are not coming near me this time, because I would have my tickets, and I don't know what kind of damage that would have done to my opinion of them. I don't know how this film would come across to someone who is unfamiliar with the band or their music, but for me, it was the tops. I also love the title of the film. Talihina Sky is an untitled hidden track on their first album. It is also the name of the place they grew up. I do recommend this band to anyone who likes music that may be a little different from what they are used to. They now have five albums, and they have progressively grown musically. There first album, "Youth and young manhood" is very raw, ripped up, and thrown down. The second album is as far from a "sophomore slump" as anyone can be. Ah Ha Shake Heartbreak is my favorite album of all 5. With their 3rd, they hit way more mainstream, and tracks off of this album are the first time I remember hearing them on the radio. "On Call" and "Knocked Up" are those tracks. Super stardom set in with their 4th album and the track "Sex on Fire" started it all. It was a lot more pop than they had ever been and it caught on. This album produced 5 tracks that everyone knows due to the overwhelming air play. Come Around Sundown is their latest, and it feels almost like an entirely different band altogether. As you can tell, I am a fan, but this film shows the darkest minutes of the darkest hours of the band's existence. I do recommend this film as entertainment only. It is full of salty language, which may surprise you because the boys grew up very religious as their Father was a preacher. If you don't love them already, this will not help with that. I don't see this film having the same effect that Walk the Line did. When that film came out, Johnny Cash record sales boosted. This film does not focus on the music, it focuses on the family behind the music.

NBM rates Talihina Sky - A Work of Cinematic Art.

Drive (International Trailer)

Ryan Gosling is about to establish himself as an action star, along with his dramatic and comedic roles, he is quickly becoming elite. If Drive does not look appealing to you, then you should google "Ryan Gosling streetfight" and tell me your opinion of this Hollywood stud doesn't rise a bit in your eyes. He is in my top 5 among working actors today, and he may eventually climb to Number 1. Enjoy this trailer for Drive.


Drive (International Trailer) 

Conan the Barbarian

By Caleb Pullum (a.k.a. Archangel)

As a fan of the Sword and Sorcery genre, and a fan of the character Conan in particular, I met the news that they were making a new Conan film with tempered excitement. I was excited to hear that one of my favorite characters, for whom there is huge amount of source material, was being brought back to the big screen. Conan done right could be epic! On the other hand, I know Hollywood. Time and time again I’ve seen Hollywood use a well known and beloved character in a lack luster film just to earn a quick buck off the fans. Conan could be epic, or it could be nothing more than a poorly acted, poorly directed blood bath of a film. I decided to expect something in the middle. I wasn’t disappointed.

The film starts out with a brief explanation of the land Hyboria, its people and its history, narrated by none other Morgan Freeman. He tells of the time in which the barbarian tribes of Hyboria rose up against the Necromancers of Asheron whom had enslaved them. After defeating the Necromancers, the barbarian tribes destroyed the Necromancer’s magical crown and spread the pieces across the continent to prevent it from ever being repaired and used again. One of these tribes, called the Cimmerians, gives birth to the child named Conan. As a boy, young Conan shows he has the passion, tenacity, and ability to become a great warrior. His father, portrayed by Ron Pearlman begins training his son to be a warrior, and also in the trade of blacksmithing. However, before Conan earns the right to carry the sword he and his father forge for him, the Cimmerians are attacked by Khalar Zym (Played by Stephen Lang) his daughter Marique (Rose McGowan) and his army. If you’ve seen Stephen Lang as a villain before, such as in the movie Avatar, expect much of the same here. Zym is searching for the piece of the Necromancers crown that the Cimmerians posses. Finding the fragment, he burns the Cimmerian village to the ground and in a torturous scene leaves Conan and his father to decide who lives and who dies. Conan’s father makes the ultimate sacrifice for his son.

When next we see Conan, he has grown into a young man, played by Jason Momoa. Momoa is one of the bright spots of the film, as I believe he does a great job in capturing the essence of the character. The ferocity, intelligence, and strength of Conan are all here. Conan is seeking revenge against Zym, but he’s lost his trail. He’s become a wandering adventurer living by his own code, on his own terms. He comes to find that Zym is searching for a young woman, Tamara (played by Rachel Nichols). Tamara is the last pure blood descendant of the Asheron necromancers, and Zym needs her blood to complete an ancient ritual that will make him all powerful. Conan rides off to finally receive his vengeance against Zym and his legions.

If you want to enjoy Conan the Barbarian in theaters, you should expect it to be what it is. A visual, action packed gore fest. The sword play is exceptional. Momoa’s intensity and the character exploration of Conan are fantastic. The villains are extremely over the top, but in this genre, that’s to be expected. Visually, spectacular, as some scenes in this film are truly breathtaking. If you’re expecting something along the lines of The Lord of the Rings when you go to see this film, stay home. You’ll be disappointed. Conan seems jumpy, quickly moving from one action scene to another, with just enough story to keep you from becoming completely lost. The love and romance between Conan and Tamara, like most action films, feels to quick, easy, and contrived. Most of the supporting cast and extras seemed as if they received no direction at all.

I enjoyed Conan the Barbarian. It was what I expected it to be; therefore I wasn’t disappointed, even though I had hoped for more. If you’re looking for some mindless action packed entertainment, you won’t go wrong with this one.

Archangel rates Conan the Barbarian - Great