City Island

Every once in a great while a comedy true to life is delivered and makes us appreciate that it does not remind us of us. The last one that I can think of would be Little Miss Sunshine. They are no frills, no action, no over the top sequences involving ex boxers or extra large jungle cats. They are character and dialogue driven and City Island has been on my mind ever since the day I watched it a couple days ago. Andy Garcia plays Vincent Rizzo, a prison guard....I mean Correctional Officer. Sorry Vince, please forgive me. Vincent has lived on the island his whole life and has a very interesting dialogue about people like him and the other residents on the island. His wife is Joyce (The under appreciated Julianna Margulies). The language is what really makes this a great watch. He and his family, well wife anyway, carry on with thick Italian accents and extreme body language. These two people have been married for 20 years, which is equivalent to about 130 years for single people. It takes a toll to say the least. These two do love each other, but they (She) has trust issues. Let's just say the only one in the whole family that's the least bit honest is the 17 year old son. He steals the show when he is on screen with his nail on the head outlook on everything. He tells it how it is, and pisses his parents off, but they also know he is right. Oh yeah, and he has a feederism fetish which plays really well with all the other dysfunctionality going on. He is not ashamed of it though, which is more than most people can say about their quirks and fetishes. Everyone in the family hides something from each other which turns into quite the ironic twist. What they hide from each other, they both do, so it's kind of a waste of time and stress. One day Vince is confronted with his past. It slaps him in the face, so to speak. It is a regret he has had for most of his adult life and now is the time he feels he must fix it. He adopts a prisoner from the place he works. He and his wife have some classic arguments. The entire family dynamic of City Island is what makes it special. I cannot imagine living in fear of my spouse as he does. He cannot express his passion and is constantly going to "a poker game", which his wife is very suspicious of. By the end we kind of expect the family to be torn apart, or a murder, but where it goes is so brilliant. The funny thing is that between the parents and their son and daughter, the one who finally speaks straight with them is the ex prisoner. I absolutely loved this film and with it On Demand, I don't doubt I will watch a few more times minimum. Don't miss out on one of the most genuine real comedies of the last decade.

NBM rates City Island - Phenomenal

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The Eiger Sanction

Not the most descriptive picture from the film, but I do love that Bronco.

I have been told by A-Bomb for many moons now about the film, Eiger Sanction. I had high expectations, because it's Clint. I was really eiger (eager) to see this 1975 film and all it had to offer. Clint plays Dr. Johnathan Hemlock, a college professor who has a bit of a side gig when not teaching his art class. Sounds familiar. He is not an archeologist, he is actually an assassin for hire. He is retired from that, but he gets pulled back in with a little trick called guilt. He takes the first of two new jobs, completes it, then Eiger gets involved. Eiger is the name of a mountain he failed to climb twice. Oh yeah, he is a really good mountain climber. The second job is to kill a man who is going to be climbing this mountain for a competition. He is not given much info on the future target, so he takes the job blind. This is where the training portion of the film begins. It's hard to pull off training segments in the middle of movies. You have to really be pulling for the person or it's just like watching someone work out. I think Eiger was having trouble making this segment extremely gripping, but they remedied that well. His trainer is a hot Indian lady who works him to the bone, the add in some bare breasts for no reason and this training just got interesting. He must climb a brutal mountain to kill a man he never met, for reasons he doesn't understand. He doesn't even know which of the 3 climbers he's with is his target, but he pushes on trying to figure out. It's intense at times, but no scenes come to mind that were absolutely like, AAAAWWWEEE. This is a bit of a different role for Eastwood, but I loved it. He is quick, witty, and extremely sarcastic and unapologetic. He is unhappy about being brought back, but the blackmail laid upon him doesn't give him much of a choice. I love the political incorrectness of this film. They say things that would never go into a film script these days, but no one even cares. I was surprised at how much I laughed during the movie. It was, at times, hysterical. I do think that this is one of those movies that if you grew up with it you would have a different fondness for it than someone seeing it for the first time as a mature adult. It did seem like the writers had a great plot, great ending, but ran short on time. This is why the training session was such a chunk in the middle. I didn't mind it, that's just my opinion.

NBM rates The Eiger Sanction - Awesome

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In the Line of Fire

Time to go back to the first movie I ever a movie with Clint Eastwood. I also saw this in the theater and even at the ripe age of 11, I was blown away. The torment of Frank and the regret he holds for 30 years for not doing his job to the best of his abilities is well played by Clint. Truth be told, he pussed out when the chips were on the line. Frank is a secret service agent in charge of protecting The Presidents of the US. He was on Kennedy detail November of '63 and did not sacrifice himself for his boss, which in turn landed him on brain detail. So his whole career is based on his flub and he is always looking for redemption. Well, he is about to be served a healthy portion on a silver platter, but will history repeat itself? Mitch Leary (Malkovich) is out to kill the President, while he plays a mind game with Frank at the same time. He wants to see what Frank is made of, but he also wants to succeed. Frank has nothing in his life, yet he has everything to lose. I'm pretty sure if you don't do your job twice in his line of work, you're pretty much canned. First Offense: Brain detail followed by slap on the wrist. Second Offense: shipped to a jungle where government officials will hunt you like wild prey and the only person to help you is Mario Van Peebles. Frank does not want that to happen. I remember thinking how good the action and story were, but even at 11 I really saw how top notch the acting was. I love both Eastwood and Malkovich + Rene Russo = Brilliance at 27 frames per second. And Remember...Aim High!!


NBM rates In the Line of Fire - Phenomenal

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Mystic River

Let's switch Eastwood gears to strictly behind the camera. The one thing Clint is good at is picking and writing and directing Oscar contenders year in and year out. His track record is near impeccable. This is one of those movies that I thought back to when I saw Gone Baby Gone and The Town. It's that Boston Hard core street movie. It also won Sean Penn an a very well deserved Oscar as a grieving Father. The movie surrounds three subjects. Life long friends that have grown apart. The Death of one of their Daughters. And the betrayal one of them has harbored for forty years against the other two. Let's start at the top. The friends are Jimmy (Penn), Dave (Robbins), and Sean (Bacon.) Dave has some serious angst against the other two, but I won't spoil it, or its subject matter. As for Jimmy and Sean, they went in opposite directions professionally. Sean is a Detective, and Jimmy is a shop owner up front, but a peddler thug type as well. One day Jimmy's daughter's is murdered in his neighborhood and Jimmy is the type to take it all the way til he gets his revenge. He loved his Daughter as only a Father could, and to have her ripped away at the young age of 16 is almost too much for him to handle. After the funeral he starts pressing. He sends his goons out for info, gathers his own theories, starts cracking skulls, and no matter how much Sean tells him to let the police handle it....well, that just isn't good enough. He starts where any Father would. The boyfriend. In this case, it's a fellow 16 year old local boy named Brendan Harris (Tom Guiry, which for those who don't realize, = Smalls from The Sandlot). The relationship was a secret because of how protective Jimmy was and the fact that he had an up front distaste for the boy's absent Father. It seems like Sean is too close to this and won't tell his old pal to lay off. The voice of reason is Whitey Powers (Fishburne), Sean's partner. He knows something is going on, not only with the murder, but the Jimmy, Sean, Dave situation. Dave is a little messed up, to say the least. He has issues stemming from childhood and kinda lurches around, head down, keeping to himself. It's one hell of a detective story with one of the absolute unforeseen best endings I have ever seen. I push this movie to anyone who hasn't seen it. A-Bomb has had my copy for a little over a year, and maybe...just maybe this will get him to put it in. I know one thing. I'll be there. The only thing that makes me nervous is how I will take it this time around. Every time I ever watched it, I had no kids and no Fatherly emotions. Now, not so much. I do have a girl, and I understand all the more where Jimmy is coming from in this film.

NBM rates Mystic River - Phenomenal

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Space Cowboys

Another brilliant film that was Directed by Eastwood and starred him. Can he do no wrong? This is one of his funniest roles, and not known as the comedic type, that say something. It follows a NASA team who need to repair a tracking system up in space. The only problem is the system is 25 years old and is out dated unstudied technology. NASA has do the one thing they never wanted to. Ask Frank for help. Frank (Eastwood) was screwed over by NASA 40 years earlier, and from that point in his life, wanted very little to do with the organization. Problem is, he designed the tracking system and is the only one who knows how to fix it. Frank is old school, and must right his wrongs before he agrees to help NASA. That plus his old man spitefulness make him one guy no one wants to mess with. He and his team Hawk (Tommy Lee Jones), Jerry (Donald Sutherland), and Tank (James Garner) are his old buddies who have known him for 50 years. Frank's team were all trained and geared up for a space mission in the 1950's. They were pushed aside by NASA, who sent a monkey up instead. This did not sit well with Frank and for 40 years he has held onto it. Now that NASA needs his help, the tables have turned. He will help on one condition...he and his team (who are now in their 60's) get to go to space and do the mission themselves. Selfish? That's Frank. He can finally remedy the one regret he has in his life. Upon contacting Jerry and Tank the mission seems like a go. The only one he hasn't talked to is Hawk. He and Hawk had a bit of a falling out, and they do not like each other. After a bar fight Frank and Hawk make up and it is time to go into space finally. The one stipulation NASA has for them is they have to pass every single physical test given to the young NASA astronauts. These test are designed for 20 year old in prime physical condition, but these hard nosed rough necks won't be denied. This is the middle of the movie, when broken down would be considered the training portion. I also refer to it as the comedic portion. These old men getting in  fights with the youngster, and each other is awesome. Especially the bet that Frank and Hawk make with each other in the G-Force machine. "Whoever passes out first, buys the beer." The writing is brilliant, but the acting...come on, I mean these four legends in one place together. It doesn't get in better than that. The dialogue and cons these old codgers use to pass their tests are absolutely brilliant. This movie is such a rarity in today's film business, and with a run time of well over 2 hours it doesn't matter. Whether it's the first time or the fiftieth, it is always laugh out loud funny, and extremely enjoyable. The term "Instant Classic" always bugged me, but this one is most certainly that. Maybe it is because of the 100+ years of acting experience among the four leads alone. I think this movie is a look into what we, as men, would love to be like when we are in our 60's. By far one of the best space movies ever, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a pulse.

NBM rates Space Cowboys - Phenomenal

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Gran Torino

#3 of 3 Gran Torino posts. May as well be one of the most unlikely heroic films ever laid down. The title is actually Gran Torino. Eastwood is king and this post will officially enter my Eastwood week. I hope this is as enjoyable for you all as it is for me since I was unofficially named after this brilliant man. I say unofficially, because I feel as an adult if you aren't named for a family member, you should be able to determine who you were named after. This is a film that by todays standards really shouldn't exist, let alone be nominated for any of the Oscars it was. This is no most politically incorrect film I have ever watched, but it really turns into a human interest film about maturing....even if you are already 80 years old and as bitter as they come. He lives alone and cares for nothing except his beautiful Gran Torino. His once prominent neighborhood has gone downhill in his eyes. Occupied mostly by Asians, he couldn't be more disgusted. One night he catches a local young boy trying to boost his beloved car. After scaring the poop out of the boy, he returns him home and makes him come by to do his odds and ends around the house. Although he calls the boy every slang insult about being Asian, the boy shrugs it off and becomes kind of fond of the Curmudgeon. More importantly, Walt (Eastwood) unknowingly begins to care for the boy. Eventually he is a bit of a staple in the boys house. Having dinner with his family, talking with the sister about the local gang, who put the boy up to the attempted theft. Walt wants his neighborhood cleaned up and isn't afraid of anyone. His new "family" are afraid so Walt now has a real reason to get really involved in taking out "the trash." Set in his ways, drinking his PBR on his front porch, with his American flag waiving proudly each and every day, Walt doesn't ask for change, and would be just fine being left alone. A little twist of fate over a car changed Walt's entire outlook on life and people in general. If you haven't seen this, I will warn you that Walt uses every slur in the book, and I'm pretty sure he invented some new ones I have never heard. As uncomfortable as it may be for you to watch, do not let this deter you from seeing a brilliant film about growth and the human condition. You will be inspired when the final credits roll. Clint Eastwood stated this would be his final film in front of a camera. Only directing from now on. So I say to Clint, if we never see you again, you certainly went out with a bang, and I for one really appreciate the way you buck the system and do it how you want to.

NBM rates Gran Torino - Phenomenal

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Starsky and Hutch

Day 2 of the Torino Trilogy brought to you by the only site ridiculous enough to do such a thing. Starsky and Hutch seemed like one of those films that all the funny stuff was in the trailer. Negative, Ghost Rider. Hilarious through and through. The laughs were well deserved and I relished in all of them. So, Starsky (Stiller) and Hutch (Wilson) are partnered up against their will. Opposites attract. Starsky is by the book, all go no quit, 110% all the time. Hutch is a slacker, who doesn't mind bumping elbows with low life informants, and prefers to be on the take. It just makes his life easier. They do not like each other or being forced into their new found partnership. What works so well is the fact that they are undercover cops in the 1970's. It's got a bit of the campiness of that era, but runs extremely smooth. Come to find out it was co-written and directed by the always brilliant Todd Phillips (Old School, The Hangover). He creates memorable comedies. The costumes these two doofuses come up with are so awesome. The picture above is when they have to go to a biker bar and get info. The name of the bar is The Dirty Sanchez. NICE. These two guys are after white collar drug runner named Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn with a sweet 'stache.) They must meet up with Huggy Bear (Snoop-a-loop) to get 411 on the next guy up the chain. It leads them to a prisoner who delivers the best line of the whole movie. "Two Dragons." If you've seen it, you get it, if not then you need to see it. The prisoner is actually Will Ferrell, who steals the show with only one or two scenes. This film is looked over in the realm of great comedies, but with my literary genius, I have convinced myself to buy it and watch several dozen times. I do think this film should stand eye to eye with other great comedies such as Old School, Hangover, and Lady and the Tramp. Derailed with that one, huh? The movie climaxes with a great scene headlined by the Torino itself. I am really surprised this didn't get a sequel. Also, if you get the DVD, watch the bloopers and you will see a stunt gone horribly wrong. The stunt driver is driving the Torino in reverse really fast when he goes to whip a 180, but he got a little trigger happy and destroyed the front end of his car and the back end of a parked car. Awesome. Also look for the cameo by the original guys who were Starsky and Hutch on the TV series.

NBM rates Starsky and Hutch - Awesome

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Fast and Furious

Here is the beginning of the most random series of posts I have done to date. Gran Torino week. Gear up and lets break down a few films that star the insanely cool Ford from days past. So 4 films deep into a mediocre franchise and they figured by dropping the "The" words from the title would make it something fresh and new. Ya know what? It actually worked. My sister in law who my kids call Mimi, God love her, is 35 years old and is absolutely hopelessly in love with Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. Obviously she doesn't care about good acting or male pattern baldness, as they are really kind of tied for worst actors along with the kid from Jingle all the Way and Phantom Menace. Needless to say she was there on opening day all hot and bothered to say the least. Apparently this new F & F is the "Cat's Pajamas", or " Bee's knees", or whatever kids say these days. Let's just say I really enjoy my sister in law, but I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her when it comes to movies, or music, or really anything in pop culture. I think it has passed her by. She is a little beyond her years I think. Anyway, back to the movie, Its actually the best in the series. I say that, even though no 4th film should ever be considered the best of anything, so with that being said I will state I actually think it is the 2nd best. The plot is good, the action is awesome, and the acting is gloriously average. After Brian (Walker) got canned for helping Dom in the first film, somehow got his federal job back for this installment. As much as I could care less about Mr. Diesel he does bring a huge amount of essence to the screen. He is very intimidating and plays that well. They are still on opposite sides of the law, but when Dom's girl is murdered, Dom must get the people responsible. It's a drug running gang that use secret tunnels under the border to transport their product and they only use the best drivers. Dom's girl was driving for them until they killed her. This is Dom's way in, but Brian needs in to bring down the drug cartel. They may not like it, but they have to work together. It is very adrenaline fueled with awesome sexy machinery to gawk at, and it features one of the worst way to die, involving the passenger side of...you guessed it, A Gran Torino. I watched this with a skeptical frame of mind the first time. I really enjoyed it and have voluntarily watched it 2 more times. As for Mimi, I made her year when I told her about the 5th film coming soon with the same cast. She said I absolutely have to take her, to which I said, "Whatever" as you all are aware I will watch anything. If you liked the 1st one, you will really enjoy this one.

NBM rates Fast and Furious - Awesome

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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

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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