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Machine Gun Preacher

So, I knew very little about Sam Childers. More shocking than that, I knew very little about the film about his quest. I pride myself on being up to date with most new films, especially when such A-listers like Gerard Butler and Michelle Monaghan (So Hot) are attached. My movie going buddy was going to watch this because he has literally seen everything else that is out. I was gonna watch Moneyball or 50/50, but when MGP it was over there were no regrets. For a film that topped at 23% on RT, I had my doubts. What I did notice was that Gerard was a producer, and when that happens, it seems to be important to that person. He did pour himself into being Sam Childers, which looked like it would be hard. Here's the back story for those of you who are as clueless as I was. Sam was not a good guy. The film starts with his release from prison, for which we are not informed why he was detained, but real soon we get the picture that this Biker/Gang member/drunk/heroin junky is not a nice dude. Upon his release, his wife Lynn (Monaghan) his wife pisses him off real quick. She quit her stripper job, found Jesus, and stopped drinking and smoking. Sam has a big issue with all the new changes and we see what type of person he really is. Some bad stuff happens to Sam over the next few weeks and he gives Jesus a chance as well. He cleans up, starts his own construction company, and essentially he is working hard for his redemption. I gotta say, 35 minutes into the film, I had no idea how they were gonna transition him into Africa. It just seemed like it was not headed that way at all. He was taking care of his family and all was well. Then a guest speaker missionary spoke at their church about the work he was doing in Africa. Sam thought he could help, so he books a trip to go over there and help clean up and rebuild for the people. While over there, he wanted to see Sudan, which was the site of a major civil war. A freedom fighter named Deng took him into the war zone, and I don't think Sam had any inclination how bad it was gonna be. Once back stateside, Sam can't sleep due to what he saw, and how he feels about the situation. Innocent men, women, and children being slaughtered for no reason. He wanted to help, so he decides 2 things. He was gonna build a church across from his house for all the people who were interested in the word of the Lord, but felt outcast by all the other local churches, and 2nd, he was going to the Sudan to build an orphanage for all the people in need of refuge. I never felt Sam was doing this for personal glory or a pat on the back. He was fully invested for those kids. This movie had to be difficult to make. Not only the fact that kids are being killed, but the fact that in my estimates, it spans about 10 years give or take, and that needs to be compressed to a coherent 2 hour film. The story does a few things very well, and some things could have been minimized. The struggle Sam has within is his fight. No one expects him to to continue his work, but it becomes his obsession and he expects everyone to be on his page. Butler had to play several characters in this film. The violent junky. The born again Christian. The obsessed crazy person, and a man looking for redemption who feels like no matter what he does, the Lord could never forgive him. The film takes a long time to develop Sam into the "Machine Gun Preacher", but once it does, it is superb. I do feel they shot not only too many scenes in church, but too long of scenes. I do feel several of the church scenes where Sam is preaching while wearing his heart on his sleeves were very necessary, but a lot of them are not. I have not talked about Donnie, yet he was an integral part of the movie and of Sam's life. Donnie is portrayed by the always brilliant, usually creepy Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire's Nelson Van Alden). Like I said, the film does a great job of compressing all those years into a film, and I must say, if it hadn't been a true story, I don't think I would have appreciated it as much. I probably would have thought it was too gory and violent, but being true, I now feel it had to be that way, so we can have some idea what Sam fights for still to this day. The final credits are cool too. It shows pictures of the real Sam doing what he does, and we hear him give a short speech about why he does it. Pretty cool stuff.

NBM rates Machine Gun Preacher - Awesome

North by Northwest

This review will consist of 2 parts. 1st part being the fantastic movie that is North by Northwest, and the 2nd part will be about the Theatre in which I watched it today. 1959 Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece North by Northwest is a film I had never seen, but when the opportunity to watch it on the big screen arose, I could not miss out. I knew very little about this film, but I did remember the iconic scene in which Cary Grant was evading a biplane shooting at him in the corn field. It was better than I could have imagined. It really is a brilliant thriller based on a misunderstanding. Roger Thornhill (Grant) is an Ad man. That's what he does, but when he is kidnapped and taken to a strangers home to be interrogated, he does not know what to think. They keep calling him George Kaplan. He has been mistaken for Kaplan, who is a government agent. After denying that name oh so many times, the baddies make him imbibe a 750 of bourbon, then put him in a car hoping he will die on his way home. Since he didn't die, he has to explain to police why he was driving drunk, and this is where it turns into a bit of a comedy. Cary Grant is hilarious by the way. Perfect timing and attitude behind his sarcasms. Loved it. Now he is on a mission to clear his name, and find the real Kaplan to help with that. Without giving away to much, Thornhill is now wanted for DUI and for murder. He is being set up. The spies want him dead, the police want him in custody, and he wants to get some tail in the middle of all this. The amount of sexual references in this 1959 film shocked me. They are witty, blatant, and dirty. Considering that most are exchanged with the beautifully gorgeous Eva Marie Saint, I did not mind. We really get to see how clever Thornhill can be, when sober anyway. He must stay alive, but how can he clear his name. This is why I would categorize this classic as a thriller. Hitchcock really was a mad genius. He shot what he wanted and made sure it was perfect. In the editing room, he only cut out 8 feet of film. 8 feet of film is equivalent to about 5 seconds. He got it right the first time, and it was perfect.

This is what it looks like today

      

    Now onto the theatre. The Franklin Theatre (Franklin, TN) was opened in 1937. In the past 5 years, it has been vacant, and the city was very close to condemning it, and tearing it down. Pity. The residents of Franklin would not allow that to happen. Through 3 years of fund raising campaigns, over 8 million dollars was raised, and the restoration began. They restored the theatre to 1937 specs, with current sound and lighting technology of course. I can truly say it is the most beautiful theater I have ever been to, plus they sell beer by the pint and wine by the glass. A very classy place that shows old films every Sunday for only $5 a ticket. This was the first time I have been inside that theater in over 11 years (when I actually worked there), and I have to say, I loved the transformation. I also loved seeing such a classic for my very first time in a theater that very well could have showed it in 1959 upon it's original release. 

NBM rates North by Northwest - A Work of Cinematic Art

I also rate The Franklin Theatre A Work of Art

The Ides of March

Anyone who has seen the half dozen trailers promoting this political thriller knows it looked good, but could it deliver. YES!!! I had to go to be able to say that I saw all 3 of Goslings 2011 releases the day the came out in the theaters. All three are completely different films, and the only thing this does is add to his over abundant reputation for being able to play anyone. A true actor in every sense of the word. This was another role where he was able to portray a man on a mission. A brooding man with success on his mind. Everyone knows this is a George Clooney "vehicle". Clooney helped write the script, helped produce, Directed it and starred in it. With that being said, It only took Gosling 15 minutes to steal the vehicle George had built, and he drives it like a bat outta hell for 90 minutes. He out shined everyone on screen, which tells us something about Clooney's eye for talent, and lack of ego. This story is about the Democratic Primaries going into the election with the final two men being Mike Morris (Clooney) and the other guy, Pullman (who we never see, but I am pretty sure it was written as Bill Pullman- since he has already played a president once before.) More than that, it is about the man behind the man, which is Paul (Hoffman), who is the campaign leader. Even more than that, it is about Paul's right hand man Stephen (Gosling). These 2 men are the brain trust for Morris to win the Dem Nomination, which would put him in the front of the Presidential race. Stephen, above all, is moral. His life is politics, but he would not dare compromise himself for a victory. His idol is his candidate, which is good for Morris, because Stephen is a very smart guy. He can spin it, say it, or tell it anyway he wants and it all comes out positive. He is the golden boy, but at what cost? Turns out he becomes entangled in a feud between both camps, and before he knows it, it is so out of control he cannot even fix the situation.  It doesn't matter where your political views lie, this is a damn good movie, and really fun to watch Gosling at every turn. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was phenomenal as well, and I did not know it was rated R until his first big scene when he dropped the F-bomb 7 times. I do think Ides gives Scarface a run for its money with that particular word. Stephen Loves politics. It is his life, but being as moral as he is and wants to remain, he has a choice to make, and that choice is really what the movie turns into. When it all goes south does he want to get his hands dirty or walk away? It is not a boring, candidates on the trail type of film. It is more of the practices the camps will institute to get their guy elected. Brilliant, fast paced, and acted to perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed what George Clooney gave us with this one. Co-starring Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marisa Tomei - this is a solid film.


NBM rates The Ides of March - Phenomenal

30,000 Smacks for NBM!!!

Thank you all so much for your loyalty. We have officially hit 30,000 hits to our website, and I will not be retiring anytime soon. I am anxiously waiting to see NBM turn 6 digits in the Smack column. Shouldn't take that long. 

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

To be able to see a film 2 days before it comes to theaters is awesome. To be able to see it for $5 in my living room is awesome. For it to be viewed in a completely legal fashion is the so awesome it's Rad. Tucker and Dale is 1/2 Club Dread, 1/2 Shaun of the Dead, 1/2 completely original, and 1/2 Beauty and the Beast. That's a lot of halves and when added up they equal freakin' awesome, hilarious, hillbilly comedy in the woods. When Tucker and Dale go on vacation to their newly purchased "vacation cabin" in the woods they are so happy. This vacation for them is to fix the place up, so to make it really nice when they take an R&R vacation there in the future. When some college kids end up camping in the woods nearby, it's of no concern to our friendly rednecks. When out night fishing, Tucker and Dale see one of the college girls fall in the water and they save her. They take her back to the cabin and tend to her till she is better. The bad news is the rest of her group thinks they kidnapped her, and so they decide to get her back. From the trailers, we all know the plot, so I am not giving anything away in the next few sentences. One by one they try and attack either Tucker or Dale, and one by one they succumb to gruesome, horrific accidental deaths. From T&D's perspective, it must be a crazy mass ritual suicide. From the surviving college kids, every time one dies, it appears to the rest of them that T&D killed said person. It is such a funny comedy, I'm sure we missed at least 20% of the punchlines due to laughing so hard before the punchline was even delivered. Several times we had to pause it, finish laughing, pick our butts up off the ground, put them back on our body, then continue to see what we missed during the hoopla. I gotta say, this is way more than a "trailer movie", even though that is what I had been reading. I was wondering why I had read so much from people who had seen this movie last year. Then I found out it played at Sundance in 2010, but was delayed a theatrical release till tomorrow. I am still yet to see any trailer for T&D on network TV, Cable, or any avenue other than the web. It was the directors first major film, and he directed very similar to Jay Chandrashekar's  (Broken Lizard) Club Dread. So all the bodies start piling up, but what are our heroes to do? Call the cops? And say what? These crazy kids started killing themselves all over our property? Yeah right. I do feel this will be as watched as Shaun of the Dead has become. It certainly is as quotable. "Man, he is heavy for half a person." is just one of the golden gems you are in for. I am more than a little disappointed that it is not even showing in my hometown. We have 2 theaters comprising 22 total screens and no one has the balls to put this internet hit out there. Pathetic. If I was a theater owner, I would be in the know for what real people wanted to see. The Lion King? PFFFFT. I've seen that like 20 times, but Tucker and Dale vs. Evil? That's what I'd be preaching. In fact, if people bought tickets to the Lion King, I'd tell em it's in theater 4, and then I lock them in there while I actually showed them T&D. That's capitalism. For the masses who wait till DVD for this film, you will regret every moment you waited once you see it for the first time. Plus the director is Sally Fields son, and you know what they say? It's all about who you know.

PS.- I recorded it, so by the time it hits DVD, I will have seen it at least 10 times. Anyone who knows me and wants to come over and watch it, come on!!

NBM rates Tucker and Dale vs. Evil - Phenomenal

Tangled

Once again, here is a film that played over and over in my house for weeks before I actually payed attention to it. Then like lightning, that one line caught my attention, and I had to watch it. I don't specifically remember the line or scene, but it was worth it. This film is not only a princess story for young girls, but it is also an action adventure that boys will enjoy. Case in point, my daughter likes it, but my son loves it. It is a good control for any parents out there wondering if The Jester knows what he is talking about, as my kids are the same age. It feels less like a fairy tale, and more like Indiana Jones must save the girl. It is really fun to watch and is down right hysterical at times. I still think Disney should cut or at least minimize the song and dance that are the main aspect of their films. Yes after 40 views, the songs are catchy and memorable, but do we really need 4-8 song sequences? I think not. Good storytelling is enough. Kids don't need that much stimulation, like they used to. They are more interested in the story these days, than the snappy little tunes. I find myself rushing into the living room to catch certain scenes or one lines that I find brilliant each and every time I see it. Flynn Rider (Voiced by Chuck's Zachary Levi) is a thief. He is always wanted by the castle guards for crimes he has committed. His wanted posters make up a hilarious running gag throughout the film. Rapunzel is voiced by the lovely Mandy Moore. When Rapunzel is a baby, she is stolen from the castle and her King and Queen parents by the evil lady Gothel. Gothel uses Rapunzel's magic hair to stay young, and she raises her to be afraid of the outside world, so to keep her all to herself and not risk losing her own personal fountain of youth. When her and Rider's paths cross, he needs her as much as she needs him. She basically wants to go into town, as she has never been out of her tower. He wants the crown back that he recently stole, that she hid from him. What starts as little effort on Rider's part turns into so much more. Soon they are being pursued by everyone, but Rapunzel will not fail to see "The Floating Lights". It is action packed with great jokes and really good animation. I know anyone who appreciates a good cartoon will definitely appreciate Tangled.

NBM rates Tangled - Phenomenal

Lost in Translation

I don't get it. I don't think anyone does, and if they tell you they do, they are full of it--whatever "it" may be. I think the title can be transposed to both the characters on screen and the audience. Every single person that watches this film will  have a different take on what they have just witnessed. I do get why it received raves while out, and why the Oscars were kind to it. It is a fun movie to watch as it feels almost like an episode of Seinfeld in the fact that not much happens. If I took a trip to Tokyo, it could very well be exactly like this movie. There's none of those "That wouldn't happen" moments, and it all feels extremely real. Bill "F%&*ing" Murray (I know that's not his real name) plays Bob Harris. Bob is an American actor that we perceive is past his prime in the states, yet he still huge in Japan. A whisky company has hired him for a commercial, to which he is taken care of by said company. He sees it as sort of a getaway from reality. A vacation to possibly realize what he wants from the rest of his life. While in the hotel bar, he meets Charlotte (Scarlett). She is a semi permanent resident of Tokyo with her Rock star producing husband played by Giovanni Ribisi. We don't see him except in one scene which sucks because he is awesome, but in this particular film, his character is pretty much pointless, so I get it. He is always out wining and dining clients, and Charlotte is always alone. Her and Bob hit it off, and we are unsure if she sees him as a Father figure, or a confidant, or a love interest. We know she is unhappy in her marriage, but we are uncertain of her intentions. The same goes with Bob. How he sees this girl 40 years his junior is also unclear. What we get from this film is a fun couple of days with two people who don't know what they want. It is fun, as we see them go to dinner, to parties, to a karaoke bar. Nothing spectacular, but it does give us a sense that these two needed each other. Where it goes from here, I will not say. You will just have to sit and enjoy this little film, that at times can be slow, and is mostly pointless...or is it.


**PS. What does Bob whisper to Charlotte? It's been driving me nuts.


NBM rates Lost in Translation - Awesome

Premium Rush Official Trailer

Without JGL being the star of this film, I can't say I would be as amped as I am. He only attaches himself to quality. It does feel a bit like Nick of Time, but should be good nonetheless. Enjoy this trailer.

Everything Must Go

Once again Will Ferrell takes a turn for the dramatic, and I for one, welcome it with open arms and a big heart. This is a lot darker than is previous dramatic role in Stranger Than Fiction. I know he is a great actor, he just does comedy so well, that it what he sticks to. When Nick Halsey (Ferrell) loses his job of 17 +- years, he is at a loss. When he gets home, only to see all of belongings on the front lawn, he is at a loss. When he can't get into his house, because the locks have been changed, he is at a loss. And when his wife tells him she is done, he is just pissed. Since he has nowhere to go, and he does not want his stuff stolen, he camps out for the night with a case of PBR. That's Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for those of you wondering how the Pro Bull Riding league got involved. What the trailers failed to show was that Nick is an alcoholic. It just made it seem like he is down on his luck, and it is not his fault. Well, it is his fault, and instead of cleaning himself up, he decides he is gonna go down with the ship that is his sad life. It's like Leaving Las Vegas, but cheekier, plus he doesn't want to drink himself to death. He just wants to be in a constant state of drunkeness. When the city sends the cops out to his place for living in his yard, he is more than dismayed. He is told he can hold a yard sale for no more than 7 days, so that is what he does. He meets the unlikeliest of friends. An 11 year old named Kenny. Kenny is played by The Notorious BIG's son, and he is fantastic. He needs Nick as much as Nick needs him. Basically we get to see a man hit rock bottom, and try and climb up that hill that is life. I enjoyed this dramatic film about alcoholism, but more than that, I pondered how anyone could be an alcoholic dependent on Pabst. I mean, Money wise it makes sense, but that sucks for the taste buds. This was a good role for Ferrell and his star is very bright. I hope he keeps doing small roles like this that let him shine.

NBM rate Everything Must Go - Awesome