Archive for the Movies and Music category.
I know I can be a whoos sometimes, but few movies have affected me like the film we watched last evening on Showtime.
“Beyond the Gates” has no big stars or shoot-em-up scenes, car crashes or Tai Kwando kicks. No special effects. It’s a docudrama about the genocide in Rwanda that took place in the middle ’90’s. Chilling, gasping, weeping…are the first three adjectives that come to mind.
Not for the light of heart, not for people who steer clear of sad pictures. But it’s an education. It shows how man’s inhumanity to man can go on under the watchful eye of so-called civilized nations, while they turn a blind eye to mass murder.
There’s not anyone to blame for such a despicable tragedy. Just everyone. Especially the media. Especially the civilized governments of the world. It shows just what a useless organization we are supporting, who call themselves “United Nations.”
If you want to learn, rent this picture. Was made in 2005. I wept like a baby.
WINTER’S BONE = 9
A sleeper for the Oscars.
While this picture will be a box office flop, it’s probably the best drama of 2010, destined to be remembered as a gut-wrenching drama with true-to-life characters and internal conflicts that only the super destitute can relate to.
Briefly, this is about a 17 year-old girl burdened with the responsibility of caring for two small siblings, abandoned by one criminal parent and another disabled, struggling to survive in the backwoods setting of rural Missouri. She’s informed by authorities that their ramshackle house will be confiscated by authorities unless she locates her father…an impossible task. Superbly acted by Jennifer Lawrence, her character is met with one roadblock after.
Directed by Debra Granik, the actors in the film are so realistic, it makes them surreal. This is not for people who complain about “depressing” movies, nor does it display the usual herky-jerky hand-held cameras with dumb action, smashed cars, collapsing buildings, and bullets flying by the billions. It’s not a complicated story, but one you won’t easily forget.
Watch for Oscar nominations for best actress, best supporting actress (Dale Dickey) and best director.
CYRUS = 8
Again, superb acting by John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei, in a simple story about two lonely adults who form a special relationship, only to be crumbled by the woman’s 22 year-old son who goes through great lengths to derail the relationship.
Another drama, minus the usual car wrecks, bullets and senseless graphics.
SOLITARY MAN = 7 ½
Once a wealthy, respected car magnate, Michael Douglas’ character hits the skids as he embarks on bizarre behavioral changes, losing a wife, chasing women and creating a chasm between his daughter and himself. Another engaging drama, with Susan Sarandon, Danny Devito and Mary-Louise Parker. Good acting, worth seeing..if you like drama.
INCEPTION = 2
This is the big box office hit of 2010. I must be living under a rock, because I considered this one of the worst movies in the last year, one in which I wish I had walked out.
This is the product of a group of computer geeks and graphics engineers, talking behind the scenes about how they could come up with the most spectacular array of crumbling buildings and bridges, smashed cars, more bullets than stars in the universe, suspended bodies and special effects that would dazzle any video-game lover. Doesn’t matter that it’s short on acting (though DiCaprio does a good job), plot, and a horrible script. The scenes are laid out with ten minutes of graphics, then ten minutes of cyber jabber concerning dreams, in and out, projecting, then back to the special effects, then back to the cyber jabber…and so forth. Each scene, you’re trying to figure out who’s saying what and what in the hell they’re really talking about.
Yes, I must be stupid. This picture was made only for smart people.
If you are a movie lover who enjoys good story, good writing and great acting, see the other three, (above).
Movies have overflowed with love scenes and romance since the silent days. To identify the most romantic scene in the history of motion pictures would seemingly be near to impossible.
But for me, it was easy.
The most romantic and sexiest scene, combined, took place between two people who did not know each other, neither did they ever kiss or engage in a romantic relationship…other than three short but wonderful minutes. I could say, that they never laid eyes on one another, but that would be true for only one of the characters.
It entailed music, drama, beauty, imagination, dance, touch, smell…
It all began when the blind man identified the perfume the lovely lady was wearing. Then, the tango…
From “The Scent Of A Woman.” Watch Al Pacino sweep the beautiful Gabrielle Anwar off her feet:
Click here: YouTube – Al Pacino – Scent of a Woman
Runner up?
Try the pottery scene from “Ghost, ” with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze
Click here: Ghost—Pottery Love Scene
I’m sure someone will telling I should have named the beach scene in “From Here To Eternity” with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr…. or others.
Your thoughts?
On the light side. Nothing better than a good laugh.
What are your thoughts on the funniest movie scene of all time? I’ve been watching funny pictures since the days of Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton, a big fan of Jerry Lewis and Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, and more recently, Jim Carrey….probably the last of the truly funny comics.
It’s impossible to remember them all, but if I had to pick, the goofiest, funniest and most hilarious comedy scene I have ever watched…still leaving me in stitches, is Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura when he’s going under cover to pose as a psychotic mania in a mental institution.
Nothing more needs be said, just watch…and hold your gut:
Click here: Funny Movie Scenes
For a close second…the campfire scene in Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles”
Click here: YouTube – Blaze Saddle – CAMPFIRE SCENE
The chase scene in “What’s Up Doc” (B. Streisand and R. O’Neal) deserves honorable mention, especially two minutes into the video when they start heading up and down San Francisco streets on a bicycle. It’s a riot. Check it out:
Click here: YouTube – What’s up doc chase scene
That’s a few. Hope you enjoyed.
As usual, the best does not win.
The problem with the show, is the voters. Folks who truly are a good judge of talent, are not the people who call in votes by the millions using multiple cell phones on redial. The majority of those are young females who are, not surprisngly, drawn to cute young fellows with raspy voices who playing guitar. Such has been the case in the last three years. Such was the case last night when Lee Dewyze pulled off a final win as the Idol for 2010 when Crystal Bowersox, clearly, was the greater talent of the two…by far.
Last year, no one could hold a candle to Adam Lambert as a showman, singer and overall talent. He was a show biz dynamo. Yet, the much more subdued, cute fellow with an average voice, guitar playing, Kris Allen, got the most votes from the viewing public. Why? In that case, Lambert made no secret of his gay lifesyle. Thus, the girls would vote for the heterosexual cute guy.
In 2008, it was raspy, guitar playing David Cook, same profile as Kris Allen, same as Lee DeWyze. It’s the girls, stupid!
I would rather see one Simon Cowell select the winner any day, than a zillion screaming fans, many of whom can’t discern real talent before their very eyes. At least we knew that Cowell was brutally frank with his assessments.
My two cents.
“CITY ISLAND” = 9
Stars Andy Garcia as a Bronx jail guard secretly aspiring to be an actor, from which many lies and complications evolve within his uninspired family life.
Finally, a movie high on drama and low on action, without herky jerky cameras, unending special effects, computerized graphics, explosions, gunfire, karate kicks, monsters, blood and guts. With plenty of humor injected, I wouldn’t know whether to call this a romantic comedy, a family tragedy or a simple drama mired in New Yorkese, mixed with loved, struggle, ego, and the never ending quest for truth.
Imagine, being a career jail guard, then learn that a young inmate hoodlum is actually your biological son from a wistful affair of another era. The secret must be kept.
I’ll say no more. Arguably the best acting performance of Garcia’s career.
You won’t hear much about this picture. It’s a deep story with real-life characters that will probably flop at the box office because it doesn’t appeal to the youth mentality which today’s movie industry thrives on.
See it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll shake your head, especially at the ending scene.
“ROBIN HOOD” = 7 ½
If you’re expecting the traditional swashbuckling character which was made famous by Errol Flynn, trapezing through the forest, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, evading the Sheriff of Nottingham, forget it. This is an entirely new take, but it was surprisingly good.
Russell Crowe plays 12th century Robin, an archer with King Richard’s crusades who bolts from the mainstream in search of integrity in war, and the defense of his country from French invaders. All of which takes place within a well-acted drama by such actors as Cate Blanchette (Marion), Max Von Sydow, (Sir Walter Loxley), William Hurt and Crowe, who performs credibly, as usual.
Most interesting is the epic nature of the scenes, authentically depicting warfare methods, weaponry and living conditions as it was in the 12th century. The producers must have hired virtually thousands of extras for the battle scenes which, to my pleasing, were not over played.
No Oscars here, with the possible exception of set and/or costume design.
“IRON MAN II” = 3
Nothing close to the original Iron Man which had a decent story blended with special effects and the heroic character played by Robert Downey Jr. In this sequel, the director/producers relied on selling a film which is 90 percent graphics, special effects, monsters and clashes of titans which get so old after the first hour, I felt like walking out for the second hour…and should have.
The bad news, is that this picture will probably break some box office records, which means it’s especially entertaining for the young crowd…which the industry relies on for survival.
But if you’re over 40, save your money. It’s not even worth a rental.
YOUTH IN REVOLT - Rating = O
Teenage nerd, Nick Twisp, falls in love with teen girl which leads to amateurish zany scenes and predictable script. One of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Pure garbage. Not because of language or sexual predicaments (common in all movies these days) but the poor directing, inane dialogue and pure trash for acting. This is the kind of movie that appeals to 19-year-old kids on drugs and alcohol, with nothing going for them in the world other than video games and body parts. Any professional movie rater that gave this any stars, should be fired from their jobs. We walked out after 40 minutes.
BOOK OF ELI - Rating = 8
Another apocalyptic movie about one man surviving the devastated planet long after the bomb(s). This was much better than “The Road” because it actually had a plot, a mission and a worthwhile script. Denzel Washington did a credible job (as always) as the man with a mission. It’s another long and depressing picture, but in its context, well done.
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES - Rating 6 1/2
Inspired by the true story of John Crowley, a man who defied great odds and risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his children’s life threatening disease. Supported by his beautiful wife Aileen (Keri Russell) and their three children, John (Brandon Fraser) is on the fast track. But just as his career is taking off, Crowley walks away from it all when his two youngest children are diagnosed with a fatal disease. With Aileen by his side, harnessing all of his skill and determination, Crowley teams up with a brilliant, but unappreciated and unconventional scientist, Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). I’ll spare the rest of the story in case you want to see it.
The best actors in the picture are the two girls that play Crowley’s daughters. From there, Ford is good, and Fraser…well…he should stick to silly thrillers like “The Mummy” and stay away from serious acting. Oscar winner, he’s not.
Inspiring story. Worth the ticket price.
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE = 8 ½
John Travolta’s best picture since “Pulp Fiction” and maybe his best ever.
This is a fast-paced spy movie, laden with stunts, guns, murder and humor. Normally, I get impatient with movies that depict gratuitous and senseless violence, but this one is an exception. Travolta plays an eccentric agent trying to teach his nerdy partner the ropes, as they razzle-dazzle fight after fight in Paris, with chases, Karate, bad guys, the girl,…the works. Half the time, I found myself bursting in laughter. Travolta is magic in this picture. If it weren’t such a spoof, he might have been nominated for an Oscar.
Probably more of a guy picture, but ladies who like action and belly laughter will like this too. Suzanne did.
Have fun
IT’S COMPLICATED: Rating – 7
We must have seen the previews a half dozen times. That ruined the experience, because we had already seen too many of the comedy scenes. It was like hearing an old joke knowing the punch line in advance.
Nevertheless, while it isn’t going to win any awards, it’s a feel-good movie with a lot of good humor, the kind you walk out smiling all the way to the parking lot. Meryl Streep plays a long divorced mom with three grown kids when her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin), now married to a younger chick, suddenly appears back in her life. Streep finds herself having a good time affair with her ex and proudly tells her friends she’s a bit of a slut.
Meanwhile, the architect (Steve Martin) who is remodeling her house presents romantic complications. Some of the scenes are a howl. The funniest of them all, is Streep. Baldwin was never among my favorites, and still isn’t.
UP IN THE AIR : Rating – 8
This film has received rave reviews from all sides. It’s deserving of good reviews, but I don’t see it as an Oscar contender. George Clooney does a credible job playing a handsome frequent flying playboy who makes a living by firing people from their jobs in all corners of the globe. (Honest) Clooney has been touted as a possible nominee, but I don’t see it. He’s the same Clooney that plays in all his movies, same gait, same talk, same expressions, same speech. He is one of the least versatile actors in Hollywood.
Clooney’s character runs into another woman during his travels who is as uninhibited as he, non-pretentious, and fun loving…no strings attached, wonderfully played by Vera Farmiga, who should emerge one day as a an acting rival to Meryl Streep. I found myself glued to her character. Clooney and she become closer than they had counted on which leads to a most unexpected ending.
The movie has plenty of subtle messages and advice about relationships. Good movie. Worth the price of a ticket.
SHERLOCK HOLMES Rating 3
I’m one of those people who want to see the depiction of a well-known person fit the character. Sherlock Holmes, albeit a fictional detective, is a character supposedly steeped in dignity, methodical to a fault, sober, and a lover of the violin. Robert Downey’s portrayal is none of that. Rather it’s like watching a strung-out coke head trying to play Perry Mason, or Chris Rock as a rapper, portraying the Lone Ranger. There’s no fit.
Add in the ingredients of gratuitous violence, fight after fight, explosion after explosion, constant stupidity replete with implausibilities, the movie was more annoying than entertaining. The woman says she brought the walnuts from Syria and Jordan. There were no such countries as Syria and Jordan in the late 19th Century, the setting for this movie. In a harrowing chase scene on foot under building tunnels starting from the Parliament building, the Holmes character and the girl come out…voila … at London Tower Bridge, which is nowhere near Parliament.
Downey’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes was like watching Spiderman playing Perry Mason.
But, if you like dumb fights, dumb explosions, a herky jerky camera and poor acting, this is the movie to see.
BROTHERS Rating 8 ½
An excellent film which brings out the worst of war. The setting is two-fold, a happy home life with an Army Captain played by Tobey Maguire and his devoted wife played by Natalie Portman. Enter Maguire’s ex-con brother ( Jacob “Jake” Gyllenhaal) who lives hand to mouth, but embraced by the family once released from prison.
Maguire serves in Afghanistan where he’s captured and forced into the most egregious of acts. His arrival home is laced with PTSD personified, (post traumatic stress disorder) resulting in some of the most intense and emotional movie scenes you’ll ever see.
Look for an Oscar nomination for Maguire
THE ROAD Rating 6 1/2
Another dark and gloomy film. This is the year for depression in movies. Maybe that’s a reflection of our economic and political state.
This movie received high ratings from most reviewers, but I had mixed emotions. Viggo Mortensen is much like Daniel Day Lewis and Bob Deniro, they just can’t make a bad movie, even if the script is bad. The acting is superb.
Viggo and his young son are survivors of Armageddon, struggling to exist amidst the bleak existence of death and destruction all around them. Flashbacks bring the viewer to a few scenes with Charleze Theron, who plays the wife/mom no longer in the struggle, though we don’t know what actually happened to her. The movie moves slowly through all this drab, dreary sadness. It’s certainly worthy of some awards, in acting, costume, photography, etc., but it’s definitely not an uplifting picture. Some implausible scenes also scar the story to me.
NINE Rating 7 1/2
Though it’s loaded with star power, this musical doesn’t match up to “Chicago” or even “Moulin Rouge.” It’s hard to identify the missing element in this movie, but it somehow leaves you flat.
Daniel Day Lewis, arguably the greatest living actor, plays the accented Italian director, Guido Contini. His performance is superb. Yet, the character comes across as one-dimensional and shallow, with the focus entirely on his sexual exploits outside of marriage and with an invariable habit for lying. While he’s touted as the greatest living director, nothing in the picture features his genius.
Marion Cotillard (who played Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose) is equally superb as Contino’s jilted wife. Penelope Cruz is gorgeous, as is Nicole Kidman, as is Kate Hudson, but their dancing skills leave something to be desired. Judi Dench, the costume maker, is fabulous, as is Sophia Loren, a well-tucked Dame of the movies who plays Contini’s mom. Casting Kidman and Hudson as Italians just doesn’t work for me.
Entertaining, yes. Worth the ticket, yes. Academy Award material, no.
PRECIOUS Rating: 9
On the upside, this is a movie you will be talking about as you leave the theater, and probably for days after. It’s powerful, it’s dark and dirty, it invades the deepest bowels of urban depravity and it’s about reaching inside the victim of horrible circumstance that 99.99 percent of will never have to experience (thankfully).
On the downside, it’s not for people who want to walk out feeling good, as it is one of the most depressing motion pictures I’ve ever seen. But, kudos to the director, writer and actors who pull off a tremendous job. Gabourey Sidibe plays the lead role, an overweight teenage girl who has born two illegitimate babies, stripped of self esteem by an ignorant, selfish, violent mother powerfully played by MoNique who is deserving of an Oscar nomination along with Sidibe.
Meanwhile, see if you can identify Mariah Carey who plays a significant role. It took me a few minutes to realize who she was. Her performance showcases her as a superb acting talent as well as a pop diva. I was amazed.
EVERYBODY’S FINE Rating 7
The movie drags slowly, following Robert DeNiro’s every move as he travels the country trying to unite with his adult kids for Christmas for the first time as a widower. A lot of deep feelings and messages that many families might relate to. DeNiro, as always, is superb, but don’t expect any Oscars this year. Drew Barrymore also stars as one of the daughters.
It’s about compassion, loss, love and the need for family bonding. Worth seeing.
BLIND SIDE Rating: 8
Probably the best acting role for Sandra Bullock ever. Based on a true story, the Bullock character is an upscale rich-bitch who inadvertently meets a giant black homeless kid from the ghetto and rebuilds his self image until he becomes a good student and a star football player. Quinton Aaron, who has done a few movies as well as appearances in Law And Order shows on television, does a credible job playing Michael Oher.
It’s an old worn-out plot where the underdog is given a second chance at life by a caring philanthropist and succeeds, making everyone feel good.
INVICTUS Rating 8
Another Clint Eastwood gem but not on the same level as The Unforgiven or Million Dollar Baby. This is a good movie, not a great movie. Morgan Freeman will undoubtedly be nominated for a Best Actor portraying Nelson Mandela. Matt Damon probably reached the pinnacle of his acting career, well deserving of a supporting Actor nomination for his role as a rugby team captain for South Africa.
The upside: Great acting, an interesting exposure into the divided worlds within South Africa, revealing scenes about the sensitive and forgiving Mandela, and lots of action on the rugby field.
The downside: It’s more about sports than it is about the struggle of Mandela as most of the story focuses on rugby as the catalyst for mending the nation’s wounds. The handheld camera on the rugby field is enough to drive the viewer insane, as it is almost impossible to make out what is happening with the constant blast of herky-jerky close-ups.
Next: The Road starring one of today’s finest actors, Viggo Mortensen. Then, Up In The Air with George Clooney, touted as a possible Oscar nominee.
With the Oscar race in full gear, this is the best time of the year for movies, if you love the cinema.
I finally viewed the movie: “Capitalism: A Love Story,” written and directed by Michael Moore.
Whether pro-Moore or anti-Moore, the first thing we must all realize is that is that he has produced a documentary designed to expose problems in the United States, from his subjective point of view. That being said, it’s only natural that he will use interviews and materials that support a left wing agenda, while at the same time, discard any contrary information, no matter how compelling, that might dispute his positions.
We could expect the same, for example, from a Sean Hannity or a Rush Limbaugh who — if they were to produce such a documentary — would likewise present interviews and materials that support the right wing agenda while discarding any information that is contrary to their own.
All columnists, writers, politicians and pundits are guilty of this, yours truly included. If I want to write about the horrors of pit bulls — to which I already have a pre-determined leaning — I will seek out statistics and supportive quotations from sources that support my conclusions. They all do it…liberals, conservatives, democrats, republicans, communists, gays, anti-gays, blacks, Hispanics, whites, religious groups, writers, movie stars, talk show hosts and you name it.
The key is to try and be as open minded as possible, see all sides of an issue and present data and facts, not name-calling, pigeon-holes and opinions, to support a position.
Having been familiar with Moore’s leanings from past movies, we all knew going in that this was going to be a film which bashes the evils of capitalism, while supporting a change to another form of government, most likely socialism. So why go?
Because … to be Frank … it’s interesting. And there is always something that can be learned.
Here is where Moore is right:
* Corruption has been rife within our government, which is the root of all our economic problems. That’s just a truism.
* Both parties, republican and democrat, and their elected representatives, are responsible for the corrupt partnership with banking and mortgage interests that have brought about the housing crisis.
* Corporations that run private prisons are in collusion with politicians and judges to keep the cells over-filled in order to line their own pockets. I know this from my own research for a book.
* Many decent and unfortunate people have been bamboozled and cheated by mortgage companies, thereby losing their homes and livelihoods to selfish interests.
* The people, in general, are aware of government corruption, and wanted a drastic change from the status quo, and they got it.
The shooting of Moore’s movie was obviously completed shortly after the November election, thus there is no measurement of the new president’s achievements, or lack thereof.
Here’s where Moore is wrong:
* He blames a capitalistic system for all the woes. In fact, the system is the best in the world, and worked fine for two centuries, but we — the people — have been stupid enough to elect — and re-elect — corrupt politicians who are in collusion with Wall Street.
* He suggests that socialism is a better system, but he fails to point out how socialism inhibits personal freedoms all around the world.
* He shoots scenes which depict the big bad cops evicting poor innocent citizens, but he fails to present both sides of the scenario. As we all know, they exist. And in these cases, the people being evicted may have deserved it…or may not. We just don’t know. But the scenes certainly bring out emotions…which they are meant to do.
* He fails to mention that the Bush Administration, including the president himself, warned of an economic meltdown if congress did not impose more regulations on the mortgage companies, which they failed to do.
* He failed to mention that the three largest recipients of political contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — ostensibly to keep regulations at bay — were Dodd, Frank and Obama.
* He selectively denigrates Ronald Reagan as though he was at the center of big banking corruption, while failing to acknowledge Reagan’s contributions to the world in bringing down the Soviet Bloc and the Berlin wall.
This blog could ramble on about more of the scenes, but that’s a nutshell. Did Moore over dramatize? Yes. Did Moore center on his own pre-determined agenda? Yes. Will he piss-off conservatives? Yes. Will liberals in the audience cheer? They did. Is the film silly in spots? Yes. Did I shake my head and go “Oh noooo” at times? Yes.
Would this film be a great promo for the Obama agenda? Yes.
Would I recommend it? Sure. But only to people with enough smarts to sift though the personal prejudices and see the truths. Because it does illustrate much about what has been wrong with the government in general. If you’ve got an open mind, you’ll recognize the B.S., and absorb the meat.
Here’s a couple of review quotes:
“Moore’s guests are ventriloquists’ dummies he props up on his knee so they can present views he shares.” — Kyle Smith, The New York Post“
“Michael Moore tackles a big subject with a scattershot approach.” — Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles Times
“This is a love story, all right, but it has less to do with the flaws of capitalism than it does with Moore’s unwavering fondness for the sound of his own voice, and for what he perceives as his own vast cleverness.” — Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Was I selective in posting these quotes? Darn right.
Okay, here’s one from James Berardinelli, of Reelviews. “Vintage Moore, which means that it will enthrall many and enrage an equal number of viewers.”
Bring it on….
However unsolicited, here’s a few comments about some recent movies. Granted, we all have differing tastes, but these are the best and the worst, in my humble movie-lover’s opinion. The summer selection was pretty bad this year with one, perhaps, worthy of any Oscar contention, that being Julie & Julia. Meryl Streep will probably get another nomination, her performance was amazing.
Rating on a scale of 1 – 10
Pelham 1-2-3
One of those remakes that got it right. Exciting, suspenseful shared with a human drama. Excellent performances by Travolta and Denzel Washington. Give it an 8.
My Sister’s Keeper
A cancer story that pulls at the heart strings. A departure in parts from the book, but I like the movie ending better. Cameron Diaz transforms into a heavy role, believable and sincere. Abigail Breslin, child actress, is powerful and charming…as always. Stealing the spotlight, is the victim herself, Safia Vasilieva. Give it an 8 ½. Rent it, you’ll be captured
Public Enemies
Another John Dillinger flick to heap onto the pile. It’s actually a good movie, but I had a hard time with seeing Johnny Depp in his character. Give it a 7
The Proposal
Light comedy, stupid plot, but entertaining if you’re interested in lightening up. Sandra Bullock is, the usual Sandra Bullock. No Oscar contender here. Give it 6 ½
Funny People
We walked out after twenty-five minutes. Adam Sandler, who could not share the same stage with greats like Jackie Gleason, Billy Crystal, Eddie Murphy, and more, should be more discriminating in accepting roles that are beneath him. Pure, unadulturated crap trying to pass as humor. Give it a Zero = 0
Julie & Julia
By now, movie lovers certainly know this is a cleverly written story about a modern woman who idolizes the life and works of Julia Child, and goes about trying to duplicate all her recipes. Thus the film flips back and forth from back story of fifty years ago, to today. Streep is incredible, and so is Amy Adams who is blooming to become one of the greats of the silver screen in this century. Give it a 8 ½
Orphan
A not-so-innovative script about a couple who adopts a little girl, then finds she is mentally disturbed, causing havoc and misery to their lives. It’s acted fine by Vera Farmiga, Peter Saarsgard and Isabel Fuhrman (the child), but falls short by over dramatizing and photographing the horror scenes. Give it a 7
500 Days Of Summer
Based in Ireland, a warm and loving story about a woman (Summer) and her newfound lover, and the relationship that spans 500 days. Good movie. Not a great movie. Give it a 7
Inglorious Basterds
Not for everyone, but I enjoyed the setting, the story, the humor and most of the acting. Set in WW II, a group of military Jews set out to kill all the Nazis they can find. My one problem, was accepting Brad Pitt in the role of a Tennessee Jew with a southern accent. Give it an 8
Perfect Getaway
The best part of this movie was the spectacular scenery of Hawaii. A weak plot about a pair of newlyweds who go on a hiking trip in Hawaii, only to find themselves in the middle of a murder story. Meanwt to be suspenseful, but it falls short. Acting is substandard, as is the directing. Might be entertaining to the younger set. Give it a 5
Gamer
Hi-tech, sci-fi thriller with zero plot and lots of kerky jerky camera action and stupid dialogue. At least, that’s the way it was for the first 30 minutes, because we walked out. Video game nerds might like it, but not the mature set. Gerard Butler is generally good, but not in this one. Give it a 2.
The Informant
Based on a true story about a frumpy executive who turns in his corporate echelon to the FBI, but gets caught up in a series of his own stupid lies. Matt Damon does a remarkable job of transforming his usual macho persona into an intellectual nerd. Interesting, but no Oscar contender. Give it a 7
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Trapped by evangelicals. No..that’s not the plot of the movie. It’s the dilemma for the audience. I should have vetted the movie better, but we were simply going by a few by-lines and promo pictures, which made it look interesting. Once inside, we were subjected to a story line which was nothing more than an old man evangelizing to three young boys the way of Jesus Christ. While devout Christians may have found this movie to their liking, others who are not so inclined will walk out, as we did…and then complain to the management, that if we wanted a sermon about following Jesus, I’d attend a church service. Give it a Zero
Whiteout
The best part of this picture is visiting Antarctica and the south pole. By the time the movie was over, we had to put on our sweaters, though the outside temps were in the 80s. An old story plot about crazies and murder, hand held cameras making it hard to discern what the heck is going on, and fair acting by Kate Beckinsale and others. Give it a 6
Surrogates
Far out. If you don’t like the movie, you’ll still walk away remarking about the incredible imagination of the creators. A futuristic film about humans living their lives through surrogates (robots)…with some suspense and excitement built in. Bruce Willis is good. Might be nominiated for special effects, but not much else. Give it a 6 ½
Enjoy.
Whatever happened to the variety/comedy shows? You know, the ones where they played before a live audience, mixing comedy skits with singers, guest stars, dancers and an hour of laughter. The best ever, in my humble opinion, was the Carol Burnett Show. She had it all. Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner and the best; herself. Every show began with a monologue, questions from the audience with ad lib quips, that Tarzan sreech, and the washer woman character that no one could imitate.
As the saying goes, they don’t make like they used to. The younger folks don’t know what they missed without seeing these wonderful shows. Yes, I’m glad I was around when they were big hits, but they also sadden me when I watch the poor excuses we have today for comedy in comparison.
No canned laughter for these folks. But it wasn’t needed. Just watch any episode of “Burnett” or “Jackie Gleason” and you’ll find plenty of that authentic laughter coming from the people in the studio. Something about fake laughter that I resent. It’s as though the producers of these shows don’t trust us to know what’s funny.
Anyway, here’s my top ten for the greatest variety shows of all time. (With a few links to spice it up)
The Carol Burnett Show
YouTube -Tim Conway’s Elephant Story
The Jackie Gleason Show
Click here: KINESCOPE HD: HOW SWEET IT WAS
The Dean Martin Show
YouTube – Drunk Airline Pilot
Sonny And Cher
Click here: YouTube – Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour #4
The Smothers Brothers
YouTube – The Smothers Brothers – Part 3
The Colgate Comedy Hour
YouTube – Jerry Lewis Colgate Comedy Hour
colgate comedy hour Videos
The Show Of Shows
The Ed Sullivan Show
Red Skelton Show
Milton Berle Show
What say you…my fellow senior citizens?
Finally, a few thoughts on the lighter side.
Most people will call me an old fogey, but the truth remains, I cannot find any modern sitcom shows that match the great writing, acting and humor of by-gone days when many of the shows were performed before a live audience and canned laughter was not always needed to instigate laughter.
I realize Seinfeld, Everyone Loves Raymond and Frasier were all big hits, but I often found myself scratching my head at the sound of uproarious laughter when there was nothing that funny about the dialogue. Rare did those shows trigger a belly laugh to compare to The Honeymooners and All In The Family.
Okay, enough with the rant. Here’s my list of the top ten sitcoms of all time:
All In The Family
The Honeymooners
I Love Lucy
The Jeffersons
The Cosby Show
MASH
Night Court
The Golden Girls
Cheers
The Nanny
Five Honorable mentions:
Taxi
Dick Van Dyke Show
Different Strokes
Three’s Company
The Odd Couple
Okay, your choices?
My cranky old stepfather had a way with words. Back in 1955, I was but a 16 year-old lad when we were engaged in a conversation about movie idols. I shared with him my admiration for Elizabeth Taylor, who I considered to be the most gorgeous human creature ever to walk the face of the earth. In the middle of my blathering over her, Bernie interrupted, and in his inimitable Brooklynese, said, “Listen kid. Think about this. What if Elizabeth Taylor is out hiking in the woods. She’s gotta take a …she’s gotta go, you know…real bad. What does she do? She lifts her f ——g dress, pulls down her panties and squats…just like you and me.”
Fame and fortune doesn’t make anyone more or less human than you or me.
The current news blitz about the life and death of Michael Jackson is a good example of off-the-charts idolatry. Despite his wealth, (or because of it) it ultimately served as a virtual prison within a secluded world. Such was the case with Elvis, and others, who could not walk the streets, attend a public function, go to a movie or eat in a restaurant without throngs of worshippers crowding, begging, drooling and kissing his feet. If I were given the choice between the fame and fortune of a Michael Jackson, and to have what I have now, it would be a no-brainer. Michael Jackson wasn’t free. He wasn’t happy. He had not achieved the pinnacle of life. Sure, he was loved my millions, but was he really loved…as a man, as a human being, as a partner? So, what good the money?
Americans have a way of idolizing entertainers, religious figures and some politicians, ad nauseam. So much that no matter their foibles, no matter their transgressions, forgiveness is automatic, forgiveness that would be unthinkable if the transgressors were you or me. The media, and the general public, turn a blind eye for every indiscretion, crime, sin, character flaw or act of deceit they may engage in. It doesn’t matter. Idols are above morality. They are above decency. In some cases, they are even above the law. They can even be dangerous. Idolaters trust the untrustworthy, even if it means following them like sheep over the cliff. They can do no wrong.
Such was the case in Guyana in November of 1978, when a charismatic preacher named Jim Jones convinced 909 of his religious followers — supposedly intelligent and educated human beings — to kill themselves, including over two hundred children, by drinking Kool-Aid laced with cyanide. Unbridled worship is the seed for ominpotence.
Click here: Jonestown
Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Haggard, Peter Popoff, Robert Tilton and Kent Hovind are but a few American evangelists who found gold by mesmerizing congregations into dutiful worshippers, gaining riches at the altar of ignorance then bilking their people for millions upon millions of dollars by lying to them. There’s really no one to blame but the gullible, for they buy into every word, because they are words they want to hear to begin with.
Besides corruption, the sheer and blatant hypocrisy of these supposed mouthpieces for God never cease to amaze me, yet their followers continue to ignore and buy into the excuses. All the while Jim Bakker spent twenty years being revered from his PTL broadcasts, spewing goodness and morality, he was bilking his donors for millions of dollars, not to mention an extra-marital affair. His exploits landed him in prison for five years. But, not to worry, Bakker’s ministry is alive and well again — after a mea culpa apology of course — broadcasting the word of God to many millions of those same followers who just can’t get it.
Jimmy Swaggart was another idolized preacher who spent much of his off-pulpit time hiring detectives to spy on other evangelists, including Jim Bakker, in order to expose them as sexual deviants unworthy of a ministry. Then, the tables turned, as another detective — hired by one of those ministerial enemies — caught him in motel room with a prostitute. From there, we all remember the televised crying jag begging for forgiveness for spending his congregations money toward sexual favors. Three years later, he was caught again, with another prostitute. But that didn’t phase the blind followers. Today, Swaggart heads up a world wide ministry staffed with his new wife, and many of his family members, while the sheep continue to drop over the cliff. Amazing, what charisma can do when people hear what they are predisposed to hear.
The idolization of O.J. Simpson earned him a Not Guilty verdict for the cold-blooded, premeditated murder of two people, in which the evidence of his guilt was overwhelming. Had someone named Willie Jones had a mid-level lawyer, considering the same evidence, he would have been convicted and executed by now.
He’s not the only celebrity who managed to escape prison because of fame and wealth. There was Robert Blake, star of Baretta, who allegedly killed his wife, but despite hard evidence, managed an acquittal.
Michael Jackson, the current epitome of idol worship, is said to have settled with no less than three accusers over a period of fifteen years, 1988 – 1993, one for $20 million, to drop charges against him. In each, the alleged victims were children and the alleged crimes were sexual molestation. His criminal trial for similar charges in 2005 resulted in — what else? Not guilty.
Some say, all those charges were trumped up. Yet, these were the cases that reached public scrutiny. I ask, how much is out there, that we do not know?
That also goes for politicians, probably more so than entertainers and preachers. For we — the people in general — are gullible enough to vote them into public office where they are not only held in high esteem, they hold power over our very lives.
American voters trusted Rod Blagojevich, the man who allegedly sold an Illinois senate seat to the highest bidder. Americans trusted Jim McGreevey, governor of New Jersey, until it turned out he was having gay affairs behind his wife’s back. Americans trusted Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina, never thinking he was the ilk to abandon his post for four days to have an affair in another continent. Americans trusted Eliot Spitzer, governor of New York, until a sting caught him commiserating with prostitutes. Rep. William Jefferson, of Louisiana, stashed $90 thousand in his freezer. Yet, he ran for office again, and 47 percent of Louisiana’s voters cast their ballots for him. They didn’t care.
These are the ones we know about. What don’t we know?
In 1990, Marion Barry, former mayor of Washington D.C., was caught in an undercover operation using crack cocaine with a woman. He served a federal prison sentence, and — get this — ran for mayor again and got re-elected. If a police or fire applicant had such a record, he would be laughed out of the testing room.
Unfortunately, people get what they ask for…and deserve.
And so, contrary to the days of Lincoln, Taft, FDR, HST, and LBJ, we now live in the age of idolatry, where the beloved can do no wrong and otherwise intelligent people continue to turn a blind eye to thieves, liars, cheaters, dopers, molesters and corruption in general, because — well, they are all so cool.
Despite his foibles, Michael Jackson was certainly talented. For that, he deserved plaudits. But we have known others equally talented, today and yesteryear, (Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Gene Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minelli, Madonna, Elton John, et al), but were never raised to the levels of such adulation that they had to be relegated to self-imprisonment.
To those who still think Michael Jackson walked on water, may I refer you to the words of my old stepfather, Bernie, who had a way of putting it all into perspective. Just re-read the first paragraph of this blog.
And that goes for the unnamed herein.
Discriminating buffs who enjoy the best of motion pictures are entering into a time of the year when movie junk is in the theaters, mainly to attract teen and young adult audiences. But, we have seen a few gems within the mix, and some not so gemmy.
Here’s a few ratings:
The Soloist – 8 ½
Sunshine Cleaning – 7
Elegy – 8
Knowing – 5
“The Soloist”
Best picture so far in the 2009 season. Based on true events, the story focuses on two people; A homeless derelict (Jamie Foxx) whose early life included the Juliard school as a classical cellist, and a L.A. Times reporter (Robert Downey Jr.) who discovered and befriended him. Some folks will see this simply as a genius who fell into hard times when, in fact, it’s about the ravages of mental illness. Both men give Oscar worthy performances as the depth and versatility of each is nothing short of amazing. Foxx has won an Oscar for his betrayal of Ray Charles in “Ray”and has played in a number of other complicated roles since. Downey is to be admired, not only for his acting, but for having what it takes to pick himself up from the pits of drug addiction, and head forward into many outstanding accomplishments.
My only criticism is borne of my own musical (violin) eagle-eye, one which the average viewer may not have caught. While Foxx did an admirable job of portraying a cellist, the technical downside glared through as he did not hold the instrument nor bow correctly, nor was there any vibrato as the fingers lay gently…not firmly…upon the strings. But..that’s being picky.
If you enjoy a good drama, this a very good film.
“Sunshine Cleaning”
A sleeper. We had not expected much from this picture, other than a reason to kill a couple of relaxing hours. This is about blue collar America, basic family dispute, tragedy, struggle and love…lots of love, disguised as anger and frustration. Amy Adams plays a single mom who works as a maid, and then with her hippie sister running a cleaning operation that handles ugly, stinky crime scenes. In no time, the girls are up to their necks in murders, suicides and other death cases which spins off into a number of zany, and sometimes tragic events.
Alan Arkin plays Amy’s dad, and grandfather of the little boy who he cares for when mom is at work. A very heart-warming, and down-to-earth story, well acted, that surprisingly holds your attention.
“Elegy”
Released in August of 2008, this picture was apparently a box office flop, but it looked interesting when we perused through Blockbuster’s last week and gave it a try. Glad we did. Not only because it offers Penelope Cruz in a completely uninhibited, topless scene, the acting of Ben Kingsley and her should have made Hollywood headlines. They are magnificent in their roles as unlikely lovers, he a 60ish playboy college professor and she, a student who is set apart from anyone he has ever known. Director Isabel Coixet, draws the best from Cruz and Kingsley as the viewer remains glued to the story from beginning to end. Worthwhile, if you appreciate good drama.
“Knowing”
We saw this a few weeks ago. Nicolas Cage stars as (what else) a college professor who investigates the past deeds of a child who seemed to have supernatural powers, able to predict disasters. Not a bad film, but not great. The acting was not even close to the caliber of Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis in “Sixth Sense,” which this picture seemed to emulate.
Your thoughts?
The Academy Awards for 2009 will be announced in just two nights. I have seen all the nominated movies, and most of the nominated performances. I do believe the academy voters allow sentimentality and emotion to influence their votes, as seen many times in the past. The very best actor/actress performance doesn’t always win the prize. Such was the case when Jessica Lange’s performance in“Blue Sky” won over Jody Foster’s, “Nell” in 1994. No comparison. So, for my predictions, I will list who I think deserves to win, and who will actually win. Major categories only.
Best Movie:
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor:
Will win: Sean Penn
Should win: Mickey Rourke
Best Actress:
Will win: Kate Winslet
Should win: Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actor:
Will win: Heath Ledger
Should win: Robert Downey Jr.
Best Supporting Actress:
Will win: Penelope Cruz
Should win: Amy Adams
Best Director:
Will win: Danny Boyle
Should win: Danny Boyle
And, for the best movie, not mentioned in the Academy Awards listing:
The Boy In the Striped Pajamas
Your picks?
These two pictures will probably represent the contest between the two men vying for best actor awards at the Academy Awards. So, here is my take on both of them:
“Milk”
First: No denying the talent of Sean Penn. He certainly deserves the nomination, if not the award itself. This is one of those movies where the actor totally becomes the character and immerses himself into the story.
I consider myself fairly open minded. Gay theme movies such as “Bird Cage” and “Brokeback Mountain” were well acted, well-directed and were, for the most part, filmed in a manner which left nothing to the imagination, but still left out unnecessary and gratuitous sex.
I cannot say the same for “Milk.” One more wet, tongue-slobbering kiss between the men and I think I would have walked out. We all know that gay men kiss, but a little less would have told the same story without the graphics. Even in heterosexual movies these days, Hollywood actors in a kissing scene remind me of people eating a ripe peach. It’s bad enough between men and women, and — to me — more offensive between the same sexes. It is simply not necessary. If that sounds intolerant, so be it.
Give the director a D in this movie, we didn’t need to be provided the ending at the very beginning of the movie. Sure, many people who know the story of Harvey Milk in San Francisco already knew the ending, but there’s a certain mystique that’s removed when the final scene is revealed to the audience early on.
Neither did I care for the messages. Open constant and open use of pot by respectable, admired and influential people. And, a man in a position of political respectability engaging in affairs with street urchins.
All in all, it captured the story of this tormented and determined man to overcome the stigma, and become the first gay who rose to a position of political power. That’s to be admired.
Overall, give this one a 6.
“The Wrestler”
A most depressing movie, indeed.
That said, Mickey Rourke will probably get a well-earned Oscar for his role as a down-and-out, over-the-hill, lonely, destitute, washed up wrestler. That — in a nutshell — is the whole story.
This is also one of those movies where it’s totally driven by the one character. Every scene includes Mickey Rourke. The camera constantly follows him, capturing his every nuance, every emotion, every expression in graphic close-ups. The only exception might be Marisa Tomei’s one exit scene from the strip joint.
No one else could have played this role, but Rourke. Not DeNiro, not Pacino, not Hanks not Penn. This was a movie make for Rourke.
Tomei fans are in for a treat. She holds nothing back in her portrayal of a stripper working to support his child as a single mother.
It is mind-boggling what an actor will put himself through to portray a movie role. Whie computers and other techniques are used today to illustrate violience and bloodshed, there’s no denying what Mickey Rourke suffered through in the making of this picture. One bloody scene in particular is worthy of caution to those who have a weak stomach.
Overall, I give this one a 7.
Your thoughts?
We’ve been to some of the end-of-season movies, when the Oscar contenders are generally released. Here are a few brief comments and ratings of the pictures we’ve seen so far.
Frost/Nixon:
8
Not for everyone. Young people who enjoy shoot-‘em-ups, vulgarity and raw sex will be bored to tears with this re-creation of the landmark 1977 interviews between President Nixon and his surprisingly adept nemesis, David Frost. But it’s a wonderfully made movie by Ron Howard, and an Acting 101 course for aspiring motion picture aspirants, particularly on the part of Frank Langella who immerses himself as the shamed president as well as anyone could possibly have done. He deserves the Oscar nomination, and movie goers who enjoy American history and political drama will be amazed by the performances.
Doubt:
8 ½
An intriguing picture that may provide Meryl Streep her third Academy Award as the imperious Sister Aloysius who suspects Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) of molesting a black student in the school, but without evidence. Moves slowly in parts, but the acting performances trump any criticism of the screenplay, which left me hanging, particularly at the end. Amy Adams is also deserving of her nomination for her role as the subservient nun, Sister James.
Another great course for students of Acting 101, and a deeply moving picture for folks who appreciate great acting.
Gran Torino:
8
How Clint Eastwood was overlooked for an Oscar nomination is a wonder. This is a one-man show, not only acted, but directed by Eastwood who — with so many epic films to his credit — has elevated himself to the levels of Spielberg and Scorsese. Eastwood portrays a cantankerous, old widower and a Korean war vet, disenchanted with his new Korean neighbors until he comes to their rescue from a violent gang. Good story. Surprise ending. See it.
Vallkyrie:
5
The story follows the attempted assassination of Hitler in the summer of 1944, from the point of view of plotter, German Col. Claus von Stauffenbeg, as portrayed by Tom Cruise. It follows the true events fairly well, but to my mind, it was like watching blue-eyed, Malibu surfer Jeffrey Hunter portraying Jesus in King of Kings. He just didn’t fit the role, eye-patch notwithstanding.
Cruise is a fair actor who would be better sticking to Mission Impossible -style roles
Seven Pounds:
9
I’ve not been a great fan of Will Smith, but he excels in this picture. He plays Ben Smith, an IRS agent with a mysterious past and an unexplained altruistic streak. Also includes a touching romance which takes on the most unusual twist that evolves at the end of the movie… not to be told here. Starts slow, but build momentum and captivating interest as it moves along.
Yes Man:
3
I like Jim Carrey. I like physical humor. This picture was just plain stupid, and below the talents of this great comic. Antics are overdone, much in the tone of Liar Liar, but less funny.
The Reader:
9 ½
One of the best movies of the year, and with Kate Winslet the only rival to Meryl Streep for the Oscar. In fact, in this movie, Winslet elevates herself a new plateau in women’s acting, worthy of mentioning her name in the same breath as Streep, Bette Davis and Kate Hepburn. As a middle aged woman in 1960s Germany, Hanna (Winslet) engaes in an affair with a much younger fellow, which eventually follows her through the latter stages of her troubles life. Saying any more would give away too much of the plot, but rest assured, this is a powerful and compelling movie, especially for those who follow the Holocaust. I can see Winslet winning this year’s Oscar.
Still to see: Milk and The Wrestler
Your thoughts?
Okay, without further ado. We submitted our opinions on the greatest performance by a male actor in the history of movies, here are my top ten picks for the greatest all-time performances by a female actor, Oscars notwithstanding because the best doesn’t always get the prize.
These are the kind of movies where you walk out with your head shaking, say “Wow” and continue to talk about incredible actress who simply dazzled the viewer beyond those of the ordinary. Your opinions are welcome.
Jodie Foster – Nell (If you never saw her in this, rent it)
Meryl Streep – Sophie’s Choice (Ditto)
Holly Hunter - Piano (she also was the pianist)
Bette Davis – Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (powerful)
Sigourny Weaver – Gorilla’s In The Mist (remarkably brave)
Patty Duke – Miracle Worker (gripping)
Susan Sarandon – Dead Man Walking (believable)
Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Kathy Bates – Misery (Bitch!)
Mary McDonnell – Dances With Wolves (immersed in the role)
* Add Honorable mention: (which means, they belong there too)
Hillary Swank – Million Dollar Baby
Halle Berry – Monsters Ball
Charlize Theron – Monster
Liza Minelli – Cabaret
Diana Ross – Lady Sings the Blues
