Price of a Redbox rental $.99, price of a drink and snack $2.11 Seeing Taye Diggs (Rent, Chicago, Brown Sugar) as a Vampire …. Priceless! That alone made Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010) worth watching. I loved watching Taye Diggs in Rent, he was wonderful in Chicago, I even enjoyed his role in How Stella Got Her Groove Back but, to see him with fangs all vamped out made me chuckle. I would have never expected to see that.
Dylan Dog is a private eye for the supernatural. The undead all got together and decided to let one human in on their secret to help protect them from each other. That lucky human is Dylan played by Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Scott Pilgram vs. the world) He captured the character well and was fun to watch. However, I think his friend stole every scene he was in. Sam Huntington (Superman Returns, Fanboys, Not Another Teen Movie) plays Marcus, Dylan’s friend who wants to be a partner, a “go to guy”. Sadly it isn’t until Marcus is killed by a zombie that he may actually get to be that “go to guy” who can really help Dylan.
Dylan Dog is an Italian comic book very popular in the late 80’s early 90’s. The comic is set in London but the movie takes place in New Orleans. That added some humor and was a fun twist on some New Orleans “creatures of the night”. They say the undead chose New Orleans because it is a city that never sleeps so they could blend in easily. They even have a zombie support group. The movie has a very old fashion, private eye, voice over through the whole thing. Very Dick Tracy or something. Dylan does the voice overs and leads us as the story unfolds. “I knew exactly where I needed to go and what I needed to do”.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Killers
I really enjoy watching CBS news Sunday Morning every Sunday. One of the segments I enjoy, of course, is David Edelstein. He is a commentator, or a movie critic. I don’t usually like movie critics and I very rarely agree with them, but I do like David’s commentaries. I may not always like the movies he likes but I do enjoy listening to what he has to say about them. An example, Our idiot brother "won't win any prizes but its mellow vibe is a blessed relief" He was complaining about all of the superhero, action movies. (Here is another great review that I loved of his.) http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7381498n
I agree that sometimes it is just nice to enjoy a fun easy going comedy. Killers (2010) is one of those movies for me. I laugh every time I watch it. Katherine Heigl (Roswell, 27 Dresses, Grey’s Anatomy) is wonderful to watch and I just love listening to her scream. That first scream when she enters the house to surprise her husband and finds him being attacked by the first of many "killers" gets me every time. She cracks me up. I don't love all of her movies but I really enjoy this one. Ashton Kutcher (That 70’s show, Butterfly Effect, Dude where’s my car?) is so entertaining. I love the way he delivers a line. “Let’s just say I work for the blah blah blah and they gave me a license to blah” From the very being when Spencer (Ashton) and Jen (Katherine) first meet I am smiling. He enters the elevator in a bathing suit, carrying flippers and begins talking to her in French and she pretends to understand. Killers is just fun, it is not meant to be taken seriously. This is shown right off the bat when Ashton is telling Katherine that he wants to be honest with her and proceeds to tell her how he kills people, "usually bad people, it's not like I'm out killing good guys. I'm not a murderer, I'm a professional." She is passed out and doesn't hear a word. He says "You're a great listener". That scene is so funny!
With a great cast of characters, including Tom Selleck (Magnam P.I., Three Men and a Baby, Quigley Down Under) who plays Katherine’s father and Catherine O'Hara (Penelope, Home Alone, Temple Grandin) as her mother. They are great! You watch the movie wondering how they ever ended up together and why they stay together. They are complete opposites. I don't want to spoil the ending if you haven't seen it, but it is so funny. Jen decides to have and honesty circle with her husband and parents. Another wonderful scene!
If you just want "a mellow vibe" without a lot of CGI you should give Killers a try. It is a very entertaining comedy with a lot of action. And now, thanks to Jen, I often find myself telling my girls "You really wanna' poke momma' bear right now? You think that's a good idea?" Oh another line I love, Spencer says, "Honey, your gun is showing" This movie is just full of great one liners!
I agree that sometimes it is just nice to enjoy a fun easy going comedy. Killers (2010) is one of those movies for me. I laugh every time I watch it. Katherine Heigl (Roswell, 27 Dresses, Grey’s Anatomy) is wonderful to watch and I just love listening to her scream. That first scream when she enters the house to surprise her husband and finds him being attacked by the first of many "killers" gets me every time. She cracks me up. I don't love all of her movies but I really enjoy this one. Ashton Kutcher (That 70’s show, Butterfly Effect, Dude where’s my car?) is so entertaining. I love the way he delivers a line. “Let’s just say I work for the blah blah blah and they gave me a license to blah” From the very being when Spencer (Ashton) and Jen (Katherine) first meet I am smiling. He enters the elevator in a bathing suit, carrying flippers and begins talking to her in French and she pretends to understand. Killers is just fun, it is not meant to be taken seriously. This is shown right off the bat when Ashton is telling Katherine that he wants to be honest with her and proceeds to tell her how he kills people, "usually bad people, it's not like I'm out killing good guys. I'm not a murderer, I'm a professional." She is passed out and doesn't hear a word. He says "You're a great listener". That scene is so funny!
With a great cast of characters, including Tom Selleck (Magnam P.I., Three Men and a Baby, Quigley Down Under) who plays Katherine’s father and Catherine O'Hara (Penelope, Home Alone, Temple Grandin) as her mother. They are great! You watch the movie wondering how they ever ended up together and why they stay together. They are complete opposites. I don't want to spoil the ending if you haven't seen it, but it is so funny. Jen decides to have and honesty circle with her husband and parents. Another wonderful scene!
If you just want "a mellow vibe" without a lot of CGI you should give Killers a try. It is a very entertaining comedy with a lot of action. And now, thanks to Jen, I often find myself telling my girls "You really wanna' poke momma' bear right now? You think that's a good idea?" Oh another line I love, Spencer says, "Honey, your gun is showing" This movie is just full of great one liners!
Monday, September 19, 2011
American History X
I have to begin this by letting you know that American History X (1998) is rated R. I don’t usually talk about ratings because I don’t follow that and could really care less what the rating people think! But this one is R and rightfully so. It is very hard to watch, as are most stories involving racism and/or prison. American History X deals with both of these.
With Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Illusionist, Primal Fear) as Derek, who is released after serving three years in prison, American History X gives you a glimpse of his life and the lessons he learns along the way. Danny, played by Edward Furlong (Terminator 2, The Green Hornet) is Derek’s younger brother. Danny is failing his history class. His principal challenges him to write a Biography on his brother Derek in order to get a passing grade. In reality the principal is trying to save Danny from the path he is on, which is very similar to the one Derek took.
While American History X deals with very difficult issues it is one of those movies that really sticks with me. The life lessons that Danny learns while retelling Derek’s story are so powerful.
My mom recommended this movie to me. Believe it or not. She said “I really think you might find it interesting.” I like Edward Norton and it sounded intriguing so I figured I would check it out. One of my hobbies, other than watching movies, is cross stitch. So, I got settled all comfy with my cross stitch ready to watch a movie and stitch. I didn’t get one thing done! Not one stitch the entire movie! It grabbed me right from the beginning and I was glued to the screen. By the end I was on the edge of my seat, literally.
American History X is a beautiful movie with a very strong message. If only we could all learn and grow without going down such a difficult road. Not all of us will see and experience the things portrayed in this movie but sadly a lot of people do. To a lot of people that is their life and that is all they know. I hope we can learn from their mistakes and improve ourselves. I guess that is why I enjoy movies that deal with tough things like racism. I want to educate myself and see through someone else’s eyes. Isn’t that one of the purposes of media? That way I don’t have to experience it but I can learn and grow and hopefully be a better human being because of the life lessons Derek and Danny learned.
With Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Illusionist, Primal Fear) as Derek, who is released after serving three years in prison, American History X gives you a glimpse of his life and the lessons he learns along the way. Danny, played by Edward Furlong (Terminator 2, The Green Hornet) is Derek’s younger brother. Danny is failing his history class. His principal challenges him to write a Biography on his brother Derek in order to get a passing grade. In reality the principal is trying to save Danny from the path he is on, which is very similar to the one Derek took.
While American History X deals with very difficult issues it is one of those movies that really sticks with me. The life lessons that Danny learns while retelling Derek’s story are so powerful.
My mom recommended this movie to me. Believe it or not. She said “I really think you might find it interesting.” I like Edward Norton and it sounded intriguing so I figured I would check it out. One of my hobbies, other than watching movies, is cross stitch. So, I got settled all comfy with my cross stitch ready to watch a movie and stitch. I didn’t get one thing done! Not one stitch the entire movie! It grabbed me right from the beginning and I was glued to the screen. By the end I was on the edge of my seat, literally.
American History X is a beautiful movie with a very strong message. If only we could all learn and grow without going down such a difficult road. Not all of us will see and experience the things portrayed in this movie but sadly a lot of people do. To a lot of people that is their life and that is all they know. I hope we can learn from their mistakes and improve ourselves. I guess that is why I enjoy movies that deal with tough things like racism. I want to educate myself and see through someone else’s eyes. Isn’t that one of the purposes of media? That way I don’t have to experience it but I can learn and grow and hopefully be a better human being because of the life lessons Derek and Danny learned.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Smurfs
“Do not be fooled by their cuteness!” Can I start by saying how much I adore Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser M.D., How I met your mother, Beastly)! He is wonderful to watch in any thing he does. My three daughters and I went to see the Smurfs (2011). We only decided to see it once we found out that Neil Partick Harris was in it. Was it Oscar worthy, groundbreaking amazing? No. Was it cute, fun, entertaining and nostalgic? Yes. Well, nostalgic for me anyway. I grew up watching the Smurfs, it was among one of my favorite cartoons.
Raja Gosnell (Never Been Kissed, Scooby-Doo, Home Alone) directed the Smurfs and did a great job. He was able to keep it very Smurfy. Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays (Glee, Mall Cop, Red Eye) are a young married couple expecting their first child. Jayma is adorable and does an excellent job. Hank Azaria (The Simpsons, Godzilla, Love and Other Drugs) plays Gargamel. Now, I do have to say that I never really liked the character of Gargamel in the cartoons and I really didn’t like him in the movie version. I guess that means Hank Azaria played him well? Yes, he really did. However, I loved the cat, Azrael, in the cartoon and in the movie. The combination of real cat and CGI cat was so good and very funny. He was great.
The Smurfs, what can I say about them? Wonderful voice talents, very cute little blue guys and entertaining. We all really enjoyed the movie. Would I buy it? I don’t know but I would watch it again and again and again. Just to see Neil Patrick Harris try to hug a Smurf. Priceless.
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