Currently, my family and I are in L.B.I which means posts will be less frequent than they already have been(I've been slacking). I'll try to post as much as I can and in about two weeks we'll be back to normal (even though I have not been posting that much recently).
Sorry, things will be back to normal eventually (anybody care?).
Martin.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Movie Review: Let The Right One In.
This is not a vampire love story:
This is:
This is not a vampire love story:
This is:
The Swedish film, Let the Right One In, is a vampire love story. A dark, gory, real, heartbreaking, vampire love story. This vampire does not sparkle in the sunlight or play "vampire baseball" and is not played by Robert Pattinson. This vampire is a twelve year old girl who forms a friendship with a fellow twelve year old Oskar. Thus is the premise of LTROI. Their relationship is innocent and enduring played by two Swedish minors who escape token bad child acting, and replace it with profound performances.
The less said about this film the better for you should really go into it not knowing much. There are shocking moments, cringing violence, and disturbing content all whilst remaining innocent and sweet.
This film is really two movies in one. To put it bluntly: You get a love story between two outsiders both feeling outcast from society. With lots of blood. Nice.
The cinematography here is just brilliant. Using bold reds and cool grays and blues in the back round really amps up the tone and gives it a feel of ominous darkness.
This movie is not for the squeamish, however, I would not consider it a horror film. I would also recommend this film to people who don't like vampires or blood because the relationship here is just that powerful. NO this film is not meant for tween girls wetting their pants over a fictional Cullen. NO not everyone will enjoy this film. YES it is certainly one of the best films of last year.
Check this one out but be warned that it is disturbing and might not appeal to wide audiences.
Martin.
This is:
This is not a vampire love story:
This is:
The Swedish film, Let the Right One In, is a vampire love story. A dark, gory, real, heartbreaking, vampire love story. This vampire does not sparkle in the sunlight or play "vampire baseball" and is not played by Robert Pattinson. This vampire is a twelve year old girl who forms a friendship with a fellow twelve year old Oskar. Thus is the premise of LTROI. Their relationship is innocent and enduring played by two Swedish minors who escape token bad child acting, and replace it with profound performances.
The less said about this film the better for you should really go into it not knowing much. There are shocking moments, cringing violence, and disturbing content all whilst remaining innocent and sweet.
This film is really two movies in one. To put it bluntly: You get a love story between two outsiders both feeling outcast from society. With lots of blood. Nice.
The cinematography here is just brilliant. Using bold reds and cool grays and blues in the back round really amps up the tone and gives it a feel of ominous darkness.
This movie is not for the squeamish, however, I would not consider it a horror film. I would also recommend this film to people who don't like vampires or blood because the relationship here is just that powerful. NO this film is not meant for tween girls wetting their pants over a fictional Cullen. NO not everyone will enjoy this film. YES it is certainly one of the best films of last year.
Check this one out but be warned that it is disturbing and might not appeal to wide audiences.
Martin.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Movie Review: A Predictable Getaway (see what I did there? tehehe).
In the day and age of PG-13 thriller/horror flicks, it is refreshing to see a halfway decent rated R one. A Perfect Getaway is such a rated R thriller. It entails a honeymooning couple, played by Steve Zahn and Mila Jokvafoiajowiejfoawkef(chick from resident evil, I was too lazy to look up the spelling), on a trail on an island in Hawaii. When word gets out that there has been a newlywed couple slain on a nearby island they get a little paranoid. On the trail they encounter two other couples who may or may not be the killers. Each couple expects the other one as the first two acts of the film build up to a thrilling Rambo-style third act. Unfortunately, the first two acts? Not so good.
They marketed this film as an action packed thrill-ride with twists at every turn, and after seeing it I said to myself, "uh, kinda?". The thing is, is that the thrill-ride aspect of this film happens in the last act and the two acts building up to that are slow going, predictable, and somewhat boring. Get to the bloodshed. Please?
Steve Zahn and Mila Jolkavichoifwjaoiej meet up with the wonderfully charismatic Timothy Olyphant and...some chick...Olyphant almost saves the first two acts, almost.
Judging by the trailer the third couple, played by two people we don't care about, seem to be a big part of the film. They have a cumulative screen time of about twenty minutes. So what we get is the other two dis-interesting couples making there way to the beach, and at no point do either couple turn back in fear of being murdered because that would be the smart thing to do.
What also happens here is that Steve Zahn plays a screenwriter and throughout the movie Olyphant and Zahn have witty banter about cliche movie happenings or just about plot devices in general. This is to tease the audience about red herrings and possible twists however what it does, is that it just makes things more predictable.
Anyway the main problem with this film, for me anyways, was the fact that the way it was advertised was that it had some MAJOR HUGE TWIST at the end. It was a major huge twist. However, I saw it coming in the beginning of the second act. But hey, maybe I've seen too many movies and I'm too desensitized and maybe most people will have a good time with this. However with this knowledge I found myself wanting to get to the thrilling third act to see some action. Maybe the third act is worth sitting through....on DVD....
Now, this film is rated R so we do get a few fucks here and there, some sexual references, drug references, and intensity. And the action that is here really makes you feel it and cringe. It's bloody, it's suspenseful, it's about twenty five minutes. The parts that I didn't want to end did, and the parts that needed to die did not.
Catch this one on DVD if it's a slow night but fast forward to see some intense, gory, action.
Martin.
They marketed this film as an action packed thrill-ride with twists at every turn, and after seeing it I said to myself, "uh, kinda?". The thing is, is that the thrill-ride aspect of this film happens in the last act and the two acts building up to that are slow going, predictable, and somewhat boring. Get to the bloodshed. Please?
Steve Zahn and Mila Jolkavichoifwjaoiej meet up with the wonderfully charismatic Timothy Olyphant and...some chick...Olyphant almost saves the first two acts, almost.
Judging by the trailer the third couple, played by two people we don't care about, seem to be a big part of the film. They have a cumulative screen time of about twenty minutes. So what we get is the other two dis-interesting couples making there way to the beach, and at no point do either couple turn back in fear of being murdered because that would be the smart thing to do.
What also happens here is that Steve Zahn plays a screenwriter and throughout the movie Olyphant and Zahn have witty banter about cliche movie happenings or just about plot devices in general. This is to tease the audience about red herrings and possible twists however what it does, is that it just makes things more predictable.
Anyway the main problem with this film, for me anyways, was the fact that the way it was advertised was that it had some MAJOR HUGE TWIST at the end. It was a major huge twist. However, I saw it coming in the beginning of the second act. But hey, maybe I've seen too many movies and I'm too desensitized and maybe most people will have a good time with this. However with this knowledge I found myself wanting to get to the thrilling third act to see some action. Maybe the third act is worth sitting through....on DVD....
Now, this film is rated R so we do get a few fucks here and there, some sexual references, drug references, and intensity. And the action that is here really makes you feel it and cringe. It's bloody, it's suspenseful, it's about twenty five minutes. The parts that I didn't want to end did, and the parts that needed to die did not.
Catch this one on DVD if it's a slow night but fast forward to see some intense, gory, action.
Martin.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Geekdom: OH MY HOLY LORD IRON MAN 2 FOOTAGE. Ahem.
I loved Iron Man. LOVED it. It has everything to satisfy my Geek appetite. With a solid origin story, good character development, and an excellent segway for a sequel, fanboys such as myself are squirming in there seats over anticipation for Iron Man 2. And those lucky enough to attend Comic Con this year (I was not) were treated to some 5 minute clippage of the new Iron Man.
And FINALLY, that footage is now leaked onto the interwebz for Geekboys and Geekgirls to wet their pants and dresses over anticipation.
Here we see Nick Fury (director of S.H.E.I.L.D), Scarlett Johansson as Black Widdow(holy god), the new Jim Rhodes played by Don Cheadle (a better choice than Terrence Howard), Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer, and the big news Mickey Rourke as Whiplash. Now, what excites me most is obviously Scarlett as Black Widow (oh..my god) and Sam Rockwell playing weapons dealer Justin Hammer. Sam Rockwell is one of my favorite actors and I giggle just to see him in this (that does not make me less of a man).
The quality is not very good, and it is difficult to hear at times but the 5 minutes is well worth your time.
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LznLeDkuoBk
Not sure how long that link will be up for, YouTube has a tendency to remove these things but if that does not work you should be able to search over the interwebz for another copy.
Iron Man Rules.
Martin.
And FINALLY, that footage is now leaked onto the interwebz for Geekboys and Geekgirls to wet their pants and dresses over anticipation.
Here we see Nick Fury (director of S.H.E.I.L.D), Scarlett Johansson as Black Widdow(holy god), the new Jim Rhodes played by Don Cheadle (a better choice than Terrence Howard), Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer, and the big news Mickey Rourke as Whiplash. Now, what excites me most is obviously Scarlett as Black Widow (oh..my god) and Sam Rockwell playing weapons dealer Justin Hammer. Sam Rockwell is one of my favorite actors and I giggle just to see him in this (that does not make me less of a man).
The quality is not very good, and it is difficult to hear at times but the 5 minutes is well worth your time.
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LznLeDkuoBk
Not sure how long that link will be up for, YouTube has a tendency to remove these things but if that does not work you should be able to search over the interwebz for another copy.
Iron Man Rules.
Martin.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Important Thing/Life: John Hughes.
The Breakfast Club.
Sixteen Candles.
Pretty in Pink.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
What do these movies have in common? Besides being all hilarious, all heartfelt, and all belonging to my favorite movies of all time (maybe excluding Sixteen and Pretty), they were all directed and written by one of the best creative minds ever. John Hughes.
There was a point in my middle school years when I discovered these films and the work of John Hughes. He brought us funny and poignant films while all being maybe a little cheesy, but all being entirely entertaining and meaningful. I truly believe that these films gave me the final push to become a creative writer and aspiring director. These films mean a lot to me and are ones that I still re-watch today. Are they great/perfect films? Not at all. Do I love them? With all my heart. Is John Hughes one of my favorite writers/biggest inspirations? Yes.
John Hughes died this morning of a heart-attack while on a morning walk in Manhattan. He was 59. Obviously this came as an enormous shock to me when I heard this a few minutes ago. Yes, it is devastating that he has passed and all his talent with him, but what really hits me is that he hasn't written anything successful in ten years and hasn't directed anything in eighteen.
I was hoping for another hit from Mr. Hughes, maybe something to affect my high school years just like The Breakfast Club did my middle school ones. He captured teen and adult angst like no other and made films which I really connected to. And I believe that if a human being can make a piece of art that connects or changes another human being, that human, has done a good job of being human. Not many people can say they have truly affected someone. John Hughes can.
This morning a legend, a genius, a creative genius, a brain, a criminal, an athlete, and a basket case died. Most suddenly, most horribly died, on a seemingly ordinary day.
Rest in peace Mr. John Hughes.
.silence.
Sixteen Candles.
Pretty in Pink.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
What do these movies have in common? Besides being all hilarious, all heartfelt, and all belonging to my favorite movies of all time (maybe excluding Sixteen and Pretty), they were all directed and written by one of the best creative minds ever. John Hughes.
There was a point in my middle school years when I discovered these films and the work of John Hughes. He brought us funny and poignant films while all being maybe a little cheesy, but all being entirely entertaining and meaningful. I truly believe that these films gave me the final push to become a creative writer and aspiring director. These films mean a lot to me and are ones that I still re-watch today. Are they great/perfect films? Not at all. Do I love them? With all my heart. Is John Hughes one of my favorite writers/biggest inspirations? Yes.
John Hughes died this morning of a heart-attack while on a morning walk in Manhattan. He was 59. Obviously this came as an enormous shock to me when I heard this a few minutes ago. Yes, it is devastating that he has passed and all his talent with him, but what really hits me is that he hasn't written anything successful in ten years and hasn't directed anything in eighteen.
I was hoping for another hit from Mr. Hughes, maybe something to affect my high school years just like The Breakfast Club did my middle school ones. He captured teen and adult angst like no other and made films which I really connected to. And I believe that if a human being can make a piece of art that connects or changes another human being, that human, has done a good job of being human. Not many people can say they have truly affected someone. John Hughes can.
This morning a legend, a genius, a creative genius, a brain, a criminal, an athlete, and a basket case died. Most suddenly, most horribly died, on a seemingly ordinary day.
Rest in peace Mr. John Hughes.
.silence.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Movie Review: Funny People.
Usually I won't review a movie here that has just come out or a movie that's more popular or one that's mainstream. I am making an exception for, Funny People.
Most movie watchers today know of the comedic writer/director Judd Apatow. Many films go with that name and it seems that his name alone has sparked its own genre. A genre consisting of the same humor, the same actors, and other coincidences. Now, this is not a bad thing. The two previous films Apatow has directed (The 40yearold Virgin, Knocked Up) I have loved and many other films that he has been involved with, either writing or producing, are usually ones I tend to check out. I enjoy this new "genre" of comedy mostly because today we have this type of comedy, and we have things like Epic Movie, Disaster Movie, and Meet the Spartans. Films that I simply despise.
I'm telling you this so you get to know where I'm coming from when I watched Funny People, for this review requires a lot of back round of my expectations, my tastes, and view points.
Funny People is about a successful, aging comedian George, played by Adam Sandler, who discovers he has a fatal blood disease. Upon knowing this he hires Ira, played by the great Seth Rogen, to be his assistant as well as write jokes for him when George goes back to doing stand up.
That's the central plot, what comes with that are various other story lines dealing with Ira's roommates, George's ex-girlfriend who George is trying to win back, Ira's female comedian love interest, along with underlying themes of death, regret, second chances, and friendship. Now, that may sound cheesy, but what Funny People manages to do is capture all these plot lines, themes, and characters in one film, changing the audiences emotion in mere seconds.
One thing that must be mentioned, before I go any further, is that most reviews I've read, and EVERYONE of my friends who have seen this movie have given it either an unfavorable or a mediocre review. However, all of these critics and all of my friend's opinions are all sharing all the same reasons why they disliked this film.
Now, I see EVERY single flaw they have with this movie, but the bottom line is that every single thing they have said, does not bother me the least. Which is why this review is going to be a bit unorthodox, for I'm telling you that I loved this movie, yet I would not recommend it.
This film is not what most people would expect. You do not laugh every minute and you do have to give this emotional connect to these characters. Something, that Apatow's audience is not prepared to do.
However, I had a feeling about what this film would be, and what it would mean to me, and when I walked out of the theater I was correct.
One of the main reasons of why I love this film, is not only is it hilarious in many parts, but it also shows a certain maturity which is very refreshing. I found myself being very depressed through so much of this, which most people will not enjoy, but Judd Apatow has really shown a more sensitive script even with the raunchy hilarious comedy that comes with it. He has also matured as a very capable director when it comes to set up, and following through with shots.
We also see a maturity in the actors, Adam Sandler playing a role very close to his own life, and showing a darker side of himself. Jason Schwartzman shows up playing a believable douchebag who you love to hate. Eric Bana also shows a comedic side playing George's ex-girlfriend Laura's new husband.
Another quick mention is the soundtrack which is very key to many scenes. It consists of folky James Taylor to classic rock to alternative and it really helped me get into the movie.
Overall, not for everyone, if you agree with most things I'm saying about film in general see this one, if not, it's still worth it to check it out on DVD for it still holds that Apatow raunchy comedy.
Martin.
Most movie watchers today know of the comedic writer/director Judd Apatow. Many films go with that name and it seems that his name alone has sparked its own genre. A genre consisting of the same humor, the same actors, and other coincidences. Now, this is not a bad thing. The two previous films Apatow has directed (The 40yearold Virgin, Knocked Up) I have loved and many other films that he has been involved with, either writing or producing, are usually ones I tend to check out. I enjoy this new "genre" of comedy mostly because today we have this type of comedy, and we have things like Epic Movie, Disaster Movie, and Meet the Spartans. Films that I simply despise.
I'm telling you this so you get to know where I'm coming from when I watched Funny People, for this review requires a lot of back round of my expectations, my tastes, and view points.
Funny People is about a successful, aging comedian George, played by Adam Sandler, who discovers he has a fatal blood disease. Upon knowing this he hires Ira, played by the great Seth Rogen, to be his assistant as well as write jokes for him when George goes back to doing stand up.
That's the central plot, what comes with that are various other story lines dealing with Ira's roommates, George's ex-girlfriend who George is trying to win back, Ira's female comedian love interest, along with underlying themes of death, regret, second chances, and friendship. Now, that may sound cheesy, but what Funny People manages to do is capture all these plot lines, themes, and characters in one film, changing the audiences emotion in mere seconds.
One thing that must be mentioned, before I go any further, is that most reviews I've read, and EVERYONE of my friends who have seen this movie have given it either an unfavorable or a mediocre review. However, all of these critics and all of my friend's opinions are all sharing all the same reasons why they disliked this film.
Now, I see EVERY single flaw they have with this movie, but the bottom line is that every single thing they have said, does not bother me the least. Which is why this review is going to be a bit unorthodox, for I'm telling you that I loved this movie, yet I would not recommend it.
This film is not what most people would expect. You do not laugh every minute and you do have to give this emotional connect to these characters. Something, that Apatow's audience is not prepared to do.
However, I had a feeling about what this film would be, and what it would mean to me, and when I walked out of the theater I was correct.
One of the main reasons of why I love this film, is not only is it hilarious in many parts, but it also shows a certain maturity which is very refreshing. I found myself being very depressed through so much of this, which most people will not enjoy, but Judd Apatow has really shown a more sensitive script even with the raunchy hilarious comedy that comes with it. He has also matured as a very capable director when it comes to set up, and following through with shots.
We also see a maturity in the actors, Adam Sandler playing a role very close to his own life, and showing a darker side of himself. Jason Schwartzman shows up playing a believable douchebag who you love to hate. Eric Bana also shows a comedic side playing George's ex-girlfriend Laura's new husband.
Another quick mention is the soundtrack which is very key to many scenes. It consists of folky James Taylor to classic rock to alternative and it really helped me get into the movie.
Overall, not for everyone, if you agree with most things I'm saying about film in general see this one, if not, it's still worth it to check it out on DVD for it still holds that Apatow raunchy comedy.
Martin.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tits and Giggles: Whales, and why they rock.
For the scientific:
Trillions (probably) of years ago, whale ancestors made their way out of the water and onto dry land, adopting legs and vital systems. A couple millions (probably) of years later, the whale land mammal made its way back into the water, thus losing its legs and vital systems and becoming more like the whale we know today.
For the not so scientific:
Whales got out of the water, chilled on land a little, didn’t like it, went back in the water.
A totally realistic and scientifically accurate conversation between two whales:
Hey so uh, I’ve been thinking. Want to go down to the whale gym and work off some of this blubber?
Eh, not really. Let’s just grow some legs and move onto land. We can burn calories that way (he starts to gather his things).
Isn’t that like, a whole lot more effort than just going down to the whale gym? I mean can we even grow legs?
Hm? Oh sorry I wasn’t paying attention; I was too busy gathering all my whale furniture.
You’re sure this will work?
Trust me. Besides, it’s not like we’ll get bored and want to come back into the water, get real.
Hm, (he pauses to think things over) do they have whale gyms?
I think they’re just called gyms up there. I heard they have Jamba Juice.
What’s that? Is it like Whale Jamba Juice?
Kind of, just with less krill.
The End
Whales rule.
Martin.
Trillions (probably) of years ago, whale ancestors made their way out of the water and onto dry land, adopting legs and vital systems. A couple millions (probably) of years later, the whale land mammal made its way back into the water, thus losing its legs and vital systems and becoming more like the whale we know today.
For the not so scientific:
Whales got out of the water, chilled on land a little, didn’t like it, went back in the water.
A totally realistic and scientifically accurate conversation between two whales:
Hey so uh, I’ve been thinking. Want to go down to the whale gym and work off some of this blubber?
Eh, not really. Let’s just grow some legs and move onto land. We can burn calories that way (he starts to gather his things).
Isn’t that like, a whole lot more effort than just going down to the whale gym? I mean can we even grow legs?
Hm? Oh sorry I wasn’t paying attention; I was too busy gathering all my whale furniture.
You’re sure this will work?
Trust me. Besides, it’s not like we’ll get bored and want to come back into the water, get real.
Hm, (he pauses to think things over) do they have whale gyms?
I think they’re just called gyms up there. I heard they have Jamba Juice.
What’s that? Is it like Whale Jamba Juice?
Kind of, just with less krill.
The End
Whales rule.
Martin.
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