"Rent Me!" Pick of the Weekend: UHF

This Weird-Al film is the perfect remedy for the uneventful weekend blues. Universally panned when it was first released in 1989, UHF is like the younger awkward sibling of the much loved Airplane and Naked Gun films. It's a parody-filled hodgepodge of hilarity and ridiculousness that follows a man trying to salvage a run-down local cable television station. The film is so delightfully "B-movie" it's difficult to dislike. Featuring 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Michael Richards, and Fran Drescher, UHF will have you laughing until your stomach hurts.










Photo Credit via Google: mutantreviewers.wordpress.com

Three Reviews: Pirates, The Hangover, & Big Happy Family

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
This movie felt like the writers (Elliott & Rossio), desperate to squeeze out something of a working plot to appease the money hungry producers, grabbed the script of The Curse of the Black Pearl, threw in some mermaids and called it a day. Stranger Tides is one giant gimmick: a broken record of over-used cliches and forced one-liners. The introduction of Penelope Cruz as a love interest was some attempt to give Captain Jack a bit more depth, but even that could not save a film who desperately needed to give the franchise a sense of progression. As much as I hoped for Stranger Tides (under the direction of Rob Marshall) to harken back to the good ol' days of the first film, I was sorely disappointed to find that it was only a sub-par copy cat.




The Hangover: Part II
Speaking of copy cats, Part II should be the poster child. This film was almost unbearable. I could tell from the previews that it would adhere to the format of the first. Back then I appreciated it; I thought, why change a good thing? And then I sat down to watch it and realized that I was oh so wrong. Part II is like walking though a haunted house when all the lights are on. There is no anxious anticipation of what's around the corner because you can see it coming. And maybe the filmakers knew this, so instead of producing something clever, they took the time to devise ways to make it more vulgar and uncomfortable. Save yourself the $10 and just sit on your couch and imagine that the first film took place in Bangkok instead of Vegas. You'll most likely have a more satisfying experience.




Madea's Big Happy Family
Tyler Perry's latest film made me laugh enough to stay seated. I think anyone who goes to see a Tyler Perry film already anticipates corny dialogue, long-running and obvious ad-libbing, and over-the-top situational drama. Big Happy Family is all of these elements plus a few highly annoying characters. But, having that anticpation makes the pill easier to swallow. Tyler Perry as Madea was the one saving grace of this Tyler Perry Tyler Perry Tyler Perry film. And, like I said, it made me laugh.







PLEASE NOTE: The Hangover: Part II is rated R for language, nudity, sexuality, etc.

Photo Credits: imdb.com

Review: Thor

I walked into the movie theater having no previous knowledge of the comic book hero that is Thor. I simply watched the trailers and found myself interested. I do enjoy comic book movies, and figured that in order to jump on the upcoming Avengers movie bandwagon, I needed to make it a point to see all of the films leading up to said future blockbuster.

Thor is one of those films that tends to suck you in. Just as the first three minutes go by and you find yourself asking, "Am I going to like this movie?", all of a sudden it's at the closing credits and your wishing it kept going. Unlike fellow future-Avenger Iron Man, Thor requires a more open mind and a willingness to accept that while it isn't plausible, it sure as heck is entertaining.

Directer Kenneth Branagh does three things very well with this film: (1) he properly balances the other-worldly elements of Thor's character and history with the more relatable earthly elements,(2) he keeps the momentum going, and (3) he keeps the characters focused on the situation at hand. Even in quiet moments between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane (Natalie Portman), it furthers their relationship and strengthens each characters purpose without sacrificing the pace of the plot.

And speaking of the characters, let me just take a minute to comment on the great cast. Thor is a character who could very easily become nothing more than a hulking beefcake that smashes things with a large hammer. Luckily, Chris Hemsworth plays Thor as the dynamic character he is, allowing audiences follow his transition from an arrogant would-be king, to a man dealing with his mistakes. Natalie Portman's Jane is lovable as all Portman characters generally are. Some would consider Jane to simply be the straight man to Thor's antics, but Portman brings a subtle bit of depth to Jane that makes her far less flat a character than another actor playing Jane could tend to make her. And then there's the great Anthony Hopkins as Odin, who is one of those actors who can just show up and do a good job and never really fail the character he plays.

I enjoyed this film. Like I said before, it takes a willingness to open up your imagination and appreciate it for what it is. Thor is well directed and well cast, and even hosts some of the most visually stunning scenes in any action/sci-fi film I've seen in quite a while. The sound design is brilliant, and could potentially become an Oscar contender for sound editing. The pace keeps your adrenaline going, and coupled with it's stunning visual effects, it sort of envelops you in the action as a well-made action movie should. It even caused a few guys sitting near us to yell out profanities in a sort-of "go get 'em!" type manner. Also, be sure a stay until after the credits for a fun little Avengers Easter Egg...



Photo & Fact Credits: imdb.com

An Oldie but a Goodie: Sunset Boulevard

It's a Saturday afternoon and you're planning on staying in the for the evening. You know you want to rent a movie and sit on the couch in your pajamas, but you can't quite decide what you're in the mood to watch. I suggest you take my advice and rent Sunset Boulevard. It's a classic film that won three Academy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the best films of all time. If you're not one to choose a black-and-white oldie, this is a perfect time and a perfect film to start with. A film about Hollywood and its toll on one of its former shining stars (played chillingly by the late great Gloria Swanson), Sunset takes your assumptions about what it was like during the "Golden Age" of Hollywood and turns it on its head. The film is fascinatingly modern in its themes, cinematically stunning, and is incredibly well-acted. Sunset Boulevard is well deserving of your Saturday night.



Photo Credit: moviezeal.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com

Happy Birthday, Al Pacino

Today is the 71st birthday of Al Pacino, one of the most beloved actors of all time. In honor of Mr. Pacino, I'd like to briefly showcase some of my favorite Pacino films:

The Godfather
Considered one of the best American films of all time, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather was the catalyst to Pacino's incredible career. If you've never seen The Godfather (and can handle the language and violence), it should be at the top of your need-to-see list of films. You'll be amazed at how many phrases and scenes you were already familiar with without ever before realizing it. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Academy Award.








The Godfather: Part II
Hands-down the best sequel to a film ever made. Pacino's Michael Corleone is hardened, determined, terrifying, and heartbreaking. It is a brilliant performance that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.











Dog Day Afternoon
Directed by Sidney Lumet, Dog Day Afternoon is a film about an actual bank robbery in Brooklyn in the early seventies. Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik, an average man who decides to rob a bank to get money for his lover's operation. As expected, the plan falls apart and Wortzik finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for the role.








Scent of a Woman
Pacino won an Academy Award for his role as Frank Slade, a blind former Lieutenant Colonel who takes his young caregiver (Chris O'Donnell) on an unexpected trip to New York City.











The Godfather: Part III
Though the final chapter of the the Godfather saga pales in comparison to its predecessors, Part III is still a wonderful character study about a man (Pacino's Corleone) coming to terms with the choices he's made as he nears the end of his life.










I love Al Pacino. I could list several other excellent films that are wonderful expamples of Pacino's skill (Serpico, Donnie Brasco, etc.), but I know you know he's great, so I'll spare you.
I suppose one of the reasons Pacino is so beloved, aside from his talent, is how mesmerizing his eccentric personality is. Therefore, because I love Pacino, and because I also love Johny Depp (Pacino's co-star in Donnie Brasco), I'll leave you with this YouTube video of Depp discussing "crazy" Pacino on Dave Letterman:








PLEASE NOTE: All above-listed films are rated R and contain language and/or violence and/or sexuality

Photo Credits via Google: (In order) mymoviebanners.com, wildsound-filmaking-feedback-events.com, impawards.com, movieposterdb.com, withfriendship.com
Video Credit: youtube.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com

Actor Spotlight: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway should be given more credit. Oftentimes when people reference Anne, they either conjure up images of her as the teenage star of The Princess Diaries, or as the co-host of what many deem the worst Oscar Ceremony broadcast to date. But like her or not, Anne ranks right at the top of the Hollywood "It Girl" hierarchy alongside Natalie Portman and Amy Adams. Reason: the girl's got talent. Now before you scoff (as I'm sure you can't get The Princess Diaries out of your brain), take a look at some of the highlights of her career:

2001: Anne stars in the sleeper hit (and her first film) The Princess Diaries, showing off her comedic chops alongside Julie Andrews.
2005: Anne co-stars in Brokeback Mountain, hands-down the most talked about and controversial film of that year.
2006: Anne co-stars in The Devil Wears Prada with Meryl Streep, an entertaining (and surprisingly emotionally insightful) chick-flick of a film. Streep was given an Oscar nomination for the role.
2008: Anne co-stars in Get Smart alongside Steve Carrel, arguably the most beloved comedic actor of the decade.
2008: Anne stars in Rachel Getting Married. If you have not seen this movie, I beg you to Netflix it immediately. The film itself is so beautiful and brilliant...I could literally spend hours discussing this film. Anne was nominated for a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and an Oscar for her performance as Kym, the black sheep of the family coming home for her sister's wedding. Anne won the following awards for her performance: Austin Film Critic's Best Actress Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Best Actress Award, Chicago Film Critics Association Best Actress Award, National Board of Review Best Actress Award, and several others.
2010: Anne co-stars in Tim Burton's highly anticipated Alice in Wonderland as the ethereal, black-lipsticked White Queen.
2011: Anne co-hosts the Academy Awards with James Franco.
2011: It is announced that Anne is cast as Selina Kyle (Catwoman) in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, which will, without doubt, be the highest grossing film of 2012.

Not convinced?
What if I told you that Anne is a trained singer who was considered for the role of Christine Daae in Schumaker's 2004 adaptation of Phantom of the Opera?
Or that her role as Kym was ranked by Paste Magazine as one of the top 25 roles of the decade?
Or that she's been a top-billed actor in over 13 films in the past ten years and she's not even thirty?

Still not convinced?
I tell you what, I challenge you to rent Alice in Wonderland and Rachel Getting Married, watch them back to back in that order, and then leave me a comment telling me that I'm wrong and that Anne has no talent whatsoever.
I challenge you.




PLEASE NOTE: Rachel Getting Married is rated R for language and brief sexuality

Photo Credit: google.com (images)
Fact Credits: imdb.com

A Serial Synopsis of the Silver Screen

The precursor to this blog was my Do I Dare to Eat a Peach?, which existed as a medium for self-expression primarily during my time of unemployment. The blog lacked focus or direction. In general, the only time I found that I could write extinsively was when my attentions were focused on filmmaking.
Anyone who knows me well understands that I am quite the movie buff. If given the opportunity, I could ramble on for hours about trivia of the most useless nature. My poor husband is both awed and annoyed at the factoids I'll occasionally shout out during our weekly post-Blockbuster-raid movie nights.
In college I was blessed with the opportunity to be Freed-Hardeman University's movie critic for a semester, exposing Bell Tower readers to my ramblings in my column "Confessions of an Opinionated Moviegoer". Though it was short-lived, it was a wonderful experience which allowed me to express my thoughts and opinions on an artistic medium I hold close to my heart.
Now, as my husband and I have finally bitten the bullet and purchased internet access (until now we either stole a weak signal from the Burger King a few blocks away or had to haul our ancient laptop to the local Starbucks), I've decided to create this blog as not only a means for freeing my crowded mind of it's useless trivia, but more importantly as a way in which friends, family, and random readers can gain insight on films past and present.
I would like to preface all upcoming posts by saying that I approach film, in general, with an open mind. I am a Christian woman, and more often than not, actions displayed in film are in opposition to a lifestyle that I hope to lead. However, film is a medium for storytelling. While I may not choose to live like Vito Corleone, I respect that it is a reflection of the lifestyles of others. Film can be a window to unknown or unfamiliar worlds; it is a collective piece of art that aims to both entertain and enlighten. It is my personal goal that with each review, I include some information about possible suggestive matter that may help people approach the film with caution. I never wish to offend anyone.
That being said, I hope you enjoy this little blog.
I submit The Celluloidian to you fully aware of my own nerdy-ness.