Movies For Your Moods

I should really start a "TV For Your Moods" blog...

2011-05-17T13:03:00.004-04:00

So... No updates for two years. Hulu, anime, work, and a kid have all conspired to scuttle my movie watching.

In that case, let me present you with some shows that are awesome that you may not be watching:

Naruto (Subtitled): Story of an orphaned ninja kid striving for acceptance by his village. Tons of well-rounded characters you get invested in, compelling story with each plot arc flowing from one into the other, revealing an overarching story breathtaking in its magnitude and cohesiveness. While there is a bit of filler in this series, (85 episodes in a row at one point) the main plot arcs must be watched. This and Naruto Shippuden are easily the best show I've ever seen. And I've watched LOTS of shows.

Naruto Shippuden (Subtitled): Picking up 3 years after the events of Naruto, the same cast continues the story. The characters have matured, the stakes are higher, the soundtrack is heartrending, and the filler is exponentially less than the original series. This show is liquid gold. Watch Naruto, push through or skip the filler, and get to this show. It's more than worth it. I love this show so much, I actually wait to watch it until I can watch it friends so I can share the experience. No other show makes me cry, clap, and jump out of my chair to cheer. Watch it. Watch it now.

Battlestar Galactica (Reboot): Okay, I admit that I love sci-fi. So, the idea of a show in which the human race is looking for Earth so they can rebuild after being nearly annihilated by androids they created and pissed off is pretty compelling to me. What makes the show different from a lot of sci-fi is that the "sci" part is less important than the story. The characters are human -- even the androids. The story and soundtrack are compelling. This is another show that'll move you. Totally worth the watch. Just be sure to stop before the last 3 minutes of the series finale, unless you want to ruin this awesome-coated awesome with the director's ham-fisted editorializing.

Firefly: Tragically cut off in its prime, another show about humans living in space, trying to get by. Stellar cast, near-flawless writing by the incomparable Joss Whedon.

Arrested Development: Quite possibly the most hilarious show to grace the small screen.

Community: Runner-up for most hilarious show. Made final 4 on Hulu's Best in Show, moving up from the top 12 last year. I'm pushing for a win next year. Which will probably only happen if Chuck goes off the air (i.e., if NBC gets shut down. In which case, Community would also go off the air. So it'll probably never win. Damn.)

30 Rock: I came late to 30 Rock. The promos turned me off as trying too hard and missing. But it's the kind of humor that you need to see in context, and, in context, it's priceless. Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, and Tracy Morgan. If you're looking for something more, your television diet is either cooking shows or reality TV, in which case I commend you or pity you, respectively.

Parks and Recreation: After a pretty rough first season, which set it up to be a disappointing clone of The Office, Parks and Rec really came into its own with season two, finding its own flavor. Few shows make me laugh out loud, but the comedic gems which are fired at you with little or no warning never fail to elicit an explosive laugh. Skip the first season, and enjoy.

Fringe: Another late breaker, it's damn good TV by season three. It's got everything you've come to expect from J. J. Abrams. If you know what that means, you're probably already watching it.

Well, that's it for now. More as I think of them.

NEWS: Crazy Business

2009-03-13T11:14:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the long period of inactivity on the blog. The key contributors have been going through major life stuffs, which has somewhat interfered with our posting on the blog. (Speaking of which, we're under contract for a house now, which, once we move in, should calm down stuff for us a bit. Keep it in prayer.)

Hopefully I'll get a review of "The Rocker" up soon. Stay tuned.

-- Joe

P.S. In tribute to their upcoming tour, we should probably try to review "This is Spinal Tap" in the near future.

Wanted (2008)

2008-12-02T16:58:00.012-05:00

Eidem's Pick -- LOOKING FOR:

Beat ‘Em Up Action Flick
Not A Deep Movie That Makes You Think

WATCH OUT FOR:

Heavy Violence
Some Coarse Language

DO NOT EXPECT:

Die Hard: With A Vengeance
Equilibrium

EXPECT:

Schwarzenegger Style Action

Rumble in the Bronx

WHY WATCH IT?

Interesting Take On Physics

Morgan Freeman

When I first watched Wanted, it was during the 4th of July weekend. When I watch am movie on that particular weekend, I am in no mood for a movie that makes me think, or tries to make a point. I have just finished watching fireworks go off and I am in the mood for non-stop action and stuff that blows up pretty. I was not disappointed in the least when I saw this movie. The plot does not make much sense, the description of how these people get their powers is not explained well at all, and the acting is sub-par. If you are in a mood for a movie with consistency or depth, stay away. If you are in for a movie that gives you an unbelievable premise and you agree to take the ride, this is a movie you will enjoy. Fun action, interesting take on manipulating the laws of physics, and an overall enjoyable movie if in that mood. IN SUM: Stay away if you want depth, watch it if you want a no brain action flick. --EIDEM

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Mason Adds --

LOOKING FOR:

Escapist Fantasy
A movie to play drinking games with

WATCH OUT FOR:

Extreme comic-book violence
F carpet-bombing
Some sexuality

DO NOT EXPECT:

The Matrix
A good movie

EXPECT:

Starship Troopers
The Running Man

WHY WATCH IT?

Bullets hitting each other in slow-motion
Angelina Jolie’s tattoos
A sweet Dodge Viper

This is not a smart film. At all. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself. I’m an occasional fan of classic 1980’s-style meathead action flicks. However, I’m hesitant to ascribe this film to that category, just because the aforementioned action flicks had a certain brawny innocence to them; a balls-to-the-wall savoir-faire that made them a lot of fun. I felt that this movie took itself way too seriously—making it impossible to enjoy its absurd premise and goofy action. In addition to that, it had altogether too much plot. The offensively dumb plot took up many tens of precious minutes, minutes that could have been better employed with delightful explosions and more of that sweet red Dodge Viper driving on the sides of buses.

IN SUM: I definitely agree with Eidem that this is definitely a no-brains action flick (unless you count the brains continually splattered all over the walls, ceilings, and occasionally the camera). However, I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I went into the movie wanting either a smart action thriller or a gleeful stuff-smashing, Mac-truck driving romp, and I didn’t feel like the movie delivered on either count. --MASON

Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

2008-12-02T15:34:00.006-05:00

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

80's Adventure
Good Natured Kung-Fu
Safe for the Kids

MOM ALERT:

Some crude language
Street gang
Kung-Fu Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Hero
Memoirs of a Geisha

EXPECT:

Karate Kid
Coming of Age Story (Where Kid Learns Responsibility)
Way Fun Kung-Fu Movie

WHY WATCH IT?

A really fun 80's movie with 2008 production values
Jet Li and Jackie Chan in the same movie
Badass White-Haired Kung-Fu Chick

At last, a return to the tried-and-true motif where the New Kid In Town is having a hard time fitting in, and is befriended by a Wise Man who teaches him the Way of Awesome, that he may Pick Up Chicks. Why this motif was left to die in the '80s, I will never know (but I suspect Karate Kid IV had something to do with it...) In any event, this film speaks out to the misfit youth in all of us, the one who always wanted to go to a fay away land and save the world. In the 90's, they gave us action heroes, but Forbidden Kingdom has once again entrusted the fate of the planet to a youth. And you know what? It's about damn time. -- POWELL

IN SUM: A great movie for the family, or for anyone who loved the child heroes of the '80s. Watch with like-minded friends for maximum enjoyment, or watch alone if your friends are snobs.
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Eidem Adds--
LOOKING FOR:

Lighthearted Kung-Fu
Nostalgic Comedy

WATCH OUT FOR:

Slight Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

Once Upon A Time In China
Legend of Drunken Master

EXPECT:

The Karate Kid
3 Ninjas

WHY WATCH IT?

Watch a 2008 Movie That Could Have Been Filmed In The 80’s

A movie that is very reminiscent of a time that was. Forbidden Kingdom is a story of a kid who adores kung-fu movies and wants to be like the heroes from those stories, but in reality is a nerd who gets picked on. Through mysterious happenings, he gets thrown into a world like the ones he loves and he must become more to save the day. Alongside him are two characters played by two of the greatest martial artists of our time, Jet Li and Jackie Chan. When I saw those two names attached to a movie, I was deadset on watching it. I was slightly disappointed in the fact that a movie with those two actors was not a martial arts epic. But once I got over that and started letting myself go into the story, I was brought back to a time when I was a kid who loved these types of movies. I would not recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a martial arts masterpiece, but anyone who is in the mood for a kid friendly kung-fu fantasy will not be disappointed. This is a movie that I will watch with my kids and feel safe that they are getting enjoyment and a good moral story. --EIDEM

IN SUM: If you are looking for Jet Li/Jackie Chan martial arts extraordinaire, then this is not your movie. If you are looking for an 80’s style, kid saves the day kung-fu move, you will be entertained.

Stardust (2007)

2008-12-01T17:04:00.012-05:00

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

Comedy/Adventure.
The Princess Bride of our time.

MOM ALERT:

Some sexual innuendo, including implied sexual encounters.
Some implied nudity.
Homosexual content/references.
Pervasive theme of fratricide.

DO NOT EXPECT:

The Swan Princess.
Cinderella.

WHY WATCH IT?

Old-school swashbuckling fantastic comedy.
Robert DeNiro.

Not since The Princess Bride have fantasy, comedy, adventure, and romance joined forces to entertain, engage, and excite us. The writing is tight, the cast delivers a solid performance, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. While the film, like any good fantasy, deals with unavoidably dark content, the film is lighthearted. And for those cynics who pride themselves on predicting plots, the film delivers a sharp slap on the wrist, and tells them to sit back, shut up and just enjoy the magic. -- POWELL

IN SUM: It's good fun, and a must see. This is a movie to share with friends, but is worth watching on your own. Be sure to pay attention to catch all the dialogue.

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Mason Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

Lighthearted fantasy
A unique twist on an often overwrought genre.

MOM ALERT:

Female characters in the tub (non-explicit).
Some mildly rude humor.
A humorous gay character
Goofy violence.

DO NOT EXPECT:

Lord of the Rings.
The Never-Ending Story.

WHY WATCH IT?

Unpredictable and sanguine, often hilarious.
Claire Danes plays a star.

This film has been billed as the next “Princess Bride,” which is somewhat true. A similarly affectionate fairy tale romp, Stardust is a bit meatier and somewhat more epic (made possible in part by its budget and subsequent special effects breakthroughs). Don’t be fooled by the marketing or the critics—if you want a smart and outside-the-box fantasy with reasonably good special effects and some great talent—this is your film. -- MASON

IN SUM: Engaging to the last drop, this movie is great for when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned yarn.

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Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

Fantasy – In A British Comedy Sort of Way

WATCH OUT FOR:

Mild Innuendo
Witches Wanting To Eat Someone’s Heart

DO NOT EXPECT:

Harry Potter

EXPECT:

Hook

WHY WATCH IT?

Vey Well Done Fantasy/Comedy
Robert De Niro Playing A Gay Man

Many reviews for this movie stated it is The Princess Bride for our times. I do not like to say that. That phrase can only build up your expectation too much and leave you disappointed. Yes these two movies are in the same genre, but to lump them together as the same sort of movie does not do either movie justice. Both The Princess Bride and Stardust are stories that set you in a fantasy world that has swashbuckling action and clever humor throughout. But each movie has its own tone and story and if you try to compare one to the other, you will only be setting yourself up for disappointment. Stardust starts you on the premise from the get go and it takes you for the ride throughout. A star falls from the sky, played by Claire Danes, who has extraordinary powers. There are several forces at work that are vying for that power and they want to use it for their own ends. There are a few darker tones and several jokes you have to watch carefully to catch, but overall this is a movie that can be easily enjoyed. And I would not mind having children watch this. The innuendos can only be caught with a clever mind and there is enough low humor that the children will be thoroughly entertained.

IN SUM: If you are in the mood for a fantasy/comedy blend, this is one movie to watch. If you are in the mood only a comedy or only a fantasy, you may be disappointed in the mix. –EIDEM

Tropic Thunder (2008)

2008-12-01T11:40:00.016-05:00

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

Undemandingly Accessible Comedy
Awesome Explosions

MOM ALERT:

Visibly Fake Organs/Gore
Some Sexually Graphic Dialogue
F-Carpet Bombing
Drug Content (And Smoking!)
Not for the faint of heart or tender of conscience (Somewhat unfeeling towards the mentally-challenged, animals, and studio execs)

DO NOT EXPECT:

Touching War Epic
Oscar Wilde
Platoon 2

WHY WATCH IT?

It's really funny.
Robert Downey Jr.

I was expecting the humor to be considerably more crass, but, aside from some notable instances (such as Jack Black graphically offering fellatio to one of his team mates) it was surprisingly intelligent. Tropic Thunder offers some welcome criticism of the film industry, awesome explosions, the best take on the Wilhelm Scream I've come across yet, and some great acting. (Yes, Downey Jr. plays a black guy. And it's awesome.)

IN SUM: Watch with like-minded friends. Beer optional.

-- POWELL

Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

Spoof Comedy
Robert Downey Jr. Playing A Black Man

WATCH OUT FOR:

Sexual/Coarse Language Throughout
Fake Gore/Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

Saving Private Ryan

EXPECT:

Zoolander
Airplane!

WHY WATCH IT?

Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal

The main problem with Tropic Thunder for me was my expectations of it (which is why this blog was started). I expected more than the movie offered and I was looking for a little more substance to the comedy. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black headlining this movie, I do not know what I was thinking. I thought maybe Downey’s addition to the movie would bring a different element to the plot. But once the movie got going I realized how well Downey’s character spoofed himself and tied into the point this movie was making. Tropic Thunder did not take itself seriously at all. To the contrary, it was spoofing the whole movie industry (movie studios, actors, producers, agents, etc.) and used the serious tone as part of its gag. So do not make the same mistake as I did. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into (and can stand a little crude humor) you should be able to enjoy this movie.

IN SUM: Be ready for a spoof movie. Watch it with others who can appreciate this type of humor and are in the same mood and that should add to the enjoyment.

-- EIDEM