Movies
“Rango”
by djelroy on Mar.15, 2011, under Movies
Best movie I’ve seen this year. Period.
I couldn’t bring myself to go opening weekend. After all, the audience would be mostly kids.
And I hate kids.
So I waited to catch a weeknight showing. Aside from avoiding the headache a sold-out theater full of screaming brats would bring, weeknight shows allow me to get there on my time and I can have my pick of seats. No lines, no need to hear that annoying couple that’s always talking or get stuck next to the tween that can’t put her cell down or to sit in front of that douche that keeps kicking the back of my chair…
The Adjustment Bureau
by djelroy on Mar.07, 2011, under Elroy's Editorials, Movies
Anyone see it?
It was a distant second at the box office over the weekend (‘Rango’ was on top with almost double the ticket sales), and I think once word of mouth catches up the movie will slowly die and be forgotten. It just wasn’t that good. Not bad, but it fell short of the hype.
One critic said it was just as intriguing as ‘Inception’. It wasn’t.
The premise is interesting: David Norris (Matt Damon) accidentally sees “behind” the scenes to the people that make sure fate stays on track. But when they warn him away from the girl he is “destined” to be with (Emily Blunt) he fights to change “the plan”. He must choose between being with the girl he loves and his (and her) dreams. It could’ve went somewhere new and exciting. But it didn’t. The plot and the characters weren’t developed enough to make it a rich experience. And the whole idea of the “Bureau” and “The Chairman” were left intentionally vague in order to somehow fit into everyone’s’ beliefs. And you know what happens when you try to please everyone, right?
Wait for the Redbox on this one.
“Rock Prophecies”
by djelroy on Feb.24, 2011, under Culture, Movies
Caught this on Netflix recently and loved it!
I’m not only a rocker at heart, I enjoy shooting music and shows on the side; I could relate to the excitement and frustration of live photography! The movie follows award-winning photog Robert M Knight and hits on his childhood, his early days, and current projects. He was there for Hendrix’s Woodstock show, he was shooting some of the biggest bands in history before they were famous, and he’s asking a new question: Can anyone recognize future rockstars before they break out?
With in-depth segments on the Sick Puppies and Tyler Bryant and featuring legends like Slash, Santana, Steve Vai, and Jeff Beck, the film is a great balance between music, photography, and life.
The challenges of photography (and the rewards) are similar to DJing. It’s all about capturing the energy – and the feeling – of the room. Anyone with a camera can snap a picture. Anyone with a mixer or a computer can play other peoples’ music. But why can’t everyone be a superstar DJ, or a wold-famous photog? The basics are easy; mastery isn’t.
“Unknown”
by djelroy on Feb.21, 2011, under Movies
The trailers looked pretty good for this; better than most of the others. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a thriller, so Brookers and I decided to throw our money at the box office and hit this up.
But when I checked out the movie times, I noticed that this wasn’t playing half as much as all the other new releases. Why were the theaters expecting such a low turnout on this?
Let me sum it up: Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) and his wife travel to Berlin on a business trip. Neeson gets into an auto accident, loses his memory, and has to piece his life back together. But when he finds his wife, she won’t acknowledge he is who he says he is… You may not have recognized the name of the film, but I’m sure you’ve seen the previews.
I can’t say much more about this flick without giving things away. But this is worth checking out. It’s more than just mindless entertainment. It’s the first movie in a long time that’s had me guessing until the end. It’s got action. Excitement. Twists and turns. Who can you trust? Sure, plausibility is tested, but this won’t ruin the experience. And even if the showings are far and few between, it’s worth re-scheduling your day to see it.
Note: A quick Monday morning search brings up something interesting: this was the weekend’s #1 Movie! And this despite the negative reviews… Elroy says “See It!”
Double Feature: “The Rite” & “The Mechanic”
by djelroy on Feb.08, 2011, under Culture, Elroy's Editorials, Movies
Caught a couple of movies over the past few weeks but haven’t had much time to sit down to share my thoughts… But since neither of these will last long at the box office I figured I’d better get it done before they’re gone…
First was “The Rite” with Anthony Hopkins and Colin O’Donoghue. Based on the book of the same name (and “actual events”), it was billed as a horror film but was pretty tame by today’s standards. There were a few “jump” moments but the movie wasn’t built around them. I’d say more of a thriller, but no, not really that either because the overall story was pretty predictable. I knew where it was going… Exorcism films have been done before; there’s not much new ground here.
So was it any good?
Sure. The acting was solid, the premise interesting, the ambience perfect, and the final product had a nice polished. It won’t win any awards, but it’s still worth picking up on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it yet, you probably won’t find it in theaters. Don’t go in expecting anything shit-your-pants scary; this is something more thought-provoking. Can one deny the existance of God if you beleive in the Devil?
Next up was “The Mechanic” starring Jason Statham and Ben Foster. It’s a modern-day version of the 1972 film with Charles Bronson as the lead. The premise: Ace hit man Arthur Bishop is double-crossed, but by whom? He needs to figure it out before he gets killed himself. And to add new problems to an already full plate he takes on a protege… Can’t say much more than that. The story isn’t too deep, but there are a few twists I don’t want to ruin.
It’s a Statham film. You can expect plenty of action, fun violence, and clever situations. Don’t take it too seriously. It’s great entertainment and intentionally over-the-top, so check your brain at the door.
“Take One” (SHM Documentary)
by djelroy on Jan.04, 2011, under Culture, Elroy's Editorials, Movies
“Take One” (Swedish House Mafia Documentary)
Ok, I’ll admit it: I was never a huge fan of Swedish House Mafia. Sure, they have some good tracks. The players (Steve Angello, Axwell, and Sebestian Ingrosso) have all been hot on the charts, but it’s just not my sound. It seems too friendly. I don’t live underground; I’m not an elitist by any means. I just thought spinning their music was too easy… A guaranteed hit. I like finding stuff that nobody else is playing, you know?
But after seeing “Take One“, they’ve got my attention. I need to say they’ve earned some respect in my eyes.
They haven’t burned out. They still enjoy the music and the show; it’s not just a paycheck. And they make the creative process look easy. Sure, sometimes it happens like that; the music just seems to jump out of your head. I know it wasn’t as easy as it looked, with a lot of unseen headaches in the process of making the chart-topping “One“… This isn’t a DVD to be taken seriously, it’s just tour/studio footage. But to me it’s always fascinating, always inspiring, watching pros work. And not just musicians. There is something about watching a master work his craft (musicians, painters, artists, sports players, actors, whatever) that gives me the chills.
Is this a “Spinal Tap” for the electronic scene? Hardly. Is it informative? Not really. Is it worth the $80 price (the DVD isn’t sold separately) for the deluxe collectors edition? No.
But it’s fun, and it inspired me anew. At least for that afternoon.
The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down
by djelroy on Dec.21, 2010, under Culture, Movies
I know, I know, I’m behind the times on this one. It’s been out what, 3 or 4 years now? Friends have brought it up every so often, but I’ve always had an aversion to indy films and this kept getting put on the backburner.
Until this weekend.
It’s on the Netflix streaming service. Who doesn’t have this nowadays? If you’re a hipster, a clubber, a party kid, or a nightlife cowboy this film is for you! Presented like one of those corny movies we were forced to watch in health class, this satirical look at “getting down” is new, different, and GOOD! I can stick my friends in the spots and situations this movie hits on, that’s how close to life — and all our misadventures — this thing gets. Put aside 90 minutes over the holidays and educate yourself on what to do (and what not to do) for best results.
The Book of Eli
by djelroy on Jul.16, 2010, under Culture, Movies, Reviews
I’d really dug the trailers for this one but missed it’s theater showing… And I’d forgotten about it completely until The Girl brought it over. But I’m glad she reminded me…
Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland (think “Mad Max“, or for you gamers, “Fallout 3“), you’ll notice right away the saturation and drab colors and desolation… And this works in creating a successful ambiance.
The players: Denzel Washington shines in the leading role and is a perfect cast for the part. Gary Oldman is a great contrast and works his evil mojo. And spank-material Mila Kunis is the annoying tag-along (like she is in almost everything else).
The story is pretty predicable with a few minor twists, but it was good to see an underlying religious message presented in a fresh way. Usually we’re just beat over the head with the Ideas; this time the story actually comes first. And makes one think.
The camerawork is great, locations are good, and the ambiance is well-delivered. The action is well-choreographed and the scenes are well polished. Not sure what more I can say; it’s a pretty simple premise but it delivers nonetheless.
From Paris with Love
by djelroy on Jul.15, 2010, under Culture, Movies, Reviews
Netflix surprised me this weekend with Pierre Morel’s “From Paris with Love“. I somehow missed hearing anything about this; was it even in theaters? The movie isn’t meant to be taken seriously — I hope — and that makes all the difference in viewer perception. It’s an over-the-top action/twisted thriller (emphasis on ‘over-the-top’) and “corny but entertaining” is probably the most accurate way to describe it. Nobody will win any awards for this one, but still…
It’s a formula that’s been done before: Straight-laced rookie (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is partnered up with the “no rules, just results” jaded professional (John Travolta). Book-smarts meets Street-smarts.
Travolta’s eccentric character is what makes this movie. He’s got all the good one-liners and is the center of all the good action scenes. And although it took some getting used to, his bald-head really fit his personality, it didn’t look too bad either.
Suspend belief, don’t expect too much, and strap yourself in for 90 minutes of well-choreographed violence. It’s a Guy Movie all the way, with plenty of guns, explosions, and fantastical mayhem. Fans of the genre will want to pick this up; a rental will be enough for the rest of us.
