'Vicky Christina Barcelona' is the latest comedy from writer/director Woody Allen. I finally got it cued up in my Netflix*. Considering I started out the day trying to watch Spike Lee's 'Miracle at St. Anna', which I gave up on 45 minutes in, VCB really turned me around. And 'Miracle at St. Anna' is bad, real bad. I wasn't sure the man who directed it was the same one who made 'Inside Man' or 'The 25th Hour'. I was sure the combination of Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall, Scarlet Johansson, and Penelope Cruz would do the trick and it did. Woody Allen's almost poetic writing drives this narrative film about two mid-twenties girls who take a summer vacation to Barcelona.
Vicky (Hall) is engaged to a wonderful guy and wants to study architecture for her master's thesis. Christina (Johansson) is a free-loving, try-anything artist who is recently off another relationship. It doesn't take long for them to be enamored by Juan Antonio (Bardem) an artist and lover extraordinaire. While Vicky deals with have mixed feelings about getting married, Christina finds herself intwined in the love of Juan Antonio and his fiery ex-wife Maria Elena (Cruz). The character's and dialogue of course are absolutely perfect, Bardem and Cruz battling back and forth in Spanish is supremely fun to watch. Woody Allen has made a lot of movies, but I think 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' is one of his better films. Especially regarding the topic of sex and love, his usual specialty. Rent it for sure, good buy for fans of Allen.
A few extra thoughts before I go today.
1. A day after my post about upcoming films and previews I saw the trailer for 'Where the Wild Things Are', opening October 16, 2009. It is based on the wildly popular (and one of my personal favorite) children's book. Spike Jonze is the director so be ready for a fun movie, I am very excited.
2. I really hope they don't screw up 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. Just a funny feeling.
Alright folks, I've got 'Slumdog Millionaire' up next, so stay tuned. And as usual I'll try to cover a few more topics in between the juicy stuff.
The Movie Doc
*Writer does not actually use Netflix, and is in no way being compensated by them or any of these items: Coca-Cola, Oreos, McDonalds, The United States Army, and Shamwow!.
3.24.2009
THE FOLLOWING PREVIEW
Welly, welly, welly my little droogies...times about for another blog right, right? I have chosen as a topic for this article a true American past-time, as modern as it may be. Trailers. Or as they are known to the general public, previews. That 10 or 15 minutes of mini-movies that get you excited to come back and watch movies and see more previews. I love 'em, you love 'em, everybody loves 'em. Especially this time of year, winter is about over and the previews for the spring and summer blockbusters come out...women look forward to new bikinis, guys love action movie previews, that's what we look forward to. I have compiled a list of the movies that have great trailers and that I am definitely planning on seeing this film year. In order of opening day:
'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'- May 1st, 2009 Also on the roster: Gambit, Deadpool, Sabertooth.
'Star Trek'- May 8, 2009 I can't say anything a Trekkie hasn't already said.
'Angels & Demons'- May 15, 2009 The book is better than the DaVinci, so I expect the movie will be too.
'Terminator: Salvation'- May 21, 2009 Christian Bale is John Connor. Insert 'rage' comment here.
'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'- June 24, 2009 Story? Wow, look at those robots!
'Public Enemies'- July 1, 2009 Johnny Depp is John Dillinger. Michael Mann directs, with Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard.
'Funny People'- July 31, 2009 Judd Apatow project starring Adam Sandler, serious funny.
'Inglorious Bastards'- August 21, 2009 Quentin Tarentino, WWII, Brad Pitt, holy s***.
If we were at the races, I would say these horses were sure winners. Check them all out at Apple Trailers (appletrailers.com). Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and enjoy your feature!
The Movie Doc
'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'- May 1st, 2009 Also on the roster: Gambit, Deadpool, Sabertooth.
'Star Trek'- May 8, 2009 I can't say anything a Trekkie hasn't already said.
'Angels & Demons'- May 15, 2009 The book is better than the DaVinci, so I expect the movie will be too.
'Terminator: Salvation'- May 21, 2009 Christian Bale is John Connor. Insert 'rage' comment here.
'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'- June 24, 2009 Story? Wow, look at those robots!
'Public Enemies'- July 1, 2009 Johnny Depp is John Dillinger. Michael Mann directs, with Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard.
'Funny People'- July 31, 2009 Judd Apatow project starring Adam Sandler, serious funny.
'Inglorious Bastards'- August 21, 2009 Quentin Tarentino, WWII, Brad Pitt, holy s***.
If we were at the races, I would say these horses were sure winners. Check them all out at Apple Trailers (appletrailers.com). Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and enjoy your feature!
The Movie Doc
3.13.2009
Time for the Faceoff
What's on my mind today? I found out the Moorhead Spuds (yes, we were potatoes) boys hockey team will be playing in the Minnesota State High School hockey championship game. This is neat for a couple reasons: I am from Moorhead and have always loved their hockey games, I've been going to them since I was a kid. And the other reason is well known but not talked about amongst the Moorhead hockey community so I won't speak of it here. Instead I'll talk about hockey movies, my three personal favorites anyway: 'Slap Shot', 'The Mighty Ducks', and 'Miracle'.
I'll start with 'Slap Shot'. What a classic, and stars Paul Newman as the player/coach of the Charleston Chiefs, a team on the verge of collapse. One of the biggest things this movie has going for it is the characters on the team, every guy is insane yet relatable to people you know. And then there's the Hanson brothers, a spectacled trio of brothers who are nothing short of goons, these characters alone are worth seeing. This movie is hilarious and the hockey sequences are done very well. Definitely a must see for any hockey fan.
Next up, 'The Mighty Ducks'. First off, this movie came out when I was about nine, so it was pretty mindblowing. Second, it takes place in Minneapolis, also great because I'm obviously from Minnesota. The plot's been seen in every kid's sports movie ever, and as far as action 'The Mighty Ducks' isn't exactly adrenaline pumping, but it's still a great movie for kids and especially kids who play hockey. In Minnesota hockey is bred into 75% of the male species, similar to Texas and their football, so that means that 75% of Minnesotans probably own it...get it for your kids.
To have seen "The Miracle on Ice" live would have been unbelievable, it was to those who did see it and even more so for the guys who played in it. I really can't say enough good things about the movie 'Miracle'. When I was 19 I actually auditioned for the movie, they had been casting in Boston and Minnesota since that is where the majority of the players were from. 'Miracle' stars Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks (spot on performance!), the coach of the 1980 USA Olympic Men's Hockey Team. His goal is simple: Beat the team that has dominated world hockey for over 20 years including the past 4 Olympic games, the Russians. The US team is comprised of college age men who don't really get along. Each player is represented well, and the acting is superb, especially for those who had never done it before. The hockey sequences here are second to none. The sound, by far the most addictive part of watching a game, is captured perfectly. Every shot, every skate, every hit...all put together from game footage and seamlessly put together for the action packed games. The final game against Russia alone is nearly 30 minutes long. SEE THIS MOVIE!
Notable hockey movies (not necessarily games about hockey): 'Youngblood', 'Happy Gilmore', 'D2: The Mighty Ducks Are Back', and 'Mystery, Alaska'.
So that's it, the buzzer has sounded, game's over. In fact here comes the Zamboni right now to wipe the ice clean. Later folks!
The Movie Doc
I'll start with 'Slap Shot'. What a classic, and stars Paul Newman as the player/coach of the Charleston Chiefs, a team on the verge of collapse. One of the biggest things this movie has going for it is the characters on the team, every guy is insane yet relatable to people you know. And then there's the Hanson brothers, a spectacled trio of brothers who are nothing short of goons, these characters alone are worth seeing. This movie is hilarious and the hockey sequences are done very well. Definitely a must see for any hockey fan.
Next up, 'The Mighty Ducks'. First off, this movie came out when I was about nine, so it was pretty mindblowing. Second, it takes place in Minneapolis, also great because I'm obviously from Minnesota. The plot's been seen in every kid's sports movie ever, and as far as action 'The Mighty Ducks' isn't exactly adrenaline pumping, but it's still a great movie for kids and especially kids who play hockey. In Minnesota hockey is bred into 75% of the male species, similar to Texas and their football, so that means that 75% of Minnesotans probably own it...get it for your kids.
To have seen "The Miracle on Ice" live would have been unbelievable, it was to those who did see it and even more so for the guys who played in it. I really can't say enough good things about the movie 'Miracle'. When I was 19 I actually auditioned for the movie, they had been casting in Boston and Minnesota since that is where the majority of the players were from. 'Miracle' stars Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks (spot on performance!), the coach of the 1980 USA Olympic Men's Hockey Team. His goal is simple: Beat the team that has dominated world hockey for over 20 years including the past 4 Olympic games, the Russians. The US team is comprised of college age men who don't really get along. Each player is represented well, and the acting is superb, especially for those who had never done it before. The hockey sequences here are second to none. The sound, by far the most addictive part of watching a game, is captured perfectly. Every shot, every skate, every hit...all put together from game footage and seamlessly put together for the action packed games. The final game against Russia alone is nearly 30 minutes long. SEE THIS MOVIE!
Notable hockey movies (not necessarily games about hockey): 'Youngblood', 'Happy Gilmore', 'D2: The Mighty Ducks Are Back', and 'Mystery, Alaska'.
So that's it, the buzzer has sounded, game's over. In fact here comes the Zamboni right now to wipe the ice clean. Later folks!
The Movie Doc
3.11.2009
I love Liam Neeson
It's true, he's amazing no matter what he does. He's done good guys like Rob Roy or a Jedi Master, bad guys like Ra's al Ghul in Batman, and complicated characters like Oscar Shindler. There is a movie in theaters right now called 'Taken', I highly recommend this film. Neeson stars as a special ops man who is still getting his life together after a divorce and retirement. He is also trying to get closer to his daughter, who soon travels to Europe with a friend. After being in Europe for only a few hours, Neeson's daughter is kidnapped while she is on the phone with him. Neeson then decides to use his professional training personally.
If you're a fan of Bond films, or the Bourne movies, this is a must see. If you don't catch it in theaters, definitely rent it. After tracking down his daughter's assailants, Neeson wastes no time in punishing them to find her. His character is a downright BAD-ASS, so be ready to 'Ooh' and 'Aah' and cheer him on.
Neeson is also looking thinner than usual, this may have something to do with the proposed Abraham Lincoln biopic by Steven Spielberg...I'll keep everyone updated on the big screen portrayal of our 16th President.
So go see 'Taken', if you've been staying away from it because it sounds like a crappy supernatural thriller by M. Night Shyamalan or starring Nic Cage, it's worth the money.
The Movie Doc
If you're a fan of Bond films, or the Bourne movies, this is a must see. If you don't catch it in theaters, definitely rent it. After tracking down his daughter's assailants, Neeson wastes no time in punishing them to find her. His character is a downright BAD-ASS, so be ready to 'Ooh' and 'Aah' and cheer him on.
Neeson is also looking thinner than usual, this may have something to do with the proposed Abraham Lincoln biopic by Steven Spielberg...I'll keep everyone updated on the big screen portrayal of our 16th President.
So go see 'Taken', if you've been staying away from it because it sounds like a crappy supernatural thriller by M. Night Shyamalan or starring Nic Cage, it's worth the money.
The Movie Doc
3.10.2009
Fear and Loathing
What's up everybody? I haven't posted in awhile, sorry about that, but now I'm back from outer space and I just walked in and saw that look upon your face saying, 'Hey, where'd you go?'. I recently watched 'Where the Buffalo Roam' and 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. I've seen these movies many many times of course, but when you watch them both on the same day it's quite an experience. These two films are about a fellow named Hunter Stockton Thompson. Or as he was known Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. He was a sports journalist mostly, best known for creating what is called Gonzo journalism. Whereby the author's involvement in the story becomes more important than the story itself. This is the case with these stories turned films.
Released in 1980, 'Where the Buffalo Roam' stars Bill Murray as Thompson and Peter Boyle as Carl Laslow (real name Oscar Zeta Acosta), Thompson's lawyer and partner in crime. This film follows Thompson and Laslow from a hospital, to a San Francisco courtroom, the Super Bowl and beyond. Murray's portrayal of Hunter is more true-to-life than Johnny Depp's portrayal of Raoul Duke, Thompson's drug-crazy character from 'Fear and Loathing', though Depp's speech and mannerisms are spot on to Thompson himself and Murray's is a bit more stiff. In both films Thompson's narrative carries us through most of the action. This is a good thing as his writing is both eloquent and insane. Both actor's have Thompson's slightly slack-jawed Kentucky quick speech down very well, only adding to the character Thompson was, or created. One of the film's best lines, also one of Thompson's best quotes, sums up the persona of Thompson: "I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone... but in my case it's worked."
Many actors, writers, and directors wanted to bring more of Dr. Thompson's work to the big screen, but thankfully none of them made it happen until Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro and Terry Gilliam came together to make 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', released in 1998. Based on the book of the same name, this is true Gonzo journalism and even Thompson says anyone who would write that and claim it to all be true would be crazy. Depp plays Thompson, or more accurately the character based on Thompson named Raoul Duke. Del Toro is opposite in the role of Dr. Gonzo, based on real life friend and attorney Acosta. Joined by a suitcase full of drugs, Acapulco shirts, and a convertible; they decide to turn Las Vegas on it's head. Duke is supposed to be covering an off-road dirt bike race, but he and Gonzo have other plans. Their chase of the American Dream leads them from one casino to the next, even through a proverbial hornet's nest at a DA's convention, in "the foul year of our Lord, 1971." With appearances by Tobey McGuire, Christina Ricci, Cameron Diaz and if you believe it there's more. This is one of the best films I have ever seen; the content is lewd, so not everyone will like it, but I'll no doubt do blogs about movies with even worse content that is not so hated on, so it's fair. Acting, writing, notable directing by Terry Gilliam (you'll read his name again), cinematography, all excellent...and done in the face of adversity nearly the whole time. It's a movie you will either watch once, or all the time.
Well that's it for now, it was a strange and weird journey, but I've made it home safely thank you kindly. I think this could be, my best work.
The Movie Doc Thompson
Released in 1980, 'Where the Buffalo Roam' stars Bill Murray as Thompson and Peter Boyle as Carl Laslow (real name Oscar Zeta Acosta), Thompson's lawyer and partner in crime. This film follows Thompson and Laslow from a hospital, to a San Francisco courtroom, the Super Bowl and beyond. Murray's portrayal of Hunter is more true-to-life than Johnny Depp's portrayal of Raoul Duke, Thompson's drug-crazy character from 'Fear and Loathing', though Depp's speech and mannerisms are spot on to Thompson himself and Murray's is a bit more stiff. In both films Thompson's narrative carries us through most of the action. This is a good thing as his writing is both eloquent and insane. Both actor's have Thompson's slightly slack-jawed Kentucky quick speech down very well, only adding to the character Thompson was, or created. One of the film's best lines, also one of Thompson's best quotes, sums up the persona of Thompson: "I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone... but in my case it's worked."
Many actors, writers, and directors wanted to bring more of Dr. Thompson's work to the big screen, but thankfully none of them made it happen until Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro and Terry Gilliam came together to make 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', released in 1998. Based on the book of the same name, this is true Gonzo journalism and even Thompson says anyone who would write that and claim it to all be true would be crazy. Depp plays Thompson, or more accurately the character based on Thompson named Raoul Duke. Del Toro is opposite in the role of Dr. Gonzo, based on real life friend and attorney Acosta. Joined by a suitcase full of drugs, Acapulco shirts, and a convertible; they decide to turn Las Vegas on it's head. Duke is supposed to be covering an off-road dirt bike race, but he and Gonzo have other plans. Their chase of the American Dream leads them from one casino to the next, even through a proverbial hornet's nest at a DA's convention, in "the foul year of our Lord, 1971." With appearances by Tobey McGuire, Christina Ricci, Cameron Diaz and if you believe it there's more. This is one of the best films I have ever seen; the content is lewd, so not everyone will like it, but I'll no doubt do blogs about movies with even worse content that is not so hated on, so it's fair. Acting, writing, notable directing by Terry Gilliam (you'll read his name again), cinematography, all excellent...and done in the face of adversity nearly the whole time. It's a movie you will either watch once, or all the time.
Well that's it for now, it was a strange and weird journey, but I've made it home safely thank you kindly. I think this could be, my best work.
The Movie Doc Thompson
11.19.2008
The Clone Wars
Well, I just had to see it to believe it. 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' is the latest piece of space fiction to come from the office (not the mind) of George Lucas. I went into this movie with a fair attitude towards something new from Mr. Lucas, after all, I used to love the Ewok movies. There were several things a little off when it began, most notably John William's triumphant score and the familiar scroll (it's even in every video game!). The plot, without divulging too much, centers around the rescue of Jabba the Hutt's son, or Huttling. The Jedi are appointed this task because the Outer Rim, where Tattooine (that dusty planet where 'nothing' happens) is located, is home to strategic supply routes for both sides of the war. The two Jedi chosen for this task are none other than Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. All the characters are familiar and known with the exception of a newcomer named Ahsoka Tano...she repeats this name frequently so you don't forget it like I did despite the repetition. The animation style is certainly new for American audiences, but it is apparently growing in popularity as seen with the animated 'Transformers' and of course the new 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'. The animation on a few characters is pretty cool, like Anakin and Obi-Wan, but for others it just doesn't work, like Yoda or Jabba the Hutt (who looks like he was literally carved out of wood).
By far the most impressive sequences are the larger battles, the camera is really in the action during these portions and some seemingly go on forever...I was disappointed at the fact that there was one really huge sequence in the beginning and they got gradually smaller and shorter as the movie went on. This technique has only worked once, and that was with 'Saving Private Ryan'. I can honestly say that the large battles were the only parts I really enjoyed. The lightsaber duels were fast paced, but once you've seen Hayden Christianson and Ewan McGregor really going at it on screen, their computer generated counterparts are lack luster. Quick note, only three of the prequels actors lent their voices for this installment: Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and Anthony Daniels. I'm sure there are many young Star Wars fans who are going to love this movie, even a few older ones too, but I, as well as a few others I know, was disappointed. The day 'The Clone Wars' was released, MSNBC.com had an article branding George Lucas a mogul, rather than a filmmaker...it seems they were right, like his character Anakin Skywalker, he is destroying everything he swore to protect.
Only time will tell when it comes to 'The Clone Wars'. Will it be embraced nostalgically by young fans as I embrace the Ewok movies? Or will it go down as just another blunder like the 'Star Wars Christmas Special'? Let's hope this dark period passes, and Mr. Lucas can bring balance to his Force.
By far the most impressive sequences are the larger battles, the camera is really in the action during these portions and some seemingly go on forever...I was disappointed at the fact that there was one really huge sequence in the beginning and they got gradually smaller and shorter as the movie went on. This technique has only worked once, and that was with 'Saving Private Ryan'. I can honestly say that the large battles were the only parts I really enjoyed. The lightsaber duels were fast paced, but once you've seen Hayden Christianson and Ewan McGregor really going at it on screen, their computer generated counterparts are lack luster. Quick note, only three of the prequels actors lent their voices for this installment: Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and Anthony Daniels. I'm sure there are many young Star Wars fans who are going to love this movie, even a few older ones too, but I, as well as a few others I know, was disappointed. The day 'The Clone Wars' was released, MSNBC.com had an article branding George Lucas a mogul, rather than a filmmaker...it seems they were right, like his character Anakin Skywalker, he is destroying everything he swore to protect.
Only time will tell when it comes to 'The Clone Wars'. Will it be embraced nostalgically by young fans as I embrace the Ewok movies? Or will it go down as just another blunder like the 'Star Wars Christmas Special'? Let's hope this dark period passes, and Mr. Lucas can bring balance to his Force.
11.05.2008
A quick 'Thank You'
I just wanted to acknowledge Adam Peterson, a very good friend and fellow movie aficionado, for designing my new logo (which can be seen at the bottom of the page). I chose the name Movie Doc as I know a lot about films but also spent time as an Army medic where I earned the classic moniker. So thank you to Adam...I look forward to having him contribute to this blog with his own brand of genius humor and knowledge.
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