tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080848581177444622024-03-13T04:16:45.915-07:00[film] girl, interruptedRachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-53013230014838818302011-06-15T11:01:00.000-07:002011-06-15T13:27:51.873-07:00Let's Talk Television! The 10 Shows I Could Not Live WithoutAlthough I focus the majority of my writing energy on movies, I would like to take a moment to discuss the boob tube. Over the years, the quality of television has taken a serious nosedive. We're left with <strong>superficial reality shows that send horrible messages</strong> <em>("16 and Pregant"/"Toddlers and Tiaras")</em>; <strong>game shows that require little to no intelligence</strong> <em>("Deal Or No Deal"/"Let's Make A Deal")</em>; <strong>high school dramas that are geared towards the superficial tween</strong> <em>("Gossip Girls"/"Pretty Little Liars")</em>; and <strong>low-rent sitcoms with washed up actors</strong> <em>("Mr. Sunshine"/"Two and a Half Men")</em>.<br /><br />Despite the overwhelming amount of crap and filth on cable television, I've found comfort in a number of series and shows. I'm really excited to create this list, as I hope that it will bring us together in the fight against shitty television. Without further ado, here are the 10 shows I could not live without - enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31tG4DFONzL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31tG4DFONzL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"The IT Crowd"</b><br />Created by: Graham Linehan<br />Starring Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">My favorite comedy series of all time. Every episode makes me laugh my ass off. It's wacky and absurd - God, I love the Brits.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51241zT2GTL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51241zT2GTL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"True Blood"</b><br />Created by: Alan Ball<br />Starring Anna Paquin, Steve Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">No show has ever grabbed my attention like this one. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, providing a great escape from reality.</span> </i><br /><i><br /></i><i></i><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417PMVEkxZL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417PMVEkxZL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"The Wire"</b><br />Created by: David Simon<br />Starring Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">There's a reason why many claim it's the best TV series of all time: Incredible actors, an amazing script, and huge balls.</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517F07TWSML._AA160_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517F07TWSML._AA160_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><b>"Curb Your Enthusiasm"</b><br />Created by: Larry David<br />Starring Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Deep down, you know you're him. Who's "him?" The hilariously cynical Larry David, of course. He teaches us that everything is pointless and stupid - preach on, L.D.!<br /></span><br /></i><i></i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ioffer.com/img/item/192/090/266/tdRQ.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://www.ioffer.com/img/item/192/090/266/tdRQ.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"Spartacus: Blood and Sand"</b><br />Created by: Steven S. DeKnight<br />Starring Andy Whitfield, John Hannah, Lucy Lawless<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Imagine a series that's a perfect combination of "Gladiator" and "300." Yeah. Add a dash of sex and scandal, and you've got the most exciting series ever created.</span></i> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Get well, Andy!</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Eb3W%2B6OvL._AA160_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Eb3W%2B6OvL._AA160_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><b>"Breaking Bad"</b><br />Created by: Vince Gilligan<br />Starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Who knew that the dad from "Malcom in the Middle" would turn out to be the best actor on television? Thanks to his role as Walter White, Cranston has proved himself a true star. This is an incredible series.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T0mmgRe5L._SL160_AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T0mmgRe5L._SL160_AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"Band of Brothers"</b><br />Created by: Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks<br />Starring Ron Livingston, Damien Lewis, Donnie Whalberg<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">This show is not for the faint of heart. War is never easy and never pretty, but this series really touched me. The story of the 101st Airborne is truly inspiring.</span><br /></i><i></i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51au17tqICL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51au17tqICL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"Dexter"</b><br />Created by: James Manos<br />Starring Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, James Remar<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">I friggin' love this show. It's smart, funny, and dark - all at the same time. Dexter Morgan is everyone's favorite serial killer, and Michael C. Hall plays the role to perfection.</span><br /><br /></i><i></i><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xC%2BWQrxlL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xC%2BWQrxlL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"Bored To Death"</b><br />Created by: Jonathan Ames<br />Starring Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm a writer, so naturally, I would enjoy a show about someone like me. A writer who smokes pot, has adventures, and smokes more pot. This is one of the most underrated shows on TV.</span><br /></i><i></i><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ukjlxflJL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ukjlxflJL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>"Eastbound and Down"</b><br />Created by: Ben Best, Jody Hill<br />Starring Danny McBride, Steve Little, Katy Mixon<br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Kenny Powers is the shit. Well, scratch that, Danny McBride is the shit. It's entirely offensive and crude, but this show is totally hysterical.</span> </i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Well, there you have it! These are my TV must-haves. I know I've left out a few titles that you will probably yell at me for (such as "Battlestar Galactica" and "Lost") but as it stands, these are my favorite shows. **<em>What about you?**</em></div>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-36498836139138747462011-06-13T13:14:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:32:17.588-07:00It might be a mess, but "Super 8" is a highly entertaining summer flick: B+<a href="http://static.episode39.it/movie/24593/poster/usa/medium.jpg?1304673521"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://static.episode39.it/movie/24593/poster/usa/medium.jpg?1304673521" border="0" /></a>It's the movie I've been waiting for; the summer blockbuster I've been counting on to take me out of this slump. Needless to say, I was not entirely disappointed. "Super 8" is not a perfect movie, but it was by far one of the most entertaining movies I've seen this year. If I could think of a quick way to describe it, I would say that it's somewhere in between <em>"E.T.," "Men in Black,"</em> and <em>"Stand By Me."</em> There are some highs and some lows throughout the film, so it's by no means flawless. At times, it feels all too familiar - "Super 8" plays like a sort of ode to adventure and science fiction, filled with been-there-done-that plot devices. Luckily for J.J. Abrams, he picked the right source material to draw upon.<br /><br />"Super 8" tells the story of <strong>Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney)</strong>, a shy young boy who lives in the small town of Lillian, Ohio. Joe occupies himself with monster makeup and model trains. His best friend, <strong>Charles (Riley Griffith)</strong>, is filming an amateur zombie movie with a ragtag group of local kids: brace-face <strong>Cary (Ryan Lee)</strong>, awkward <strong>Preston (Zach Mills)</strong>, freckle-faced <strong>Martin (Gabriel Basso)</strong>, and tomboy <strong>Alice (Elle Fanning)</strong>. One evening, while the kids are filming by the train tracks, they witness a huge collision. A small white truck makes its way onto the tracks, heading in the direction of the speeding train. The crash is enormous, to say the least. It was probably the loudest sequence I've ever heard in the theater in recent years - it reminded me of my <em>"Jurassic Park"</em> experience. Anyway, so once the kids recover from the crash they make their way to the small white truck. Inside, they find <strong>Dr. Woodward (Glynn Turman)</strong>, the school's biology teacher. Bloodied and bruised from the crash, Woodward tells the kids that they cannot tell anybody what they just saw. Scattered about the damage site are mysterious white cubes, one of which Joe snatches up and takes home.<br /><br />Strange things begin to happen in Lillian following the train wreck. For some reason, the local dogs have disappeared. The engines have been stripped from the cars on the local dealership. TV sets have gone missing from the local electronics stores. People have also gone missing, including the Sheriff. As the Sheriff's deputy, Joe's dad <strong>Jack Lamb (Kyle Chandler)</strong> is on a mission to find out what's going on in Lillian. A heavy concentration of military personnel arrive after the crash, scanning the town with Geiger counters and tanks. There are mysterious red semi-trucks, all painted with the same symbol (three white circles in a triangular shape) that also arrive in Lillian. Jack attempts to get information from<strong> Lt. Nelec (Noah Emmerich)</strong>, but to no avail.<br /><br /><div><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 445px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.oimag.com/iwave/images/16/o-new-to-theatres-this-weekend-super-8-the-trip-beauty-day.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>**BIG SPOILERS HERE**</strong> If you're smart enough, you can pretty much figure out what's going on in Lillian: There's a big, scary creature running around. Conveniently (<em>or is it lazily?</em>) J.J. Abrams works the entire explanation for this creature into the script. When Joe and his friends head back to Lillian after the town is evacuated, they get their hands on Dr. Woodward's research. They proceed to watch a film, narrated by Woodward, that details the life of the creature. After crash-landing on Earth, the creature is held captive by the U.S. Air Force for research. After making physical contact with the creature, Dr. Woodward is able to understand - psychically, he claims - that all the creature wants to do is fix his ship and go home. So, it turns out that when Dr. Woodward took his small white truck up the tracks, he was trying to set the creature free (it was being transported to the base for more research). Oh, and those mysterious white cubes? Well, it turns out they are able to form themselves into any solid material or shape. They're like little mini-shapeshifter-thingamajiggs.<br /><br /><strong>**BIG SPOILERS HERE**</strong> It was a little disappointing, this whole alien thing. I'll give props to Abrams for the build-up (<em>Hey "Lost" fans! I think you understand this</em>), but not the unveiling. So, this whole time, it was just a lonely alien who's trying to get back home?! How unimaginative. Not only that, but the alien itself looked like a cross between an Ent, an Orc, and one of those Garthim critters from <em>"The Dark Crystal."</em> So, all the electronic devices that went missing were being used by the alien to recreate a model of his spaceship. That's it. That's the big secret. I know. Me too.<br /><br />What saves this movie from near-mediocrity is the incredible young cast. Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning, especially. It's always fun to watch a group of kids discover something cool or go on an adventure. I mentioned <em>"Stand By Me"</em> earlier, but I'd also like to mention <em>"The Goonies."</em> Joe and his friends have to learn how to survive fairly quickly, but not without a sense of humor and curiousity. It's the epitome of adventure. I really hope we see more of Joel Courtney, and I hope that he doesn't go the way Henry Thomas. The special effects are the other saving grace of "Super 8." Thank goodness that Spielberg gave J.J. some assistance. I don't think Abrams would have pulled this off without Amblin. "Super 8" has a lot going on, and nothing going on all at the same time. For pure entertainment value, I'm going to go ahead and give it my blessing.<br /></p></div>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-28208174188971853892011-06-09T11:08:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:33:20.398-07:00"The Dark Stranger": An Appreciative Editorial<a href="http://galeon.hispavista.com/cinedeayeryhoy/img/eye.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://galeon.hispavista.com/cinedeayeryhoy/img/eye.jpg" border="0" /></a>In honor of his birthday, <b>Lesya @ Eternity Of A Dream</b> has created a list of Johnny Depp films she has <a href="http://eternityofdream.blogspot.com/2011/06/johnny-depp-never-seen.html">never seen</a>. Lesya and I are certainly not alone in our belief that Johnny Depp is the greatest actor in recent cinema history. But don't start thinking I'm some kind of groupie - although he may have devilishly good looks and a face that doesn't seem to age, <i>Johnny Depp is the reason why I have become what I am today - a movie lover</i>.<br /><br />Back in the 90's, when I was 5 or 6 years old, I watched <b>"Edward Scissorhands"</b> for the first time. I don't remember if my parents had it on VHS or if it was playing on cable TV, but the movie never escaped my memory. I'm pretty sure that the film forever solidified my romantic sensibility and my penchant for the dark and odd. Ironically, at the time, my mother was working as an Avon sales representative. She would let me ride along with her as she made her rounds in our neighborhood. The connection I felt to Depp's character was something I had never felt before. The dark stranger in a bright and superficial world - that would become my identity.<br /><br />The years that followed were, let's say, tumultuous. One of my go-to comforts was watching movies. For a long while, I didn't know who Johnny Depp was. I just knew who Edward was. On a lazy Sunday afternoon while I was staying with my mom, my younger sister and I watched <b>"What's Eating Gilbert Grape."</b> I think this was in '97 or '98. I immediately recognized his face - Edward's face. I made sure to make it through to the credits so that I could finally know his name. Johnny Depp. The dark stranger in a bright and superficial world.<br /><br />I followed Depp as best as I could. It wasn't an obsession as much as it was a guarantee - I knew he could help me escape. He wasn't my heartthrob as much as he was my hero. Films such as <b>"Donnie Brasco," "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas," "The Ninth Gate," "Sleepy Hollow," "Blow," "From Hell," "Finding Neverland," "Corpse Bride," and "Sweeney Todd"</b> provided me with the little push I needed to fully embrace my movie love.<br /><br />Now as an adult, my Depp-only days are over. I have branched out a bit, and now that I know what I need, I can rely on myself to find it. The escape is what I am obsessed with. Johnny Depp provided me with the blueprint. I am now going to build a foundation for my true passion. This blog is part of that foundation. Without Edward, without Gilbert - I would still feel like the dark stranger in a bright and superficial world.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-69614196390646196532011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:002011-06-07T12:32:10.362-07:00The Vault: "Pan's Labyrinth" ('El Laberinto del Fauno')<a href="http://thecia.com.au/reviews/p/images/pan-s-labyrinth-el-laberinto-del-fauno-poster-1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 370px" alt="" src="http://thecia.com.au/reviews/p/images/pan-s-labyrinth-el-laberinto-del-fauno-poster-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I think about the best movies of the past 10 years, "Pan's Labyrinth" certainly comes to mind. Released back in 2006, "Pan's Labyrinth" introduced (most) Americans to the brilliant Guillermo del Toro. I remember watching "Pan's Labyrinth" with the faintest notion that del Toro would be the next Tim Burton. With his whimsical characters, his eye for the fantasical, and a talent for storytelling, del Toro has been forever solidified in my mind as a true artist. "Pan's Labyrinth" is a story for all ages.<br /><br /><em>The film opens with the epic tale of Princess Moanna, the daughter of the King of the Underworld. The Princess grows curious about the world above, and one day she decides to leave the safety of the Underworld. As she spends time on Earth, she begins to forget about her father and her kingdom. Princess Moanna dies as a mortal, but the King believes that her divine soul will return to the Underworld some day.</em><br /><br />In 1944 post-Civil War Spain, a curious young girl named <strong>Ofelia (Ivana Baquero)</strong> is forced to live in a remote military outpost in the forest. Her mother is pregnant with the son of <strong>Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez)</strong>, whose attention is focused on destroying the remaining members of the Republican opposition. The harsh reality of her new situation doesn't stop Ofelia's love for fairy tales and adventures. As she roams the grounds of her new home, Ofelia comes across an old labyrinth. Here, she meets the <strong>Faun</strong> for the first time. A gangly creature made of leaves and branches, the Faun explains to Ofelia that she is meant for bigger and greater things. He tells her that she has the soul of Princess Moanna, and that she must complete three tasks to prove that she is the real Princess.<br /><br />As Ofelia attempts to complete the Faun's tasks, her nanny <strong>Mercedes (Maribel Verdu)</strong> is attempting to accomplish tasks of her own. Mercedes and the house doctor work together to bring food and medical supplies to the Resistance. There is a strong connection between the characters of Ofelia and Mercedes. Although they are aware of the painful reality of life, both Mercedes and Ofelia abandon thoughts of hopelessness and instead go on individual missions to make their world better. Mercedes encourages Ofelia to embrace her imagination, while Ofelia is the only one who knows that Mercedes is working for the Resistance. The two form a very strong bond, and their relationship is perhaps the most touching element of del Toro's fairy tale.<br /><br />Guillermo del Toro has a keen eye when it comes to creating creatures and critters. Ofelia's first task involves retrieving a golden key from the mouth of a large toad that lives under a tree. After feeding it three magic stones, the toad explodes from the inside out, revealing it's stomach contents where the key is found. For her second task, Ofelia must face a grotesque creature. Its eyeballs rest not in the sockets of the head, but in the sockets of the palms. With murals depicting the creature violently gorging on the flesh of babies, and a heaping pile of children's-sized shoes resting in the corner of the room, this creature is truly terrifying. Ofelia must resist the urge to feast on the wealth of fruit and sweets in order to keep the creature from waking up.<br /><br />I do not want to go too far into detail with the ending, in case some of you have not seen the film. I will say that the climax of the movie brings the struggles of both Mercedes and Ofelia together in an edge-of-your-seat moment. (I will also say that if your eyes do not water towards the end of the movie, then I believe you have no soul).<br /><br />Upon reading some other articles on "Pan's Labyrinth," I discovered that when it made its debut at Cannes the movie was received with a <em>20-minute standing ovation!</em> Well-deserved, if you ask me. "Pan's Labyrinth" is right up there with "Edward Scissorhands" as an unforgettable modern fairy tale. It's a beautiful movie that is sure to not let you forget about it.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-57993018617906617462011-06-06T10:37:00.000-07:002011-06-06T11:21:13.595-07:00Review Roundup: "The Hangover 2" and "X-Men: First Class"<div><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://www.gayrva.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/hangover2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Cut. Copy. Paste. Move. Save As TheHangover2.doc.</em> Rub hands devilishly and laugh at all the stupid people. Did you walk out of "The Hangover 2" with the nauseating feeling that you just got played? Mmhmm. Me too. Here we are in Bangkok, once again following the epic tale of outlandish drunkenness with The Wolfpack. There's another wedding on the horizon, this time for timid dentist <strong>Stu (Ed Helms)</strong> and his Thai bride. With <strong>Phil (Bradley Cooper)</strong>, <strong>Alan (Zach Galifianakis)</strong>, and the bride's young brother <strong>Teddy (Mason Lee)</strong> in tow, the nightmare begins. The guys wake up in a sleezy hotel room with no knowledge of the events that have just taken place. Instead of missing incisors, a jungle cat, and a baby, we get a Mike Tyson face tattoo, a chain-smoking monkey, and <strong>Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong)</strong>. Instead of marrying a Las Vegas stripper, Stu has a very close encounter with a ladyboy. Instead of a Mike Tyson cameo, we get one from <strong>Paul Giamatti</strong> - wait, scratch that, we still get the Tyson cameo. Do you people see where I'm going with this? "The Hangover 2" is a carbon copy of "The Hangover." And my reaction is a carbon copy too: I wasn't all that impressed. I chuckled a few times under my breath, but not one moment in the entire movie sent me to the edge of hilarity. I don't know why I was expecting more.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Grade: C-</span></div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.comicbookdaily.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/X-Men-First-Class-300x300.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://www.comicbookdaily.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/X-Men-First-Class-300x300.jpg" border="0" /></a>"X-Men: First Class" deserves a good chunk of credit for its efforts. The X-Men franchise has been haunted by crummy scripts, poor acting, and mediocre special effects. Eleven years later, we finally see some improvement. The fuel that drives this movie is the doomed friendship of <strong>Charles (James McAvoy)</strong> and <strong>Erik (Michael Fassbender).</strong> Armed with an Oxford education and plenty of family money, Charles goes the way of peaceful mentor to the young mutants he and Erik find. Erik, on the other hand, has made it his mission to destroy <strong>Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon)</strong>, compelled by the desire to avenge the death of his mother. In the background, Charles rounds up some teenage mutants, most of whom are forgettable characters. The movie attempts to dig a little deeper into the origin of <strong>Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence),</strong> who wrestles with her appearance and self-esteem. Let's talk acting, briefly: Michael Fassbender is the stand-out performance. James McAvoy wasn't as annoying as I thought he would be. Jennifer Lawrence was pretty bland, but not as bad as <strong>January Jones</strong> (Seriously! Are you just going to <em>stand </em>there?) Nothing against Kevin Bacon, but <em>why</em> was <em>he </em>the bad guy? I thought that was a very strange casting choice. With a running time of 2 hours and 12 minutes, I was feeling a bit restless towards the end. Overall, "X-Men: First Class" was a well-executed origin story that was worth the ticket.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Grade: B</span></div><br /><div></div>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-28519074629879576622011-05-26T09:51:00.000-07:002011-05-26T11:00:47.203-07:00Check it out! First ever [f.g.i.] Fan Art<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yDpaLfAPHo/Td6F0CgmzhI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8702T1-z6Js/s1600/fgifan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yDpaLfAPHo/Td6F0CgmzhI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8702T1-z6Js/s600/fgifan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611069314823540242" /></a><br /><i>I absolutely love it! Thank you so much to my biggest fan, you know who you are! I want to hire someone to make this outfit for me - goddamn, I look so <b>baddass</b>!</i></center>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-30616791666720658782011-05-24T13:09:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:49:10.905-07:00Looking Ahead/15 Questions MemeHey everyone! I know it's been a while since I've been on here. I've found myself a bit busy with other ventures, not to mention that lately I've been having a serious case of writer's block *DUN-DUN-DUNNNNN*<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI9BvzWiCMY/TdwAOkrvn2I/AAAAAAAAAXU/bzsU_nrjnsE/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-has-writers-bloc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI9BvzWiCMY/TdwAOkrvn2I/AAAAAAAAAXU/bzsU_nrjnsE/s320/funny-pictures-cat-has-writers-bloc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610359486162116450" /></a><br />Anyway, <b>Stevee</b> over @ <a href="http://www.flimjunkie25.blogspot.com"><b>Cinematic Paradox</b></a> is participating in a new meme/blogathon called "15 Questions" (courtesy of <b>Anna</b> @ <a href="http://movienut14.blogspot.com/"><b>Defiant Success</b></a>). Since I seem to have trouble mustering up the energy to do a standard review or write-up, I've decided to take the easy way out and just answer some questions. Before I do, here's a list of movies I'm planning on writing about once I get back to writing about movies:<br /><center><br /><i>Cyrus</i><br /><i>Black Death</i><br /><i>Pan's Labyrinth</i><br /><i>Diary Of The Dead</i><br /><i>Never Let Me Go</i><br /><i>I Saw The Devil</i><br /></center><br /><br /><center>...And now, for Anna's 15 Questions!<br /><br /><b>1. Movie you love with a passion:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amctheatres.com/uploadedImages/MovieWatcher_Network/AMC_Blog/JDTB-Scissorhands.jpg?n=1333"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.amctheatres.com/uploadedImages/MovieWatcher_Network/AMC_Blog/JDTB-Scissorhands.jpg?n=1333" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>2. Movie you vow never to watch:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cinemotions.com/scripts/slider/image_sorties_id.php?id_image=42701"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.cinemotions.com/scripts/slider/image_sorties_id.php?id_image=42701" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>3. Movie that literally left you speechless:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W2x-LB5NvZ4/TG3zbuj0f5I/AAAAAAAAFeI/eo68hdhB4Hc/s400/inception.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W2x-LB5NvZ4/TG3zbuj0f5I/AAAAAAAAFeI/eo68hdhB4Hc/s400/inception.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>4. Movie you always recommend:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz172/luffytubby/shaun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz172/luffytubby/shaun.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>5. Actor/actress you always watch, no matter how crappy the movie:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u9Z9BrXKjFk/Rt_A91oM7jI/AAAAAAAAAkM/de7gXI7ZUXI/s400/johnny-depp-ven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u9Z9BrXKjFk/Rt_A91oM7jI/AAAAAAAAAkM/de7gXI7ZUXI/s400/johnny-depp-ven.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>6. Actor/actress you don't get the appeal for:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.zainam.com/Celebritiespictures/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Kristen-Stewart-Slips-into-Bikini-Photos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.zainam.com/Celebritiespictures/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Kristen-Stewart-Slips-into-Bikini-Photos.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>7. Actor/actress, living or dead, you'd love to meet:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_khaYitEmXkw/S5O1Fxb73TI/AAAAAAAAIU4/45-AIHPvvQ0/s400/angelina-jolie-1280x800-23882.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_khaYitEmXkw/S5O1Fxb73TI/AAAAAAAAIU4/45-AIHPvvQ0/s400/angelina-jolie-1280x800-23882.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>8. Sexiest actor/actress you've seen:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.atodasluces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Brad-Pitt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.atodasluces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Brad-Pitt.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>9. Your dream cast:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT8BHwkDwM/TdwL-8n8KGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ctCBsh0epJw/s1600/dreamcast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 130px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT8BHwkDwM/TdwL-8n8KGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ctCBsh0epJw/s400/dreamcast.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610372411850238050" /></a><br /><b>10. Your favorite actor/actress pairing:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g35/Erika_PLJ/art/thAragornandArwen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g35/Erika_PLJ/art/thAragornandArwen.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>11. Your favorite movie setting:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://bestforfilm.com/files/2010/11/hogwarts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://bestforfilm.com/files/2010/11/hogwarts.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>12. Favorite decade for movies:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ps1hIe1f2vQ/TdwOhJEPAGI/AAAAAAAAAXs/bBGUhfg9y6c/s1600/1990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ps1hIe1f2vQ/TdwOhJEPAGI/AAAAAAAAAXs/bBGUhfg9y6c/s400/1990.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610375198328946786" /></a><br /><b>13. Chick flick or action movie:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://application.denofgeek.com/images/m/BADASS/GALS/005_Alice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://application.denofgeek.com/images/m/BADASS/GALS/005_Alice.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>14. Hero, villian, or anti-hero:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj6n5omaWV1qgu2vjo1_400.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj6n5omaWV1qgu2vjo1_400.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>15. Black & white or color:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXKsd0VPfYk/Sx-Qii2pxaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/gZVdIRZDrW8/s400/rainbow_effect_18full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXKsd0VPfYk/Sx-Qii2pxaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/gZVdIRZDrW8/s400/rainbow_effect_18full.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></center>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-55060025766346402722011-05-18T12:53:00.000-07:002011-05-18T13:07:08.892-07:00[f.g.i] Presents: 5 Things I Will Never Do (Thanks To The Movies)<br><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZJ255WKBL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZJ255WKBL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><i>...Get on a public bus in Los Angeles</i></b><br /><i><u>The movie that did it</u>: <b>"Speed"</b></i><br />What? You think I'm crazy? The Los Angeles that you see in movies isn't too far off from the truth, you know. I recently took a trip to L.A. and let me tell you, it's not that pretty - and the people can be scary as hell. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HJTPM0B6L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HJTPM0B6L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><i>...Take a roadtrip through New Mexico</b></i><br /><i><u>The movie that did it</u>: <b>"The Hills Have Eyes"</b></i><br />There's no doubt that roadtrips can be a fun experience. A couple years ago, I took a trip up the California coast and it was one of the best vacations ever. But travelling through the eerie deserts of New Mexico is not on my bucket list. "The Hills Have Eyes" convinced me that the safest bet is to fly over the damn thing. This movie really disturbed me, and I have images of those nasty bastards burned in my brain. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DQR900C0L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DQR900C0L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><i>...Throw food out of the window while driving</b></i><br /><i><u>The movie that did it</u>: <b>"Anchorman"</b></i><br />It's one of the funniest scenes in the movie, when Burgundy throws his half-eaten burrito out of his window and hits motorcycle enthusiast Jack Black in the face. I would never think of doing it, unless I saw that there was nobody around. But Black's reaction was enough to convince me that road rage is a real thing, and unless I want something precious of mine kicked over the side of the Coronado bridge, I should probably have some sort of trash bag in the car.<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517A7QKTT3L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517A7QKTT3L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b><i>...Give up in a fight</b></i><br /><i><u>The movie that did it</u>: <b>"True Romance"</b></i><br />You want to talk about girl power? Screw the Spice Girls, watch the fight between Alabama and Virgil in "True Romance." I really thought this chick was done for - how much can a woman take, right? Well, Patricia Arquette proved to me that staying strong and using your surroundings could work to your advantage. Wine bottle opener? Check. Shower gel? Check? Hairspray and lighter? Check. Toilet cover? You bet your sweet ass. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414euc%2BfXTL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414euc%2BfXTL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><i>...Trust the government</b></i><br /><i><u>The movie that did it</u>: <b>"Collapse"</b></i><br />I try not to think about the practices and policies of our government. I'm a sort of conpiracy-theory enthusiast, and I think politicians are full of crap. The 2009 documentary "Collapse" pretty much convinced me that my lack of faith has some ample ground to stand on.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-50504113737038545152011-05-16T12:11:00.001-07:002011-05-16T12:27:26.340-07:00"Bridesmaids" hits it out of the park, best comedy I've seen in recent years: A<a href="http://media.mwcradio.com/photologue/photos/cache/106630h1_movie_detail_lead.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://media.mwcradio.com/photologue/photos/cache/106630h1_movie_detail_lead.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Contrary to popular opinion, "Bridesmaids" is not <i>The-Hangover-for-chicks</i>. It's not <i>Old-School-for-chicks</i>, and it's not <i>Wedding-Crashers-for-chicks</i>. In actuality, Paul Feig's "Bridesmaids" is not a 'for-chicks' movie at all. It's been a long while since I've seen a comedy with balls of steel and a heart of gold. I think the last one I can easily recall is "There's Something About Mary." With comedy, it's diffcult to mix dick jokes and irreverent references to wolfpacks with a touching story and a life lesson to be learned without coming off as pretentious (e.g. Sandler's "Click"). "Bridesmaids" pulls of this near-impossible hybrid with flying colors, thanks to the comedic genius of Kristen Wiig and an equally hilarious supporting cast. <br /><br /> <b>Annie's (Kristen Wiig)</b> life is falling apart - her cake shop has gone out of business, she drives a crappy car, her roommates want her out of the apartment, her f*ck buddy <b>Ted (Jon Hamm)</b> is a complete douchebag who treats her like dirt, and her job as a salesperson at a jewelery store is in serious jeopardy. Meanwhile, her childhood friend, <b>Lillian (Maya Rudolph)</b> is engaged and on the way to living a fairy tale life. When Lillian asks Annie to be her maid of honor, Annie faces the challenge of taking on more responsibility than she's used to. Not only does Annie have to come up with ideas for the bachelorette party and the wedding shower, but she also has to deal with Lillian's quirky ensemble of bridesmaids: the rich and prissy <b>Helen (Rose Byrne)</b>, desperate housewife <b>Rita ("Reno 9111" actress Wendi McLendon-Covey)</b>, the immature and Disney-obssessed <b>Becca (Ellie Kemper)</b>, and the stout sister-of-the-groom <b>Megan (Melissa McCarthy)</b>. Together, the group endures Annie's awful plans - such as hitting up a ghetto Brazilian restaurant prior to a dress fitting. Annie's biggest challenge is to maintain her best friend status with Lillian, as the snobby Helen attempts to outshine Annie in almost every way imaginable. There's a particularly hilarious scene in which Annie and Helen compete in a best-congratulations-speech at the engagement party. Like a classic Kristen Wiig SNL skit, the joke goes on for too long - until it just becomes wickedly funny all over again. <br /><br />Amidst the hustle and bustle of the wedding, Annie meets state patrol officer <b>Nathan Rhodes (played by "The IT Crowd" actor Chris O'Dowd)</b> as she gets pulled over for her broken taillights. When officer Rhodes learns that Annie was in fact the owner of Cake Baby, he lets her off the hook. There's strong chemistry between Annie and Rhodes, and their whole side-story gives the movie a sweeter tone that manages to remain humorous. In particular, Chris O'Dowd is the perfect match for Kristen Wiig - in a comedic sense. His Irish-laden awkwardness goes perfectly with Wiig's offbeat behavior, and as an on-screen couple, Annie and Nathan are perhaps one of the sweetest I've seen.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uexHbe6uU1o/TdF6TQ0yyQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/jh2s35Kzwbo/s1600/1_400x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uexHbe6uU1o/TdF6TQ0yyQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/jh2s35Kzwbo/s320/1_400x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607397482405480706" /></a><center><i>"Cha-ching, boo boo!"</i></center><br /> Kristen Wiig is definitely the stand-out performer in the movie. I've been a fan of hers ever since I saw her Judy Grimes skit on SNL. I don't know what she smokes, but Kristen Wiig is unbelievably funny. Did anyone else see "Macgruber?" Oh my god, she killed me! And she was actually pretty funny in "Paul" too. It seems so rare these days for a funny woman to headline a comedy film - I think the last one I can remember is "Baby Mama," which I enjoyed thanks to Amy Poehler (not-so-much-thanks to Tina Fey). I know that Wiig has been around for a long time, but I really hope that she'll be getting more lead roles. <br /><br />On a smaller note, I know that many people will be talking about Melissa McCarthy after seeing this movie. Her character, Megan, reminded me of Allen (Zach Galifianakis) in "The Hangover." She was unnecesarily aggressive, both physically and sexually, and I don't know how McCarthy managed to get through some of her outlandish lines with such a straight face. She'll probably land more roles, as did Galifianakis, but hopefully her brand of humor won't burn out as quickly. <br /><br /> I was afraid that "Bridesmaids" was going to be another case of all-the-funny-stuff-was-in-the-trailer (*ahem* "Your Highness," I'm referring to your lame ass). But instead, "Bridesmaids" was an unexpectedly hilarious lesson in getting your life back together. I laughed all the way through, and I even got a bit misty-eyed during some scenes, too. When you watch movies like "The Hangover" and "Old School," you're expecting to laugh your ass off, which they succeed in doing, making them memorable comedies. But "Bridesmaids" goes beyond the standard comedy, and delivers a sweet message that will engage your emotions - without letting you forget how f*cking funny the movie is. It's a heavenly combination that few comedies ever get completely right. <br /><br /><b>P.S. -</b> I can't wait to see the gag reel on the dvd when it hits!!!Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-91424481703393445162011-05-11T11:37:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:48:48.995-07:00The Vault: "The Way Of The Gun"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j20XDMVM_H8/TcrXWjcM7tI/AAAAAAAAAXE/x39Jnm2y-Lw/s1600/gun.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j20XDMVM_H8/TcrXWjcM7tI/AAAAAAAAAXE/x39Jnm2y-Lw/s400/gun.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605529468686626514" /></a>This movie came highly recommended to me - and I can't believe I had never heard of it! I mean, come on - it's called "The Way Of The Gun" - the title alone was enough to peak my interest! And so,thanks to the power of Netflix, I got around to watching it for the first time this past weekend.<br /><br /> The story focuses on two low-life criminals. For the sake of anonymity, the men go by <b>Parker (Ryan Phillippe)</b> and <b>Longbaugh (Benicio Del Toro)</b>. Eeking their way through life, Parker and Longbaugh plot and scheme to make money. They wind up at a sperm donation center, where they overhear the doctor on the phone discussing a woman who is being paid $1 million to be a surrogate mother. Without saying a word, Parker and Longbaugh look at each in a sort of acknowledgment of their next move: find this woman, kidnap her, and hold her for ransom.<br /><br /> The surrogate mother is <b>Robin (Juliette Lewis)</b>, who has been hired by a wealthy man named <b>Hale Chidduck (Scott Wilson)</b>, who is obviously too old to impreganate his much-younger wife, Francesca. Parker and Longbaugh learn that Robin's doctor is named <b>Allen Painter (Dylan Kussman)</b> - so the plan is to snatch Robin as she's leaving the doctor's office. However, things prove difficult when Robin's bodyguards are around. <b>Jeffers (Taye Diggs)</b> and <b>Obecks (Nicky Katt)</b> are held at gunpoint in the lobby as Parker and Longbaugh make their move. The two men are met with a handful of Chidduck's bodyguards outside of the building, and as the entryway doors close behind them, we hear a loud burst of gunshots and screams. Jeffers tells Robin to take the elevator to the upper floors to get out of harm's way, but Robin instead waddles her way to the entryway. Parker and Longbaugh are the only ones left standing, and with Robin willingly leaving the safety of her bodyguards, they have their prize. Jeffers and Obecks follow them in their car in a very tense chase scene that only ends with Parker, Longbaugh, and Robin narrowly escaping.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/The-Way-of-the-Gun-lede.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/The-Way-of-the-Gun-lede.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The story gets even more complicated at this point. Back at the Chidduck residence, we learn that Mr. Chidduck borrowed the $1 million from his "employers" without them knowing it. He reveals this information to Dr. Allen Painter, who is actually Mr. Chidduck's son. It is also revealed that Jeffers is having an affair with Francesca - as she's on the couch eating a shrimp cocktail (just like a rich bitch would), Jeffers approaches her and they share a provocative kiss. At this point in the film, we are also introduced to <b>Joe Sarno (played brilliantly by James Caan)</b>, the "bagman" who works on behalf of Mr. Chidduck. Joe gets on the phone with Parker to work out the details of the drop: $15 million, brought by Dr. Painter, to the Nacio Madre Motel in Mexico. But things don't go as planned, as Robin holes up in the hotel room with a shotgun and calls the police. Soon, the entire motel parking lot turns into a good old fashioned shootout. Jeffers and Obecks arrive, along with Joe Sarno's fellow bagman buddy Abner, and two Mexican police officers. The point is, Parker and Longbaugh escape - again! - with Robin in tow. <br /><br /> Now, the last 45 minutes of the movie is what really makes it memorable. Basically, Joe Sarno gets a group of 8 to 10 of his senior bagman friends to hunt down Parker and Longbaugh. They're hiding out in a Mexican whorehouse, along with Dr. Painter, who they brought along to perform the delivery. Due to the intense action she's endured, Robin is unable to give birth the old fashioned way, so Dr. Painter is forced give her a friggin' C-section! There's a group of trained hitmen outside with loads and loads of bullets, and Jeffers is en route to finish off Parker and Longbaugh. It's one of the best "last stands" I've ever seen! It seems like it goes on forever, and I was just on the edge of my seat the entire time! I don't want to give away the ending, in case anyone reading this hasn't watched it, but beneath the shootouts and the blood and the bags of money, is a really poignant lesson about the value of family. In addition, the relationship between Parker and Longbaugh is amusing in that up until the whorehouse, they never talk to each other. I wasn't surprised when I found out that writer/director Christopher McQuarrie was also the <b>genius behind "The Usual Suspects."</b> It's no wonder why "The Way Of The Gun" was so enjoyable and thought-provoking.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-83683745658352945452011-05-09T12:23:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:29:55.517-07:00"Thor" is an underwhelming kick-off for the summer season: C+<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jr2zrO0G8/TcBaLoWHF5I/AAAAAAAAADM/OnlmdrgTCpM/s320/thor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jr2zrO0G8/TcBaLoWHF5I/AAAAAAAAADM/OnlmdrgTCpM/s320/thor.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>So, the summer season officially kicked off this weekend with the release of "Thor." I try to keep an open mind whenever I venture into the theater, especially when it comes to these Marvel-inspired productions. I didn't read too much about the movie, nor did I spend too much time watching the trailers. So hopefully my review will prove to be honest and un-biased. <b>**SPOILERS AHEAD**</b><br /><br /> The movie opens with astrophysicist <b>Jane Foster (Natalie Portman)</b> and her team watching the New Mexico sky in hopes of recording a unique cloud formation. In a hurried storm-chaser-esque bout of excitement, the three of them charge into the formation with their vehicle, only to crash into a shadowy figure of a man. The man is <b>Thor (Chris Hemsworth)</b>, whose backstory is immediately cut to after the crash scene. Somewhere far off in the cosmos is a realm called <b>Asgard</b>, a golden city of opulence where super-beings exist. Thor is the son of <b>Odin (Anthony Hopkins)</b>, an aging warrior and king of Asgard. On the day of his coronation, Thor prepares himself to be named the next king. Before Odin has a chance to make his son the new king, a group of <b>Frost Giants</b> break into the armory where their magical relic permanently resides. You see, back in the day, Odin conquered the Frost Giants and took with him their relic, which was their greatest source of power. No worries though, because the invading Frost Giants don't make it out of the armory alive. <br /><br /> In a fit of arrogant rage, Thor decides to take a trip to <b>Jotunheim</b> - the cold and desolate planet where the Frost Giants live. With his four best warriors at his side, Thor attempts to wreck havoc on the Frost Giants for interrupting the coronation ceremony. Once the dust settles from the battle, Odin arrives to take Thor and his comapny back to Asgard. Papa is not happy. He criticizes Thor for being a warmongerer, and becomes angry with him for jeopardizing the peace treaty that has been forged between Asgard and Jotunheim. Thor opens his big fat mouth and - basically - calls his dad out for being a pussy. Wrong move, Thor. Odin then strips Thor of his powers and his <b>Hammer</b>, and casts him out of Asgard. The Hammer soon follows, but not before Odin casts a spell upon it to ensure that only someone worthy could ever use its powers.<br /><br /><a href="http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site568/2011/0503/20110503__thor~1_300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site568/2011/0503/20110503__thor~1_300.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><center><i>"Wait, your lips are vegan-safe AND Kosher right?"</center></i><br /> So now, we're back to Earth where Jane crashes into Thor in the New Mexico desert. Now a human, Thor must first get used to life on Earth. There are a couple of funny moments, like when Thor smashes his coffee cup onto the diner floor in super-manly approval. Thor is obviously out of place in the small New Mexico town. Thor's Hammer crash lands too, drawing attention from the locals who try to move it from it's resting place - it's a sword-in-the-stone kind of thing. The Hammer also draws the attention of the <b>notorious Marvel organization S.H.I.E.L.D.</b>, and they show up to quarantine the Hammer and to steal all of Jane's research. To be quite honest, the appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. took me out of the movie for a bit. I had a feeling that this was going to happen, especially with Marvel's hostile summer box office takeover. Anyway, Thor has to fight his way through several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents <b>(including Jeremy Renner with his first Hawkeye cameo)</b> to get to his beloved Hammer, which he cannot remove anyway since Odin deemed that only the worthy can wield it. <br /><br />Wow, I'm going on and on here. I'll try to wrap it up soon.<br /><br />Back in Asgard, Odin has fallen into a deep sleep. Unable to rule the kingdom of Asgard, Thor's younger brother <b>Loki (Tom Hiddleston)</b> appoints himself king. Before Odin falls into his deep sleep, he reveals to Loki that he is not in fact his paternal son. Loki was an abandoned Frost Giant baby back in days of war, and Odin brought him back to Asgard to raise him as his own. In a fit of rage, Loki plots to destroy the entire Frost Giant population. But first, Loki must destroy Thor. He sends his great machine, <b>The Destroyer</b> (original, I know) to Earth in hopes of preventing Thor from ever making his return. Of course, Thor learns the error of his ways and the Hammer comes to his rescue. <br /><br />Overall, "Thor" was mildly entertaining. All of the scenes in Asgard were pretty cool, with all the bright colors and the gilded costumes. I wish the movie had stayed in Asgard. The scenes with Thor in New Mexico, falling in love with Jane, fighting off S.H.I.E.L.D., and making a total ass of himself distracted me from the cool-factor that this movie really had going for it. Chris Hemsworth was an appropriate choice, and I also enjoyed the inclusions of <b>Idris Elba (Asgardian gatekeeper Heimdall)</b> and <b>Ray Stevenson (Thor's warrior buddy Volstagg)</b>. However, I didn't care for the appearance of Jeremy Renner and <b>Rene Russo</b>. Some of the special effects looked a bit cheap, and some of the action scenes were really choppy. As I mentioned before, the scenes that took place in Asgard and Jotunheim were impressive in terms of visuals, and I wish the movie had not focused so much on Thor's experience on Earth. All in all, "Thor" was a decent superhero flick with all the standard superhero elements. It's not original, and it's not mind-blowing - it's decent.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-1894308328228563212011-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:002011-05-06T10:47:01.178-07:00[f.g.i] Presents: A Poem For Moms<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnSq10RtkvM/TcQwXLL6AfI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Q9cTtLYlrfA/s1600/preciousMonique_1592063c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnSq10RtkvM/TcQwXLL6AfI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Q9cTtLYlrfA/s400/preciousMonique_1592063c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603657011053593074" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_p5gcnoBVU/TcQxcLesFXI/AAAAAAAAAWE/My_iWA14ET8/s1600/carriemom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_p5gcnoBVU/TcQxcLesFXI/AAAAAAAAAWE/My_iWA14ET8/s400/carriemom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603658196543346034" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WENUR46JTeM/TcQyGCLAbZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/pcMcO99rLsM/s1600/4599910223_110877c31d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WENUR46JTeM/TcQyGCLAbZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/pcMcO99rLsM/s400/4599910223_110877c31d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603658915599379858" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-5Y879de54/TcQylBuU5CI/AAAAAAAAAWU/41FJRLc5J14/s1600/the-waterboy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-5Y879de54/TcQylBuU5CI/AAAAAAAAAWU/41FJRLc5J14/s400/the-waterboy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603659448055030818" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMcRLn2ybKU/TcQzN0EgbII/AAAAAAAAAWc/y3giLnw-7Ho/s1600/goonies2-fratellis-431--500x380.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMcRLn2ybKU/TcQzN0EgbII/AAAAAAAAAWc/y3giLnw-7Ho/s400/goonies2-fratellis-431--500x380.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603660148764601474" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAPeUlZuJrc/TcQzrXP61yI/AAAAAAAAAWs/pFJIH9YXZUA/s1600/psychomother.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAPeUlZuJrc/TcQzrXP61yI/AAAAAAAAAWs/pFJIH9YXZUA/s400/psychomother.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603660656423917346" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwzpfoKF7Wk/TcQus9gsaCI/AAAAAAAAAV0/dXkTLZZdGGI/s1600/Mommie-Dearest-470x307.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwzpfoKF7Wk/TcQus9gsaCI/AAAAAAAAAV0/dXkTLZZdGGI/s400/Mommie-Dearest-470x307.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603655186316552226" /></a>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-34743144199377419092011-05-03T09:52:00.000-07:002011-05-03T11:21:55.227-07:00[f.g.i] Presents: My Top 10 Adventure Movies<b>adĀ·venĀ·ture</b> [ad-<b>ven</b>-cher]ā (1) An exciting or unusual experience. (2) A risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome. (3) The encountering of risks. (4) Something that is most likely a very, very bad idea.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F1KWQRXPL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F1KWQRXPL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#10</b> "Stand By Me"<br><br />Gordie, Teddy, Chris, and Vern decide to go on a quest to find the body of a missing boy. I don't know about you, but I don't think I would have had the balls to do this - no way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xvJ6-MWOL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xvJ6-MWOL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#9</b> "Hook"<br><br />In my opinion, this is the best version of the whole Peter Pan story. Dustin Hoffman and Bob Hoskins are hilarious, especially during that pirate baseball game. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YOCeVSAYL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YOCeVSAYL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#8</b> "The Neverending Story"<br><br />Bookworm Sebastian reads the story of young warrior Atreyu as he tries save the world of Fantasia. I wanted a friggin' Luck Dragon for Christmas thanks to this movie.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514QCZHWR5L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514QCZHWR5L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#7</b> "Willow"<br><br />I know I already did a feature on this movie, but it's absolutely necessary to include it on this list! You ever wonder what LOTR would be like with <i>real</i> hobbits? Yeah.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uwv52nGAL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uwv52nGAL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#6</b> "The Dark Crystal"<br><br />The world is split into two dominant races - the Skeksis and the Mystics. Jen and Kira are the lone Gelflings who must bring peace to the realm by finding the crystal shard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DT17Z5E7L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DT17Z5E7L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#5</b> "Jurassic Park"<br><br />What happens when John Hammond decides to play God and recreate living dinosaurs? Well, all hell breaks loose of course. How long do you think you'd survive on that island?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613IhxpBZpL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613IhxpBZpL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#4</b> "The Goonies"<br><br />What kid doesn't want to go on an adventure like this? Mikey and the gang go on a mission to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy, with the sinister Fratellis on their tail. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zyJrjPvlL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zyJrjPvlL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#3</b> "The Wizard Of Oz"<br><br />Call me childish, but I friggin' love this movie. It's a classic adventure story that still holds up today. You can't deny its epic nature, despite how much you hate the singing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513N2WS7ENL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513N2WS7ENL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#2</b> "LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring"<br><br />When I read the first book, I knew that first movie was going be awesome. Nothing even compares to the theater experience I had when I saw this. I want to get my quest on, too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61xKUPB15oL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61xKUPB15oL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>#1</b> "Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark"<br><br />Duh, winning. Indiana Jones really solidified himself as the ultimate adventurer. The first installment is by far my favorite, and dare I say it - one of the best movies of all time.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-23576509721420638062011-05-02T10:28:00.000-07:002011-05-02T23:27:50.173-07:00Weekend Roundup: The Station Agent, I Love You Phillip Morris, Fast FiveThis is a new feature I'm going to try out. Over the weekends, I tend to watch at least 3 movies - some are new theatrical releases, some are old yet undiscovered, and some are fresh Netflix arrivals! I'm going to do my best in writing up mini-reviews for these movies. For most theatrical releases, I'll do an individual article - depending on how deserving the movie was. Without further ado, here's my first <b>Weekend Roundup!</b> Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UM5HSh0uwE4/SWS-_9bX4sI/AAAAAAAAAWM/ooWEPywN7EA/s200/the-station-agent-2003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UM5HSh0uwE4/SWS-_9bX4sI/AAAAAAAAAWM/ooWEPywN7EA/s200/the-station-agent-2003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>"The Station Agent"<br />Grade: B+</b><br><br />"The Station Agent" is a wonderfully heart-warming indie film, with real-to-life dialogue and a simple premise. Peter Dinklage has caught my attention thanks to HBO's "Game of Thrones," and I totally respect him as an actor. He has a sort of loveable misanthrope vibe about him, which is both humorous and tragic. The movie ended abruptly, which left me wanting more. Overall, "The Station Agent" was a touching movie that I would recommend to anyone with an appreciation for subtlety.<br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mtv.com/shared/promoimages/movies/i/i_love_you_phillip_morris/150x200.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.mtv.com/shared/promoimages/movies/i/i_love_you_phillip_morris/150x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>"I Love You Phillip Morris"<br />Grade: A-</b><br><br />This is romantic comedy done right. Jim Carrey's performance is both hilarious and heartbreaking, and he proves again that he's more than a melange of funny faces. Ewan MacGregor is so flexible, and each role he takes on has the signature MacGregor charm. "I Love You Phillip Morris" is fueled by a touching yet twisted romance, along with an excellent supporting cast. The movie slows down a bit, but only before surprising you with an unforgettable ending. This movie has the right amount of laughter and tears, and Carrey's preformance is unforgettable.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ritzmultiplex.com/storage/posters/FastFive.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ritzmultiplex.com/storage/posters/FastFive.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>"Fast Five"<br />Grade: C-</b><br><br />It's not a huge surprise that the only thing "Fast Five" has going for it is the cars. The movie is full of cheesy moments, stupid quotes ("Mission-infrickin'-sanity!"), and a ridiculous plot. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson are unbelievably awful actors - but we all knew that already. The car chases were pretty impressive, but not as exciting as previous scenes in previous installments. Stick around after credits for a "twist" that obviously hints to yet <i>another</i> installment. Really?!Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-36283999583240150362011-04-28T10:53:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:06:52.679-07:00Blogathon: A Life In Movies<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdaVtvfWuoc/TbjAbX1JFkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/BY3JZM2B98w/s320/A_Life_in_Movies.jpg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdaVtvfWuoc/TbjAbX1JFkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/BY3JZM2B98w/s320/A_Life_in_Movies.jpg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Fellow movie blogger CS at <a href="http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/">Big Thoughts From A Small Mind</a> got an early start on <a href="http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/"> Fandago Grooves'</a> <b>"A Life In Movies" Blogathon</b>! The idea is simple: <i>starting with the year you were born, list your favorite movie for each year through 2011</i>. Although it doesn't officially kick off until May 8th, I'm far too excited to wait! Here's my list!<br /><br /><b>1988: "Beetlejuice" -</b> This movie single-handedly kicked off my Tim Burton obsession.<br /><a href="http://media.filmschoolrejects.com/images/beetlejuice1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://media.filmschoolrejects.com/images/beetlejuice1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>1989: "Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade" -</b> I used to watch this on my grandparents' RCA Video Disc Player!<br /><br /><b>1990: "Goodfellas" -</b> So many incredible performances and such a fun movie to watch.<br /><br /><b>1991: "The Rocketeer" -</b> A lot of people forget about this one, but it's a classic.<br /><br /><b>1992: "A League Of Their Own" -</b> I laugh out loud every time I watch this again.<br /><br /><b>1993: "Jurassic Park" -</b> One of my earliest memories of going to the movie theater...damn, that T-Rex was loud!<br /><br /><b>1994: "Dumb and Dumber" -</b> Funniest. movie. of. all. time.<br /><br /><a href="http://images.smh.com.au/2010/09/09/1916663/300rhs-dumb-dumber-300x200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://images.smh.com.au/2010/09/09/1916663/300rhs-dumb-dumber-300x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>1995: "Desperado" -</b> Steve Buscemi's monologue is absolutely priceless.<br /><br /><b>1996: "Romeo + Juliet" -</b> Baz Luhrman's vivid imagination made this movie unforgettable. I still cry every time!<br /><br /><b>1997: "The Fifth Element" -</b> One of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time. Luc Besson is such a genius. <br /><br /><b>1998: "Saving Private Ryan" -</b> Such an insult that this movie lost Best Picture to "Shakespeare In Love."<br /><br /><b>1999: "The Boondock Saints" -</b> Because you can always use a bit of rope.<br /><br /><b>2000: "Memento" -</b> Ahh, the world gets a proper introduction to the awesomeness that is Christopher Nolan.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/memento-300x200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/memento-300x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>2001: "Donnie Darko" -</b> Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?<br /><br /><b>2002: "Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers" -</b> Epic epicness!<br /><br /><b>2003: "The Matrix Reloaded" -</b> Damn, I friggin' love the freeway chase.<br /><br /><b>2004: "I Heart Huckabees" -</b> I really can't say enough for this movie. It had a huge impact on my own personal philosophy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.safariunderground.net/movie/movie-i/i-heart-huckabees/i-heart-huckabees.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.safariunderground.net/movie/movie-i/i-heart-huckabees/i-heart-huckabees.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>2005: "The Constant Gardener" -</b> For once, the movie was just as good as the novel. Rachel Weisz was so amazing.<br /><br /><b>2006: "The Descent" -</b> I'm not much of a horror fan, but this movie was flawless - scary and smart.<br /><br /><b>2007: "Into The Wild" -</b> The combination of Sean Penn directing and Eddie Vedder composing made this movie so emotional. <br /><br /><b>2008: "The Dark Knight" -</b> I've probably watched this movie 50+ times. <br /><br /><a href="http://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/system/images/thumbs/www/articles_2008_07_16/the_dark_knight_main_300x200.jpg?1273913638"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/system/images/thumbs/www/articles_2008_07_16/the_dark_knight_main_300x200.jpg?1273913638" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><b>2009: "District 9" -</b> This movie sucked me right in. I couldn't take my eyes off of it!<br /><br /><b>2010: "Inception" -</b> You're shocked, I know. <br /><br /><b>2011 (So far...): "Sucker Punch" -</b> I don't care what anyone thinks, I friggin' loved it!Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-3740099557429777522011-04-27T10:46:00.000-07:002011-04-27T12:35:33.889-07:00"Source Code" was a lot of fun, but not mind-blowing: B-<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiOvdNMzXR0/TZxj4Laz-aI/AAAAAAAABXI/4my5iquhJMQ/s320/source_code_ver2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiOvdNMzXR0/TZxj4Laz-aI/AAAAAAAABXI/4my5iquhJMQ/s320/source_code_ver2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I finally got around to seeing "Source Code," and I have to say that I have mixed feelings about it. I know it's been well-received by critics and audiences, at least according to <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com">RottenTomatoes.com</a>. Duncan Jones' sci-fi thriller romance has earned a very high grade of 90% from critics, making it one of the most successful flims of 2011 so far. Once again, it looks as though I'll be going against popular opinion. *Sigh* <br /><br />The entire plot of "Source Code" was revealed in the trailers, so for the sake of brevity I'm not going to do my usual detailed walk-through. <b>Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal)</b> is employed by a mysterious branch of the Air Force in some kind of counter-terrorism unit. After a Chicago train is blown up and everyone on board dies, Colter is sent back through the Source Code to the last 8 minutes of passenger <b>Sean Fentress'</b> life. His mission is to find the bomber so as to prevent another imminent attack. Colter is guided by Source Code operator <b>Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga)</b> and the elusive creator, <b>Dr. Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright)</b>. <br /><br />The technology behind the Source Code is a bit fuzzy. Rather than call it "time travel," Dr. Rutledge coins the term "time reassignment." Each time Colter goes back onto the train, he enters a parallel reality. Each time, he wakes up to <b>Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan)</b>. Of course, he builds an emotional connection with her, and hopes to save her from the explosion. Of course, he cannot save her because she's already dead. Colter goes back to the train a total of 7 times, each one unsuccessful in discovering the bomber. Each time he wakes from the Source Code and finds himself in his capsule, he demands that Goodwin explains what is happening. <b>**SPOILER ALERT**</b><br /><br />In an unimpressive "twist," it turns out that Colter died in Iraq. A part of his brain is being kept active so that he can work with the Source Code. According to Dr. Rutledge, the brain has a sort of "after glow" following death, which allows the Source Code process to work. So, Colter finds out he's actually dead, and on his 8th and final attempt, requests that Goodwin cut off his life support after he finally finds the bomber. In the final sequences of the film, Goodwin turns off Colter's life support and he dies (for real this time). Some how, Colter manages to permanently(?) inhabit the body of Sean in the 8th parallel reality. We see Colter and Christina walking through the streets of Chicago after safely getting off the train. Oh yeah, and somehow Colter is able to send a text message to Goodwin in <i>another</i> parallel reality in which he tells her that Source Code really works. WTF?!<br /><br />I always have a problem with movies that break their own rules. Do you know what I mean? <i>How the hell is Colter able to send Goodwin a text across alternate realities? Is 4G really that good?</i> Ugh, that last bit of the movie bothered me, especially since I was very entertained for a while. I understand that Colter is able to exist in a parallel reality even though he's actually dead (sounds like "Donnie Darko," actually) - and that Christina is some how able to do the same. I can go that far. But that damned text message. The theoretical possibility of time reassignment sort of fell apart when that happened. At least, for me. <br /><br />Overall, "Source Code" was entertaining. I can't believe some critics out there are making comparisons with "Inception" - this movie falls short of being as great or as mind-blowing as "Inception," let me make that very clear. It's more like "The Adjustment Bureau" (whose ending also prevented me from believing it's sci-fi elements). But nonetheless, it's an interesting movie with decent acting and pretty impressive special effects. If it wasn't for the crummy ending, I would give it a higher mark.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-91850755970175749302011-04-25T11:30:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:04:47.829-07:00The Vault: "Willow"<a href="http://sharetv.org/images/posters/willow_1988.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 356px;" src="http://sharetv.org/images/posters/willow_1988.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>It's always fun to go back in time and revisit the films of my childhood. When I sit back and remember the movies that solidified my current obsession, "Willow" is always on the list! <br /><br /><b> Willow Ufgood</b> is an Elwin who has dreams of becoming a great sorcerer. One day, his small children find an abandoned baby at the shore of the river. As explained in the opening minutes of the movie, it has been prophecized that this baby will destroy the evil <b>Queen Bavmorda</b> and bring peace to the realm. Despite his best efforts, Willow becomes attached to the baby and goes on a quest to hand her off to right person. Along the way, Willow meets <b>Madmartigan</b>, a rogue swordsman-turned-thief. Seeing that he is of the same race as the baby, Willow leaves the infant with Madmartigan. Minutes later, the baby is taken from Madmartigan by <b>brownies</b> who work for the fairy queen <b>Cherlindrea</b>. Willow comes across the brownies and fairies as he heads back home, and Cherlindrea reveals to him that the baby, named <b>Elora Danan</b>, has chosen him as her protector. Cherlindrea instructs Willow to bring the baby to the great sorceress <b>Fin Raziel</b>, who has been exiled by Queen Bavmorda to the Mysterious Island.* <br /><br />*<i>Ok, let's stop here. Now, tell me this doesn't sound eerily similar to Tolkien's "Lord of The Rings." The whole time I was watching this last night, I kept noticing all of the little LOTR elements. Firstly, it's quite clear that the Elwins are essentially Hobbits. Willow Ufgood comes into the care of Elora, much like Frodo inherits Bilbo's ring. Both characters are very reluctant to leave the safety of their villages and go on a quest, but they are both motivated by the notion that they will save the world from tyranny. In the early stages of their journeys, both Willow and Frodo meet a taller, dark, stranger who just so happens to be a really skilled warrior. True, Aragorn has much more tact and grace than Madmartigan, but still the similarities are there. The mythical appearance of the fairy queen Cherlindrea draws upon the Elf Queen Galadriel, and both women give magical gifts to their tiny knights - Cherlindrea gives Willow a powerful magic wand, while Galadriel gives Frodo the Light of EƤrendil. </i><br /><br />Back to the movie. So, Willow travels to the Mysterious Island and finds the great sorceress Fin Raziel, who has been stripped of her human form by Queen Bavmorda and is now some kind of lemur or meerkat. When Willow arrives on shore with Raziel, the evil <b>Nockmaar</b> army is waiting for them. Turns out, Madmartigan betrayed Willow and gave up their location after being captured. Queen Bavmorda's daughter, <b>Sorsha</b>, has been hot on the trail of Willow and Elora. Madmartigan devises a plan for them to escape, which they successfully do. Once again though, after thinking they are in the clear, Elora is snatched up once more and finally taken to Queen Bavmorda. In the final battle sequence of the movie, Madmartigan and a rebel army march upon the Castle Nockmaar in a final effort to triumph over Bavmorda. While the men are fighting outside, Willow and Fin Raziel - now in her human form - head up to the tower where Elora is being held. There's a crazy sorceress fight between Raziel and Bavmorda (hmm, very much like the fight betwen Saruman and Gandalf) and like all happy endings, Bavmorda is destroyed. Yay! <br /><br />"Willow" is one of those movies that stands the test of time. Although it was released back in 1988, it's still an impressive fantasy romp. This is probably largely due to the fact that the story was written by George Lucas (...and partially borrowed from Tolkien *wink*) and that it was directed by Ron Howard. This should be at the top of anyone's must-watch list, at least when it comes to fantasy and adventure. It's one of my favorite movies and I had a lot of fun watching it again.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-54236724767263907812011-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:002011-04-22T12:27:25.726-07:00Movie Miscellany: 3 Sites Just For You<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNSl-1tE79w/TbHPPIlYp-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/7DfHJrqmUJM/s1600/zoolander_imac_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598483670707513314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNSl-1tE79w/TbHPPIlYp-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/7DfHJrqmUJM/s400/zoolander_imac_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.theepiceffect.com"><b>TheEpicEffect.com</b></a><br />I mentioned this site on my "Bat Pack" post a couple of days ago (they're the ones who invented the term, I take no credit!). You were probably wondering what the hell my Movie Term of The Month had to do with The Epic Effect. Well, I was searching the web for "The IT Crowd" merch and I came upon their t-shirt store. Not only did they have what I wanted, but their designs are made for true movie lovers. They've got Movie Tees, TV Tees, and even some cool Retro designs. Definitely worth checking out if you want to show off your movie knowledge!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.movieclips.com"><b>Movieclips.com</b></a><br />I want to kiss the feet of whoever came up with this brilliant idea. The concept is simple: create a database of the most memorable movie scenes ever. The site enables you to search by such variants as Mood, Director, Actor, Writer, Props, Theme, Setting, and more. The site also allows you to obtain the html code so that you can embed the video on your blog. The best part? You don't have to sign up or provide your email address or anything. Bored at work? Well, here you go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moviegoods.com"><b>Moviegoods.com</b></a><br />Get ready to decorate the crap out of your wall space! There are 775 pages of movie posters on this site, all of which are reasonably priced at about $15 per poster (some are about $10, depending on the movie). There's a special section where they feature $1 Posters, wall murals and decals, film cells, and cardboard stand-ups. The site itself is very sleek and easy to navigate. They also sell pretty nice poster frames, lightboxes, wood mounts, and they even offer lamination services for your poster. You do have to register with the site before making your purchase, though.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-65550384390871739632011-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:002011-04-21T11:40:39.922-07:00Lammys 2011: For Your Consideration<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWOCnxS8_U/TbB1LoNFL7I/AAAAAAAAAUM/5GQPviaimEo/s1600/LammyFYC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103179452821426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWOCnxS8_U/TbB1LoNFL7I/AAAAAAAAAUM/5GQPviaimEo/s400/LammyFYC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Although my chances are slim, I figured I might as well have fun with the FYC poster. I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has taken a chance with <a href="http://www.filmgirlinterrupted.com/">filmgirlinterrupted.com</a>!<br /><br />I've always wanted to do something like this, and I wasn't sure if anyone was ever going to read it. I've always wanted to be a writer, and for a time I was working on a serious piece that I was hoping to turn into a novel. But life happened, and I stopped. When I decided to start up again, I kept thinking, 'What can I write about? What do I know?' This is when my blog was born.<br /><br />I am 100% certain that I made the right move. If there's anything I love more than writing, it's movies. For a time only a couple of people in my life knew about my movie obsession. Now, I've decided to come out of the closet and reveal myself to the rest of my peers.<br /><br />It's been a lot of fun, and this isn't by any means the end. I've got a long road ahead, but I'm determined to make a name for myself. Thank you all for your support and feedback.<br /><br />- RachelRachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-82408623273451546322011-04-20T13:33:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:00:28.949-07:00Happy 420: Trip Out On These Movies!I've been thinking and thinking about this ever since I woke up, and I realized that it wouldn't feel right if I didn't do <i>something</i> on my blog for <b>April 20</b>. For those of you who may not be familiar with the American quasi-holiday, here's the scoop: <i>some high school kids back in 1971 supposedly invented the term <b>420</b> which referred to the time of day they would all meet to smoke marijuana.</i> Ever since the mid-1970s, the term <b>420</b> has been a standard term amongst pot-smokers. Quentin Tarantino made sure to pay homage to cannabis, when he set all of the clocks in the pawn shop to read <b>4:20</b> in 1994's "Pulp Fiction." (Seriously, take a good look next time you watch it! It's true!)<br /><br />There's no denying the delicate connection between marijuana and the movies. (Seriously, who do you think 3D technology was made for?) I'm going to go against the grain here, and instead of doing the standard list of "Best Movies About Marijuana" I'd like to share a list of movies that I've found to be <i>enhanced</i>, in a way, <b>thanks to</b> Mary Jane. <u>NOTE</u>: **This is all in good fun, and this post is not meant to offend anyone.**<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qBgLwsxtL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qBgLwsxtL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Tron: Legacy (2010)</b><br />Although the movie was an overall disappointment, the light-cycle races and the disk wars were very, very trippy. I had a really good time in the theater when I saw this in 3D. Visually, it blew my mind!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61MWbQ03UVL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61MWbQ03UVL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>The Matrix Trilogy</b><br />No stoner is complete without the complete saga of Neo! The lobby scene and the freeway chase scene are especially awesome if you've got a super-sweet surround sound system! Turn up the bass!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NX87AG89L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NX87AG89L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Sin City</b><br />The first time I saw this movie, I didn't really like it. It gave me a bit of a headache. And then - voila! - the second time around I was properly prepared and I friggin' loved it. Get it on Blu-Ray, smoke a bit, and get ready for a bloody good time!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TUxWTG27L._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TUxWTG27L._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>The Big Lebowski</b><br />I went to a special screening of this last Saturday at my local indie theater! It was my 3rd time watching it, and to date, my favorite viewing. I was in the right state of mind to appreciate the humor. I finally understand it's importance! <br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517PoG17%2BuL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517PoG17%2BuL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>The Fifth Element</b><br />For those of you who hated this movie because of Chris Tucker's character, you won't mind it so much after a little puff. The bright colors and Gaultier costumes also make it a fun, spacey adventure!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IfTrpXVeL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IfTrpXVeL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Time Bandits</b><br />What can be better than a cheesy time travel movie? Throw in a funny group of little people, John Cleese, and Michael Palin, and you've got a riot! Being a bit dazed helps you through the ancient special effects of 1981. <br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61oiJPOEjwL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61oiJPOEjwL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Macgruber</b><br />If you didn't find it funny the first time around, try it again after you blaze. I think this is one of the funniest movies in recent years, there are so many WTF?! moments it's almost too much. <br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B-qQWhJUL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B-qQWhJUL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Pan's Labyrinth</b><br />Contrary to popular belief, it's not too difficult for stoners to follow subtitles. If you choose any foreign film to watch on your trip, I highly recommend this one! The whole feel of the movie gets even more intense - and it's just so creative and artistic!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2B0F2uJUsL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2B0F2uJUsL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Pineapple Express</b><br />Duh. It's the best thing since "Up In Smoke!" There are so many hilarious one-liners throughout the entire movie, that it's guaranteed to make you giddy inside. Trip out the scenes with actor-turned-environmentalist Ed Begley Jr - so hilarious!<br /><br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31r93Mm5ADL._AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31r93Mm5ADL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Inception</b><br />You can hate on me all you want, ok? This movie is perfect as is, however you choose to view it. However, it's *especially* amazing in combination with some sticky green. I'd recommend this method of viewing to anti-Inception folks who "didn't get it." Open your minds!Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-40997887010912443172011-04-19T11:19:00.000-07:002011-04-19T14:11:34.493-07:00[f.g.i.] Presents: 10 Badass Vigilantes You Don't Mess WithThe inspiration for this post came to me after watching a little-known movie called <b>"Harry Brown."</b> In the movie, <b>Michael Caine</b> stars as a retired widower whose tolerance for the local drug gang is pushed to limit when his only friend is brutally murdered. With nothing left to lose, Harry decides to take justice into his own hands. Although he tries to forget the man he used to be when he served in the Royal Marines, Harry has no problem going after the young gangsters who killed his best friend. "Harry Brown" is an excellent movie, and it begs the question: <i>When the system fails to enact sufficient criminal punishment, does a person have the right to take matters into their own hands?</i> In honor of "Harry Brown," here's a list of my favorite vigilantes in movies:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://fandomania.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/dirtyharry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://fandomania.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/dirtyharry.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Harry Callahan</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Model 29<br /><br /><a href="http://fandomania.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/batman0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://fandomania.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/batman0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Batman</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Gadgets and fists<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moviemobsters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/death-wish.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.moviemobsters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/death-wish.bmp" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Paul Kersey</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Guns of all variety<br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1016/1237990798_b94e51b736.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1016/1237990798_b94e51b736.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">V</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Daggers and explosives<br /><br /><a href="http://images3.makefive.com/images/entertainment/movies/best-movie-revenge-killers/el-mariachi-antonio-banderas-in-desperado-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://images3.makefive.com/images/entertainment/movies/best-movie-revenge-killers/el-mariachi-antonio-banderas-in-desperado-7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">El Mariachi</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Ruger KP90<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3978371514_0ebfa3932c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3978371514_0ebfa3932c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">The Macmanus Brothers</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Beretta 92FS with Silencer<br /><br /><a href="http://tvmag.tvimg.partner-tvmag.net/ImCon/Arti/44341/taken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://tvmag.tvimg.partner-tvmag.net/ImCon/Arti/44341/taken.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Bryan Mills</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Two Tone Beretta 92FS<br /><br /><a href="http://jonathankiefer.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/death_sentence.jpg?w=450&h=300"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://jonathankiefer.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/death_sentence.jpg?w=450&h=300" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Nick Hume</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Colt M1991A1<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blackmagazine.it/fnts/film/immagini/350x250/oldboy102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.blackmagazine.it/fnts/film/immagini/350x250/oldboy102.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Dae-su Oh</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: Hammer<br /><br /><a href="http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/toiu09/1-581.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/toiu09/1-581.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><span style="font-size:180%;">Harry Brown</span></b><br /><u>Weapon Of Choice</u>: SIG-Sauer P226R</center>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-54142025466996163592011-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:002011-04-18T09:52:38.395-07:00[f.g.i.] Presents: Movie Term Of The Month<center><b><span style="font-size:180%;">"The Bat Pack"</span></b></center><br />The creative minds behind <a href="http://www.theepiceffect.com">The Epic Effect</a> have outdone themselves this time. First, there was The Rat Pack. And then came The Brat Pack. The new millenium brought us The Frat Pack. And now...The Bat Pack.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7trTADzpZA/TaxrUy5irlI/AAAAAAAAAT0/699SEKTFv08/s1600/The_Bat_Pack.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7trTADzpZA/TaxrUy5irlI/AAAAAAAAAT0/699SEKTFv08/s400/The_Bat_Pack.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596966441919360594" /></a><br /><b>1. The Bat Pack</b>, Proper noun: <br /><b>(a)</b> <i>A group of actors and actresses who have had starring roles in multiple Christopher Nolan films including "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight," and "Inception."</i> <b>(b)</b><i> An elite group consisting of actors and actresses who have worked closely with Christopher Nolan on more than one film.</i> <b>(c)</b> <i>An exclusive gang of the coolest people in Hollywood.</i><br /><br /><center><b><u>Example:</b></u> <i>"I want to hang out with Christopher Nolan and The Bat Pack!"</i><br /><br /><b><u>Example:</b></u> <i>"Screw the Oscars. Nolan's got The Bat Pack!"</i><br /><br /><b><u>Example:</b></u> <i>"We miss you Heath, but you'll always be a part of The Bat Pack!"</i></center>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-24100943845816820482011-04-13T11:08:00.000-07:002011-04-13T16:35:29.559-07:00[f.g.i.] Presents: 25 Heartbreaking Scenes That Get Me Every TimeThere are certain movie scenes that are forever burned into your brain. Sometimes, it's a really cool car chase or an epic battle sequence. Sometimes, it's a really violent death or a hilarious one-liner. I'd like to take a moment to share with you the saddest, most heartbreaking moments that have been permanently been etched into my memory. I get choked up just thinking about these moments. I suggest you locate that box of tissues. **SPOILERS AHEAD**<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Million Dollar Baby"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Frankie tells Maggie that <i>mo cuishle</i> means 'my darling, my blood,' just before he gives her the shot of adrenaline and removes her breathing tube.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hammertonail.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/MillionDollarBabystill6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.hammertonail.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/MillionDollarBabystill6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "Edward Scissorhands"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Kim asks Edward to hold her, and he answers "I can't."<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> As Li Mu Bai lays dying from Jade Fox's poisonous darts, he tells Yu Shu Lien "I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you..."<br /><br /><b>Movie: "La Vie En Rose"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> When Edith is informed of the airplane crash and learns that her lover, Marcel, is dead - she cries in agony, shouting his name. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.acdn.us/image/A2326/232657/300_232657.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://i.acdn.us/image/A2326/232657/300_232657.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "Saving Private Ryan"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Jewish solider Stan Mellish is stabbed in the heart by a German soldier after an intense one-on-one fight. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "Brokeback Mountain"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> The final scene, where we see Ennis embracing Jack's flannel shirt.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Boys Don't Cry"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Llana's two male friends discover that Brandon is really a female. Brandon is raped and murdered.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Up"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> As Ellie is dying in the hospital, she hands Carl her adventure scrapbook. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "Requiem For A Dream"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Seeing all 4 characters as they are lying down, thinking of what their lives could have been, with that epic music playing in the background.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Revolutionary Road"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> After April decides to give herself an abortion, she stands in the living room as blood covers her skirt and drips to the floor. April dies at the hospital, and Frank sits in the lobby in disbelief.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.decine21.com/EstructurasBd/Peliculas/N15256/Imagenes/revolutionaryroad1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.decine21.com/EstructurasBd/Peliculas/N15256/Imagenes/revolutionaryroad1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "Gran Torino"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> After the local gang shoots up Thao's house, his sister, Sue, walks through the door bloodied and bruised. Thao, his mother, and his grandmother, all cry and scream in pain as Sue sits down with a blank stare. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "The Last Samurai"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Katsumoto's son, Nobutada, is wounded but he decides to stay and sacrifice himself so that his father can escape. Katsumoto tries very hard not to cry as he picks his son up. Nobutada bravely charges at the armed soldiers only to be shot several times.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "American History X"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Danny is murdered in the school bathroom. We see Derek running in slow motion through the doors of the school and when he sees his little brother dead, he weeps in agony. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cmsimg.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CN&Date=20100906&Category=ENTERTAINMENT&ArtNo=100902036&Ref=V3&MaxW=300&Border=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://cmsimg.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CN&Date=20100906&Category=ENTERTAINMENT&ArtNo=100902036&Ref=V3&MaxW=300&Border=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "Mystic River"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> When his daugher's body is discovered, Jimmy tries to fight his way through to line of police as he repeatedly shouts, "Is that my daughter in there?!"<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Titanic"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Rose tries desperately to hold on to Jack's lifeless body, but she finally lets him go and he sinks into the Atlantic.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Realizing that he's making a huge mistak, Joel begs Dr. Mierzwiak, "Please let me keep this memory, just this one!"<br /><br /><b>Movie: "Moulin Rouge"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> As Satine lays dying in Christian's arms, she says "Tell our story, Christian...I'll always be with you." <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mediacircus.net/moulinrouge_____2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.mediacircus.net/moulinrouge_____2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "The Patriot"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> When Benjamin is leaving the Gullah camp, his youngest daughter, Susan, who has never spoken a word to him throughout the movie, runs after him and begs him not to leave. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "Avatar"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> When Home Tree is destroyed, the Na'vi cry in horror as they look back at the destruction.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "The Lion King"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> After Mufasa falls to his death, Simba desperately tugs at his ears in an effort to wake him.<br /><br /><b>Movie: "The Neverending Story"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Atreyu's horse, Artax, gets stuck in quicksand and slowly sinks to his death as Atreyu pulls on his reigns. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "The Sixth Sense"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> When Cole tells his mom that Grandma secretly watched her dance at her recital. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.clauve.multiply.com/image/iy6q41qT0AlNjyyfNEAnHA/photos/1M/300x300/1481/haley-joel-osment-pay-it-forward-001.jpg?et=qLDJKk4YwrzG%2C5MEeGFCVw&nmid=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://images.clauve.multiply.com/image/iy6q41qT0AlNjyyfNEAnHA/photos/1M/300x300/1481/haley-joel-osment-pay-it-forward-001.jpg?et=qLDJKk4YwrzG%2C5MEeGFCVw&nmid=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Movie: "Atonement"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> We see the body of Cecilia floating in a flooded subway station, and Robbie dies after getting separated from his platoon. <br /><br /><b>Movie: "My Girl"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> At Thomas J.'s funeral, Vada approaches the open casket and says, "Where are his glasses? He can't see without his glasses!"<br /><br /><b>Movie: "The Green Mile"</b><br /><b>Scene:</b> Watching John Coffey being executed, as all of the guards start to cry.<br /><br /><i><b>What famous movie scenes get you choked up? Please feel free to share in the comments!</i></b>Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-54116780008846210262011-04-11T11:57:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:01:41.968-07:00Watching "Your Highness" makes you feel like you're paying way too much for that dimebag: C<a href="http://www.thecastof.com/posters/your-highness-movie-poster-504.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 317px;" src="http://www.thecastof.com/posters/your-highness-movie-poster-504.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I was totally ready to get my quest on. I've been looking forward to "Your Highness" ever since I saw the exclusive red-band trailer some time last summer. I figured it would be a medieval version of "Pineapple Express," which is one of the funniest movies in recent years. Obviously, I wasn't expecting Oscar-worthy acting or even a decent storyline. I was just expecting to laugh my ass off - and that didn't really happen. (In case you're wondering, I certainly "prepared" myself appropriately for this movie - and I still didn't find it very funny). I think that sums it up right there.<br /><br /><b>Thadeous (Danny McBride)</b> and <b>Fabious (James Franco)</b> are princes in the kingdom of Mourne. When Fabious returns from a long and glorious quest, he arrives with his new bride-to-be, <b>Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel)</b>. The evil warlock <b>Leezar (Justin Theroux)</b> intends to capture and impregnate Belladonna in order to create a powerful dragon, as foretold by the great prophecy. When his bride is snatched away, Fabious enlists the help of his men and his brother to once again go on a quest to rescue Belladonna. Thadeous is more of the prissy stay-at-home type, so with his loyal manservant <b>Courtney (Rasmus Hardiker)</b> by his side, he agrees to follow his brother. Along the way, we meet <b>Isabel (Natalie Portman)</b>, a fellow quester who is on her way to Leezar's fortress to avenge the death of her comrades. Joining forces, the trio plus Courtney follow a magical compass that leads them to the Unicorn Sword, the only thing that will destroy Leezar. <br /><br />The story sounds funny, the trailer was funny, but there was something seriously wrong with "Your Highness." Danny McBride was the only thing saving this movie from complete disaster. I must admit that I prefer to watch McBride as a more aggressive and ballsy character like Kenny Powers; the character of Thadeous didn't really suit him, even though he ended up working it out. I can't help but point out that James Franco was awful. In "Pineapple Express" as Saul, he's aloof and strange because he's a major pothead; in "Your Highness," Franco is aloof and strange because he's bored...? I don't know! It just seemed like he was half-assing it the whole time, like he forgot how to be funny. And don't even get me started on Natalie Portman - I am so tired of seeing her face on every movie poster. I get that she's got a sense of humor, with the videos on Funny or Die and the SNL sketches, but I'm getting really tired of her. She didn't do anything for the movie, and casting her was just a way to get overly-excited 14 year old boys into the theater. <br /><br />Overall, the jokes were pretty lame. I laughed out loud maybe 4 or 5 times, but it was always because of Danny McBride. He's hilarious, and just the way he talks is enough to make a recycled joke laughable. The other thing that bothered me was how crappy the entire movie looked! I mean, the set pieces looked like they were made for an elementary school Easter recital. The costumes were very....costume-y. Do you know what I mean? I get that it's a spoof and that it's not supposed to be taken seriously, but c'mon! Put a little bit of effort into it, right? I just felt like David Gordon Green met up with Danny McBride and said, "Hey, do you feel like doing a movie just for whatever?" And as he lets out a huge puff of smoke, Danny replies, "Sure I can dig on that. Get Franco in here, he hasn't been out the house in a week."<br /><br />Yeah, so, "Your Highness" was a buzzkill. There were definitely some golden moments, but not enough to encourage me to give it anything higher than a "C." Did you see it? What did you think?Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-708084858117744462.post-10433624514910792032011-04-10T21:01:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:03:10.217-07:00"13 Assassins" is serious samurai business: A<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6f1f0TX2_WA/TZLKZ4nTPmI/AAAAAAAAKqs/nNSHLgzFrkU/s400/13assassins10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6f1f0TX2_WA/TZLKZ4nTPmI/AAAAAAAAKqs/nNSHLgzFrkU/s400/13assassins10.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>HELL YES!!!</b><br /><br />After a couple of busy weeks, I finally got around to watching "13 Assassins." I've had my eye on this one ever since the exclusive trailer was released on iTunes. And it was everything I was hoping for. <br /><br />In 1860's Japan, the evil <b>Lord Naritsugu</b> rules the Akashi feudal clan. As the half-brother of the Shogun, Naritsugu takes advantage of his lineage and has his way with just about anyone he crosses paths with. His bloodlust has not gone unnoticed, and in order to maintain the time of national peace, the Shogun puts in a secret request to have his half-brother killed. <br /><br />The Shogun's second-in-command, <b>Sir Doi</b>, reaches out to a man named <b>Shinzaemon Shimada</b>, a well-known samurai. Lord Naritsugu must be taken out before he reaches the Akamai region, where he will be inducted as Sir Doi's replacement. If Shinzaemon does not kill Naritsugu before he is made official, then the time of peace will be in jeopardy.<br /><br />In order to convince Shinzaemon to come out of retirement, Sir Doi shares with him the horrors that Lord Naritsugu has inflicted upon innocent people. Most memorably, a woman who managed to escape his fortress only to be left with two legs to stand on. Shinzaemon then begins to recruit the best samurai in the region to join him in his assault. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://budomate.com/budomate3/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/13-assassins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 266px;" src="http://budomate.com/budomate3/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/13-assassins.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Let me tell you this: <b>75%</b> of the movie revolves around the complicated politics and social tensions that reflect the times. If you're attentive with the subtitles, the story begins to unfold - and it's a very poignant, emotional story of good versus evil. If you're not really paying attention, you'll find yourself feeling impatient and wondering, "When's the fighting gonna start?" <br /><br />The remaining 25% of the film is completely dedicated to blood, swords, arrows, explosions, bone-breaking, neck-snapping, and total massacre. Takashi Miike does a really outstanding job of building you up and getting you ready for the most epic samurai battle you will ever see. When Lord Naritsugu and his 200 bodyguards are funneled into and trapped in a small town, Shinzaemon and his 12 assassins are waiting for him.<br /><br />I can't say enough for how amazing the final standoff was. It's one of the longest battle scenes I've watched, and it was filmed in a way that felt so real. Even the blood-spatter was realistic, not exaggerated like the Tarantino does it (sorry, Quentin). <br /><br />I really enjoyed "13 Assassins." If Tom Cruise doesn't cut it for you, then I highly recommend that you check out this movie. It's a real tribute to the works of such visonaries as Akira Kurosawa and Hideo Gosha. I guess at the end of the day, I'm just a silly Caucasian girl who wishes she could play with samurai swords.Rachel [f.g.i.]http://www.blogger.com/profile/03810466483340479180noreply@blogger.com3