As most of you know, the Oscars are upon us. That's right, folks-Feb 27 is the big day! In honor of this year's Oscars, here's my list of Oscar-winner predictions.
Please note these are only my predictions. I'll try to coerce Matt, the walking film encyclopedia and general manager of our wonderful store, to post his predictions later, which I can assure you will be much more accurate than mine.
Here goes! Looking into my crystal ball, I see that the winners are...
Best Picture
The Social Network, though I think every other film nominated deserves it a lot more. Seriously, what's the big to-do with this movie anyway?
Actor in a Leading Role
James Franco for 127 Hours, though Colin Firth may give him a run for his money.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech-though it would be nice if newcomer John Hawkes were to win for Winter's Bone, but that won't happen.
Actress in a Leading Role
Nathalie Portman for Black Swan. No contest.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Jackie Weaver in Animal Kingdom, though I could be wrong on this one.
Animated Feature Film
Toy Story 3, without a doubt. This category was basically created for Pixar. (Oscar trivia-the year Toy Story came out, the Academy knew it deserved an Oscar, but there was no category that was suitable, so they created a "Special Achievement" Oscar. Since then, there has been an Animated Feature Film award.)
Art Direction
This is a tough one, and for me is a bit of a three-way-tie between Inception, Harry Potter, and Alic in Wonderland. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd go with Alice in Wonderland.
Cinematography
It will probably go to Inception, though I think Black Swan is equally deserving.
Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland. When in doubt, go with a Colleen Atwood design.
Directing
This one is REALLY tough, as I think all the directors nominated deserve it equally. But my guess is the award will go to David Fincher for The Social Network.
Documentary Feature
Proooooobably Restrepo, though I could be convinced otherwise.
Documentary Short Subject
Shamefully, I have seen non of these, so I therefore can't have an opinion. (Incidentally, the National Archives downtown is showing all the smaller Oscar-nominated films next week; Feb 23rd-27th is one feature-length documentary per evening; Feb 26th at noon they're showing the live-action short film nominees, Feb 26th at 3:30 they're showing the animated shorts, and Feb 27th at 11:30am they're showing the documentary shorts. I believe the events are free.
Film Editing
Black Swan
Foreign Languague Film
I haven't seen them yet, but going by the buzz, I'm say either Dogtooth or Biutiful.
Makeup
Wolfman
Music (Original Score)
Maybe The King's Speech? I don't have a strong opinion on this one.
Music (Original Song)
"We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3. They always win everything.
Short Film (Animated)
I've only seen Night and Day, so I'm going to unfairly go with that one.
Short Film (Live Action)
I haven't seen them. Sorry.
Sound Editing
Definitely Tron: Legacy
Sound Mixing
Inception perhaps?
Visual Effects
Probably Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. They always seem to win that one.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
I'm holding out for Winter's Bone. The underdog should win something!
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Probably The King's Speech, though The Kids Are Alright could sneak up from behind and snatch it.
-Posted by Colleen
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
10 Movies You Should See In Order to Function in Society
Now, I know everyone has movies that they love. And not everyone loves the classic films that are cultural icons. But in order to be at least coherent in film circles, there are some movies you simply have to see. You don't have to love them, but you should at least be able to say, "Hey, I've seen that!" when someone starts snobbily talking about the final shot of Citizen Kane. So without further ado, here is a list of movies you should probably see in order to talk to film snobs.
1) The Godfather- You can probably skip part 3 if the crime genre isn't your thing, but definitely see The Godfather and The Godfather 2. That way when anyone says "Leave the gun, take the canoli" or talks about the bloody horse head, you'll understand what they're talking about.
2) Taxi Driver-Not only is this film cinematically important, but culturally as well. Remember the whole Jodie-Foster's-fan-tried-to-kill-Reagan-to-impress-her thing? That was because of this movie.
3) Citizen Kane-Now you'll know the secret and dirty meaning behind the term "Rosebuuuuuuuud".
4) The Graduate-I actually kind of hate The Graduate. It's not that it's a bad movie or anything. As movies about sex with your girlfriend's mother go, it's fine. I just don't understand why it's a cultural phenomenon. But, the fact that my professors in film school showed it every...single...semester...that probably means something. If for nothing else, watch it for the great soundtrack. Mrs. Robinson next door will never seem the same after that.
5) Chinatown-I haven't seen this yet. I've been reprimanded many times. Don't make my mistake.
6) Planet of the Apes-Not the crappy re-make with an ape Abraham Lincoln. The original, true-blue, Charleton Heston overly-acted dramafest. Know it, love it, and try not to look at the DVD cover if you don't know the ending yet, because it gives it away. (I guess that's proof that you should see this movie-so many people have seen it that they put the big reveal right on the cover!)
7) Back the the Future-And not just the first one. Watch all three.
8) Star Wars-I hate Star Wars. I know, I'm un-American. But you should watch it anyway so you can at least recognize the cultural references to it.
9) Psycho-Again, please do yourself a favor and don't watch the remake. It's painful. But the original Janet Leigh flick? Absolutely creeptastic. It's the grandaddy of all horror films, and in my opinion Alfred Hitchcock's greatest achievement (not to belittle his other wonderful films, of course).
10) I had a lot of trouble picking a classic film. Not because there aren't enough good ones, but because there are too many. So, instead of just one, here's a bonus list:
The Jazz Singer-this is the first full-length film with sound. Therefore, definitely a must-see.
Gone With the Wind-I hate Scarlett O'Hara with every fiber of my being, but at least she gets dumped in the end, which makes it worth watching.
The Wizard of Oz-this film was one of the first to use Technicolor in such a way. It's an outstanding technological achievement.
12 Angry Men-Based on a play of the same name, this film presents some of the greatest acting performances in the history of film.
The Apartment-I haven't seen this yet, but I'm told I should.
The Ten Commandments-As Charleton Heston's most iconic film, this one is a must-see.
Lawrence of Arabia-The sweeping cinematography make this one a huge leap forward in technology.
There! Now you can go schmooze with the token annoying film snob who randomly gets invited to dinner parties. And for those of you who rose to the challenge and want to go one step further, here's a quick list of the films you should watch next:
Indiana Jones trilogy
Any James Bond film
Halloween (the original, please)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fantasia
Toy Story
Titanic
The Sound of Music
Casablanca
Shop Around the Corner
It's a Wonderful Life
Happy watching!
-Posted by Colleen
1) The Godfather- You can probably skip part 3 if the crime genre isn't your thing, but definitely see The Godfather and The Godfather 2. That way when anyone says "Leave the gun, take the canoli" or talks about the bloody horse head, you'll understand what they're talking about.
2) Taxi Driver-Not only is this film cinematically important, but culturally as well. Remember the whole Jodie-Foster's-fan-tried-to-kill-Reagan-to-impress-her thing? That was because of this movie.
3) Citizen Kane-Now you'll know the secret and dirty meaning behind the term "Rosebuuuuuuuud".
4) The Graduate-I actually kind of hate The Graduate. It's not that it's a bad movie or anything. As movies about sex with your girlfriend's mother go, it's fine. I just don't understand why it's a cultural phenomenon. But, the fact that my professors in film school showed it every...single...semester...that probably means something. If for nothing else, watch it for the great soundtrack. Mrs. Robinson next door will never seem the same after that.
5) Chinatown-I haven't seen this yet. I've been reprimanded many times. Don't make my mistake.
6) Planet of the Apes-Not the crappy re-make with an ape Abraham Lincoln. The original, true-blue, Charleton Heston overly-acted dramafest. Know it, love it, and try not to look at the DVD cover if you don't know the ending yet, because it gives it away. (I guess that's proof that you should see this movie-so many people have seen it that they put the big reveal right on the cover!)
7) Back the the Future-And not just the first one. Watch all three.
8) Star Wars-I hate Star Wars. I know, I'm un-American. But you should watch it anyway so you can at least recognize the cultural references to it.
9) Psycho-Again, please do yourself a favor and don't watch the remake. It's painful. But the original Janet Leigh flick? Absolutely creeptastic. It's the grandaddy of all horror films, and in my opinion Alfred Hitchcock's greatest achievement (not to belittle his other wonderful films, of course).
10) I had a lot of trouble picking a classic film. Not because there aren't enough good ones, but because there are too many. So, instead of just one, here's a bonus list:
The Jazz Singer-this is the first full-length film with sound. Therefore, definitely a must-see.
Gone With the Wind-I hate Scarlett O'Hara with every fiber of my being, but at least she gets dumped in the end, which makes it worth watching.
The Wizard of Oz-this film was one of the first to use Technicolor in such a way. It's an outstanding technological achievement.
12 Angry Men-Based on a play of the same name, this film presents some of the greatest acting performances in the history of film.
The Apartment-I haven't seen this yet, but I'm told I should.
The Ten Commandments-As Charleton Heston's most iconic film, this one is a must-see.
Lawrence of Arabia-The sweeping cinematography make this one a huge leap forward in technology.
There! Now you can go schmooze with the token annoying film snob who randomly gets invited to dinner parties. And for those of you who rose to the challenge and want to go one step further, here's a quick list of the films you should watch next:
Indiana Jones trilogy
Any James Bond film
Halloween (the original, please)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fantasia
Toy Story
Titanic
The Sound of Music
Casablanca
Shop Around the Corner
It's a Wonderful Life
Happy watching!
-Posted by Colleen
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Dreaded Day
I don't know about all of you, but I personally hate Valentine's Day. It's not that I'm a bitter single woman who got dumped for a sheep on some Valentine's Day in the past or anything. I'm in a happy relationship with no Valentine's Day-related heartbreak to speak of. But I can't help it. I still hate it. I don't know why. Therefore, instead of the list of happy-couple-movies you were probably expecting, here's a list of good movies to watch on Valentine's Day that have nothing to do with romantic love and everything to do with the other kinds of love in your life. So whether you're bitter and single, coupled and ambivalent, or forgot about Valentine's Day entirely, here's a list of movies to watch this holiday for those of us who aren't the sappy type.
Up
OK, this one starts with a love story, but that's not really what the movie is about. It's about finding relationships beyond romantic love and learning to live with loss. This is probably one of the funniest and most beautiful movies I've ever seen, and it's a great choice to watch with the kids. (Or by yourself-there's no shame in loving kids movies!)
Under the Tuscan Sun
This movie is by far the biggest reason I have a girl-crush on Diane Lane. A recently divorced writer, Fran (Lane) decides on an impulse to move to Tuscany. At first she is miserably lonely, but as she searches for love, she slowly begins to realize all the different kinds of love she already has in her life. The movie is a bit slow, but that hasn't stopped me from watching it about 3 dozen times!
Homeward Bound
What better way to comfort yourself on Valentine's Day than to watch puppies? Two dogs and a cat accidentally get lost, and travel together across mid-America to find their way home. The three would-be rivals grow closer as they learn to help each other and find their owners. Totally cheesy, and totally awesome.
Hachi
Another dog movie for those who prefer to snuggle with an animal rather than a person. Based on a true story, Hachi is about a dog who follows his owner to the train everyday, and comes to meet him every afternoon like clockwork. Suddenly, his master (Richard Gere) dies in an accident. But Hachi won't accept his loss, and goes to the train station to wait every day until the day he dies. This movie is so incredibly sappy, but it's really sweet. Just make sure you've got the tissues handy....
Grumpy Old Men
I know, I recommend this movie all the time. Deal with it.
Hook
The classic sequel to the Peter Pan story, this film stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, and Bob Hoskins. Peter Banning (Williams) is a corporate exec who loves his job more than he loves his family. Or so he thinks, until his kids are kidnapped mysteriously in the night by Captain Hook (Hoffman). It's then that he finds out the mystery of his past-he is Peter Pan! He goes on a quest to save his kids from Neverland, tangling with Lost Boys, Tinkerbell (Roberts) and Smee (Hoskins) along the way. And of course, he learns a tender lesson about family in the end. Blah, blah blah. Whatever. It might be the greatest movie of my childhood.
And finally, one token sappy romantic comedy for those of you out there who aren't curmudgeons:
Bridget Jones' Diary
I know everyone on planet Earth has seen this one, but I picked this one because it's so real. I mean, OK, the chances of any of us having an affair with Hugh Grant and then meeting and falling in love with Colin Firth are slim-to-none. But Bridget (played by Renee Zellwegger) is a real woman. She's got curves, attitude, and is a complete klutz, as most of us are. Great feel-good movie for the awkward woman in all of us.
-Posted by Colleen
Up
OK, this one starts with a love story, but that's not really what the movie is about. It's about finding relationships beyond romantic love and learning to live with loss. This is probably one of the funniest and most beautiful movies I've ever seen, and it's a great choice to watch with the kids. (Or by yourself-there's no shame in loving kids movies!)
Under the Tuscan Sun
This movie is by far the biggest reason I have a girl-crush on Diane Lane. A recently divorced writer, Fran (Lane) decides on an impulse to move to Tuscany. At first she is miserably lonely, but as she searches for love, she slowly begins to realize all the different kinds of love she already has in her life. The movie is a bit slow, but that hasn't stopped me from watching it about 3 dozen times!
Homeward Bound
What better way to comfort yourself on Valentine's Day than to watch puppies? Two dogs and a cat accidentally get lost, and travel together across mid-America to find their way home. The three would-be rivals grow closer as they learn to help each other and find their owners. Totally cheesy, and totally awesome.
Hachi
Another dog movie for those who prefer to snuggle with an animal rather than a person. Based on a true story, Hachi is about a dog who follows his owner to the train everyday, and comes to meet him every afternoon like clockwork. Suddenly, his master (Richard Gere) dies in an accident. But Hachi won't accept his loss, and goes to the train station to wait every day until the day he dies. This movie is so incredibly sappy, but it's really sweet. Just make sure you've got the tissues handy....
Grumpy Old Men
I know, I recommend this movie all the time. Deal with it.
Hook
The classic sequel to the Peter Pan story, this film stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, and Bob Hoskins. Peter Banning (Williams) is a corporate exec who loves his job more than he loves his family. Or so he thinks, until his kids are kidnapped mysteriously in the night by Captain Hook (Hoffman). It's then that he finds out the mystery of his past-he is Peter Pan! He goes on a quest to save his kids from Neverland, tangling with Lost Boys, Tinkerbell (Roberts) and Smee (Hoskins) along the way. And of course, he learns a tender lesson about family in the end. Blah, blah blah. Whatever. It might be the greatest movie of my childhood.
And finally, one token sappy romantic comedy for those of you out there who aren't curmudgeons:
Bridget Jones' Diary
I know everyone on planet Earth has seen this one, but I picked this one because it's so real. I mean, OK, the chances of any of us having an affair with Hugh Grant and then meeting and falling in love with Colin Firth are slim-to-none. But Bridget (played by Renee Zellwegger) is a real woman. She's got curves, attitude, and is a complete klutz, as most of us are. Great feel-good movie for the awkward woman in all of us.
-Posted by Colleen
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Best Actor Alternatives
As all of us who have stepped out into the world in the last 2 weeks know, the Oscar nominees are out! (See further down the blog for a complete list, including which films we carry.) And everyone who's anyone is trying to catch up on all their Oscar films. But sometimes, there just aren't enough films to go around. (Trying to get your mitts on a copy of Winter's Bone on a Friday night? Godspeed.) But that doesn't mean you can't catch up on some of the nominees' other work. So, here's a list of other great performances by the Best Actor and Actress nominees that we think you should watch while waiting for the million people who checked out The Social Network before you did to return their copy.
All of these films are available to rent at our MacArthur store.
Best Actor
Javier Bardem (nominated for Biutiful): Try checking out No Country For Old Men or See Inside for other examples of Bardem's work
Jeff Bridges (nominated for True Grit): If you're a year behind in your movies, check out Crazy Heart, which snagged Bridges an Oscar last year. Other options: Tron (the original; the new one is still in theaters) or Starman
Jesse Eisenberg (nominated for The Social Network): Eisenberg doesn't have a whole lot of movies under his belt, but Adventureland is one of them, and a good sample of his acting chops.
Colin Firth (nominated for The King's Speech): Honestly, what HASN'T this guy been in? It was hard to narrow it down, but here's a list of good picks: to see him perform totally against type, try A Single Man, Girl With the Pearl Earring, or Dorian Gray. For some good old cheesy fall-in-love-with-him-every-time romance, try Pride & Prejudice, Love Actually, or Bridget Jones' Diary
James Franco (nominated for 127 Hours): He may be busy getting a PhD, but Franco's had the time to churn out a few classics. Try Spiderman or Pineapple Express
Best Actress
Annette Bening (nominated for The Kids Are All Right): She's got a list of great performances as long as your arm, but here's a sample: Bugsy, American Beauty, Valmont, American President, Being Julia
Nicole Kidman (nominated for Rabbit Hole): For such a wonderful actress, she certainly has some garbage on her resume. (Australia, anyone?) Fortunately, she's got some classics, too. For a good sampling of her many talents, check out Moulin Rouge, The Others, Cold Mountain, or Eyes Wide Shut.
Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for Winter's Bone): As a Hollywood newcomer, Lawrence doesn't have a whole lot of roles under her belt. But you can see her in a supporting role in The Burning Plain.
Nathalie Portman (nominated for Black Swan): Like Bening and Kidman, Portman is a bit of a living legend; her list of great films goes on for days. But we picked a few favorites: Where the Heart Is, The Professional, V For Vendetta, and Closer
Michelle Williams (nominated for Blue Valentine): Remember her way back in Dawson's Creek? Fortunately, she's blossomed since then. For a sampling of her work, take a look at Brokeback Mountain, Wendy and Lucy, or Dick.
-Posted by Colleen
All of these films are available to rent at our MacArthur store.
Best Actor
Javier Bardem (nominated for Biutiful): Try checking out No Country For Old Men or See Inside for other examples of Bardem's work
Jeff Bridges (nominated for True Grit): If you're a year behind in your movies, check out Crazy Heart, which snagged Bridges an Oscar last year. Other options: Tron (the original; the new one is still in theaters) or Starman
Jesse Eisenberg (nominated for The Social Network): Eisenberg doesn't have a whole lot of movies under his belt, but Adventureland is one of them, and a good sample of his acting chops.
Colin Firth (nominated for The King's Speech): Honestly, what HASN'T this guy been in? It was hard to narrow it down, but here's a list of good picks: to see him perform totally against type, try A Single Man, Girl With the Pearl Earring, or Dorian Gray. For some good old cheesy fall-in-love-with-him-every-time romance, try Pride & Prejudice, Love Actually, or Bridget Jones' Diary
James Franco (nominated for 127 Hours): He may be busy getting a PhD, but Franco's had the time to churn out a few classics. Try Spiderman or Pineapple Express
Best Actress
Annette Bening (nominated for The Kids Are All Right): She's got a list of great performances as long as your arm, but here's a sample: Bugsy, American Beauty, Valmont, American President, Being Julia
Nicole Kidman (nominated for Rabbit Hole): For such a wonderful actress, she certainly has some garbage on her resume. (Australia, anyone?) Fortunately, she's got some classics, too. For a good sampling of her many talents, check out Moulin Rouge, The Others, Cold Mountain, or Eyes Wide Shut.
Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for Winter's Bone): As a Hollywood newcomer, Lawrence doesn't have a whole lot of roles under her belt. But you can see her in a supporting role in The Burning Plain.
Nathalie Portman (nominated for Black Swan): Like Bening and Kidman, Portman is a bit of a living legend; her list of great films goes on for days. But we picked a few favorites: Where the Heart Is, The Professional, V For Vendetta, and Closer
Michelle Williams (nominated for Blue Valentine): Remember her way back in Dawson's Creek? Fortunately, she's blossomed since then. For a sampling of her work, take a look at Brokeback Mountain, Wendy and Lucy, or Dick.
-Posted by Colleen
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Movies I'm Ashamed to Love
Everyone has them-the guilty-pleasure movies they can't stop watching. And no one likes to admit what they are. I'm no exception-if you come up to me in the store and ask what my favorite movies are, I'll inevitably give you a list that includes The Shawshank Redemption, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, and Clerks. And these are great movies. They really, really are. I love them and will never turn down an opportunity to watch them. But let's be honest-those are only the favorites that I'm not ashamed of. The time has come to 'fess up. Here's my list of favorite movies that you won't find on AFI's Greatest Movies of All Time list.
Don't judge me.
Grumpy Old Men
Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheau play next-door-neighbors whose life-long rivalry is only getting worse with age. Their fighting comes to a head when the new exotic neighbor Ariel (played by Ann-Margaret) moves in, and they both fall head over heels. But eventually they begin to realize that maybe they don't hate each other after all.
I love, love, LOVE this movie. I watch it in the store all the time. You've probably seen me at it-I'll quickly press "pause" or turn the volume down as soon as I see you coming so you won't be witness to my shame. But now I confess it to the world-this is my all-time, hands-down, no-holds-barred favorite movie. There. I said it. (Come on-you know you love watching Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheau call each other names and throw dead fish in each other's cars.)
Bringing Down the House
Steve Martin plays an uppity divorced tax lawyer who is trying to find a way to bond with his kids, get his ex back, and have a successful career at the same time-and he's not doing a very good job. In walks Charlene (Queen Latifah) an ex-con who brings him both her case and her attitude, and teaches him a thing or two about life, falling in love with Steve Martin's law partner (Eugene Levy) in the meantime.
I can't decide if this film is racist or not. Furthermore, if it is, I can't tell if it's making fun of black people or white people. Maybe both. Maybe neither. Also, the script is bad. B-A-D bad. The plot is lame, the comedy is unworthy of the cast, and the soundtrack is so cliche it's laughable. But I love it anyway. So sue me.
The Mummy series
A quasi-remake of the old horror movie The Mummy, this series stars Brendan Frasier as Rick O'Connell, an American treasure-seeker who stumbles upon an ancient curse in Hamunaptra, a mythical Egyptian city. With the "help" of Yvie, a librarian and expert on ancient Egyptian lore (Rachel Weisz), he manages to free the mummy that haunts Hamunaptra, and endangers the whole world in doing so.
Everyone (Seriously. Everyone.) tells me this trilogy sucks. But I don't get it. I think it's awesome. Brendan Frasier is hot, I have a girl-crush on Rachel Weisz, and a soft spot for ancient mythology. I can't get enough of these movies. (Though you can skip the third one. Rachel Weisz dropped the franchise, so really, what's the point?)
Encino Man
Another Brendan Frasier catastrophe, this film also stars Paulie Shore and Sean Astin as two hapless teenagers who dig up a frozen caveman (Frasier) in their pool and unfreeze him with hairdryers. In their quest to be cool, they end up "dissing" their new caveman buddy and setting him adrift. But in the end, Link the Caveman teaches them things about life they were too busy to learn on their own.
Come on, it's Paulie Shore. What more is there to be said?
17 Again
Zac Efron stars in this not-at-all-original body-swap comedy. Mike (Efron/Matthew Perry) feels as if he has thrown his life away. But then, he gets a second chance when he wakes up 17 again! He befriends his high school children, and hilarity ensues.
There's nothing good about this movie. I love it anyway. I have no excuse.
Austin Powers in Goldmember
The third and inarguably worst installment in the Austin Powers trilogy, in this film Austin finds himself working alongside his estranged father (Michael Caine) to defeat the criminal mastermind Goldmember, who loves gold so much he had his genitals re-cast in gold after suffering from an "unfortunate smelting accident".
There's lots of Dr. Evil in this movie. Britney Spears' head explodes. And Mini-Me turns good. What's not to love about this terrible, horrible, no-good-very-bad film?
-Posted by Colleen
Don't judge me.
Grumpy Old Men
Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheau play next-door-neighbors whose life-long rivalry is only getting worse with age. Their fighting comes to a head when the new exotic neighbor Ariel (played by Ann-Margaret) moves in, and they both fall head over heels. But eventually they begin to realize that maybe they don't hate each other after all.
I love, love, LOVE this movie. I watch it in the store all the time. You've probably seen me at it-I'll quickly press "pause" or turn the volume down as soon as I see you coming so you won't be witness to my shame. But now I confess it to the world-this is my all-time, hands-down, no-holds-barred favorite movie. There. I said it. (Come on-you know you love watching Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheau call each other names and throw dead fish in each other's cars.)
Bringing Down the House
Steve Martin plays an uppity divorced tax lawyer who is trying to find a way to bond with his kids, get his ex back, and have a successful career at the same time-and he's not doing a very good job. In walks Charlene (Queen Latifah) an ex-con who brings him both her case and her attitude, and teaches him a thing or two about life, falling in love with Steve Martin's law partner (Eugene Levy) in the meantime.
I can't decide if this film is racist or not. Furthermore, if it is, I can't tell if it's making fun of black people or white people. Maybe both. Maybe neither. Also, the script is bad. B-A-D bad. The plot is lame, the comedy is unworthy of the cast, and the soundtrack is so cliche it's laughable. But I love it anyway. So sue me.
The Mummy series
A quasi-remake of the old horror movie The Mummy, this series stars Brendan Frasier as Rick O'Connell, an American treasure-seeker who stumbles upon an ancient curse in Hamunaptra, a mythical Egyptian city. With the "help" of Yvie, a librarian and expert on ancient Egyptian lore (Rachel Weisz), he manages to free the mummy that haunts Hamunaptra, and endangers the whole world in doing so.
Everyone (Seriously. Everyone.) tells me this trilogy sucks. But I don't get it. I think it's awesome. Brendan Frasier is hot, I have a girl-crush on Rachel Weisz, and a soft spot for ancient mythology. I can't get enough of these movies. (Though you can skip the third one. Rachel Weisz dropped the franchise, so really, what's the point?)
Encino Man
Another Brendan Frasier catastrophe, this film also stars Paulie Shore and Sean Astin as two hapless teenagers who dig up a frozen caveman (Frasier) in their pool and unfreeze him with hairdryers. In their quest to be cool, they end up "dissing" their new caveman buddy and setting him adrift. But in the end, Link the Caveman teaches them things about life they were too busy to learn on their own.
Come on, it's Paulie Shore. What more is there to be said?
17 Again
Zac Efron stars in this not-at-all-original body-swap comedy. Mike (Efron/Matthew Perry) feels as if he has thrown his life away. But then, he gets a second chance when he wakes up 17 again! He befriends his high school children, and hilarity ensues.
There's nothing good about this movie. I love it anyway. I have no excuse.
Austin Powers in Goldmember
The third and inarguably worst installment in the Austin Powers trilogy, in this film Austin finds himself working alongside his estranged father (Michael Caine) to defeat the criminal mastermind Goldmember, who loves gold so much he had his genitals re-cast in gold after suffering from an "unfortunate smelting accident".
There's lots of Dr. Evil in this movie. Britney Spears' head explodes. And Mini-Me turns good. What's not to love about this terrible, horrible, no-good-very-bad film?
-Posted by Colleen
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