Tuesday, April 26, 2011

GRIM REAPER SURPRISES PAUL RIESER. NO ONE ELSE IS

Death made a quick, merciful visit to the better than the reviews said Paul Reiser Show. Cancelled after two episodes, it was the lowest rated show in NBC history falling below the dreaded 1.0 in it's second week. It was not a great show but compared to ABC's truly unfunny sitcom Happy Endings, it was a masterpiece. Anyone who watches that pile of crap should take heed that the guy playing the gay character, Adam Pally, is one of the worst actors I have seen in years. Who would hire this guy? Considering his background has his most popular character as "douchebag guy" you really can't explain it further than that. A loathsome, shameless rip off of Friends, this palid waste of space can't go soon enough. At least Paul Reiser had it's moments. Endings makes me want to kill myself. So a half hearted goodbye to the Paul Reiser show. It won't be missed by anyone, even Paul Reiser I expect. Now if we can just get the grim reaper to start circling Happy Endings.

YOUR HIGHNESS: DESTINED FOR DVD GREATNESS

Every now and then, a movie comes out so outrageous. funny, and yes, stupid, the masses ignore it until some enterprising individuals find it on Netflix or late night cable. This is destined to be just one of those movies like Grandma's Boy, Kick Ass or Hot Tub Time Machine that dies a quick death in the box office but found new life on DVD. If the above movies are the kind you like, rent Your Highness when it comes out.

Done by the same people who brought you Pineapple Express, this is a D and D movie done for the stoner crowd that works for the most part. Danny Mcbride plays Thadeous, a drunken, buffoon of a son who constantly plays second fiddle to his better, handsomer brother Fabious (James Franco). After a truly tedious first act, those that stay will be thrilled to find a clever road movie as the two brothers rush to find the kidnapped princess (Zooey Deschanel). Along the way they encounter Natalie Portman's Isabel, also on a quest, a pedophile version of Yoda, and countless bare breasted Amazons. Trust me, make it through the brothers in the castle together (which really could have used another rewrite), and the rest of the film is surprisingly funny and moves far brisker than the leaden opening.

Basically think of this movie as Thadeous and Fabious Go to White Castle. Weed jokes galore, over the top gore, lots of half naked women and some good chemistry again between Mcbride and Franco make this a must rent. If it's still playing near you there are worse ways to spend an evening.

3 stars out of 5.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

KING'S SPEECH: OSCAR WELL DESERVED

I'll admit that considering the track record of Oscar winners for Best Picture over the decades you have to admit many of them of being hardly Best anything. I had feared this be some dull period piece that Oscar voters like to pretend is history lite. But this movie was fascinating, well scripted, and tremendous acting.

Colin Furth plays the stammering George VI to a furious tee. Having to give speeches with the advent of radio and film, the reluctant king finds himself royally screwed (sorry couldn't resist the pun). Having gone to every quack under the sun, he finally finds some help with Lionel acted beautifully as always by the uber-dependable Geoffry Rush. Is there any movie this guy has done where he wasn't brilliant in it? I dare you to name one. The movie may have sucked but I'll bet he was great in it. Lionel turns the stammer into a life long friendship, an unusually occurrence for an English commoner and royalty. Throughout all of this is the threat of war from Hitler and the coming war he known he must prepare his country for. It's a great screenplay full of humor and life. Too bad it took the gave decades to get it done as it was not possible until after the death of the Queen mum who lived to be a very old age.

The only downfall I would give this movie is the very [pedestrian directing which somehow won an Oscar. Before I even saw the movie I had both heard and could gleam from the previews a safe style, ie TV directing, which makes sense as the director is first and foremost a TV director. Trust me it shows. The fact this was even nominated says lots about Oscar voters who should know better. Black Swan. True Grit and The Social Network were all far superior to this in directing only. The film still should won best picture because in this year, there wasn't much competition.

4 out of five stars.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

QUICKIES

TANGLED- Who would thought that some of the best movies from last year was this, Toy Story 3, and How To Train Your Dragon? This fractured fairy tale is spot on funny with memorable songs that for once, weren't all cloying and sweet yet still suitable for small children, A huge feat right there. Basically, it's a clever retelling of Rapunzel which was it's original title until testing groups did poorly with men. This the title change and walla, brilliance. Zachari Levi of Chuck plays a scoundrel type Prince Charming to Mandy Moore's captive Rapunzel. Two animals, a horse and a chameleon, steal the show. Buy this today.

5 stars out of 5

THE NEXT THREE DAYS- Worst. Title. Ever. Makes no sense, even after you see the movie. Which is too bad because it's actually pretty good. Elizabeth Banks gets put in jail for a crime she may or may not have committed. Russell Crowe is the husband determined to break her out. It's very intense and, other than one really stupid moment near the end of the film when Banks tries to kill herself and Russell Crowe, works well. But trust when you see the scene I'm talking about you'll wince too for it's overdramaticness and unbelievability. Great supporting cast. A must rent.

4 stars out of 5.

HACHI- If crying your eyes out is your idea of a good time, have I got a film for you. It's loosely based on the true story about a dog who waits nine years at a train station for his master's return in Japan during the late twenties. Richard Gere plays the doomed father who we know, at some point, is going to die. The fact he's likable with a family makes it that much worse. He adopts his loyal dog, has him for a few short years and drops dead one day while at work. The dog waits every day and night at the station waiting for his return. Bring a box of Kleenex with this one beacuse you'll use them all by the end.

4 stars out of 5