Holiday Movie Madness

Jonah Takalua: Puck you, Miss.

Over the break, I saw a large amount of television and movies. Here is a quick run-down:



Movies:

- Role Models - More Apatow, Stifler being Stifler, Paul Rudd goodness, overall OK, about 5 Goobers.

- Ben Button - Pretty good, very long, touches on life and death very "frankly", I was pleased with the outcome...7 Goobers

- Valkyrie - Labeled as a "thriller", however it is hard to maintain a tense atmosphere when the viewer is aware of the outcome, I had a bit of a pity feeling of pressure for Tom "central tooth" Cruise...also can we see something OTHER than a WWII war movie? Please? 6 Goobers

DVDs:

- The Strangers...really creepy at moments, overall fails just as every other horror flick does, Liv Tyler is terrible

TV:

- Summer Heights High - GENIUS! Chris Lilley has studied at the Gervais School of Comedy

- Some Curb - Love Larry David

- HBO's 4-part series, 'House of Saddam', pretty interesting, pretty awesome, worth the four hours


If I had to recommend just one thing from the list...it would be Summer Heights High. I need to get HBO.

DVD Review: The Dark Knight (not Blu-Ray)

This blog was not operational during the premiere of "The Dark Knight." If it was, I would definitely have posted about it. Either way, as I drunkenly watch the DVD, I decided to do my first DVD review.

This movie was boss. As a follow-up to "Batman Begins," the sequel does everything it needs to. First, it is much bigger. Shot in IMAX, more action, clearer fight scenes, bigger villans. Second, the dramatic foil does an OUTSTANDING job, I know that it is the politically correct thing to pull for Heath Ledger for the supporting actor, but I have to.

Heath Ledger was perfect. First of all, he did the Joker his own way, he did not reprise Jack Nicholson's role, he did not copy anything from the comics. Ledger was able to channel the feelings/actions of the Joker. It is uncanny. After watching the movie with a roommate, he stated it perfectly, he does not see Heath Ledger in the role. He did not SEE Ledger, he did not HEAR Ledger. After watching Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain," he made a complete departure to become an insane clown. There is no way I can express my love for this character. I loved what Nicholson did for the Joker, but Ledger captured the character in a current mold. He is a terrorist, psychocatic and a bit of an addict (notice how often he licks his lips).

There were a lot of complaints of Christian Bale's acting. First of all, that is going to happen after seeing how well Ledger portrayed the villan. Also, Bale has nothing to prove after excelling in the original. The director, Christopher Nolan, had the foresight to cast Bale. He saw that Bale could 'fake' the wealthy executive in "American Psycho", Bale portrayal of Bruce Wayne brings a smile to the viewer's face. His Batman voice is a bit comical, but this is a movie based on a comic, lay off.

One of my criticisms of the movie is the way that Nolan rushed Aaron Eckhardt's role. He develops his character in the correct way, but unleashes him too early. Also, the fight scenes are a bit slower, I was one of the few fans that enjoyed the rushed fight scenes. It left an air of mystery. Nolan undoubtedly caved into critics with this display.

The story is just as strong as the first. I also pray that they continue the franchise. It is a bit depressing that Bale will no longer be able to battle Ledger in the future.

As a DVD, the movie really let me down. There is no director's commentary, no deleted scenes. Just some crap on the "Gotham News Network". Pretty shitty stuff. I think they pulled out all the stops for the Blu-Ray verison. Which is just another reason thrown on the giant pile for why I need a new DVD player. If you would like to donate to my cause....please leave a comment. Thanks!

Ledger disappeared into this character, that is the only way to explain it.

OZ

No, not the HBO prison drama that revolved around shanking and shower rapes.  This OZ regards Australia the epic adventure from the wonderful, yet rare Baz Luhrmann (who happens to be an Aussie). 

Australia runs a bit long at 2 hours and 45 mintues, but manages to bring it all together in the end.  It stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh (HUGE) Jackman and a young, talented newcomer, Brandon Walters.

Jackman is without a doubt, in Wolverine shape for this movie.  You can also pick out the 'pre' and 'post' pregnancy scenes of Kidman very easily.

This movie stays true to the EPIC formula:

'A' List Cast + Brillant newcomer + wide-shot cinematography + incredible landscapes + action + adventure + accents + love + sex + friendship + war + explosions + evil dramatic foil + a little comedy + kangaroos = 

EPIC

The government of Australia poured a lot of funding into this picture and are banking on it to save their tourism in a global recession.  The movie ends with a soaring helicopter shot that canvasses a large part of the Outback.  I am sure that was contractually bound to the funding.  Unfortunately the movie has only grossed $20 million dollars.  It also received mixed reviews from critics.

I am going to give this movie 7 goobers.  

It is definitely the best movie I have seen in a while (along with 4 Christmases).  I have been on quite the dry streak with flicks and this pulled me out. 

It was not the best epic I have seen, but there is something unique about Luhrmann's films, especially since he has only directed four.  Luhrmann makes great 'movies' in the traditional sense of the word.  He makes captivating pictures that are made for the big screen.  These are fun movies, but also quality movies.  

The cinematography was perfect, the acting was above average, the plot was a bit meandering, but like I said, finished strong.  

Excuse the rust, I have not blogged in quite sometime.  

IMDB

Rottentomatoes