What child of the 80s is unfamiliar with the A-Team? Not a one, I hope. Mr. T was an ever-present character throughout my childhood what with cartoons, toys, movie appearances, tv shows, etc… When I first heard of an A-Team movie I was skeptical. Would they try to make it a serious movie (that didn’t work for Miami Vice) or go over-the-top with campiness (like, say, Starsky and Hutch). The entire fate of this film rested with that small decision. Thankfully the writers found some middle ground that made the movie entertaining and enjoyable. The nostalgia factor didn’t hurt either.
First thing people will notice is the cast. Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper are two big names in movies. Neeson is always a draw and (I believe) can nail any performance. Cooper is more of a draw now they he was probably five years ago (thank you Hangover). These two carry the movie.
Supporting them is Sharlto Copley (District 9) as Howling Mad Murdoch, and Quinton Jackson as B.A. Murdoch is utterly insane and adds enough levity to the movie to keep people in stitches. Jackson (in my not-so-humble opinion) was dead on as B.A., Mohawk and all.
Like any remake the writers updated the story to today’s world and political climate. Instead of Vietnam, the war is in Iraq. The story is pretty much the back story of how this team of war heroes were disgraced, discharged, framed, and arrested. While those of us who watched the show remember them being a “guns for hire” team that helped people, there is none of that in the movie. Instead it focuses on Hannibal’s plans to clear their names and get reinstated in the army.
I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I’ll stop now. One cool thing they did was end the movie with the opening sequence and voice over from the original show. Do they plan a sequel? I hope so!
Don’t expect a great movie that will leave your brain hurting, this isn’t Inception. A-Team is just a good bit of mindless fun full of explosions and plot twists. Give it a chance, you might be surprised.
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Last Quote: Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Today's Quote: "I believe that no matter how random things may appear, there's still a plan. "
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Scott Pilgrim
Pardon me if I'm a little behind in my movie watching. I can only watch what Netflix sends me. For the most part, nothing really interesting has come across my queue lately. What does stand out was Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Usually I have a nice bit of background on the movie, but not this time. I know it is based on a series of graphic novels, but I haven't read them. Some might think that is a travesty, but it allows me to watch the movie as a movie (unlike Jonah Hex, which was nothing like the comics and therefore awful in my eyes).
So our hero, Scott, is a bit of a loser. Ok, he is a total loser. He is in a funk after a horrible, heartbreaking breakup and in his rebound phase starts dating a 17 year old, Asian school girl. Keep your minds out of the gutter! He is content to play video games, go to the library, and hang out at the music store with his uniform wearing piece of jail bait (although, this takes place in Canada. What is the age of consent in the Great White North?) until he sees a purple-haired delivery girl that starts skating her way into his dreams and heart. Typical story, really. The setup is completely traditional in that Scott continues to date the school girl while perusing Ramona (girl of the funky hair color). Anyone else predict this blowing up in his face?
So the story is typical of teenage romantic comedies, but what I enjoyed was that he had to face all of her evil exes (not ex-boyfriends as she points out numerous times. There is a girl in the mix too. Hot? I think so). In this world of indie music and melodrama exist mystical powers and an actual round table of villains set on ruining Ramona's love life. The movie is peppered with video game references, graphics, and HUDs. That alone made me like the movie. Even the Universal opening graphic was done in 8-bit beauty. Some movies are made for a certain audience, and this one does not hide that. So, if you are not a video game nerd,or music snob this movie will probably not appeal to you.
Performance wise, it was average. Michael Cera was basically playing the same character he has in every movie thus far. The evil exes are over the top (as they should be)and cheesy. The two best performances, in my mind, go to Kieran Culkin (the only one still working, right?)as Scott's man-whore Gay roommate. Next, goes to Ramona Flowers played by Mary Elizabeth Ward (she was in Live Free or Die Hard, and Deathproof). She is a cute hipster trying to escape her past, and while she plays aloof we can see the damage in her eyes.
Final Analysis: Fun movie. Watch it!
Last Quote: Rocky Horror Picture Show
Today's Quote: "When I'm around you, I kind of feel like I'm on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. "
So our hero, Scott, is a bit of a loser. Ok, he is a total loser. He is in a funk after a horrible, heartbreaking breakup and in his rebound phase starts dating a 17 year old, Asian school girl. Keep your minds out of the gutter! He is content to play video games, go to the library, and hang out at the music store with his uniform wearing piece of jail bait (although, this takes place in Canada. What is the age of consent in the Great White North?) until he sees a purple-haired delivery girl that starts skating her way into his dreams and heart. Typical story, really. The setup is completely traditional in that Scott continues to date the school girl while perusing Ramona (girl of the funky hair color). Anyone else predict this blowing up in his face?
So the story is typical of teenage romantic comedies, but what I enjoyed was that he had to face all of her evil exes (not ex-boyfriends as she points out numerous times. There is a girl in the mix too. Hot? I think so). In this world of indie music and melodrama exist mystical powers and an actual round table of villains set on ruining Ramona's love life. The movie is peppered with video game references, graphics, and HUDs. That alone made me like the movie. Even the Universal opening graphic was done in 8-bit beauty. Some movies are made for a certain audience, and this one does not hide that. So, if you are not a video game nerd,or music snob this movie will probably not appeal to you.
Performance wise, it was average. Michael Cera was basically playing the same character he has in every movie thus far. The evil exes are over the top (as they should be)and cheesy. The two best performances, in my mind, go to Kieran Culkin (the only one still working, right?)as Scott's man-whore Gay roommate. Next, goes to Ramona Flowers played by Mary Elizabeth Ward (she was in Live Free or Die Hard, and Deathproof). She is a cute hipster trying to escape her past, and while she plays aloof we can see the damage in her eyes.
Final Analysis: Fun movie. Watch it!
Last Quote: Rocky Horror Picture Show
Today's Quote: "When I'm around you, I kind of feel like I'm on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. "
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween
I don't have anything to review at the moment, anything to blather on and on about. Instead I wish all of the goblins and ghouls out there a Happy Halloween. To celebrate, here are some of my favorite Halloween related songs (in no particular order).
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Last Quote: Shoot the Hero
Today's Quote: "Well, you got a flat? How 'bout that!"
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Last Quote: Shoot the Hero
Today's Quote: "Well, you got a flat? How 'bout that!"
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Shoot the Hero
I recently received a movie via Netflix that I had zero expectations from. With that in mind, forgive if I oversell this movie for more than it is, afterall it’s really easy to exceed low expectations.
Shoot The Hero is a quirky action-comedy starring Jason Mewes. Right there, you know why I watched it. Also appearing are Danny Trejo, Fred Williamson, and Katie Morgan. Not a cast one usually sees headlining a movie, but they were enjoyable none-the-less.
The plot is a little convoluted at first, especially when the point of view shifts from Mewes to The Smith Brothers. One has to wonder if the Smith Brothers are any relation to Kevin. They debate comic books, quote movies, and one of them is a little on the heavy side. Probably just a coincidence. I’ll try to sum up the movie without spoiling the one entertaining aspect of the movie.
Nate (played by Jay) takes his overbearing girlfriend, Kate, to a jewelry store to pick out engagement rings. While they drive there, she bitches about being blindfolded and that he’d best not be taking her to another comic book movie. This relationship sounds great, right? The jewelry store is closed when they arrive, cue more snide remarks from the girlfriend. Nate begs his way into the store and they look at rings. Enter robbers. A group of masked thieves enter with guns and rob the place. The lovebirds hide behind a counter and the girl does not stop bitching. There are two disputes going on in the room and they are cut together in alternating shots. As the argument between the couple heats up and nears its end, the other dispute peaks into a violent shoot off that leaves all but two of the thieves alive. The robbery was planned by Franklin in an attempt to take down Crazy Joe (a mob boss who is apparently crazy, and named Joe) but the group he assembled were in Joe’s pocket. They turn on him. When the shoot out is over Nate and his girl try to leave. Nate encourages the guy to shoot his bitchy would-be fiancée. This ends with Nate beating the lone robber to a pulp and stealing the bag of diamonds and cash. They ride off into the sunset.
Enter The Smith Bros. Two slackers who do nothing but bicker more than Nate and his girlfriend. They end up in a mercenary training camp (led by Shaft himself). This scene seems way out of place. In fact I found myself asking what the hell these two losers have to do with anything so far. Just hold tight, it all makes some sense later on. When they escape the mercs they hitch a ride with none other than Nate and Kate, his now fiancée (on their way to Vegas to get married)
Here is where the plots intertwine in a very Tarantino-esque twist (guns, blood and death are a must here). The end of the movie is decided by a game of paper, rock, scissors. That is all I’ll say so I don’t spoil anything for those who might watch it.
While this is not a movie I would buy and rewatch, it was a very entertaining schlocky film that required little thought. If you want a popcorn movie to sit back and enjoy – rent this one. It’s worth at least one viewing.
Last Quote: The Mighty Boosh – “The Priest and the Beast”
Today’s Quote: “Let’s do our laundry.”
Shoot The Hero is a quirky action-comedy starring Jason Mewes. Right there, you know why I watched it. Also appearing are Danny Trejo, Fred Williamson, and Katie Morgan. Not a cast one usually sees headlining a movie, but they were enjoyable none-the-less.
The plot is a little convoluted at first, especially when the point of view shifts from Mewes to The Smith Brothers. One has to wonder if the Smith Brothers are any relation to Kevin. They debate comic books, quote movies, and one of them is a little on the heavy side. Probably just a coincidence. I’ll try to sum up the movie without spoiling the one entertaining aspect of the movie.
Nate (played by Jay) takes his overbearing girlfriend, Kate, to a jewelry store to pick out engagement rings. While they drive there, she bitches about being blindfolded and that he’d best not be taking her to another comic book movie. This relationship sounds great, right? The jewelry store is closed when they arrive, cue more snide remarks from the girlfriend. Nate begs his way into the store and they look at rings. Enter robbers. A group of masked thieves enter with guns and rob the place. The lovebirds hide behind a counter and the girl does not stop bitching. There are two disputes going on in the room and they are cut together in alternating shots. As the argument between the couple heats up and nears its end, the other dispute peaks into a violent shoot off that leaves all but two of the thieves alive. The robbery was planned by Franklin in an attempt to take down Crazy Joe (a mob boss who is apparently crazy, and named Joe) but the group he assembled were in Joe’s pocket. They turn on him. When the shoot out is over Nate and his girl try to leave. Nate encourages the guy to shoot his bitchy would-be fiancée. This ends with Nate beating the lone robber to a pulp and stealing the bag of diamonds and cash. They ride off into the sunset.
Enter The Smith Bros. Two slackers who do nothing but bicker more than Nate and his girlfriend. They end up in a mercenary training camp (led by Shaft himself). This scene seems way out of place. In fact I found myself asking what the hell these two losers have to do with anything so far. Just hold tight, it all makes some sense later on. When they escape the mercs they hitch a ride with none other than Nate and Kate, his now fiancée (on their way to Vegas to get married)
Here is where the plots intertwine in a very Tarantino-esque twist (guns, blood and death are a must here). The end of the movie is decided by a game of paper, rock, scissors. That is all I’ll say so I don’t spoil anything for those who might watch it.
While this is not a movie I would buy and rewatch, it was a very entertaining schlocky film that required little thought. If you want a popcorn movie to sit back and enjoy – rent this one. It’s worth at least one viewing.
Last Quote: The Mighty Boosh – “The Priest and the Beast”
Today’s Quote: “Let’s do our laundry.”
Monday, October 18, 2010
Guitar Heaven
Is everything that Santana touches guaranteed to turn to gold? It seems since the release of Supernatural (the album with the song “Smooth” featuring Rob Thomas) that Santana has found a new niche in the music industry, one that keeps him relevant to radio listeners young and old. People who enjoyed Santana’s music in the 70s are now listening to the new music featuring artists from the current generation. This is not a bad thing. In fact, it provides a bridge for parents and children (or grandparents and grandchildren) to reach common ground. Maybe that was the plan when the Angels told Carlos to release Supernatural.
Enough of that album, let’s look at the recent release – Guitar Heaven. This is a different CD from his past few releases in that it contains nothing but covers. I know what you are thinking: Santana covering other artists songs? Why would he need to do that? Well, he doesn’t need to do that. Let’s make that clear right off the start. Carlos Santana NEEDS to do nothing. He chose to release an album of covers, and for that we should be thankful. Face it, that man can make a guitar sing.
What intrigued me was the track listing. There are covers of Cream, AC/DC, Deep Purple, The Beatles, and The Doors (to name a few). These bands are vastly different than the sound one usually associates with Santana. So it stands to reason that these are not going to be merely covers of great songs, but more of a re-imagining of great songs.
Not only is there a wide cross-section of music, but the vocalists are varied as well. Chris Cornell, India Arie, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Gavin Rossdale, and Rob Thomas (naturally), Hell even Yo-yo Ma is on this album. The most interesting song (and I say interesting in a neutral way because I’m not sure if it is good or bad) is Back in Black with vocals from Nas. That’s right, a rap cover of AC/DC with Santana on guitar. The only thing missing would be a hidden track with The Bongo Brothers Rudi van Disarzio and Spider Dijon.
If you didn’t get the previous Mighty Boosh reference, don’t feel too bad. Not many will.
Last Quote: Airplane
Today’s Quote: “This is all like Woodstock all over again. The idea is you play, and then you scram; but oh, no, you wouldn't listen, would you? You wanted to hang around, didn't you? And then we got loped into tidying up! You, me and Carlos Santana; hoovering for six weeks!”
Enough of that album, let’s look at the recent release – Guitar Heaven. This is a different CD from his past few releases in that it contains nothing but covers. I know what you are thinking: Santana covering other artists songs? Why would he need to do that? Well, he doesn’t need to do that. Let’s make that clear right off the start. Carlos Santana NEEDS to do nothing. He chose to release an album of covers, and for that we should be thankful. Face it, that man can make a guitar sing.
What intrigued me was the track listing. There are covers of Cream, AC/DC, Deep Purple, The Beatles, and The Doors (to name a few). These bands are vastly different than the sound one usually associates with Santana. So it stands to reason that these are not going to be merely covers of great songs, but more of a re-imagining of great songs.
Not only is there a wide cross-section of music, but the vocalists are varied as well. Chris Cornell, India Arie, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Gavin Rossdale, and Rob Thomas (naturally), Hell even Yo-yo Ma is on this album. The most interesting song (and I say interesting in a neutral way because I’m not sure if it is good or bad) is Back in Black with vocals from Nas. That’s right, a rap cover of AC/DC with Santana on guitar. The only thing missing would be a hidden track with The Bongo Brothers Rudi van Disarzio and Spider Dijon.
If you didn’t get the previous Mighty Boosh reference, don’t feel too bad. Not many will.
Last Quote: Airplane
Today’s Quote: “This is all like Woodstock all over again. The idea is you play, and then you scram; but oh, no, you wouldn't listen, would you? You wanted to hang around, didn't you? And then we got loped into tidying up! You, me and Carlos Santana; hoovering for six weeks!”
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Avalon
When you hear the name Sully Erna do you think of the angry music of Godsmack? If you’re a fan, you do. If not, then you probably stopped reading this before the first sentence was completed. I guess, this entry is meant for people who like Godsmack, or can at least tolerate them.
Did anyone else notice Sully Erna’s solo album Avalon that came out on September 14th? I did, and was immediately intrigued. I wondered what it was going to sound like. Would he stay the course with the Godsmack sound, or would he show us something different? If you pick this album up expecting to hear a lot of heavy drums and guitars you will be very disappointed. For some fans, this will be an immediate turn off. It seems like there is always a percentage of music listeners out there who detest seeing any growth of diversity to their favorite musicians. These same people probably hated Godsmack’ album The Other Side. God forbid an musician branch out and exhibit some diversity and talent.
I mention the acoustic album to give you a vague idea of what Avalon is like. Even then, it is still a far cry from the acoustic version of Godsmack. Avalon combines tribal drums with bluesy vocals and harmonies. Lisa Guyer, who did background vocals on “Hollow” (the Other Side) lends her talent to this album as well. Also included are cellist Irina Chirkova and the drummer from Dead Can Dance, Niall Gregory.
I highly recommend checking this out, especially if you like to see a different side of a vocalist known for telling us all to Go Away. Even if you dislike Godsmack (and continued to read despite that fact) you might give it a listen. It could surprise you. I can’t stress enough how different this album is from anything we’ve heard from Sully and Godsmack to date. Even Sully thinks so. He describes the album as a huge departure from anything he’s done. Take his advice and dim the lights, light some incense and “vibe out” while listening to this album.
What are you still doing here reading this? Go on, I said!
Last Quote: Repo Men
Today’s Quote: “Jive ass dude don't got no brains anyhow! Hmmph!”
Did anyone else notice Sully Erna’s solo album Avalon that came out on September 14th? I did, and was immediately intrigued. I wondered what it was going to sound like. Would he stay the course with the Godsmack sound, or would he show us something different? If you pick this album up expecting to hear a lot of heavy drums and guitars you will be very disappointed. For some fans, this will be an immediate turn off. It seems like there is always a percentage of music listeners out there who detest seeing any growth of diversity to their favorite musicians. These same people probably hated Godsmack’ album The Other Side. God forbid an musician branch out and exhibit some diversity and talent.
I mention the acoustic album to give you a vague idea of what Avalon is like. Even then, it is still a far cry from the acoustic version of Godsmack. Avalon combines tribal drums with bluesy vocals and harmonies. Lisa Guyer, who did background vocals on “Hollow” (the Other Side) lends her talent to this album as well. Also included are cellist Irina Chirkova and the drummer from Dead Can Dance, Niall Gregory.
I highly recommend checking this out, especially if you like to see a different side of a vocalist known for telling us all to Go Away. Even if you dislike Godsmack (and continued to read despite that fact) you might give it a listen. It could surprise you. I can’t stress enough how different this album is from anything we’ve heard from Sully and Godsmack to date. Even Sully thinks so. He describes the album as a huge departure from anything he’s done. Take his advice and dim the lights, light some incense and “vibe out” while listening to this album.
What are you still doing here reading this? Go on, I said!
Last Quote: Repo Men
Today’s Quote: “Jive ass dude don't got no brains anyhow! Hmmph!”
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Repo! vs Repo
I’ll be the first to admit that when I saw the previews for Repo Men that was more than a little put off by its similarities to Repo! The Genetic Opera. Considering that I loved Repo! I just did not care if I ever saw Repo or not. I saw the loud outcry online of Repo! Defenders (including the director and one of the actors) accusing the Jude Law film of copyright infringement. A solid case could be made for that considering Repo! was originally pitched to Universal before Lionsgate picked it up. Universal liked the premise, but not the musical aspect, so they passed on it.
They claim that it is based on the novel Repossession Mambo. Unfortunately this does not really save them from the allegations. Repo! was a stageplay in the late 90s. Mambo was not published until sometime in 2009.
Now, I am not here to make a decision on this matter. Having seen both films, I thought it would be a good idea to review one side-by-side with the other.
The plots are very similar. They both take place in a future where people have had to resort to expensive organ transplants to live. In Repo Men the organs are mechanical in nature, in Repo! they are designer organs. In both futures these organs are expensive and require a payment plan. Miss a payment and the item in question will be repossessed.
The repo men in both futures are nothing more than hired killers (legal assassins?) What would any story be like without having one of these killers have a change of heart, or otherwise end up on the outside of his world? That’s where the bulk of similarities lie. Repo! is about a father trying to protect his daughter from the world, and himself. Repo Men is more of a twisted bromance/romance. Both contain enough social commentary to be thought provoking. Look at the world now and compare it to the world 20 years ago. The advances we have made make these futures all too likely.
The casts of both films are great. Jude Law and Forrest Whitaker are great as a duo of ne’er do wells turned professionals. Liev Schreiber is great as the two-faced boss. The music is also an added bonus to this: bloody killing sequences paired with mambos and swing music.
In Repo! the cast and music are the key. Varying styles of music come together to create a rock opera unlike anything released. Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Nivek Ogre, Bill Moseley, Paul Sorvino, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton, and Terrance Zdunich are all part of the chemical equation that made this movie enjoyable.
I recommend Repo! The Genetic Opera because it is a unique fun-filled horror rock opera. Repo Men is saved only by the twist ending that I will not spoil here.
Last Quote: The Runaways
Today’s Quote: “The Repossession Mambo? Sounds kinda fruity!”
They claim that it is based on the novel Repossession Mambo. Unfortunately this does not really save them from the allegations. Repo! was a stageplay in the late 90s. Mambo was not published until sometime in 2009.
Now, I am not here to make a decision on this matter. Having seen both films, I thought it would be a good idea to review one side-by-side with the other.
The plots are very similar. They both take place in a future where people have had to resort to expensive organ transplants to live. In Repo Men the organs are mechanical in nature, in Repo! they are designer organs. In both futures these organs are expensive and require a payment plan. Miss a payment and the item in question will be repossessed.
The repo men in both futures are nothing more than hired killers (legal assassins?) What would any story be like without having one of these killers have a change of heart, or otherwise end up on the outside of his world? That’s where the bulk of similarities lie. Repo! is about a father trying to protect his daughter from the world, and himself. Repo Men is more of a twisted bromance/romance. Both contain enough social commentary to be thought provoking. Look at the world now and compare it to the world 20 years ago. The advances we have made make these futures all too likely.
The casts of both films are great. Jude Law and Forrest Whitaker are great as a duo of ne’er do wells turned professionals. Liev Schreiber is great as the two-faced boss. The music is also an added bonus to this: bloody killing sequences paired with mambos and swing music.
In Repo! the cast and music are the key. Varying styles of music come together to create a rock opera unlike anything released. Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Nivek Ogre, Bill Moseley, Paul Sorvino, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton, and Terrance Zdunich are all part of the chemical equation that made this movie enjoyable.
I recommend Repo! The Genetic Opera because it is a unique fun-filled horror rock opera. Repo Men is saved only by the twist ending that I will not spoil here.
Last Quote: The Runaways
Today’s Quote: “The Repossession Mambo? Sounds kinda fruity!”
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