Take 12 (Enough All Ready)

Movie # 33  A Good Day to Die Hard   70%

Sometimes when you love something, you have to be able to let it go. This is certainly true with movies.  There are a few movies that I hold as sacred and part of my childhood. Back to the Future and Indiana Jones are two such examples.  I love these movies so much, but I never want to see them redone or continued.  I think it's time to add Die Hard to that list.  

I think the last Die Hard movie I enjoyed was part 2.  I love Bruce Willis, but I don't want to see John McClane anymore.  I also don't want to see him with super powers.  He is tough, but I don't want to see him walk on the wing of a flying jet.  

This movie is fun.  It is predictable.  It is pointless.  I can only predict that the next Die Hard movie will have McClane fighting in space.  




Movie #32  Red Dawn   72%

Speaking of not leaving things alone, here we have another 80's movie remake.  I was never a big fan of the original movie.  I never understood why such a small town would be the focus of an insurgent takeover.  In this new version, Spokane, Washington seems to be very important to the North Koreans.  

The movie is pretty true to the original   It is an enjoyable movie, but I found myself not really caring about any of the characters.  Hemsworth does a fine job as the leader of the Wolverines.  Just like the Hunger Games, I have a hard time taking Josh Hutchenson serious as a tough guy.   

Take 11 (Like Warm Apple Pie)

Movie #31      Grassroots  75%

 This was one of those gems that I would have missed if not for Netflix.  I was searching for movies with Jason Biggs and found these next two movies.  I will always have a place in my heart for Jim Levenstein. 

This is an interesting story about local politics and how grassroots politics can effect change. The movie is based on a true story about a social radical who ran for Seattle City Council.  

The movie is not perfect. but it has some enjoyable moments.  It's funny and raises some valid social questions.  

Movie #30  Life Happens   78%


Three twenty-somethings live together trying to figure out life post-college.  One of the ladies gets pregnant, has a baby, and she is suddenly forced to grow up.  

The movie has plenty of cliches, but it also captures what it might really be like experience this situation.  There are plenty of enjoyable characters and some pretty funny moments.  Life Happens almost feels like an Apatow film in the way that it balances raunchy humor and real life emotion. 

Movie #29    Can't Hardly Wait  80%

Okay, I know that this is not a great movie, but I love it.  I've seen this movie at least 10 times. I watched it last night because two of my favorite YouTubers were hosting a live stream hangout.  This movie is worth watching for the cast alone.  There are so many teen stars that pop up.  It is a great mix 90s stars and teen movie stars of the 2000s. 

I love the music, I love the fashion  I love the hair.  I love Jennifer Love Hewitt. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

Take 10 (I'll Take a Popcorn with a Side of Xanax)

Movie #28   Hick  70%

This movie has some potential. Chloe Grace Moretz is very convincing as the runaway Lolita type. There is some pretty uncomfortable subject matter in this film, but it never gets gritty enough to make the viewer truly uncomfortable.  

It is very appropriate that Juliette Lewis plays the mother in this film.  This movie feels like it is trying to capture the feel of many of her gritty and dark films of the 90s.  









Movie #27    Celeste & Jessie Forever   78%

I really wanted to like this movie more. It is worth watching, but it could have been so much better.  This movie reminds me a lot of Away We Go and The Last Kiss. The vibe is very similar here. 

Celeste and Jessie are two best friends who are divorced but spend more time together than most married couples. They are forced to deal with the idea that they might be moving on with their lives without each other.  

The movie is funny at times and also emotional.  It just doesn't make you care that much about either one of them.  







Movie #26    Martha Marcy May Marlene  80%

Man, this movie is depressing.  That is not necessarily a bad thing.  It is also very unnerving  which is a tribute to the acting of Elizabeth Olsen.  

Martha returns to live with her sister after spending several years in a Manson Family cult.  She understandably has a difficult time adjusting to life outside the cult. Her sister and brother-in-law try their best, but they are unable to help.  As the movie progresses, we see flashbacks to what Martha went through during her time with the occult.  

The third act is very stressful.  The movie's ending is all to familiar to those who watch a lot of independent films. Olsen's performance is what makes this movie worth checking out. 

Take 9 (Better Than I Expected)

Movie #25     The Watch  72%

I must admit, I never thought I'd watch this movie.  When it came out last year, I thought it just looked horrible.  Fast forward a few months, and suddenly I'm watching it on HBO.  I'm happy that I did.  I actually found this movie to be much better than I expected.  It's not a great movie, but it is kind of funny.  

Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller play the same characters that they always plays, but it works. This movie is not as cheesy as I expected.  It has the feel of an 80's comedy, and I like that.  

The story is kind of creative.  A group of guys form a neighborhood watch after some strange crimes start taking place. It turns out these guys are dealing with criminals from another planet.  There are some funny moments and some memorable action.  This movie is better than it should be. 




Movie #24       White House Down  75%

This movie is ridiculous but it is also a lot of fun.  I cannot tell if this movie is trying to parody the Die Hard genre, or if it is serious. I know I found myself laughing out loud more than I do in most comedies.   

The action is intense, and the story is over the top.  I also enjoyed the left-wing slant that this movie did not even try to hide.  The only way I could have enjoyed it more is if the terrorists were shown meeting at a Tea Party or CPAC rally first! 







Movie #23     The Guilt Trip   80%

The theme in this post has been movies that I expected to hate but ended up enjoying.  The Guilt Trip is one of those movies.  I've recently heard Seth Rogen talk about not liking this movie. I think he is being too hard on himself.

Barbra Streisand plays Rogen's mother.  She is way to involved in her adult son's live.  He is an inventor, who is going on a road trip to pitch his idea to various retail centers.  He decides to take his mom on the trip and the story takes off.  Streisand comes off very likable   The two seem to have very good chemistry on the screen.  

The movie is predictable but still enjoyable.  I'm happy I checked this movie out. 

Take 8 (Apocalypse Now)

Movie #22    World War Z   85%

I have to be honest, I went into this movie not expecting much at all. I've heard nothing but great things about the book, but the trailers have looked less than appealing.  That's why I am so happy that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I was worried that there would be too much CGI and other distractions, however this was very much about the story. Surprisingly enough, it ended up being quite realistic.

I thought Brad Pitt did a tremendous job as the star of this film. I also think the other actors more than matched his performance. The movie does tend to slow down a bit in the third act but by then you are fully invested.  The first 20 minutes of this movie are some of the most compelling scenes I have watched in a long time.

I definitely recommend seeing this movie.

Movie #21     Warm Bodies  88%


What do you get when you take Romeo & Juliet and Twilight? The answer is Warm Bodies. Let me be clear, this is like Twilight if Twilight had an interesting story and good actors.  

Our Juliet is the daughter of the General who is leading the human resistance after a zombie apocalypse.  Our Romeo, a zombie with a heart of gold.  This movie is funny, clever, and kind of sweet.  

This movie deserves more attention than it received last year.  I recommend this movie to everyone. 




Movie #20      This is the End   84%

If I was rich and hung out with a bunch of other funny dudes, I would totally make this movie too.  Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg must have had so much fun making this movie.  This movie stars Rogen, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Jay Baruchel and many more.  All of the actors are playing crazy versions of themselves.  

While attending a party at James Franco's house, the End of Days occurs leaving only the Hollywood crowd to face the apocalypse. The movie is way over the top and full of the kind of jokes you would expect.  

The cameos are worth the price of a movie ticket.  It was also cool to see a sort of Freaks and Geeks reunion on screen.  If you enjoy this group of actors, you will enjoy this movie.  

Take 7 (Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.)

Movie #19       Robot & Frank    95%

I love Netflix because it continues to recommend little gems like this movie.  This is one of those films that has many levels and will leave you thinking.  It is also both incredibly sweet and sad at the same time.  

Set in the distant future, we meet Frank, an elderly man who is suffering from Alzheimer's.  He is at a point where he cannot live alone, and his kids are too busy to watch him.  So Frank's son brings home a robotic caregiver to take care of Frank.  Frank and the robot form an unusual friendship and become partners in some risky activities.  

I loved this movie.  It reminded me of another underrated movie called Bicentennial Man. I recommend this movie to everyone. 





Movie #18    The Trip    85% 


It's time I come out the closest, I am an Anglophile. I've watched a lot of British film and television.  I love their comedy and never miss watching when Manchester united take the pitch.  This movie is full of U.K. pop culture and takes the viewer on a tour of Northern England that is breathtaking.  

This is a road trip film, a buddy movie, and a pseudo documentary all wrapped up in one. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play versions of themselves as they tour the English countryside trying various hotels and restaurants for the Observer.  Much of the dialogue is improvised and the actors have tremendous chemistry.  

This is a delightful and introspective film.  It will not appeal to  a wide audience, but it is worth checking out. 


Movie #17   Bachelorette   60%

If you want to appreciate just how good the movie Bridesmaids is, watch this movie.  This movie can't decide if it wants to be a raunchy comedy or a chick flick. In the end, it fails at both.  The only reason I give this movie a 60% is because there are a few funny moments. Also, it's nice to see Isla Fisher in a movie.    

Take 6 (A movie I swore I'd never watch and a movie I'd watch every week.)

Movie #17  Freedom Writers    85% 

There are two kinds of movies that I almost universally hate: inspirational sports movies, and inspirational teacher movies. They are full of cliches and stereotypes. I've heard from other fellow teachers that this movie is worth the watch.  I guess I was in the right mood because I finally watched the movie. 

Call me a hypocrite  because I loved this movie.  Yes, the minority students were a bit stereotypical   Yes, the teacher had to fight the system to do what is right. No, this movie did not make me want to smash my television.  I actually found the teacher to be quite inspiring.  I found myself caring for these students.  I also felt motivated to be a better teacher.  

I've never thought about tying in the Holocaust to life in the American ghetto, but it worked.  I found this movie believable  right down to the broken public school system.  





Movie #16   Pitch Perfect    85%

I saw this movie opening weekend in the theater.  Back then, it was a little comedy that was not getting much attention.  I friend and I, both way to old to be fans of Glee, could not wait to watch this.  Suddenly the movie blew up and everybody was a fan. Trust me, I had to put up with countless hours of my students trying to perform the cup song.  The movie premired on HBO this past weekend and I decided to watch it again.  Thankfully, Pitch Perfect was still just as funny and enjoyable as it was on that opening weekend.  

Here are five reasons I love this movie.

• Retro 90's music.
• Elizabeth Banks's one liners. 
• Fat Amy
• Show Choirs always make me laugh.
• hilarious script. 

P.S. How can you not love Anna Kendrick?  A great actress  funny, beautiful and from Portland, Maine. 

Take 5 (In which I try to forget Superman by watching some classics)

Movie #15    Man of Steel  60%

Despite not really caring much for Superman, I had high hopes for this film.  I've liked some of Zack Snyder's films and Christopher Nolan was a part of it.  I love Nolan's Batman movies and think that Snyder's Watchmen is tragically underrated. Sadly, I just don't like this movie.  I know I seem to be in the minority, but let me make my case.

First, I was not expecting so much science fiction.  This is much more like Independence Day than a superhero movie. I was not prepared for so many spaceships and men riding on dragons.  

Second, the action and CGI was TOO MUCH! After the 20th building being destroyed I tuned out.  I know that a summer comic book film is going to have CGI, but this movie makes Transformers look like an art film.  

Finally, I just found the movie boring.  I watched it not in 3-D but IMAX. The action was nonstop and the sound was jarring, and I still found myself fighting to stay awake.  The movie is too long, and the story is weak.  I actually would have liked to see more of the young Clark Kent and less of the spaceships.  






Movie #14    Uncle Buck    80%

The next few movies on this list are a bit on the old side.  Sometimes there is an advantage to having a ton of movie channels.  

I got home from Man of Steel and flipped through the channels, when the opening credits of Uncle Buck came on.  I've seen this movie many times, but not in quite a few years.  In my opinion, this movie still holds up.

I don't need to say much about John Hughes except that sometimes it's nice just to watch a movie that makes you feel good.  I still laughed at all the jokes and found John Candy to be just as funny as he ever was.  I also have a new found appreciation for just how good an actor Macaulay Culkin was. Often these old movies do not pass the test of time, but this one does.  




Movie #13    Rocky III  75%

So I stumbled upon this movie right when it started on one of the movie channels. After watching the first 15 minutes, I began to realize that I'd never seen this entire movie.  I know the whole plot, but mostly because of flashbacks from other Rocky movies, and the plain fact that we all know the plot.  

I'm not going to spend too much time on this.  I found the movie enjoyable.  Mr. T was such a well sculpted beast that I felt ashamed eating my snacks as I watched him wreck Rocky.  It's not my favorite Rocky, but I still love the those montages. 

Take 4 (Finally some good movies)

Movie #12     The Do-Deca-Pentathlon   85%

Last summer I discovered the magic that is the Duplass brothers.  I enjoy their directing and have really grown to love almost anything that Mark Duplass makes.  This movie is written and directed by the brothers.  

The Duplass brothers are masters of bringing dysfunctional families to the screen.  The family in this movie has plenty of dysfunction.  

The movie centers around two brothers that have spent far too many years of their adult life bitter about their childhood competitiveness.  The brothers spend the weekend back at their mother's house and quickly revert back to their 12 year old selves. Both brothers are unhappy with the way their lives have turned out and are searching for something to make them fill alive again.  

This movie is very clever and well acted.  It certainly will not entertain everybody, but I hope you give a try.  





Movie #11   Mud   98%

Wow! I can't believe how much I loved this movie.  This certainly looks to be the best movie in theaters this summer.  Matthew McConaughey gives what just might be the performance of his career.  

Mud, is a coming-of-age movie set on the banks of the Mississippi River.  The acting across the board is fantastic.  The two boys who star in this movie are amazing.  

I'm hesitant to give away too much of the plot, but here is a brief summary. Two boys find a mysterious man living on an island and become part of his adventure.  There are very real problems and issues facing these boys, so it is easy to understand how they are taken in by this man's tall-tales.  

As I watched this movie, I really felt a connection to movie like Stand by Me.  Online, this movie is even being compared to stories such as Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mockingbird.  That is high praise, and it just might be deserved.   




Movie #10   Liberal Arts  90% 

I have to be honest, this movie almost seems like it was written for me.  It has all the elements that I love in a small-budget drama: understated acting, moody music, earnest pretentiousness, character actors, and a quirky leading lady.  This is the second movie that Josh Radnor has directed, and he seems to be pretty good at it. 

Radnor also stars as Jesse, a man who is going through his early, mid-life crisis.  He returns to his alma mater for his favorite professor's retirement party where he falls for Zibby, a young college girl.  Both characters seek to escape their current life by being with the other.  In the end, they both learn from each other.  Honestly, I think the audience has the potential to learn something from them too. 

The college campus was absolutely beautiful.  The movie was filmed at Radnor's real life alma mater, Kenyon College.  The acting is also top notch.  Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney seem to make any movie they are in better. I've heard a lot about Elizabeth Olsen, but this was the first of her movies I've seen.  She deserves all the praise that she has received in her young career   Don't be surprised to see a few more of her films show up on this blog.  

Take 3 (clearly there is a theme going on here.)

Movie #9     Hooking Up    50%

Let's be honest, the poster for this movie tells you all you need to know.  Somehow, my twisted childhood installed the love of two genres.  First, the raunchy teen comedy.  Second, the horrible midnight movie thanks to hours spent watching USA Up All Night.  This movie certainly is both. 

How could you not watch a movie staring Balkie Bartokomous, Dante Hicks, and Mouth.  

The story is predictable and not funny.  The teens are all pretty horrible.  The raunchy situations are many and disturbing.  I think I felt my age, because I found myself several times wondering why these girls didn't have more self-respect.  

In the end, this movie was exactly what I expected it would be. Watch at your own risk. 







Movie #8   Bart Got a Room   75%

Continuing on my love for teen comedy, I thought I'd give this movie a shot.  This had the potential to be the Indie version of American Pie. It really never quite took off.  

The cast turns in an excellent performance.  The characters are likable  The story is just kind of boring.  The plot involves a quirky Jewish teen trying to find a date for his senior prom.  His best friend wants to go with him, but he is holding out for the perfect girl.  His family is very involved in his quest, but it never seems too unrealistic   

The movie is enjoyable but not memorable.  






Movie #7  Good Dick   70%

Yes, that is the name of the movie.  Okay, if you are done judging me let me tell you about this film.  

The premise is very interesting.  An emotionally disturbed video store clerk with a heart of gold becomes involved with an agoraphobic, socially awkward women who has an obsession with renting soft-core porn. There are actually some very sweet moments between these two.  There is also a lot of typical indie angst.  

The acting by Jason Ritter is very good.  I wish that he could be a bigger star. I also enjoy anytime when Martin Starr pops up.  (shout out to Freaks and Geeks) The actors and director try hard, but there are too many flaws to make this a true indie gem.  

Take 2 (Old school movies and more hobbits walking)

Movie #6   Chaplin       78%

I've seen this movie several times.  The first time I saw it I thought it was a classic, but each time I watch it I like it a bit less.  My appreciation for Chaplin's films has really grown over the past few years.  While I enjoy seeing a bit of the man behind the legend, this movie is just lacking something.  Robert Downey Jr. was fantastic in this and certainly deserved the Oscar nomination he received. 

Movie #5 The Thing Called Love         85%

I've always enjoyed this movie.  It was on today, and I had not seen it since I was in high school.  It's a shame this movie is not more appreciated.  River Phoenix was fantastic, and it makes you think about what his career would have been like as he grew older.  The music is wonderful and there are a ton of Music City cameos.  It is nice to watch this movie now and see just how charming Sandra Bullock has always                
been.

Movie #4  The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey      77%

Okay, let's get a few things out of the way.  First, I thought the Lord of the Rings movies were pretty boring.  I think Clerks 2 sums up that "trilogy" best.  Second, I have a hard time watching Bilbo Baggins and not thinking about Tim from The Office.

Now that those two facts are out of the way, on to the review.  I liked this movie a lot more than I thought I would. The middle drags on a bit, but I enjoyed the first and last 30 minutes.  I just have a hard time caring about or trying to follow the story and all the names and places.  A nice looking movie.  However, I think the more CGI a movie has the less I enjoy it.

Take 1 (horrible fonts and even worse movies.)

Movie #3
Flight       70%

This movie was just a one way trip of all right.  I found it predictable and cliche.  I knew there was a reason my viewing of this film was delayed. 











Movie #2 
Lawless      65%

I expected much more from this one. It improved near the

end, but there were times when I was forcing myself to sit through it.  I thought Tom Hardy was very hard to understand, I found myself longing for him to speak in the Bane voice.  This was one of those movies I watched while playing games on the iPad, never a good sign.  

Movie #1
End of Watch    95%

I really enjoyed this film, as much as that was possible.  This movie leaves you in a constant state of uneasiness. It is the closest thing to the television show, The Shield,  that I've seen since that program left us.  This is a gritty police drama that uses some modern film making gimmicks in a pretty positive way.  Be warned, this movie is not for those who are easily offended by  profanity.