The Wackness, Peep It

Yesterday I watched The Wackness, a flick I really dug. It stars Josh Peck and Sir Ben Kingsley. Among other things, it is about a bond that develops between Peck and Kingsley's character. Peck is a good-hearted kid, who "keeps it real". He sells pot to Kingsley in exchange for free therapy. The movie takes place in 1994 New York City. It is nice to see a flick set in the 90s. Most flicks that take place in the 90s are only the case because that is when they were filmed. I really grew up in the 90s so I remember it quite vividly. Peck plays Zelda (Gold cartridge and all) on original Nintendo (NES). The film has a lot of subtle 1994 shoutouts. Peck is standing on the corner and a bus passes by with a banner ad for Forest Gump. Peck is later on the subway and everyone is reading the New York Post with the cover story being O.J. Simpson's highway chase in the white Ford Bronco. The flick is also complete with a extremely well thought out and assembled soundtrack. Some of the tracks include: A Tribe Called Quest "Can I Kick It?", Biz Markie "Just A Friend", Will Smith (Summertime), Wu-Tang Clan "Tearz", and Craig Mack "Flava In Your Ear". These are all quality songs that fit perfectly into this flick. I'm a big proponent of having a quality soundtrack to round-out and complete a movie. Also Notorious B.I.G. has much representation in the flick. In 1994 Biggie released his first and only album while he was alive. that album is of course "Ready To Die, which even if you're not a rap fan you can appreciate this piece. Peck buys pot off a Jamaican dude named "Percy" played by Method Man (Wu-Tang alum). In one scene Percy/Method Man is blasting Ready To Die, specifically "The What" which is a song with both Biggie and Method Man. I thought it was a nice subtle piece to the flick that not everyone would pick up on. I was really impressed with this flick. I highly suggest it to anyone. In case you were wondering about the title. One character says to another "I'm all about the dopeness, you're all about the wackness".

Will Ferrell

As of late, I've been on a Will Ferrell kick. I've just been ripping through his flicks. This all came to pass because I just bought Step Brothers with Ferrell and John C. Reilly. This is actually a very funny film. A lot of good one liners that stayed with me even days later. I ended up watching it a few more times before developing a fever for more Ferrell. "I got a fever, and the only prescription is more COWBELL!" haha sorry about that, that was a quality SNL skit with Ferrell. Anyone I went back into my DVD archive and pulled out: Anchorman, Semi-Pro, and Blades of Glory. This worked out well because Ferrell's "Your Welcome America: A Final Night With George Bush", just was just aired on HBO; if you haven't seen it do yourself a favor and check it out post-haste. Anyway Ferrell's flicks have a tendency to grow on you. Every time I watch one of his movies I like it even more and pick up and more and more subtle nuances. Anchorman is far and away the best film in his canon. From start to finish it is nothing but pure hilarity. I wasn't crazy about Semi-Pro the first time I watched it but since seeing it again I am on board and can vouch that it is good stuff. The only Ferrell comedy I don't enjoy it Taladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. I know I am in the minority here but I just don't think its funny, at all. I was so pumped to see it and when I finally made it to the theater I couldn't have been more let down. It serves me right for getting overly excited about flicks. I've found that it is best to try and keep my hopes reasonable because it can be easy to disappoint, especially with all the crapola that is out there these days. Aside from comedy, Ferrell is actually a quality actor. For those of you who have seen Stranger Than Fiction, you know what I'm taking about. The film is very inventive, creative, and well done. Ferrell is absolutely spot on as the character Harold Crick. Being on this Ferrell kick I have neglected one but mighty title. I have been saving it to cap off this little Ferrell-O-Rama I've been on. That flick of course is Old School. I can't say anything about this flick, it speaks volumes for itself.

Angry Video Game Nerd

A couple years ago I was on a youtube binge (every once in a while I go on youtube for hours on end). I was just typing in random things including video game titles. What I stumbled upon was a series of videos starring the self-proclaimed "Angry Video Game Nerd". In these videos he reviews classic NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) games that were less than perfect. I think video games have become very fine-tuned with a specific but pretty much everyone remembers playing Nintendo when they were young. I think it is partly due to the fact that Nintendo was billed more as a toy rather than a video game. Regardless, if you have ever played old Nintendo games than you know how frustrating some of the games can be. Because the technology there are many questionable and illogical things about some games that make the game virtually unplayable. The Angry Video Game Nerd basically goes on heated rants about why some of these games were so bad. Being familiar with the games makes the videos even funnier but even if you don't know them the videos are funny. The videos so clips from the games and have other funny graphics happening throughout the game review.

I was immediately hooked from that day on, as I found these videos to be right up my alley. I went on to discover that the Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN) was in fact a dude named James Rolfe who has his own website Cinemassacre.com. In addition to his character of AVGN was just one of many facets of what Rolfe does on his site. He allows does movie reviews of classic horror movies, 80s films, and waxes about other funny film issues. He also is an avid horror movie film and makes his own shorts that are actually pretty good. He updates the site with new material at least once a week. The site is a real treat to explore. If you haven't been on before you can really log in some time with the slew of assorted material. All of his videos have good production value and he admits he uses nothing more than ProTools. I think these videos are pretty inspiring to create my own material being that he seems to have a fun time with what he is going. He actually has a deal with Spike TV and is know seeing some profits from his work, he deserves it. He also was able to compile the AVGN videos into two separate DVDs that he sells through his website. Here are the URLs to his site:

http://www.cinemassacre.com/new/index.php (Main Site)

http://www.cinemassacre.com/new/?page_id=13 (Direct URL to Angry Video Game Nerd Videos)

Star Wars, What More Can I Say?

I realize as of late that this blog as sort of become about how I like certain movies but hey I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Every so often I get into a Star Wars mode. When this happens I will start watching one if not both of the trilogies. I find it to be such a good story to get sucked into. I realize that to some it may be nerdy but I really don't care, there just too damn good. Since it's spring break I've got nothing but time so I decided to jaunt into the world of Jedis, Lightsabers, and the Force. I decided to watch the original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI). Every time I watch them I have to stop and reflect about how truly amazing these movies are. In 1977, Star Wars broke open the world of special effects and created a whole new level of effects and film making in general. Aside from the effects, I believe the saga of Star Wars to be one of the best stories ever told. It's got the archetypes of heroes, villains, sidekicks, and mentors. The stories are all intertwined to tell an amazing story about a galaxy far far away. Most people think that it takes place in the future but in fact it takes place in the past, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away". All 6 of the episodes are actually about the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker aka. Darth Vader. It really a beautiful and tragically spun story. To see someone with limitless potential, squander it by falling victim to the "dark side", is one of these most tragic things in life, something I think most anyone can agree with. Fortunately there is Luke who is the "new hope" which represents the human spirit which can prevail and triumph evil regardless of the odds. I really don't think liking these movies makes one "nerdy" because they are just so great and a benchmark of the limitless possibilities of film. After watching the trilogy I watched a supplemental documentary "Empire of Dreams" which recounts the production of the original trilogy. It is so nice to hear first-hand accounts of what it was like to produce such a unique piece of work. At first it was a little depressing watching this because I feel like "I could never do that", but after thinking about it, the case is quite the opposite. As an aspiring filmmaker I find this documentary, and the films in general, as motivation to further my career into the world of film. In fact George Lucas bankrolled all these movies himself which aside from making him very rich, also allowed him to open Lucas Film LTD, Skywalker Sound THX, and Industrial Light & Magic, all of which are the pinnacle of special effects and film making in the realm of cinema. I could literally talk about these movies for ever, the canon of information is that large. There are so many spin-offs and sub stories from these movies it is truly astonishing. The prequel trilogy is also very good but the cream of the crop still lies in the original 3 movies. The movies speak for themselves, and if you don't believe me then check them out. I highly suggest anyone check out any of these films, my personal favorite is the Empire Strikes Back.

Slumdog

Tuesday night, I finally got the chance to go the movies and see Slumdog Millionaire. Man, is this a good flick. I thought I had a general idea of what it was about but at the same time had no idea. I knew it centered on a kid out of poverty getting the opportunity to play "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?". I was right, but it is so very much more than that. I just want to voice my utter " blown awayness" by this flick, don't hesitate to continue reading as I promise not to give anything away.
Think about the poorest, dirtiest, most third-class place in the world, multiply it by some random infintecint number, and the result will be where the main character Jamal is from. This is a place that you wouldn't really believe existed on planet Earth, but unfortunately it does. Jamal goes through extreme trials that test one's character.
I enjoyed so many things about this movie. The locations were so beautiful, even if it mainly took place in a slum. Everything from the cinematography to the acting was completely first class. I especially enjoyed the soundtrack which at times had the power to transport you into the film. It was very loud, and fast paced with a lot of bass. It was great. Danny Boyle is certainly worthy of winning the Best Director Oscar this year as this film is a great example of his gifts. If you are not familiar with his work, get familiar, I suggest Trainspotting, The Beach, or 28 Days Later.
The film also won Best Picture which I am completely satisfied with. In a previous post I discussed my disappointment with The Dark Knight not receiving a nomination, which I still stand by, but Slumdog definitely deserved to win. It was one of those rare films that has the ability to truly show you a completely different world than your own. I can't say enough about this movie. I actually ended up seeing it on Wednesday for the matinee, so in effect I saw it twice it less than 24 hours. The flick is coming out on DVD March 31st, but I strongly suggest seeing it in the theaters, as I'm sure it will have a more profound effect on you. I think there is something to be said for seeing flicks in the theaters as that is the way it is intended to me seen. Regardless, do yourself a favor, see this movie. I'm sure it will stay with you after it's over just like it has done with me.

The Oscars

I found this year's Academy Awards to be something of a letdown. There was a large build-up for the festivities this year. I couldn't tie my shoes without hearing something about the event. According to what I heard, the Oscar's this year were going to be very different from years past. The goal was to hearken back to the 'Golden Age" of cinema and the Oscars. They did make a valiant attempt from the get-go by getting Hugh Jackman to host. I thought this was a bold move being that he is primarily and action star best know as Wolverine in the X-Men movies. Apparently Jackman is a well-trained theater and "song and dance man". I actually felt that he did an adequate job. My beef lies in some other areas.
For starters, as usual, I had a problem with some of the nominations, and lack there of. I was a gigantic fan of the Dark Knight. Despite it being a superhero movie, I really felt it merited Best Picture and Best Director consideration. I realize that it is not the typical movie that receive these accolations, but in this case exceptions should have been made. I also think that "The Wrestler" and director Darren Aronfsky should have been given consideration as well.
People have told me, and I agree, they didn't show clips from the nominated movies during the best acting categories. When it came time to award the Oscar from Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, 5 previous winners of their respective categories came out and sung the praises of each individual and their performances. I liked seeing past winners but the praise for each person eventually became repetitive and felt forced. I think seeing a clip of the actor's performance speaks volumes compared to someone talking about how good they were. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
I really felt that Mickey Rourke got snubbed in terms of not winning Best Actor. For those who are seen "The Wrestler" you can probably attest to the raw, awesome performance of Rourke. Not to take anything away from Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, but Rourke was one of the most believable characters I've ever seen in film. He swept up all the other awards like the Golden Globes. He really should have taken home the statue this year.
I always enjoy watching the Academy Awards every year, and this year was no different. I'm glad I watched it, I just had some issues with it.