14 August 2010

The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!

2010
Rated Unrated

My Rating: 5 out of 5 taints

Expectation: I am a fan of the original series that aired on Comedy Central. I even own all three seasons on DVD. I like some episodes more than others. I like some characters more than other. Overall, however, I love the show. Since the show was canceled in 2007, I missed it and found many friends who loved the show as well. When I discovered there were plans for the movie, I was happy. I immediately bought it when it came out.

Date Watched: May 10, 2010

Review: I liked it. It was not consistently hilarious. There was a point behind the movie: a means to an end. While not as hilarious as some of the episodes, it was just as satisfying. The animation was different, but the characters stay true to who they are and that’s all I could ask for. The movie was designed to go straight to DVD, so the uncensored-ness is relentless and required. There was a little more political satyr than I would have liked, but the movie wouldn’t have been able to progress without it.

Who would I recommend this movie to? People who enjoy Drawn Together. If you have not seen at least one full season, you might not appreciate this movie enough.

Would I watch this movie again? You bet.

* This movie gets an Arbie Award for Best Animated Movie About A Canceled Animated/Reality Show

July's Poll Result

What do you find to be MOST important in selecting your movie theater?

Location
  1 (50%)
Ticket Price
  1 (50%)
Snack Selection/Price
  0 (0%)
Screen Quality and Size
  0 (0%)
Seat Comfort
  0 (0%)
Other
  0 (0%)

Total Votes: 2

Only two people voted, but I am willing to bet that if 200 people voted, it would be a close tie between these two choices. The other items on the list are things you can deal with. I find most theaters to be homogeneous.

22 July 2010

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

2006
Rated R

My Rating: 5 out of 5 superior olfactory senses

Expectation: *note* I did not read the novel. I expected a murder mystery. I suspected that the story would be similar to Jack The Ripper. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because it didn't seem very exciting. The movie is about two and a half hours. It certainly seemed like a gamble since I was expecting to be bored before I realized it was over two hours long.

Date Watched: June 26, 2010

Review: This movie was actually pretty cool. The main character was the villain, but you start with him since his birth and you immediately feel sorry for him. So, sure, he's a killer. But, you really just feel bad for him sometimes. I enjoyed the narration and cinematography. The acting was nice. Decent cast. Great story. It was long, but the twists and turns of the movie surprised me every time. Not typical or too predictable. I loved the setting and the costumes (It is in 18th century France). If I ever felt bored by the movie, that moment didn't last. The ending was...interesting. Not bad, just unusual. Ultimately: loved it. Maybe because I wasn't expecting to.

Who would I recommend this movie to? Almost anyone. Maybe not children. Not because of the nudity, but because they probably wouldn't understand much of what is going on. Not a lot of words are spoken considering the length of the movie.

Would I watch this movie again? Yes. I will consider owning this one, even.

* This movie gets an Arbie Award for Most Boiled Cat

15 July 2010

Angel-A

(French)
2005
Rated R

My Rating: 5 out of 5 angel wings

Expectation: First, for some reason, I thought this movie was about aliens. Then, I expected a stereotypical black and white French movie about a bum and his guardian angel. Reading the synopsis, I felt like it was not going to connect with me. Maybe a little too dramatic or deep. However, after watching the movie trailer, it seemed a little more heartfelt and maybe even a little cute.

Date Watched: July 15, 2010

Review: I loved it. It was touching, witty and sexy. I loved the character development. I think the message of the story was beautiful. The cinematography was gorgeous. The black and white effect wasn’t so necessary, but it did add an element of simplicity which I didn’t expect. Almost every frame is like a photograph. I enjoyed the storytelling. The acting is a highlight.

Who would I recommend this movie to? Those who can stand subtitles and don’t freak out over black and white films. It was a lovely picture and highly recommended for those in the mood for just a simple movie.

Would I watch this movie again? Certainly.

* This movie gets an Arbie Award for Most Legs On One Woman In A Black & White Film

Side Note: The male lead had his right hand hidden the entire movie. I assumed it had something to do with the role. Not the case. The actor had a childhood accident and he has a disabled hand. As a result, he doesn't really show it. I just thought you should know because I waited and waited and waited for something to happen because I thought it was part of the story.

01 July 2010

June's Poll Result

Mostly, I like to watch movies:

in the theater
  1 (100%)
rented on DVD/Blu-Ray
  0 (0%)
free on television
  0 (0%)

Total votes: 1

This means that I have one regular customer that likes to go to the theater. Personally, I love going to the theater, too. However, I think many movies are more enjoyable on the couch. The ambiance of the theater can be exciting or annoying and does not always meld well with a particular movie. I find most horror movies particularly hard to watch in a theater because I get distracted by the audience. Especially hecklers...even when they are right.

[And no, I don't actually vote on my own polls. I want to know what /you/ think.  ^_^ ]

25 June 2010

Movie Posters

Let us take some time away from the normal movie critiquing to get to know each other a little better. Grab some hot cocoa and come sit all nice and close. You know what irks me? Terrible movie posters. A movie poster should express the movie. Like a book cover. True: “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. But, actually, most people do.

I saw this movie poster for Takers (2010) and I thought it was a joke. I know bad photoshopping when I see it. It is like they didn’t even care. If they don’t care, why should I?

(Click to view larger)

It looks stupid. I'm not the only one who thinks so. Check out this link for a site for more details.

Grace

2009
Rated R

My Rating: 4 out of 5 bloody baby bottles

Expectation: I watched this movie of my own accord. I expected a movie about a woman who gives birth to a baby and the baby craves blood and meat and people! I'm a sucker for zombie movies. It had the ring of a B-movie, but that's no reason to hate. So, I rented it.

Date Watched: July 23, 2010

Review: Wow. Okay, so the woman’s baby dies inside of her after an accident. But, she gives birth, anyway. Then, she coaxes the baby back to life (sort of). The baby is alive, but does crave blood. Ironically, at the beginning of the movie, the woman is vegan and likely a member of PETA. Lots of blood. It wasn’t a horror. It was very ominous, though. The acting was okay and the special effects weren’t on par. The story was original. The last scene is what is going to stick with me for a long, long time. It was expected, but to see it was still shocking. Enjoyed.

Who would I recommend this movie to? Folks who don’t want kids. Sexually active teens (to scare the hell out of them). Fans of creepy horror films.

Would I watch this movie again? Uncertain. Maybe in a few years.

* This movie gets an Arbie Award for Most Fly Traps Used in a Single Scene