Nine By Design 31 - Summer Movie Preview

You've made it.  It's Friday...there is much rejoicing.  You can do whatever you do on the weekend.  For my wife and me, it's just more prep for the baby.  We're about 6 weeks out, before our daughter shows up.  Excited, yes...nervous, yes...scared, sure...no one wants to be the first one to drop the baby.  Our weekly list is a little different today.  It's a Summer Movie Preview.  Looking at movies that will come out between May and August.  Not telling you what you should see, but movies...(some) I'd like to see, if I had time, which I won't or money, which I don't.

Summer Movie Preview:

The Superhero Movies:  I'll just combine all of those movies into one group to save space.  There are a bunch this summer.  Starting with Thor in May.  I want to like this movie.  It has a great director in Branagh and a very strong cast, although, Natalie Portman is becoming a female Michael Caine, she's in everything.  I don't know how this Norse god will translate to the screen.  June has X-Men: First Class and Green Lantern, debuting.  These two movies would be the ones I'd pay for.  Mainly, Green Lantern, as I've been a fan of the comics since I could read.  Captain America: The First Avenger comes out in July and looks very awkward from what I've seen so far.  I love the character, but wouldn't see it in the theater.

The Animated Movies:  If it's not a big blockbuster, special effects movie, its an animated film.  The summer audience is dominated by out of school kids.  Kung Fu Panda 2 kicks it off in May.  It'll do well on name alone, as will Cars 2.  Movies like Winnie the Pooh and the Smurfs are toss ups.  Smurfs is a special effects driven movie, right up the alley for kids.  Winnie the Pooh, might be too sophisticated for kids.  Hand drawn art, no celebrity voices, with storytelling the main star here.  A movie that my generation grew up with.

The Sequels: Summer time, means sequels...sadly.  Well, sometimes it works, but I think you know what I'm talking about.  Pirates of the Caribbean: Johnny Depp Cashes Another Check (really, On Stranger Tides) starts the Sequel -Palooza.  I can't even remember if I saw the last one, let alone, if I would see this one.  Hangover II : Love You Long Time (I'm just adding stuff), it takes place in Thailand, I think it fits.  I think it'll be good, but it has big shoes to fill in the original...it's another I'll wait until is out of the theater.  There's also another Transformers/Michael Bay explosion fest and the last, I think it's the last, Harry Potter movie.  I think he files for AARP in this one.

Mr. Popper's Penguins: Based on a Children's book and starring the child-like Jim Carrey, could be an alternative to all of the animated films for kids.  I'm not super familiar with the book, but its one of those sleeper type movies that could win over kids looking for something other than talking cars.  They are out there.

Cowboys & Aliens:  Here's your big budget, Sci-Fi movie.  Jon Favreau stepped away from the Iron Man franchise and put together a really great cast for this movie.  Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell (just go see everything he's ever done, phenomenal) and some guys named Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.  They all fit great in a western setting.  They also did NOT shoot in 3-D, thankfully.  This movie could also easily fall on it's proverbial face, like Battlefield:Earth.

Our Idiot Brother: Is a movie I think will be overlooked.  The great Paul Rudd stars with Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel.  Busted for pot, he leaves jail, homeless and jobless, staying with his sisters and causing havoc in their lives.  A movie, I'd like to see.

Fright Night: They re-made the movie with Colin Farrell.  The cast is really good; Anton Yelchin, David Tennant (Dr. Who, for a bit) and the aforementioned, Farrell.  I think the original is still the standard for the alternate take on a vampire movie.  Hopefully, the remake will be loyal to it.

30 Minutes Or Less: This could be the sleeper comedy of the summer.  You have funny guys; Danny McBride, Nick Swardson and Aziz Ansari to go with super nerd, Jesse Eisenberg.  It's the same director from Zombieland, so it could be in good hands. 

Hesher: Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as an anti-social loner/anti-hero/mentor to the kid, whose parents own the house of the garage he squats in.  Make sense?  I think it could be the Indie hit of the summer if it gets a wide release.  Something, I'd check out if given the chance.  Natalie Portman is in this as well...no, I'm not kidding.

That's our list for the week.  Have a great one.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

Insomnia Is Awesome

Insomnia is a very surreal feeling.  You're awake, but not fully with it.  I'm not sure I really have it, but do get into periods of not being able to fall asleep until 3 or 4 in the morning.  I'm in one of those periods currently and I'm really feeling it today.  I do have a lot of stress and anxiety currently.  I know that's what is causing my sleepless nights and not, Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks for that matter.  I can be equal opportunity and at this moment in time, Tom Hanks would be the choice over Meg.

Speaking of actors, I went 6 for 9 in my Oscar Predictions.  I feel pretty darn good about that.  If I didn't pick any upsets, I might've gone 9 for 9, but I don't want to do the coulda, woulda, shoulda thing.

Sunday was my Fantasy Baseball Auction Draft.  I had a great time.  Met some good people, saw some friends I don't get to see often, because life gets in the way.  I like my team, but I don't love my team.  I think most of the people in the league feel similar.  There's always one or two positions that you need some help in, after all is said and done.  There will be a lot of tweaking before the season gets started.  The guys in the league like to make trades and everyone is always trying to make their team better.  The downside is, the trade that you thought will make your team better, could make it worse.  There lies the rub of trying to be a GM.  That's as close as we'll ever get to experiencing it.  All of the fantasy baseball players in the world should send Dan Okrent a one time thank you of $1 each.  Considering how many people play, he'd be a multi-millionaire tomorrow.  Yes, really...

The blog may, not definite, but may, take a few days off to work on a project I will be starting for the blog and to write some long over due interviews and get those sent out.  We'll see, but I don't know what I'm doing 5 minutes from now.  Probably passing out.

Odds And Sods 7

I haven't done one of these in quite a while.  It's not that I don't have a lot of things, that don't really have enough to be a full entry.  It's that I'm just trying to do other things.  I still need to write some interviews and reviews.  Just haven't been into it lately.  I had a week full of headaches, but that's not really the reason.  It's definitely not the music or the bands, so I don't know...just a lot on my mind.

So what's going on?  I've been researching for my up coming Fantasy Baseball Auction Draft.  I know you're all impressed.  Yes, I know I'm nerdy on multiple levels and I'm very proud of it.  I think everyone is pretty nerdy in their own way.  Don't believe me, do you collect anything?  Then you're a nerd...sorry to inform you.  It goes with the territory.  There's nothing wrong with it.  I'm pretty sure all of my friends are and would be worried if I knew someone that wasn't.  I don't know what kind of person that would be. So, back to the baseball.  I'm taking over a team that was an expansion team.  In this league, you have a salary cap and sign players to contracts that last between 1 and 4 seasons.  So, there is more to it than just drafting luck.  There are some players unavailable, because they are under contract.  I know about half the people in the league personally.  I'm familiar with a couple of others, but have never met them.  Okay, this is now boring me and I'm writing it.  So, end scene...

I've been listening to a lot of podcasts lately.  I like listening to interviews.  I tend to listen mainly to the comedy based ones.  They do get serious, but generally are very funny.  We all need laughter in our life and in my opinion, you can never have enough.  I've been listening to the Nerdist.  I know go figure.  It's hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick mainly, with other co-hosts rotating in and out, but he's the mainstay.  I listen for the guests, he's had some really good ones.  I also really like WTF with Marc Maron.  Another interview based comedy show.  Again, he's had some really great guests.  The other one I started listening to is called Podcast Masters.  Hosted by comedians Jim Breuer and Pete Correale.  It's mainly about their careers and Jim being a father to three daughters and how he handles it.  Parenting in a funny way.  Since, I'm about to become a parent.  I try to listen to any and all types of parenting styles.  Even a comedian that's looked stoned his entire life.

Lastly, because I don't have much else to talk about really.  There are some movies opening in March that will probably get overlooked, but hopefully not.  The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon is opening early in March.  It's based on a Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, Minority Report, Total Recall, do I need to go on?) short story.  I just want to see how they run with it.  Dick wrote this story in 1954 and most of his stories in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Just imagine having that type of creative mind to think of this stuff 50 years ago.  So, ahead of his time.  Kevin Smith's penultimate movie Red State is opening for an early run in New York City.  It opens everywhere in October.  I'm not sure if he will really retire after Hit Somebody.  I hope not, because I do enjoy his work.  The last movie I'll "pimp," as the cool kids say.  Personally, I think if you say the word "pimp" and think it's cool.  You've made a mistake.  Nobody speaks like that, unless your Katt Williams and everyone knows he isn't funny.  Where was I?  Oh right, the next movie, Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper and Bobby D.  I never read the novel, but it sounds very interesting.  A drug that lets you use your entire brain to it's full capability.  That sounds fascinating to me.  I generally don't read fiction, but that book sounds great.

That's all I have for you today.  I'll try to do better next time.

Nine By Design 20 - Predicting The Oscars

Before we get into our weekly fun, I want to take a moment to remember the Space Shuttle Challenger crew.  It was 25 years ago today that the accident happened.  I was in 6th grade watching it live and I knew it was bad, because I'll never forget the looks on both teachers faces after it happened.  It's one of those, "Where were you when it happened?" moments.

Alright folks, onto our weekly list o' fun.  Today, I've been put in charge by my staff of predicting the Oscars.  How do you make predictions when you haven't seen all of the films?  I've analyzed technical facts, through hours and hours all kinds of info, burning the candle at both ends (which is bad by the way, started a fire), burning the midnight oil (Peter Garrett was pissed) and every other cliche that basically it comes down to, I'm guessing.  There is analysis, but it wouldn't make sense to anyone.  I'm not going to list the nominees for every category, due to space, but you can see them here.  I'm also not going to even try to fake predict the Best Foreign Film...I have even less than no clue on these.  Just no clue on the normal categories.  Fasten your seat belt folks, here we go.

Oscar Predictions:

Best Motion Picture of the Year is always hard to predict, but even harder now since they increased the number of films nominated to 10.  I think it's going to come down as a race between 3 movies; The King's Speech, The Social Network and True Grit.  I think it's going to be The King's Speech...just have a feeling.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role is a little easier to predict this year.  Here's my logic for my prediction.  Jeff Bridges already won for Crazy Heart, which is great if you haven't seen it.  Jesse Eisenberg and James Franco are both under 35, so they have time.  I'm trying to think like Academy voters.  Javier Bardem has won, granted it was Best Supporting Actor, but he's still won one.  So, Colin Firth, who has been nominated before, will get his well deserved statue.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role is a harder call.  I want to give it to Annette Bening, because she's been nominated 4 times.  I just don't see it.  Nicole Kidman has already won one.  I think it's Natalie Portman.  Michelle Williams could be a sleeper, but it's Portman's to lose.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role could be the hardest one to predict so far.  So many great actors are in this category.  Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner, Geoffrey Rush and Mark Ruffalo.  Hey, wait you forgot someone.  No, I didn't.  John Hawkes is the sleeper.  He's that guy you've seen before, but don't know his name.  He's the sleeper, the winner is going to be...Christian Bale.  I really want to say Jeremy Renner, but I can't.  I wouldn't be upset with anyone in this group winning.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role is the most clear cut in my eyes.  It's going to be Melissa Leo for her performance in The Fighter.  She won the Golden Globe.  I just don't see anyone else.

Best Achievement in Directing looks like another slam dunk with David Fincher winning.  He's a great director, but I'm going with David O. Russell in an upset.  Why not?  It's very difficult to make a great sports movie, especially boxing.  Good boxing movie = Raging Bull, Bad (but entertaining) boxing movie = Rocky (all of them).  If boxers threw punches like they do in Rocky, we'd have a lot of dead boxers.

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen this is a tough one.  I think it's going to be Inception.  It's an incredibly interesting film.  I think it got snubbed in some categories for nominations, but I couldn't take any others out.  I think The Fighter and The King's Speech could win also, but I like Inception for this category.

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published is a mouthful.  Say it out loud.  I know The Social Network will probably win, but I'm going with 127 Hours in an upset.  I think 127 Hours needs to win for something.  It's such a gripping story.

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year is the easiest of all the categories.  Toy Story 3 in a run away.  It's nominated for Best Picture after all, not just Animated, but Best Picture.  It's an easy one.

So that's what I think...I'm sure I'll be wrong on most, but I'm putting myself out there.  We'll see who wins in about a month.  You heard/read it here first!  Cheers...Happy Weekend!

The Razzies...And The Nominees Are...

With the Academy Award (Oscar) Nominations being due today.  I thought we should explore, the alternative. 

If you've never heard of the Razzies, they are the opposite of the Academy Awards.  They recognize the worst in movies of that given year.  The dubious award is officially called the Golden Raspberry.  I like them, because they don't take movies too seriously.  They basically call BS when Hollywood tries to pass off inferior films.  They call it what it is, crap. 

I love some of the nominations this year.  Not the movie itself, but the fact that they were nominated.  Twilight: Eclipse led in the nominations.  Someone wrote on a message board/forum, "Why did this get nominated, it made so much money?"  Just because, they sold a lot of tickets, doesn't mean it's good.  Teenagers have a lot of money to spend...so all that, plus the dreamy British 30 yr old, playing a teenager and the other dude, who wishes he was Teen Wolf, does not make for a good movie.  Kristen Stewart still looks like she's 12.

Tied for most nominations with Twilight was The Last Airbender.  I didn't see it, I have no idea what it's about, but I remember the commercials.  It's like they have been burned into my brain and won't leave.  Here's the thing, Twilight grossed a ton of cash and Airbender bombed worse than Xanadu or Battlefield Earth, if that is possible.  What do they have in common?  They both suck, although one franchise has managed to brain wash it's audience and the other potential franchise, failed.  Simple.

Here is the nomination website for the awards, which grows in popularity year by year.  Sandra Bullock actually showed up last year to claim her worst leading actress award, but they don't really have awards to be given out.  They should.  That award show would be worth watching.  It would be the one time where actors/actresses/directors wouldn't take themselves so seriously.  It would probably be like a less talented Independent Spirit Awards. 

Nine By Design 18

You've come to the end of the work week and all you want to do is find out what today's 9 is going to be.  You've obviously come to the right place to get your weekend started.  As always, we've (I've) slaved over a hot stove (keyboard) to bring to you the best in entertainment, for your hard earned dollar (I should charge something, but I like having readers, so free it is).  What will it be?  Will it be comedy?  Movies?  The old standby, Music?  How about all of the above?  This week's Nine By Design is about Concert Movies.  I'm a sucker for documentary films, especially entertainment based ones.  I just like learning about anything, bands, comedians, you name it really.  If done well, anything can be made interesting.  These Nine are great and should be checked out if they pique your interest.

Concert Movies:

U2 - Rattle & Hum : I have mixed feelings about U2.  I liked them early on in their career, then Bono decided to leave planet Earth for a bit and become Sting, but I can't really blame the band for the lead singers actions.  I don't blame the Police for Sting, as they are still one of my favorite bands.  So, when you have one of the cooler drummers in your band, Larry Mullen Jr. and Edge finally realized that he was balding and got rid of the "rat tail," you can deal with LSD (lead singer disease).  Bono, still thinks he's the second coming, but that's now, you could deal with him during Rattle and Hum.  Plus, it really helps that they are really "on" during the movie.  "Bullet the Blue Sky" is amazing.

The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter : Most of you may know or at least heard about the tragedies at Altamont.  The Hells Angels were hired to do security.  That would be like hiring a fox to guard the hen house.  Just bad news from the jump.  Fights broke out during the Flying Burrito Bros. and Jefferson Airplane sets.  In fact, Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane got beat up by one of the Angels.  Tough gig.  Also, there was the horrible stabbing of Meredith Hunter when he tried to get onstage.  So, the film becomes more of a historical event than concert. 

Urgh! A Music War : I love this film.  There are just so many bands in it that it's hard not to.  It's really a who's who of early 80's Punk/New Wave.  This is about as straight forward a concert movie can get.  There isn't really any talking...it's all music.  Unless, someone is talking from the stage, it's song, new band, song, repeat for 2 hours.  There are well known bands, somewhat underrated bands and bands that were never really known.  It's down and dirty, do it yourself and at times, you really feel like some dude with Dippity Do in his hair, is pogoing right next to you.

Beastie Boys - Awesome; I F**kin Shot That! : What happens when you give 50 fans camcorders and tell them to record everything from the start of the concert until the end.  This happens.  It's a really great idea and a fantastic way to give back to your fans.  I am not the biggest rap fan in the world.  I appreciate certain rappers to a point and the Beastie's fall onto that list.  I think it has more to do with the older rappers.  I'll still listen to Run DMC or Grandmaster Flash or even, NWA when in the mood.  What I really like are the DJs.  I'm a huge fan of how they put together the beats that the MC's rap over.  Mixmaster Mike is a favorite.  I strongly recommend the documentary Scratch, which is all about DJs.  Amazing film.  I also love the way the Beastie Boys end their concert.  Real powerful.

Eddie Murphy - Raw : Wait, this isn't music, but it is a concert film.  This movie was my first real understanding of black comedy.  I had heard a little of his Delirious album, but I was only 9 when that came out.  I was 13 when Raw hit.  Fours years at that time in your life makes a huge difference.  Your not laughing just because, he's saying dirty words.  You understand what he's talking about now.  This also got me into Richard Pryor, the comedian and not just the actor.  Huge difference.  Then a little later on, Chris Rock would hit and really take black stand up over. 

Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars : The brilliance of David Bowie was just becoming evident with this creation.  He would constantly recreate himself over the course of his career.  I take it as he never wanted to be boring and he's had an incredible run.  Bowie also had at this time, one of his best bands and my favorite Bowie guitarist, Mick Ronson.  Reeves Gabrels is a close second, but he doesn't come into the scene until much later.  Mick died way too young.  I also love the cheering and then the silence at the beginning of "Rock n Roll Suicide" when he's telling the crowd that the band is playing their last show ever.  Most people thought he was retiring from the music business, not just retiring Ziggy.

Monterey Pop : I like it slightly better than Woodstock.  Jimi Hendrix and The Who were making their first American appearances.  Otis Redding was crossing over to a predominantly white audience for the first time, backed by Booker T and the MG's.  Redding was another rock n roll tragedy, plane crash at 26.  Monterey came before Woodstock and seems more natural.  It never gets the credit that Woodstock got.  Plus, it has Canned Heat, who was pretty much unknown at this point.

Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense : I'll get this out of the way early, I love the band, but hate David Byrne.  He's one of the poster children for the aforementioned LSD.  One of the all-time great jerks in music history.  Okay, I think it's out of my system.  This is a non-stop concert.  They are really going for it.  So all dislike aside, Byrne is very entertaining, which pains me for admitting that.

The Band - The Last Waltz : Everything about this "band" kills me.  All of them so talented, with three, count them, three distinctive singing voices.  Plus, they have guests up the wazoo...Clapton, Van Morrison, Neil Young and some guy named Dylan.  If anything is a must own on this list, it's this movie.  You'll just never see anything like them ever again.  Whether it's a ballad or a rocker, they are totally amazing.  The other thing I love about this movie is guitarist Robbie Robertson, he bronzed his guitar and by the end of the night, couldn't play it anymore, because it was too heavy.

So that wraps up our weekly stroll.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Maybe, you'll add some these to your Netflix or buy them at the local Best Buy.  They are all worth it.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

Nine By Design 13

John Lennon was killed 30 yrs ago this week

I find it a little remarkable that this list entry, I started as a way to get over a little writer's block and make sure that I blogged at least once per week, has been going on for a quarter year.  It may not sound like much, but I have tiny goals in life.  As regular readers know, I've been feeling under the weather this week.  I self-diagnosed myself with Legionnaires Disease, because it sounds cool.  Better than the sniffles or a chest cold.  Everyone gets a cold, but not everyone gets...LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE.  On with our weekly list...but wait, we don't know the topic yet.  You are a very astute observer and correct, of course.  Since the holidays are upon us...how about Alternative Christmas Movies?  (The descriptions could be very surreal, since I don't want to spoil anything)

Alternative Christmas Movies:

The Family Stone

No, really...I'm starting with this movie.  I never said they we're all good movies, although I like all of them.  There's just something about this one and no, it isn't Sarah Jessica Parker...she's so out of place, which I know is the point, but yuck.  That's all I'll say about SJP, yuck is all you get.  Anyways, Claire Danes is very charming and hot in the movie.  Craig T. Nelson is the dad and probably, one of the coolest dad's in a movie.  If you haven't seen it, do so...the story will get you...it's really good, despite SJP.  Luke Wilson's in it, it can't be bad...

 Less Than Zero

The first book by Bret Easton Ellis and also the first to be adapted into a movie.  Robert Downey Jr. plays himself in the movie, but goes by Julian.  Not really, but at the time the movie was made...Downey was a mess, so it wasn't a stretch.  One of three movies where, Andrew McCarthy is the "hero" and one of my favorite actors, James Spader, is the "bad guy."  The other two, Pretty In Pink and Mannequin.  All three were made within 24 months of each other, interesting, but I don't know why.  Show your children, Robert Downey Jr's drug journey, as a way to scare them straight.  The visual isn't an egg in a frying pan, it's a straight guy, turning tricks to pay his dealer back.  Way more effective...

The Ref

I guess you would call this a breakthrough movie, but not for who you would think.  Denis Leary was great in this movie, but wouldn't really embrace acting until Wag The Dog/Suicide Kings both made in 1997.  It's pretty much, Kevin Spacey's coming out party.  It's his first real chunky role.  He does so much with it and he's great with Judy Davis, who plays his wife.  Just about every one of his roles for the next 10 yrs gets nominated for something.  It's about as heartwarming a black comedy gets.

Bad Santa

Another heartwarming black comedy.  Are there really such things?  There better be, I just called two movies that.  Billy Bob Thronton is the ugly Johnny Depp.  Let me clarify.  Johnny Depp makes big budget movies to get smaller ones, that he may prefer, made.  Billy Bob does the same thing, but isn't as good looking as Officer Tom Hanson.  So, the girls down at the hairdressers tell me at least.  This movie is just great top to bottom.  A fantastic cast, the last film of John Ritter and is hilarious.  Plus, Lauren Graham is just, wow.  I blame my wife for making me watch Gilmore Girls.  Highly recommended and the movie too.

Die Hard

"Yippee-ki-yay, mofo" (I try not swear here, it just lowers every one's intelligence, plus I've always liked, "mofo") is as big a part of Christmas as, "Merry Christmas."  It is in my world, it should be in yours as well.  The movie that made Bruce Willis a movie star.  He was already a TV star, but we know there is a difference.  Until recently, being a TV star was like being a second class citizen, but nowadays, it's almost the preferred profession.  There are very few real movie stars left.

Better Off Dead

The classic story of love lost and love regained.  Add, a homicidal paperboy looking for two dollars, your neighbors mom blew up, your best friend is trying to snort an entire mountain and one of the coolest Camaro's ever.  That's just the tip of iceberg.  Any movie that has an animated scene about the Van Halen song, "Everybody Wants Some" is making my random 9.  It also helps that John Cusack is an all-time favorite actor of mine.

Trading Places

Everyone in this movie is brilliant.  It takes me back to a better time in movies, when Dan Aykroyd wasn't Yogi Bear, Eddie Murphy wasn't a donkey and Jamie Lee Curtis wasn't shilling yogurt that made you poop.  Would you rather that I use the word, defecate, instead of, poop?  It sounds worse that way.  OK, I better stop, I've just ruined this movie for everyone, me included.

Scrooged

I know this is a real Christmas movie, but it's a favorite and very off beat.  It's one of Bill Murray's best roles, IMO.  As far as remakes go, I don't think this can be topped.  A phenomenal cast, the story is tweaked enough that it becomes it's own movie and not just a re-telling of a classic.  It's not  Dickens' Christmas Carol on steroids, it's on acid...makes for a better trip.  Not that I would know anything about that, Officer Tom Hanson.  Moving along...

Christmas Vacation

Another real Christmas movie, I know, but it's too great to leave off.  It's one of the few times when Chevy Chase is funny.  That's not a dig on him personally.  I just think he's picked bad scripts over the years.  Fletch is one of my favorite movies.  You should all know this movie, it's on every year multiple times.  If you've never seen it, what are you waiting for?  You'll be quoting lines from this movie throughout dinner with your own Uncle Eddie.

Honorable Mention:  The Long Kiss Goodnight, because it was Geena Davis' last good role and that's sad.  How she hasn't done anything good in almost 15 yrs, is beyond me?

This now concludes our programming for the day...Cheers.  Happy Weekend.

Nine By Design 9

Back once again for the weekly treat that is, Nine By Design.  Even when I try to do movies, it comes back to music.  I personally don't find that to be a bad thing.  How about you?  This weeks list is on Music Based Movies.  Films where music plays a huge role all it's own.

Music Based Movies:

O Brother, Where Art Thou? has some of the best traditional country songs ever put on film.  T-Bone Burnett did an outstanding job with the score.  This is real country music ladies and gentlemen, not "pop with a cowboy hat."  I say that far too often, but it really bugs me what "they" call country music these days.

Rock 'n' Roll High School produced by the "King of B-Movies" Roger Corman and featuring the Ramones.  I know it's not a good movie, it's a great movie...well, if you like low budget movies about a punk band.  I'll still watch it anytime it's on.  Just for fun.  Any chance to see a young PJ Soles as Riff Randall, is fine by me. 

Empire Records has some outstanding music throughout the movie.  It's about a record store, what do you expect?  Plus, it has moments that really make the movie.  If you haven't seen it, it's a must see for a music fan.

High Fidelity has the record store that I would like to own.  The music purist aka (nerd, snob, etc) store, that are quickly going away...sadly.  The book by Nick Hornby is phenomenal, but the movie turned me on to some really cool music.  It also made Jack Black a hot commodity. 

Velvet Goldmine based on David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona and the era of Glam Rock.  It's a very good movie, with an amazing cast (Bale, McGregor and Rhys Meyers), but can be a bit heavy, at times.  The music is really top notch.  Check it out, it's a good way to get into Glam.

This Is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary and also pure comedy genius.  Most of the movie is ad libbed, as there were only outlines of scenes written.  The band is actually pretty good and the lyrics are hilarious.  They are still around, put out real albums and toured. 

The Blues Brothers has just fantastic music in it.  It's the movie that got me into R&B, Blues and Soul music.  Which is really very easy when they have the real musicians performing in the movie.  You can't really go wrong.  One of the few SNL movies that works.

Almost Famous took a bunch of actors and made them a band.  Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical film, is really well done.  Especially the live band scenes.  You'd never know they weren't a real band.  Jason Lee and Billy Crudup are totally believable as musicians.

Eddie and The Cruisers is the little movie that could.  A complete failure at the box office.  It wasn't until the movie made it's way to HBO, that it became a success.  The soundtrack was re-released and sold 4 million copies.  A personal favorite due to the actual band performing the music (John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band) being from Providence, RI (where I live). 

As always, I hope you enjoyed the weekly list I've put together.  I'll see you again next week.  Happy Weekend.  Cheers!

Mom Always Liked You Best 2

 VS

Warning: Chances of Spoilers are Likely, Read at Your Own Risk

On the surface, both of these films are about addiction.  Both main characters Mark Renton (Trainspotting) and Harry Goldfarb (Requiem) are heroin addicts.  If you dig deeper into both movies, they are both about trying to improve your lot in life.  How does that work for the people involved?  Some better than others.  Let's explore...

Similarities:

Both movies were made for under $5 million dollars.  Tiny budgets, even for a drama.  They both were made independently.  In a nutshell, they didn't have huge corporate movie companies paying for everything.  Which is both good and bad.  Bad, for the obvious, very little money to make your vision.  It is good however for the director.  Most of the time, they don't have "big brother" watching over them and telling them, what they can and can't do.

Speaking of directors, both movies had guys making their second official films for the big screen.  Danny Boyle for Trainspotting, has gone onto make 28 Days Later... and Slumdog Millionaire.  Darren Aronofsky for Requiem, has gone onto make The Fountain and The Wrestler.  The first time the general public stood up and took notice of their talents.

These movies were critically acclaimed.  Ellen Burstyn was nominated (lost to Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich) for an Oscar as Sara Goldfarb, Harry's mother.  The screenplay for Trainspotting was nominated (lost to Sling Blade)for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.  Both of these movies were novels before making it to the big screen.

There are other similarities, but again, I try not to give too much away for those people that live in a box and haven't seen these movies quite yet.

Differences:

Hard to overlook this fact.  Trainspotting was a box office hit and Requiem, wasn't.  Danny Boyle's first hit made roughly 5 times it's budget (budget=3.5 million, gross=16.5 million).  Pretty good return on your investment.  Darren Aronofsky had to wait for DVD sales for his movie to become a cult hit.

The casts of these films are both very talented, but the Trainspotting cast had breakout stars.  From Ewan McGregor right away to a little later with Kevin McKidd and pretty much everyone in between had huge career boosts.  For Requiem, the aforementioned Burstyn was already an Oscar winner.  Jared Leto is too busy trying to be a rock star.  This was Jennifer Connelly's first major adult role, IMO.  She's not just "eye candy," she proves she can really act and has done some good movies since.  Now for the scene stealer supreme, Marlon Wayans.  No, really...I'm serious  He's very good in this film and I've always wished he'd do more drama.  He's currently making the Richard Pryor biopic, which could be a star making performance.  Although, portrayals of real people, especially famous ones, are very difficult.  I'm hoping he pulls it off.

How does it all end?  Both films are fantastic, but one is more realistic than the other.  I believe Requiem to be the more realistic film.  People fall victim to their own personal demons everyday and nowhere does it say life has to have a happy ending.  Now, while it's true that not everyone in Trainspotting has a good time in the end.  Our main man Renton, makes it out alive and is much better off than his beginning.  Sure this could happen, but I think the odds are against it.

It's no surprise to me that both films are in the top 200 most popular/best movies on IMDB.  If you haven't seen these movies, please do yourself a favor and watch them.  Maybe not on the same day, both can be pretty graphic at times.  Still watch them and form your own opinion.  It will be worth it.

Nine By Design

Alright folks, I've been working on a couple different projects, but haven't finished anything.  Maybe, if I could learn to work on one thing at a time, something would get finished, but it doesn't work like that here.  So, I've decided to do a weekly list to make sure something gets published on a steady basis. 

Favorite Movie Characters

(Videos May Contain Spoilers and Adult Language, Please Take No Offense, Definitely For Adults Only)

Chris Knight from Real Genius: This was only Val Kilmer's second movie role and he hits it out of the park.  I just wish someone would put him in something good.  The last good thing he was in was, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang...highly recommended if you haven't seen it.


Luke from Cool Hand Luke: I've been trying to remember all morning if this was the first movie I saw of Paul Newman's?  It was either this or the Hustler, so we'll just go with this.  Just an amazing performance, that was nominated for Best Actor in 1968.  

Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap: Where to start with this great character created by the mind of Christopher Guest?  Supposedly based on Jeff Beck, who is a perfectionist virtuoso guitarist that has a tendency to be a little "out there."  One of the funniest movies I've ever seen.  It's almost entirely improvised, as just outlines of scenes were written, no dialogue.

Penny Lane from Almost Famous: Who wouldn't fall in love with Kate Hudson in this movie?  A gorgeous girl, that is into rock n roll, that you can talk to and she doesn't laugh or make fun of you.  I'm sold, at least my 16 yr old self would've been.  I definitely would've fallen hard for her.

Aaron Stampler from Primal Fear: Now this is the way to announce your presence in Hollywood.  Still my favorite performance by Edward Norton and that is saying a ton, considering all the memorable characters he's played.  For my money, he's currently the best American actor of our time.  Only my opinion, but look at his body of work.

Sheriff Bart from Blazing Saddles: Richard Pryor co-wrote the screenplay and was supposed to play this role, but his reputation as a racy comedian got the movie execs scared.  So we got the super talented Cleavon Little instead, which is fine by me.  Little, was a Julliard graduate and Tony award winner...so needless to say, he had the chops.  We'd have to wait a couple of years for the first Pryor/Wilder team up.


Beatrix Kiddo/The Bride from Kill Bill Vol.1&2: Not a woman you want to have mad at you.  Uma Thurman hasn't done anything interesting since this movie.  I guess she doesn't want to be an action star, but she's 6 feet tall...she's perfect for it.  Quentin Tarantino has announced Kill Bill Vol. 3 is in the works.  So, let's cross our fingers that it's as good.  We'll get to see Uma as a bad ass again, at least.

Martin Blank from Grosse Pointe Blank: One of the best comedies ever.  Great performances by Dan Aykroyd, Minnie Driver, Jeremy Piven, Alan Arkin and one of the most underrated actors of all-time, John Cusack.  He continues to make excellent movies into his 40's.  I know that doesn't sound like a longtime, but he's been in the business for about 25 years.  Love how he appears in big studio movies, so he can get smaller movies made.  He's a consistently good actor, I understand he may never win an Oscar, but he's always good in everything.

Leonard Shelby from Memento: The first time I saw Guy Pearce was in LA Confidential, another great movie that you should check out if you haven't seen it.  He was a star in Australia before coming to the States, similar to Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson.  Yet, another actor that could be used better, in my opinion.  Needs better projects.

Our first list is done and there will be another next week.  None of this is meant to go into deep analysis on the subjects picked, just a beginning, a jumping off point, so to speak.  Hopefully, you'll take these as recommendations and go out on your own to check them out.  If you ask me the same question tomorrow, you'd get 9 different answers.

You Know, The One With Those Guys and They Do That Thing

I'm sure everyone has favorite movies, that when brought up in conversation, people stare at you.  They don't have big stars, didn't do well at the box office or are just forgotten about.  This is just a small list of favorite movies that I feel are highly underrated.  Just my opinion and you may or may not agree.  May Contain Spoilers: Although, I will do my best not to ruin anything.

Requiem For a Dream (2000, Darren Aronofsky)

One of the more misunderstood movies in recent memory.  It's not just a drug movie...it's a lot more than that.  We all have dreams in life.  Imagine, working towards those dreams and getting within reaching distance...so close you can taste it.  You just need a little more time or that one last thing, but you don't quite get there.  Not only don't you get there, you're worse off than when you started...not only worse off, but your life has completely changed, you don't know what happened, who you are anymore and most importantly, how you got there.  In a vague nutshell, this is our story. 

Fletch (1985, Michael Ritchie)

Possibly, Ok let's get real here...EASILY, Chevy Chase's best role.  Most movies that Chevy have been in are ensembles or his role is as a supporting character.  Some would say Clark Griswold in the "Vacation" movies is his best role and it's hard to disagree with, but I'm about to.  Clark is a moron and Fletch is a genius.  Did I convince you?  No?  I'm not really trying to, as it's clearly personal preference.  I do stand by my statement.  Irwin R. Fletcher, is an investigative journalist, quick with a quip and great with the ladies, so he'd have you believe.  It's a well written movie, with smart dialogue, a good story and a very strong supporting cast.  It's also something that is very rare with a Chevy Chase movie...it's funny.

The Game (1997, David Fincher)

What do you get a man that has every possession one could want or buy?  Life.  That's pretty much the premise to the movie.  Michael Douglas' brother, played by, Sean Penn, get's him a birthday present he'll never forget.  This is a classic thriller.  You're on the edge of your seat the entire time, trying to figure out what to do next.  The movie is very smart from top to bottom.  Well acted, which you would expect from heavyweights like Douglas and Penn.  I love the way David Fincher tells a story.  His style is very evident in this movie.  It did well at the box office, but it's not one of those movies that get's talked about often.  The same could be said for our next film.

Ronin (1998, John Frankenheimer)

Action...you want action?  80 cars were destroyed making this film.  There is one of the best car chases in the history of action movies in this film.  Plus, Robert DeNiro isn't in the mob.  It did do decent at the box office, like The Game, but again is never really talked about.  The cast is really top notch, although you might not know their names, you'll definitely recognize all of them.  David Mamet helped with the writing of the screenplay, but he did so under an assumed name.  Ronin is more than just a shoot 'em up action flick.  You do have to pay attention to what's going on, as there is a lot of espionage and it's hard to pinpoint who is on what side?  Also, a great movie to watch if you have a home theater.

Grandma's Boy (2006, Nicholaus Goossen)

What can I say about this movie?  If you took Animal House and added Cheech and Chong, you'd be off to a good start.  This movie did so horrible at the box office, I didn't even know it was released.  I stumbled upon this one day flipping channels.  I laughed so hard, that I went out and bought it later that same day.  It's that funny, but it's specific funny.  Video game, comic book, geek humor and for good measure, drug humor.  I could see if you aren't into any of that, you'd find this movie dumb, crass or rude.  Nick Swardson (Jeff), who co-wrote the movie with Allen Covert (Alex), is just brilliant and really makes the movie.  It's a great escape film.  Turn the brain off and laugh for awhile.

Mom Always Liked You Best - Volume 1

This will compare and contrast: Movies, roles, actors, bands, songs, books...etc.  I'm not trying to determine which one is better than the other, but open avenues of discussion.  It's personal opinion which you prefer or like better.  Anyways...on with the show!

                                                                                                            

        Russell Crowe as Hando in Romper Stomper

VS.

   Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard in American History X

Two pretty nasty looking dudes.  I'd say at the least.  Both very scary in many ways...not just looks and actions...perhaps even worse than that is, their thoughts and ideals.  On the surface, Romper Stomper and American History X are about the same things...skinheads.  Two skinheads, in particular...

Hando, as played by Russell Crowe and played very well by him.  This is the first movie that made me aware of Crowe.  He scared the crap out of me in this role.  He is definitely the leader of the skinheads in Australia.  He's the strong one of the group, the alpha male.  His crew sticks together, but is falling apart at the same time.  Hando is self-reliant and has been for a long time.  He's not the smartest guy, but compared to the others, he's a genius.  What he doesn't know he learns.  He's dedicated to being the best neo-Nazi he can be.

Derek Vinyard, as played by Edward Norton, equally as well.  In fact, he was nominated for an Oscar for the second time before he was 30 for this role.  Vinyard is not like Hando, he's educated, from the suburbs and has had all the advantages.  As in life, it can take just one moment to flip everything.  When Derek's dad dies, especially, in the way he's killed...Derek's path is changed.  He goes from an athletic honors student to a confused young adult, in search of a father figure.  He just finds the wrong one.

Let's see, how can I do this without giving too much of either movie away?  Just in case you live in a cave and haven't seen them.  Hando is a psychopath that has no long term plan.  It's destroy everything and everyone in sight...right now.  Derek is very cold and calculated with a long term plan to expand the power of his crew, the D.O.C.  Derek's journey takes place over the course of years.  Hando's may take a week, but it's full throttle the entire time.  I have to give Hando the advantage in tattoos, simply for his left arm alone.  That is an intimidating piece of ink.  Derek has the swastika tattooed on his left pectoral (his heart).  Which may have more meaning as a neo-Nazi, but the black ink bones spells bad ass.

 They are both quite menacing physical presences.  You wouldn't want to fight either one on one.  You may think Hando is the better fighter, because he doesn't use a gun, but he would if he had the chance.  Vinyard is a product of his environment.  You don't show up to a gun fight with a knife and he knows that.  Although, he does seal his reputation by what he does after he's out of bullets.  Karma catches up to both of them respectively in different ways.  Again, being vague as to not give away too much.

Check out both of these movies and form your own opinions.  If for nothing else, they will open your eyes.  There are still groups like the ones portrayed in the movies.  Not just in the USA, but worldwide.  Hate, is one of the strongest emotions out there, but a lot of times, these kids don't know what, why or who they hate.  The pure evil is at the top, the people that give the followers their beliefs.  Hate breeds hate and it's sad.  The way I look at life is simple.  An ass is an ass.  If you're a great person, you are.  It has nothing to do with color, religion or where you came from, for me.  Ok, I'm off my soapbox.