Falling Down

Probably one of the only Joel Schumacher films that I really like. Poor Joel lost a lot of street cred when he put nipples on the batman suit. How laughable. The opening moments of this film are enough to drive anyone crazy. It’s crafty so beautifully with the slow pans and tilts around the crowded freeway. The claustrophobic shots inside the car and accompanying doldrums music also intensify the mood. And then the fly, Garfield, and random object montage pushes Michael and us over the edge. He flees on foot, abandoning his car, proclaiming that he has “go home”. I like the contrast shown from Robert Duvall’s perspective, who is laughing at graffiti on billboard signs and enjoying the timeout from the day’s hustle and bustle.

Falling Down Trailer

The story follows Michael Douglas who is an average Joe that becomes fed up with the urban world around him. He tries to set things right (at least what he sees as right in his own mind). He makes loud statements on how the world is screwing over the little and how America has become a melting pot for filth and lowlifes. He destroys a convenience store where everything is overpriced, attacks a burger joint for not serving breakfast 2 minutes after 11:30, and gives gang members a taste of their own medicine. It’s nice to watch someone stick up for the little guy every once and a while.

The film is filled with hilarious moments and over the top characters. I personally love the general in the war store as he helps Michael make a boot selection. “Make your move Mary.” Classic. Throughout the movie there are random funny moments like that that make it so worth watching. This is a great film to watch with the guys or your father-in-law. It’s amazing. And Michael Douglas is probably my favorite actor, so that helps too,

Rating: 9.25/10

Edge of Darkness

This film kind of snuck past me. I do remember seeing a trailer for it some time ago, but I don’t remember seeing it at the theatres or marketed heavily in any way. I knew it starred Mel Gibson and it was a film where he was out for revenge, so I knew it would probably be a good one. And sure enough, I was right. Mel was born to play these types of roles. Have something so precious taken from him and then have him try to make it right somehow. In this film his daughter is killed right in his arms and he has to uncover the secrets of her life and work. Was the shotgun blast meant for him, as he’s a Boston Police Officer? Just one of the many questions we look to answer in this flick. The film takes a turn halfway and becomes more like THE CONSPIRACY THEORY, which isn’t bad. It gives the film some deeper substance than some of the other revenge flicks out there. In the end Mel ends up battling against crooked politicians, nuclear weapons facilities, and internal radiation – what a recipe…

Edge of Darkness Trailer Here

Mel Gibson back as the badest dude in the room. A guy with nothing more to lose. This film really was done well. It’s entertaining, heartfelt, and evenly keeled with action, drama, and interesting characters. You are excited about what is around the corner, which is a tough feat with film in general – building that much due anticipation.

There are a couple scenes in this film where I actually rewound to experience it again. When Mel Gibson shots the car driver – what an excellent tough guy moment. And at the end where the Russian assassinates the three guys without flinching. EOD is an entertaining film that develops a solid connection between Mel and his daughter and it pulls on those heart strings throughout. If you enjoyed PAYBACK, RANSOM, or CONSPIRACY THEORY you will enjoy this film immensely. Our Mel is back.

Rating: 9.5/10

Funny People

I kept pushing off seeing this movie because I thought it would be anything but funny, and it was pretty funny, but more heartfelt and sincere. The film follows Adam Sandler’s character who is a well established actor/comedian who has found out that he has cancer and is dying. He goes back on the road to do standup comedy shows just like the old days. Along the way he meets Mira who is a young, male standup trying to make a break into the comedic scene. Mira is played by Seth Rogan, who then befriends Adam and helps him write material that isn’t depressive and lame. The film has some other relationship dynamics involving his ex-wife played by Leslie Mann. Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason and Schwartzman are also along for the ride. Jason probably has the funniest role in the film – as lame TV star with a big head that steals Mira’s girlfriend from him for a night.

Funny People Trailer

Like I mentioned earlier, this film isn’t as funny as it is a drama about a man who tries to relive and reminiscence about a life that has passed. Adam does a good job at playing a serious role while still keeping a substantial level of humor throughout his performance.

The film is long, but you don’t realize it until about the 130-minute mark. Then you’re like, “wait? Is this the ssmae director that did THE FORTY YEAR OLD VIRGIN?” then you scratch your head and it ends and you see that Judd Apatow isn’t just a one trick pony. He really can bring more to the table than pot and penis jokes. In KNOCKED Up we started to see how he can pull more from his actors and stories than just college humor, but in FUNNY PEOPLE he falls into a pocket that will not doubt bring him to the stage as a credible drama director.

Rating: 8.25/10

Gothika

I bought this on blu-ray for $10 in January and watched it shortly after that. I had seen it before, so I wasn’t in for any surprises, however, like I always say, it looked fantastic on blu-ray. I might argue that the picture on my 52 inch LED is crisper than that of the one on the silver screen? Dare I make this comment?? There are some scenes where I can see more detail than my eyes can handle, and I know I have never had that problem in the theatre before. Anyways enough of the 1080p talk. This film follows a doctor who treats mental patients at an asylum, and one day she encounters a young girl on the side of the road during an intense rainstorm. Halle Berry crashes her car and goes to help the girl who looks lost and traumatized. After that encounter Halle wakes up on the other side of the glass and the mystery begins.

Gothika Trailer Here

If you haven’t seen this movie than I do recommend it, but it has some fairly intense parts in it that intended to startle people. I remember I watched this with my wife back when we were dating and she couldn’t sleep that night and her parents were out of town. She wanted me to come over and just be at the house, but I wouldn’t. What a guy, eh?

Robert Downy Jr. is superb in this film as well, just like almost every film he’s in. Probably one of my favorite actors of all time. So charismatic that guy. Penelope Cruz is used very well in this film too. She plays the nut job role very well and is convincing. There is some serious suspension of disbelief in this film, but it works because Halle has to be convinced too, and we are right there with her.

There’s a good ending twist in this film and is a good payoff I believe. This is a good popcorn film if you can handle some intense moments and some startles along the way. Enjoy.

Rating: 8.25/10

Goodfellas

Is there a better “man film” out there? I doubt it. This has it all. Mobsters, violence, chasing the dream of riches and prominence, Dinero, Pesci, Liotta, and it’s directed by Martin Scorsese. Sounds like the perfect poker movie in my mind. And I do love the ever-loving something out of this film. It’s a timeless film that can be watched over and over again. We follow Henry throughout his life as a mobbed up guy. We see him when he’s young and how he gets into the game, we watch him during his star years, and towards the end of his life after the dust has settled. It’s a fairly simple story but the perfect directing, acting, and musical score keep everything moving just as it should.

Goodfellas Trailer Here

I just realized that I have reviewed a good amount of Marty’s films, but that’s ok because they are all excellent. Probably TAXI DRIVER, RAGING BULL, or MEAN STREETS are on my top list of his films right now. And yes, I said MEAN STREETS – an underrated film in my mind. But the favorite part in that film is the introductory title sequence with that song in the background. (Can’t remember it right now. Drats)

So this film balances out the view of how a person involved in organized crime would probably live their life. There are times of unprecedented happiness, joy, and wealth, but around every corner is the threat of death, betrayal, and imprisonment. We see the dichotomy of living this kind of life very effectively in this film. There are times when Henry is so paranoid and freaking out that we cannot help but feel for him, his wife, and his family. That sequence where Henry has to cook dinner while running errands is probably the best part of the film. Beautifully crafted as usual Marty, but I don’t have to tell you, you already knew that.

Lorraine Bracco’s performance in this film is stunning as well. I had to mention that. She’s one of my favorite actresses and she sizzles on THE SOPRANOS, but here is my favorite performance by here right behind SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME. And the scene where Henry goes over and takes care of the guy that laid a hand on his girl is bar-none the best scene in the film.

This film isn’t best for the date night with Mrs., however, put it on with the boys and kick back. The quality of this film on blu-ray is very good. I especially love the scenes where the cigarette smoke dances in the amplified lights of a bar or club. It looks magnificent.

Rating: 9.5/10

Little Chenier: A Cajun Story

Interesting story behind the watching of this film – my mother, who is an excellent mom, really wanted all of us kids to come and watch this with her. So we started it Mother’s Day evening after a day of gifts, food, cards, and board games. We got halfway through and had to postpone due to the late hour and how we both had to work early on Monday morning. Two nights later we went back and finished the film. To be honest, I expected it to be a rough one to sit through, not because of my mother’s tastes, but from what I read about it. She reassured that it was a great film that really shows how people live down on the bayou.

Little Chenier: A Cajun Story Trailer Here

The story follows two brothers, a friend, a town’s sheriff, and a woman whom the lead man and sheriff both want for their wife. The brother is mentally handicapped and seems to keep his mouth open throughout the duration of the film. The first time we meet him it is a little offsetting. He really is acting very well, or is actually retarded in real life (sorry, I’m not very PC). During the film the handicapped brother gets into trouble which forces the sheriff, the antagonist, to step in and arrest and ultimately mistreat the boy. The older brother has to stick up and defend/rescue his brother. Then the story turns into a bit of a murder mystery in a way and there is a final confrontation that would compete with the mainstream dramas that are out there today.

The story for this film is good, but not the best thing about this picture by far. Without a doubt the reason to see this film is to experience what life is like down very South in the bayou. I kept waiting for John Fogerty to chime in with “Born On The Bayou” with his raspy voice, but my dream never came true. We spend 110 minutes with these people as they live out their day-to-day. It’s really quite fascinating too. They seem to live simpler lives and care for one another more/differently than we do up North.

Here’s another flick that missed the mainstream lights, but is definitely worthwhile to see. If nothing else you’ll have a new appreciation for the lifestyle these people have and the world in which they live in. Other bayou films off the top of my head: CAPE FEAR and US MARSHALS.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Secret

Going in I was less than excited about this film. Besides the fact that it starred one of my favorite actors of all time, I wasn’t overly thrilled about the premise. However, I was really blown away. The story follows a man, his wife, and his daughter. After a car accident the wife somehow transfers her soul/spirit into her daughter who lies dead next to her in the ER. David is there to watch this whole event go down. When the daughter (mother) regains consciousness she realizes what has happened and freaks out because she is now trapped inside of her daughter, so to speak. The rest of the film deals with this newfound conundrum that they are in. Can she make her husband believe that she honestly has inherited her daughter’s body?

The Secret Trailer Here

The film has incredible pacing in my opinion. It starts out very smooth and slowly increases in intensity. There are some moments that are truly memorable and make the audience sit on the edge of their seat to see what happens next. I’m thinking directly about one scene where the daughter tries to encourage David to take advantage of her new found “16 year old body” and then she continues to describe herself to him and flirt during. It’s one of those moments where you’re like, what?!?! No way?!?! There are som many dynamics running through your head that you cannot wait to see what he comes about.

Overall the film is a lot of fun and well done. Too bad that it was never released in the mainstream theatres, but perhaps I know why. No, there’s a lot more risqué films released these days than this one, so I am now officially irked. There are some interesting situations that the daughter/wife and put into and it’s entertaining to watch them work it out. Kind of reminded me of FREAKY FRIDAY, but with more adult situations.

Rating: 9/10