Spaced

 A waiting to be discovered graphic artist and current comic book store worker, Tim (Simon Pegg) just got dumped by his girlfriend of five years and told to leave their apartment.  Daisy (Jessica Hynes) has just decided squatting with a bunch of stoners is no way for a burgeoning writer to live.   The two strangers meet while apartment hunting and come across the perfect place.  The only problem is the place is for professional couples only.  With both of them desperate and homeless, Tim and Daisy devise a plan to pose as a young married couple to get the flat.  Now, the only problems the two have is keep up the act in front of the landlord.  Oh, and the two have to find paying work.  Rounding out the cast are Brian (Mark Heap) the eccentric artist downstairs, Marsha (Julia Deakin) the boozing and talkative land lady, Mike (Nick Frost) Tim's troublesome best friend and gun enthusiast, and Twist (Katy Carmichael) Daisy's best friend and fashionista.  

A short-lived British television series, Spaced never really caught on with all the pop-culture references throughout the series.  However, an American audience has gradually grown by word of mouth and by famous fans like Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, Matt Stone, and Judd Apatow.  If you are a pop culture geek and like shows filled with irreverent humor, this is a show you need to pick up.  Grade A 

W.

As W (Josh Brolin) meets in his office in mid 2002 determining whether or not to invade Iraq, he begins to flash back to influential moments of his life.  Filmed in traditional Oliver Stone style, the movie jumps back and forth through time like a rabbit on crystal meth, yet keeps the progression of the story.  The movie would be a great political satire if most of these events hadn’t actually happened. 

The acting in the movie is fantastic although at some points the scenes seemed like an all-star SNL skit.  Richard Dreyfuss disappears into the role of Dick Cheney.  My only complaint in the acting department is James Cromwell, who is a great actor, didn’t seem to make a good Bush Sr. 

As for the movie itself, a lot of Bush’s history is glossed over and many things aren’t even mentioned (cocaine use, election fixing).  However the movie does the job of capturing the character of the man.  Love him or hate him, you have to admit W is a compelling character.  Rated PG 13 Run time 130 minutes

Grade C

Max Payne

Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) is desperately seeking answers behind the unsolved murder of his wife and daughter.  Years have gone by without any answers and all leads have grown cold. However, a chance encounter during a random shake down slowly progresses towards a brutal murder scene with Max as the only suspect.   Now on the run and in the cold, Max discovers his new woes may be linked to his wife’s death.  Finally, Max may get the chance for revenge and redemption.

Based on the video game of the same name, Max Payne has the same basic plot line.  The only twist is the mystery of the angels that show up in the previews.  Without that, Max Payne is just another revenge-based action movie. 

For those that would prefer not to spend the $7 to find out the mystery, the paragraph below lets you in on the secret.  If you prefer to be surprised or figure it out on your own, skip the next paragraph. Rated PG-13 Run time 100 Minutes   Grade C

The angels are actually hallucinations of the underground street drug Valkyr.  The drug gives everyone the feel of invincibility along with the unfortunate side effect of seeing horrific valkyries.  In a climax all soccer moms are sure to understand, Max takes the hallucinogenic and goes on a trigger happy rampage against the killers.

Sex Drive

Sex Drive – Luckless virgin, Ian (Josh Zuckerman) gets an instant message from his online girlfriend, Ms. Tasty, requesting if he brings his 1969 GTO Judge down to see her, she will go all the way with him.  The only flaw is the car actually belongs to Ian’s older brother Rex (James Marsden).  Fortunately, Ian’s friend Lance (Clark Duke) convinces Ian to take the car, hit the road, and finally get his cherry popped.  However, as always, the best of plans get laid to waste including: Ian’s best friend Felecia decides to tag along with the guys, Rex finds out his car is missing, run ins with strange locals frequently occur, and a the group has a chance encounter with an Amish fellow who happens to be a fantastic mechanic. 

Aside from a few random jokes, Sex Drive is a mediocre comedy with the same underlying plot of most movies where the unlucky guy happens to have a hot female best friend. Yet neither seem to notice each other until the 3^rd act.

Rated R run time 109 minutes   Grade D

Somebody out there give Val Kilmer a real job, Please!

Knight Rider has to be the dumbest show of the new season.  Well, at least the worst one that's being picked up for an entire season.  This is not the only shocking problem, however, as I recently learned the voice of the car was Val Kilmer.  Did he lose a bet or is he desperate for money?  A man responsible for some of my favorite roles in past movies (Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Ice Man from Top Gun, Chris Knight in Real Genius, and Nick Rivers from Top Secret!), has resorted to voicing the car?  I would accept the move if the show were good, but the old series is better than this new one.  The new series is like a bad one hour car ad.  What's worse is I've seen better car ads, hell I've seen better commercials for razor blades!  

To differ with most people ranting on the net, I will provide a solution to this show.  First, bring back Hasselhoff as the driver. Next, think Kung-Fu meets Beautiful Mind.  Knight travels from town to town helping people in need of his expertise.  The twist is only Knight can hear the car when it speaks, leaving the question to the viewer: Is Knight really a special agent driving a living, technological marvel, or is he just a good-natured nut speaking into a broken dashboard light?

However, I was raised to find the positve in everything; therefore, I give you one highlight of this current show...

Deanna Russo

One of the best shows you may not be watching

Sons of Anarchy does for motorcycle gangs what Sopranos did for New Jersey mobsters.  However, this show also adds some black humor along the way.  Charlie Hunnam stars as Jax, a young member whose love for the brotherhood is tested by his growing apprehension for its lawlessness.  Meanwhile, Jax's step-father Clay (Ron Pearlman) and mother Gemma (Katey Segal) slowly bend the will of the club to their ideal, albeit dark, vision.  

The most recent episode found the members helping a recently released convict reclaim some skimmed funds he had hidden before going away.  Unfortunately, his nervous tick of compulsive masterbation is leaves the members uneasy.  On the other end of town, Gemma is trying to make sure all goes well with her charity picnic for the local school.  Things start to unravel, though, when an ousted member shows up to see his son's band play during the fund raiser.  This causes the gang to try some experimental tattoo removal by the end of the show.  

If this show keeps up its mix of intensity and humor, it may help replace that void Sopranos left behind. For now, its worth the watch.  New episodes can be seen on FX on Wednesdays at 9pm Central, or go to fxnetwork and watch previous episodes.

Body of Lies

CIA field agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is operating in Iraq and hot on the trail of an underground terrorist cell believed to be coordinating the most recent attacks in America and Europe.  Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe), meanwhile, is coordinating plans for Ferris via satellite imagery back in Langley.  Following clues that lead to Jordan, Ferris must broker an uneasy alliance with the chief of Jordanian intelligence (Mark Strong).  In a clash of beliefs and ideals, Ferris has to learn quickly who to trust for making the wrong choice could cost him his life.  128 Minutes Rated R

Body of Lies is another fantastic action/suspense movie from Ridley Scott. (Black Hawk Down, Gladiator)  While this movie lacks the personal drama of the recent movie, Traitor, it more than makes up for it in action sequences.  This movie shows the futility of the war on terror yet shows why it's also necessary.  Many other movies trying to tackle this subject often lean one way or the other.  Body of Lies seems to walk the razor's edge.  Grade B-

Throwback Movies on DVD

Every week or so I am going to try to post about a couple movies that either stayed under the radar at the box office, never quite made it to the big screen, or was just plain forgotten over time

Suspect Zero- FBI agent Thomas Mackelway (Aaron Eckhart) is brought into an investigation of a series of strange murders.  Signs slowly point to Benjamin O'Ryan (Ben Kinglsey) who was used in a secret government experiment in developing telepathic abilities.  O'Ryan, however, is on his own quest after the ultimate elusive serial killer seemingly devoid of any pattern.  During the chase Mackelway begins to wonder if O'Ryan's ability has turned him into the very monster he was supposedly made to stop.  Released in 2004. Rated R

This movie is a dark, mysterious thriller with a chilling performance by Ben Kingsley.  Suspect Zero is definitely worth a rental for those that enjoy noir detective movies.

Trespass is about two Arkansas fire fighters, Vince and Don, who find a map that leads to a stolen cache of gold.  While in an abandoned building in East St. Louis (yes, East St. Louis) in search of the treasure, Vince (Bill Paxton) witnesses a gangland execution.  King James (Ice-T) decides he can't have any witnesses and orders his gang to kill the two firemen.  Meanwhile, Don (William Sadler) refuses to walk away without the gold.  This starts a deadly game of cat and mouse between the two sides in which no one may walk away. Released in 1992.  Rated R.

This movie should provide with plenty of mindless entertainment.  Trespass is an old-school action movie filled with gagster rappers.  (think Die Hard meets Judgement Night)

Looking Ahead

Once a month, I'm going to try to show the big movies coming out for that month.  I may point out a few duds as well. 

October 10th

• Body of Lies-Looks like a terrorist version of the Departed especially with DiCaprio in it.  Too bad Traitor beat them to the box office. However, Russell Crowe usually has good sense when picking movie parts.
• The Express-Just in time for October, an inspirational movie about a sports legend!
• Quarantine-This looks like a zombie movie crossed with the bad photography of the Blair Witch.  And does anyone else see the night vision shots and flashback to that Paris Hilton video?
• City of Ember-Think Journey to the Center of the Earth, but in reverse...

October 17th

• Max Payne-Based on a video game which usually is not a good sign, but I'm curious why scenes include the sky turning to fire and a horde of angels randomly appearing.  Starring Mark Walburg and Mila Kunis
• Sex Drive- This movie caught my interest when a preview shows a cop trying to mace a fast-food mascot then screaming, "The big Mexican won't go down!"
• W.-Given Oliver Stone's history, this movie could be insanely boring or just plain insane.  I'm having trouble telling whether or not the movie is a satire or a tribute to our lame-duck President...

October 24th

• Changeling-Jon Malkovich and Angelina Jolie provide the star power, but Clint Eastwood is directing.  On his track record alone, this movie may worth checking out. 
• High School Muical 3: Senior Year-Note: want to be successful like Disney?  Milk every idea for as much money as you can while beating the same premise into the ground and then set it to bubble-gum pop.
• Pride and Glory-Ed Norton and Colin Farrell in a cop movie?  Sounds like money, however this one was supposed to come out back in March.  Was it due to the company preferring better time based on the strike or were there bad reviews in early test screenings?
• Saw V-See above note on High School Musical 3 except use creepy industrial music...

October 31st

• Haunting of Molly Hartley-Anybody remember when this movie was called Carrie?
• Zack and Miri Make a Porno-I was signed up to see this even before I found out it was from the mind of Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Clerks 2)

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Trying to get over a break-up with his girlfriend of 6 months, Nick (Michael Cera) is coerced by his friends to come out and play bass for their gig.  The group Nick plays in is an indie-gay rock band called the Jerk Offs.  Meanwhile, Norah (Kat Dennings) is convinced to go out with her hard partying friend (Ari Graynor) and hit the underground band scene.  As events unfold, Nick and Norah are forced together by Nick’s band-mates to go out and find the secret location of a secret show by the ultimate underground band.  Music , at first, seems to be the only thing Nick and Norah have in common, but as the night progresses, it suddenly feels like anything might be possible. Run time: 90 minutes Rated PG-13

Set in the New York City underground music scene, this movie provides a dynamic story of romance and possibilities.  Like Ray said on-air Monday,  all it could take for a lasting relationship is one long night together.  This one provides for men and women alike. Whether a fan of music or not, the teens and parents should enjoy this movie.  

Grade: A

Appaloosa

Two gunmen are hired by the townspeople of Appaloosa. Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) have been bringing law to small towns for years, but this town offers a serious adversary for the two friends in the form of Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons).  Bragg is an wily adversary who runs a ranch just outside of town and feels his men should be allowed to do whatever they want while in Appaloosa.  Things become even more difficult when Allison French (Renee Zellweger) comes to town looking for work and starts to come between the two longstanding friends of Cole and Hitch.  This is one town where feelings can get you killed.  Run time: 116 minutes Rated R

This movie was a fantastic Western.  Everyone afore-mentioned gave great performances, but Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen, especially, provided characters to remember.  Now this one doesn’t go down into the great Westerns of all time (Tombstone, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Unforgiven, and Hondo); however, Appaloosa is a textbook Western/Cowboy movie.  The movie runs slow at some points and the movie is filled by the simplicity of cowboy wisdom. Those that don’t have the patience to sit through the story to get to the gunfights may get a little frustrated with the movie, but any true fan of the genre should put this one on the must-see list.  

Grade: B-

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

Sidney Young (Simon Pegg) is the owner/lead journalist of a small British celebrity magazine. After crashing a party hosted by the editor of Sharp’s magazine by pretending to be the handler for the pig from Babe 3, Sidney is offered a starting position by the editor (Jeff Bridges).  Immediately in over his head, Sidney arrives on the New York entertainment scene constantly bumbling about and often speaking his own contrary opinions to people who are uninterested.  Finding and unlikely friend in his co-worker Alison Olsen (Kirsten Dunst), Sidney quickly tries to get her help in bagging the new “it girl” on the scene (Megan Fox).  Run time: 90 minutes Rated PG-13

Not everyone may find a movie about a celebrity magazine writer’s fall to power all that interesting.  Simon Pegg fans should enjoy his typical irreverent humor, otherwise How to Lose Friends and Alienate people has about as much originality to offer as another remake of Can’t Buy me Love. This one may be worth waiting until the movie gets to dvd.  In the meantime Simon Pegg fans can go out and rent Run Fatboy Run, Hot Fuzz, or Spaced (the British television show where he got his start).  Grade C

FirePoof!

A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telekinetic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic. Drew Barrymore stars in Fire Start... oh wait that's not right.  Let's try that again...

A pair of adventurers try to track down an ancient Aztec gold! Chuck Norris and Louis Gossett Jr star in FireWalker...  No that's not it either.

Firepoof er, Fireproof rather, stars Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is a firefighter and all around man's man who is the go to guy in the local fire house.  Unfortunately, for as successful he is at work, he is equally unsuccessful on the home-front.  As his marriage ends before him, Caleb's father sticks his nose in, er, offers advice to his confused son by providing a book entitled the Love Dare.  Initially, Caleb's new efforts are met with reluctance and uncertainty by his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea).  Over time, however, Caleb starts putting his heart into his efforts and allows God to guide him to be a better husband through prayer. (no, really!)  Rated PG

Unless you already have group tickets to go to see this one with your church group, I recommend setting yourself on fire before being dragged to this movie.  Otherwise, God be with you, and bring a phone with an internet connection.  

Grade: F (for flaming bags of excrement would get a more positive response)

For those who would prefer to see real fire fighting drama, I suggest catching the mini-sodes of Rescue Me available on YouTube for starters.

5 Reasons to rent Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Devastated after breaking up with his world famous girlfriend, Peter (Jason Segel) decides to take time off composing musical scores for television shows and takes a solo vacation in Hawaii.  Unfortunately, his ex Sarah (Kristin Bell) is also vacationing with her new rock-star boyfriend in the very hotel in which Peter is staying.  Peter tries to cope by finding solace and friendship in the hotel staff and guests, especially by spending time with the hotel concierge, Rachel (Mila Kunis).  Rated R due to nudity and strong language.  

As for why this is worth at least a rental:

5. The movie was produced by Judd Apatow, who brought movies such as 40 year old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, and Pineapple Express to the big screen.

4. Jason Segel wrote and stars in the movie.  He doesn't have the slightest problem in making himself seem hysterically pathetic. (warning: the man is also not afraid to show off his junk)

3. Dracula: the puppet musical...

2. The supporting cast is fantastic! Paul Rudd (Anchorman), Bill Hader (Superbad), Jonah Hill (Superbad),  and Jack McBrayer (Kenneth from 30 Rock) all have laugh out loud parts in the movie.

1. Mila Kunis And Kristin Bell dressed bikinis all movie long!  What more do you need to enjoy the movie?

Grade: A