movie: Gung Ho
starring: Michael Keaton, Gedde Watanabe
genre: Drama
year: 1986
format: TV EDIT
plot: When an American car company is bought out by a Japanese firm, their employees must learn to work together in order to rebuild the factory and save a town
This is one of those classic movies from the 1980's that fights for the underdog and has him win with little consequence.
It starts off with an attitude of our ways are better then your ways, on both sides of the scale and ends up with everyone sort of bending to reach their goals.
It also came out at a time when so many of the movies were designed to stick it to corporations. The idea that everyone was tired of being treated like a piece of equipment and needed to remind their bosses that they were humans.
what do I think i learned from this film?
Team work and trust are the only way things will improve, but at the same time if you do not respect yourself, how are you suppose to function as part of a good team? Life can be too short to give all of yourself to something that is only suppose to supply you with basics. You need to find the balance in life that allows you to be really you.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Day 278
movie: The Vampire Dog
starring: Norm MacDonald, Collin MacKechnie
genre: Comedy
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A boy moves to a new town and new school when his mom becomes the school's new music teacher. Soon, he learns that he's set to inherit his dead grandfather's dog. Which turns out to be a vampire dog.
I am a vampire junkie, and over my life I've seen some great vampire films, and some terrible ones. This is cute.
Not really what I was expecting, but for what it is, its a silly way to spend an hour and a half.
It falls inline with many of the my-dog-saved- the day- genre films that seems to have popped up on dvd in the last four or so years, and mixes just enough of 101 Dalmatians to have a weak but doable plot. It is targeted for kids under 10, so the dialog is not that intense.
The vampire related stuff is almost an after thought to flesh it out so to speak then the main plot points. The dog, which reminds me of the kids show Wishbone, needs to eat red jelly in order to survive. This leads to one scene of him causing a group of school kids to freak out mildly at lunch, but otherwise; this is about a boy fitting in at school while trying to stop a bad guy from stealing his dog. All coming to a head at the school's battle of the bands.
If you're looking for a cute silly puppy film, this is it. If you're looking for a vampire film you'll be disappointed.
I do give it props for being one of the more original vampire films I've ever come across and I somehow see it becoming a small franchise of straight to dvd films.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Don't be afraid to be who you really are even if it means doing so alone.
starring: Norm MacDonald, Collin MacKechnie
genre: Comedy
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
I am a vampire junkie, and over my life I've seen some great vampire films, and some terrible ones. This is cute.
Not really what I was expecting, but for what it is, its a silly way to spend an hour and a half.
It falls inline with many of the my-dog-saved- the day- genre films that seems to have popped up on dvd in the last four or so years, and mixes just enough of 101 Dalmatians to have a weak but doable plot. It is targeted for kids under 10, so the dialog is not that intense.
The vampire related stuff is almost an after thought to flesh it out so to speak then the main plot points. The dog, which reminds me of the kids show Wishbone, needs to eat red jelly in order to survive. This leads to one scene of him causing a group of school kids to freak out mildly at lunch, but otherwise; this is about a boy fitting in at school while trying to stop a bad guy from stealing his dog. All coming to a head at the school's battle of the bands.
If you're looking for a cute silly puppy film, this is it. If you're looking for a vampire film you'll be disappointed.
I do give it props for being one of the more original vampire films I've ever come across and I somehow see it becoming a small franchise of straight to dvd films.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Don't be afraid to be who you really are even if it means doing so alone.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 277
movie: Playing by Heart
starring: Ryan Phillippe, Sean Connery
genre: Drama
year: 1998
format: TV EDIT
plot: following the lives of a family as they each are given a second chance at love
This is an interesting film set when AIDS was still a fresh scare in many minds. Two of the characters are in different stages of the disease.
It also deals with affairs, fear of love and the emotional side of both.
It's a tear jerker. And if you don't cry at some point in this film, you must be dead.
There is one character that is not what he seems. Dennis Quaid plays a man who at first seems like a liar and a cheat but in the end is one of victims of one of the affairs.
what do I think I learned from this film?
There are so many ways to love, to express love and to find a second chance. Love is what you make it, and can be freedom or fearful. This film has one of the coolest quotes I've ever heard. "Talking about love is like dancing about architecture"
starring: Ryan Phillippe, Sean Connery
genre: Drama
year: 1998
format: TV EDIT
plot: following the lives of a family as they each are given a second chance at love
This is an interesting film set when AIDS was still a fresh scare in many minds. Two of the characters are in different stages of the disease.
It also deals with affairs, fear of love and the emotional side of both.
It's a tear jerker. And if you don't cry at some point in this film, you must be dead.
There is one character that is not what he seems. Dennis Quaid plays a man who at first seems like a liar and a cheat but in the end is one of victims of one of the affairs.
what do I think I learned from this film?
There are so many ways to love, to express love and to find a second chance. Love is what you make it, and can be freedom or fearful. This film has one of the coolest quotes I've ever heard. "Talking about love is like dancing about architecture"
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day 276
movie: Confessions of a Shopaholic
starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy
genre; Comedy,
year: 2009
format: TV EDIT
plot: a woman is given the chance to change her attitude towards money when she lands a writing job at a finance magazine. While there, she admits that she is in debt and has to join shoppers anonymous.
This is based on the series of books.
It's cute. It's a love story, and almost the anti-Sex and the City type story. The lead character has to prove that she can handle the mess she's gotten herself into.
This really does show how addiction can cause you to loose everything that means anything to you. The lies, the going behind the backs of people you care about, the denial to yourself about how deep you're in.
The only thing is, given this movie is a romantic comedy, it takes at times a too light view of debt. I have to admit, I have not read the books, so I can't compare the base story to them.
The lead character, was played with just enough bubbly dippiness, that you get swept away with her idealism in moments when you should want to slap her.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Sometimes life lands you right where you need to be in a not so pretty way.
starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy
genre; Comedy,
year: 2009
format: TV EDIT
plot: a woman is given the chance to change her attitude towards money when she lands a writing job at a finance magazine. While there, she admits that she is in debt and has to join shoppers anonymous.
This is based on the series of books.
It's cute. It's a love story, and almost the anti-Sex and the City type story. The lead character has to prove that she can handle the mess she's gotten herself into.
This really does show how addiction can cause you to loose everything that means anything to you. The lies, the going behind the backs of people you care about, the denial to yourself about how deep you're in.
The only thing is, given this movie is a romantic comedy, it takes at times a too light view of debt. I have to admit, I have not read the books, so I can't compare the base story to them.
The lead character, was played with just enough bubbly dippiness, that you get swept away with her idealism in moments when you should want to slap her.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Sometimes life lands you right where you need to be in a not so pretty way.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day 275
movie: Avengers
starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth
genre: Sci-fi, Action
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: The demi-god Loki has opened a portal to Earth, bringing with him an army of aliens. The U.S. military has to bring together some of the world's most powerful fighters in order to stop the alien war.
I really liked this. The first 45 minutes seemed like it was taking longer then it should have to set up, but if you have not seen any of the other films in the "collection" then the set up is needed.
You have a nice mix of Blade Runner and H.P. Lovecraft and every alien style movie to come out in the last few decades.
I would have liked a bit more history on the characters of Black Widow and Hawkeye. Hopefully these characters get a bigger role in the sequel. I've never been a comic reader, but I grew up on the cartoons that were based on the Marvel comics and found this to be a great update on some of the stories.
With so many characters in the script, it could have easily gone wrong. But, the balance seems to be there giving a good foundation for the possibility for many sequels. And finally, a decent Hulk. And Stan Lee makes his cameo near the end of the film, which is a must if you want an inside wink.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Superheroes are something we will always have a desire for. You never know who you will have to rely on til the times comes.
starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth
genre: Sci-fi, Action
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
I really liked this. The first 45 minutes seemed like it was taking longer then it should have to set up, but if you have not seen any of the other films in the "collection" then the set up is needed.
You have a nice mix of Blade Runner and H.P. Lovecraft and every alien style movie to come out in the last few decades.
I would have liked a bit more history on the characters of Black Widow and Hawkeye. Hopefully these characters get a bigger role in the sequel. I've never been a comic reader, but I grew up on the cartoons that were based on the Marvel comics and found this to be a great update on some of the stories.
With so many characters in the script, it could have easily gone wrong. But, the balance seems to be there giving a good foundation for the possibility for many sequels. And finally, a decent Hulk. And Stan Lee makes his cameo near the end of the film, which is a must if you want an inside wink.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Superheroes are something we will always have a desire for. You never know who you will have to rely on til the times comes.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day 274
movie: It had to be you
starring: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Vartan
genre: Comedy, Romance,
year: 2000
format: TV EDIT
plot: Two strangers both end up in the same hotel for a wedding planning weekend. Soon, they find themselves falling in love with each other while planning their weddings to other people
It had a very similar feel to The Wedding Planner. Nothing in this film is original. The two leads fall in love, and the two supporting characters follow suite.
It is a sweet story but it's one that's been played out a hundred times before.
I did like the fact that it played up to the fact it was shot in New York. I find there is something about movies and shows shot there that gives a boost of character to the settings.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Sometimes the right person is not the person you thought. Love will lead you to the places you're suppose to be even when you think you missed your path.
starring: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Vartan
genre: Comedy, Romance,
year: 2000
format: TV EDIT
plot: Two strangers both end up in the same hotel for a wedding planning weekend. Soon, they find themselves falling in love with each other while planning their weddings to other people
It had a very similar feel to The Wedding Planner. Nothing in this film is original. The two leads fall in love, and the two supporting characters follow suite.
It is a sweet story but it's one that's been played out a hundred times before.
I did like the fact that it played up to the fact it was shot in New York. I find there is something about movies and shows shot there that gives a boost of character to the settings.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Sometimes the right person is not the person you thought. Love will lead you to the places you're suppose to be even when you think you missed your path.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Day 273
movie: I Know What I Saw (aka Post Mortem)
starring: Geraint Wyn Davies, Beverley Mitchell
genre: Thriller, Crime,
year: 2007
format: TV EDIT
plot: A young photographer starts seeing ghosts shortly after the death of her father. Soon she learns that the ghosts were all accident victims that her father took photos of, when working as the crime scene photographer.
This is a made for tv movie.
I have to admit, the only reason I bothered to watch this was Geraint Wyn Davies (Forever Knight)
This film ended up being better then I thought it would be. It had a solid nostalgia that reminded me of shows like Friday the 13th the Series.
You're not quite sure if the lead character is seeing things, or actually doing the murders in the beginning of the story.
However, I was disappointed by the last ten minutes of it. The ending felt rushed. There was also a character who was suppose to be a psychic, but it felt like they dropped the ball with the character. There was so much untapped potential with where the writers could have gone with the psychic but didn't.
what do i think i learned from this film?
There is more to the world then what we see in this plane of existence.
starring: Geraint Wyn Davies, Beverley Mitchell
genre: Thriller, Crime,
year: 2007
format: TV EDIT
plot: A young photographer starts seeing ghosts shortly after the death of her father. Soon she learns that the ghosts were all accident victims that her father took photos of, when working as the crime scene photographer.
This is a made for tv movie.
I have to admit, the only reason I bothered to watch this was Geraint Wyn Davies (Forever Knight)
This film ended up being better then I thought it would be. It had a solid nostalgia that reminded me of shows like Friday the 13th the Series.
You're not quite sure if the lead character is seeing things, or actually doing the murders in the beginning of the story.
However, I was disappointed by the last ten minutes of it. The ending felt rushed. There was also a character who was suppose to be a psychic, but it felt like they dropped the ball with the character. There was so much untapped potential with where the writers could have gone with the psychic but didn't.
what do i think i learned from this film?
There is more to the world then what we see in this plane of existence.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Top 5 Jude Law
If you've read my list of top 5 fav male heart throbs, then you know I have a thing for Jude Law.
I thought I would give a short run down of some of my favourite films that he's in.
1. Immortality Wisdom of Crocodiles
2. Sherlock Holmes 2 Game of Shadows
3. Closer
4. eXistenZ
5. Breaking and Entering
I have seen him playing the supporting role more then the lead, but the first movie I saw him in was the lead in Immortality Wisdom of Crocodiles. Where he played a vampire.
The Sherlock Holmes movies, are favourites -yes I only listed the second but I really like both in the series so far- because he manages to balance the comedy in moments of total seriousness. I can't picture anyone else ever playing Watson again.
Day 272
movie: The Holiday
starring: Jude Law, Jack Black
genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
plot: Two broken heated women trade homes for the holidays and each find love, one with the brother of the lady's house she is staying at, the other with a co-worker of the woman's house she's staying at.
I found this to be a bit dry. The film feels longer then it is, given it's basically two stories running parallel to each other
Neither story is really all that interesting. The Jude Law/Cameron Diaz story is fairly obvious. Two uber beautiful people fall in love at first sight. He at first seems like a cad but ends up being a total softy.
The Jack Black/Kate Winslet story is a bit sweeter. It's the sort of relationship you would expect. Two people who start as friends ending up together.
It's a very typical romantic movie, with all the characters finding their romantic equal and the guts to go after them.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Jude Law looks fabulous in glasses.
starring: Jude Law, Jack Black
genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
plot: Two broken heated women trade homes for the holidays and each find love, one with the brother of the lady's house she is staying at, the other with a co-worker of the woman's house she's staying at.
I found this to be a bit dry. The film feels longer then it is, given it's basically two stories running parallel to each other
Neither story is really all that interesting. The Jude Law/Cameron Diaz story is fairly obvious. Two uber beautiful people fall in love at first sight. He at first seems like a cad but ends up being a total softy.
The Jack Black/Kate Winslet story is a bit sweeter. It's the sort of relationship you would expect. Two people who start as friends ending up together.
It's a very typical romantic movie, with all the characters finding their romantic equal and the guts to go after them.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Jude Law looks fabulous in glasses.
Quote of the Day- Sept 22nd
Today's quote is simple, and from Julie/Julia
From the scene when she's making the lobster just as the lid pops off and her husband has to rush in and save her.
I'm actually tempted to give a second quote today too...
Julie-"Don't crowd the mushrooms"
when she's making chicken and saute mushrooms in cream sauce near the earlier half of the movie.
Anytime I can find a wallpaper or download or something for the quote, I will go for it. Makes for a bit of a more interesting post instead of just my photo and typing.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Day 271
movie: Perfect Child
starring: Rebecca Budig, Lochlyn Munro
genre: Thriller
year: 2007
format: TV EDIT
plot: A new bride finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when her new step daughter's actions keeps causing a string of deadly accidents
This is a made for tv movie
There isn't anything new about this story. There is a young couple, a strange little girl, an ex girlfriend who may or may not be the murderer, and a string of bad stuff in their pasts.
Very formulaic.
The star of this is soap actress Budig. Her sense of paranoia is pitch on, giving moments of down time the tension it needs to keep the story focused
The part of the step daughter is played by the actress who did The Tooth Fairy a straight to video horror from 2006 along with Munro as well. (not to be confused with the Disney movie The Tooth Fairy starring the Rock... which she also had a small role in)
what do i think i learned from this film?
I have to say, I didn't really learn much from this film. It was just too much of a been there seen it story.
starring: Rebecca Budig, Lochlyn Munro
genre: Thriller
year: 2007
format: TV EDIT
plot: A new bride finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when her new step daughter's actions keeps causing a string of deadly accidents
This is a made for tv movie
There isn't anything new about this story. There is a young couple, a strange little girl, an ex girlfriend who may or may not be the murderer, and a string of bad stuff in their pasts.
Very formulaic.
The star of this is soap actress Budig. Her sense of paranoia is pitch on, giving moments of down time the tension it needs to keep the story focused
The part of the step daughter is played by the actress who did The Tooth Fairy a straight to video horror from 2006 along with Munro as well. (not to be confused with the Disney movie The Tooth Fairy starring the Rock... which she also had a small role in)
what do i think i learned from this film?
I have to say, I didn't really learn much from this film. It was just too much of a been there seen it story.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Day 270
movie: The Lucky One
starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling
genre: Drama
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A solider who survives when his group doesn't, believes he was saved by a lucky charm. After getting back home, he goes in search of the woman who's picture got him through it all
Based on the novel of the same name.
I cried at the ending. Bit of a twist that I didn't really see coming.
I have to admit, I didn't really know who Zac Efron was until a few months ago, but I get it. I see what everyone is all goo-goo about him for.
This is by the same author who wrote the Notebook and has the same sort of rhythm to it.
It's a story of a knight in shinning armor for the modern world. You can't help but think this could have easily been made as a Sunday night Hallmark style film.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Honor, love, respect. It's what everyone is looking for and very few ever find.
starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling
genre: Drama
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
Based on the novel of the same name.
I cried at the ending. Bit of a twist that I didn't really see coming.
I have to admit, I didn't really know who Zac Efron was until a few months ago, but I get it. I see what everyone is all goo-goo about him for.
This is by the same author who wrote the Notebook and has the same sort of rhythm to it.
It's a story of a knight in shinning armor for the modern world. You can't help but think this could have easily been made as a Sunday night Hallmark style film.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Honor, love, respect. It's what everyone is looking for and very few ever find.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Day 269
movie: The Bounty Hunter
starring: Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston
genre: Comedy
year: 2010
format: TV EDIT
plot: An ex cop turned bail bondsman, is given the case of bringing in his ex wife who's a reporter on the trail of a murder, after she missed court. Meanwhile, a loan shark is trailing the ex husband.
Gerard Butler can do anything. I've seen him in action films, comedies, romantic drama, horror, sci-fi and he just seems to be able to seamlessly carry it off. And he is really nice to look at.
This film had me in stitches. It was a laugh out loud film that just kept on rolling. I did see a tv edit, so I'm guessing some of the humour was raunchier at times then what I saw. But, it still held up as a good crime story.
At first glance, you wouldn't think that Aniston and Butler would be a solid due, but they play off each other like a great tag team.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Love will make you do the wacky. You never truly get over that big love, even when you need to do the right thing, sometimes you do the wrong thing because your emotions get the better of you. And never borrow more then you can pay back.
starring: Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston
genre: Comedy
year: 2010
format: TV EDIT
plot: An ex cop turned bail bondsman, is given the case of bringing in his ex wife who's a reporter on the trail of a murder, after she missed court. Meanwhile, a loan shark is trailing the ex husband.
Gerard Butler can do anything. I've seen him in action films, comedies, romantic drama, horror, sci-fi and he just seems to be able to seamlessly carry it off. And he is really nice to look at.
This film had me in stitches. It was a laugh out loud film that just kept on rolling. I did see a tv edit, so I'm guessing some of the humour was raunchier at times then what I saw. But, it still held up as a good crime story.
At first glance, you wouldn't think that Aniston and Butler would be a solid due, but they play off each other like a great tag team.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Love will make you do the wacky. You never truly get over that big love, even when you need to do the right thing, sometimes you do the wrong thing because your emotions get the better of you. And never borrow more then you can pay back.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Day 268
movie: Girl Interrupted
starring: Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder
genre: Drama, Biography
year: 1999
format: TV EDIT
plot: After graduation, a young woman is put in a mental hospital for depression and while there, learns about life from the other members of the ward
This is based on the autobiography of the same name.
I have to admit, this was not something I went running towards. I remember seeing it when it originally came out 13years ago, but didn't remember much of anything till I watched it again just now.
I know it's based on a true story, and lots of people love it because of Ryder and Joile and the late Britteny Murphy, but I was less then thrilled by it.
You're never really sure if Joile's character is using Ryder's character, or if she's that much of a co-dependent?
And I never got the whole thing about the chickens? If you've seen this movie, then you know that there are a few scenes where Murphy's character has an eating obsession to do with roast chicken.
what do I think I learned from this film?
The 1990's were a flashback of the 1960's, and many elements of art (books, films, music) exploded in a mirror image of that, and this proved that depression dressed up in any decade is a dangerous weapon.
starring: Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder
genre: Drama, Biography
year: 1999
format: TV EDIT
plot: After graduation, a young woman is put in a mental hospital for depression and while there, learns about life from the other members of the ward
This is based on the autobiography of the same name.
I have to admit, this was not something I went running towards. I remember seeing it when it originally came out 13years ago, but didn't remember much of anything till I watched it again just now.
I know it's based on a true story, and lots of people love it because of Ryder and Joile and the late Britteny Murphy, but I was less then thrilled by it.
You're never really sure if Joile's character is using Ryder's character, or if she's that much of a co-dependent?
And I never got the whole thing about the chickens? If you've seen this movie, then you know that there are a few scenes where Murphy's character has an eating obsession to do with roast chicken.
what do I think I learned from this film?
The 1990's were a flashback of the 1960's, and many elements of art (books, films, music) exploded in a mirror image of that, and this proved that depression dressed up in any decade is a dangerous weapon.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Day 267
movie: Flashdance
starring: Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri
genre: Music
year: 1983
format: TV EDIT
plot: A young welder working in a cabaret dreams of being a professional ballet dancer
One of the most classic-cultclassics around. Sort of a Cinderella story for the punk/new wave era.
I have to admit, I've never seen the unedited version of this. The film is about to have it's 30th anniversary and I've only ever seen bits and pieces of it on tv over the decades.
What I never understood was, once the public learned about how many body doubles there were for Beals in this film, why the credits were never adjusted?
I also never realized how many different styles of dance are in this until now (ballet, break dance, performance art, stripping, ice skating) as the story focuses on the ballet and stripping.
The tv edit I just saw was very choppy, and some of the edits didn't seem to match. I'm putting that down to once again, the tv station editing it to streamline what they think is the main points.
You can't help but think that this movie was completely designed to be on heavy rotation on MuchMusic and MTV and no other reason. The self contained music videos speak volumes (no pun intended) about the mindset of the entertainment business at the time.
what do i think i learned from this film?
You have to hang on to your dreams no matter how much others tell you that they aren't reachable. Without dreams to strive for, you have lost your own identity. You only truly fail if you're too scare to try.
starring: Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri
genre: Music
year: 1983
format: TV EDIT
One of the most classic-cultclassics around. Sort of a Cinderella story for the punk/new wave era.
I have to admit, I've never seen the unedited version of this. The film is about to have it's 30th anniversary and I've only ever seen bits and pieces of it on tv over the decades.
What I never understood was, once the public learned about how many body doubles there were for Beals in this film, why the credits were never adjusted?
I also never realized how many different styles of dance are in this until now (ballet, break dance, performance art, stripping, ice skating) as the story focuses on the ballet and stripping.
The tv edit I just saw was very choppy, and some of the edits didn't seem to match. I'm putting that down to once again, the tv station editing it to streamline what they think is the main points.
You can't help but think that this movie was completely designed to be on heavy rotation on MuchMusic and MTV and no other reason. The self contained music videos speak volumes (no pun intended) about the mindset of the entertainment business at the time.
what do i think i learned from this film?
You have to hang on to your dreams no matter how much others tell you that they aren't reachable. Without dreams to strive for, you have lost your own identity. You only truly fail if you're too scare to try.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Day 266
movie: A Knight's Tale
starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell
genre: Comedy, Adventure
year: 2001
format: TV EDIT
plot: A young man is given the chance to change his life and the lives of his friends by pretending to be a knight in a series of championship jousting matches
The costumes in the film worked. The modern 1970's metal music did not.
Otherwise, the casting was bang on. I just could not get past the choice of mixing a "classic rock" soundtrack with a historical fable, it kept taking me out of the moment and reminding me I was watching a movie.
There was just the right pitch of silly meets serious with scenes like teaching the lead character to dance, and when they come across Paul Bettany's character who has lost literally the clothes on his back.
what do i think i learned from this film?
It was a movie about respect and dignity. Everyone is human, we all have the same core desires, some of us just have to work a bit harder to reach them.
starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell
genre: Comedy, Adventure
year: 2001
format: TV EDIT
plot: A young man is given the chance to change his life and the lives of his friends by pretending to be a knight in a series of championship jousting matches
The costumes in the film worked. The modern 1970's metal music did not.
Otherwise, the casting was bang on. I just could not get past the choice of mixing a "classic rock" soundtrack with a historical fable, it kept taking me out of the moment and reminding me I was watching a movie.
There was just the right pitch of silly meets serious with scenes like teaching the lead character to dance, and when they come across Paul Bettany's character who has lost literally the clothes on his back.
what do i think i learned from this film?
It was a movie about respect and dignity. Everyone is human, we all have the same core desires, some of us just have to work a bit harder to reach them.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Day 265
movie: Bel Ami
starring: Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman
genre: Drama
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A young solider seduces his way up the social ladder in Paris in the 1800's
Based on the 1885 novel of the same name
This is a lovely period piece that falls in with Age of Innocence and anything by Jane Austen.
Pattinson's performance just proves that he has the skills to keep his wave of movies coming, along after Twilight has been forgotten. He plays the character with just enough sad disgust to make you nod your head and say "yeah totally know a guy like that".
I've never been a big fan of Christina Ricci, but she manages to play the broken hearted mistress with perfection.
The costumes and sets are beautiful, and at the same time, gives you a feeling of real isolation for the four main characters.
What do i think I learned from this film?
Getting what you want isn't always the happy ending that it might at first appear. Some people will do anything to be the star of the party.
starring: Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman
genre: Drama
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
Based on the 1885 novel of the same name
This is a lovely period piece that falls in with Age of Innocence and anything by Jane Austen.
Pattinson's performance just proves that he has the skills to keep his wave of movies coming, along after Twilight has been forgotten. He plays the character with just enough sad disgust to make you nod your head and say "yeah totally know a guy like that".
I've never been a big fan of Christina Ricci, but she manages to play the broken hearted mistress with perfection.
The costumes and sets are beautiful, and at the same time, gives you a feeling of real isolation for the four main characters.
What do i think I learned from this film?
Getting what you want isn't always the happy ending that it might at first appear. Some people will do anything to be the star of the party.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Day 264
movie: The Moth Diaries
starring: Lily Cole, Sarah Gadon
genre: Thriller, Drama
year: 2011
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A young girl returns to her private school to find that the new girl is something more then what she seems. Soon, the members of her social group end up having mysterious deaths, while her best friend becomes the object of the new girl's desire
Based on the book by the same name, which is actually based on the classic novel Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu
This is what a "true" gothic story was all about. An isolated place where fear made the danger seem more intense then it might appear otherwise.
It also pulls a lot from folklore to flesh out the mythos of the vampires, much like the classic vampire novels from the 1800's did.
The main theme is jealousy. The lead character's best friend has become the new best friend of the new girl in school. A theme that is as relevant today as it was when Le Fanu wrote his novel a few hundred years ago.
There isn't much horror to this movie. One real scene of blood that's done as a nightmare, but otherwise, it's all psychological. The vampire plays on the innocence of the girls, by seducing them with drugs and knowledge.
If you're looking for an overly sexual movie you won't find it here. This is one of the few vampire movies I've come across, where the female "love story" is done tastefully and through mind manipulation.
What do I think I learned from this film?
No matter who you are, if you feel like you've been betrayed by someone, you're going to loose control over you're own environment. Sometimes the most out there idea is the only truth.
Humans are lonely creatures by nature, and even if you're the center of your social pack, you might still find yourself all alone.
starring: Lily Cole, Sarah Gadon
genre: Thriller, Drama
year: 2011
format: Shaw Video On Demand
Based on the book by the same name, which is actually based on the classic novel Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu
This is what a "true" gothic story was all about. An isolated place where fear made the danger seem more intense then it might appear otherwise.
It also pulls a lot from folklore to flesh out the mythos of the vampires, much like the classic vampire novels from the 1800's did.
The main theme is jealousy. The lead character's best friend has become the new best friend of the new girl in school. A theme that is as relevant today as it was when Le Fanu wrote his novel a few hundred years ago.
There isn't much horror to this movie. One real scene of blood that's done as a nightmare, but otherwise, it's all psychological. The vampire plays on the innocence of the girls, by seducing them with drugs and knowledge.
If you're looking for an overly sexual movie you won't find it here. This is one of the few vampire movies I've come across, where the female "love story" is done tastefully and through mind manipulation.
What do I think I learned from this film?
No matter who you are, if you feel like you've been betrayed by someone, you're going to loose control over you're own environment. Sometimes the most out there idea is the only truth.
Humans are lonely creatures by nature, and even if you're the center of your social pack, you might still find yourself all alone.
Top 5 Favs Zombies
It was pointed out to me that I've covered vampires, witches and werewolves but not zombies, in my top five lists.
That's because I don't care for zombie films. But, just to be fair, I will do a top five zombie films.
1. Night of the Living Dorks2. Shaun of the Dead
3. Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town
4. Zombie Strippers
5. Romero's Dawn of the Dead
As you can see, other then the cultclassic Dawn of the Dead, when it comes to zombie films, I much prefer the comedy side of things.
I've actually talked about this a few times on other places online in the past, my distaste for zombies is considered a bit odd given how connected they are to vampires in folklore. But we're talking Hollywood here not folklore and even though the zombie is high on the Hollywood hits list, I have a difficult time stomaching them. 
But, at the same time, there are many films that are classed with a zombie tag that have vampire traits and can easily cross over into vampire lists. 
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Day 263
movie: Snow White and the Huntsman
starring: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron
genre: Adventure
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: After killing the King on their wedding night, a new Queen imprisons her step-daughter for ten years. One day, Snow White manages to escape into the dark woods and plots revenge.
I loved one major change they made in this story. Instead of having her a witch like they always do in the Disney versions, they made her a vampire.
This is a mix of the traditional Snow White story with Robin Hood and the historical Elizabeth Bathory.
The addition of the "dark woods" which are filled with ... magic mushrooms... that cause everyone to have deadly hallucinations reminded me of Princess Bride and their Fire Swamp.
The idea that anyone who touches the mushrooms causes the pollen to escape into the air, causing the hallucinations was a brilliant touch of reality to the entire fairy tale.
There is also a scene where a white stag, which represents the god Herne, blesses Snow White in the middle of the woods.
There is a small subplot about the childhood of the Queen, but it's never really delved into and it leaves some confusion and questions. (I know the commercials for the DVD/Blu-Ray promise extended versions, but I don't think that the SVOD version I saw had any extra scenes which might be why the backstory seemed out of place)
what do I think I learned from this film?
Trust no one. And when a god blesses you, understand you have a massive life changing responsibility.
starring: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron
genre: Adventure
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
I loved one major change they made in this story. Instead of having her a witch like they always do in the Disney versions, they made her a vampire.
This is a mix of the traditional Snow White story with Robin Hood and the historical Elizabeth Bathory.
The addition of the "dark woods" which are filled with ... magic mushrooms... that cause everyone to have deadly hallucinations reminded me of Princess Bride and their Fire Swamp.
The idea that anyone who touches the mushrooms causes the pollen to escape into the air, causing the hallucinations was a brilliant touch of reality to the entire fairy tale.
There is also a scene where a white stag, which represents the god Herne, blesses Snow White in the middle of the woods.
There is a small subplot about the childhood of the Queen, but it's never really delved into and it leaves some confusion and questions. (I know the commercials for the DVD/Blu-Ray promise extended versions, but I don't think that the SVOD version I saw had any extra scenes which might be why the backstory seemed out of place)
what do I think I learned from this film?
Trust no one. And when a god blesses you, understand you have a massive life changing responsibility.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Day 262
movie: Stephen King's IT
starring: John Ritter, Tim Curry
genre: Horror, Drama
year: 1990
format: Online
plot: A group of kids in the 1960's, ban together after being bullied, soon they learn it's not the only thing they have in common, they are all seeing the same creepy clown. Only it's not a set of nightmares but waking visions. As kids in their neighbourhood end up dead, they follow a trail leading them to a hundred year old mystery
This is one of Stephen King's creepiest stories yet.
This is based on the novel of the same name. I was actually surprised to discover the novel was published in 1986, after the original Nightmare on Elm Street movie was done. I was always under the impression that Stephen King's novel IT, had been published in the late 1970's.
I have to say, it moved a bit slow, then the end felt rushed. I would love to say, I totally understand the use of the clown to lure the kids if the clown had been sweet and innocent, but the clown is played to perfection by Tim Curry and is creepy as hell. Everyone I've ever talked to has always had a fear of clowns, so it makes me wonder if it's sort of a play on the topic to begin with?
The movie version (and I've never read the book so I can not compare) never really explained the back story of the IT's true identity. Is it just a mutant spider? Or an alien? Or a straight up shapeshifting vampire? I know there is talk of a remake in the next year and this is one thing I'd love to see explained in the remake.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Unless it's the shock rock rap stars Shaggy 2Dope and Violent J; the Insane Clown Posse, a clown is always going to be scary!
starring: John Ritter, Tim Curry
genre: Horror, Drama
year: 1990
format: Online
This is one of Stephen King's creepiest stories yet.
This is based on the novel of the same name. I was actually surprised to discover the novel was published in 1986, after the original Nightmare on Elm Street movie was done. I was always under the impression that Stephen King's novel IT, had been published in the late 1970's.
I have to say, it moved a bit slow, then the end felt rushed. I would love to say, I totally understand the use of the clown to lure the kids if the clown had been sweet and innocent, but the clown is played to perfection by Tim Curry and is creepy as hell. Everyone I've ever talked to has always had a fear of clowns, so it makes me wonder if it's sort of a play on the topic to begin with?
The movie version (and I've never read the book so I can not compare) never really explained the back story of the IT's true identity. Is it just a mutant spider? Or an alien? Or a straight up shapeshifting vampire? I know there is talk of a remake in the next year and this is one thing I'd love to see explained in the remake.
what do I think I learned from this film?
Unless it's the shock rock rap stars Shaggy 2Dope and Violent J; the Insane Clown Posse, a clown is always going to be scary!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Quote for the day- Sept 10th
Another round of randomess from the ghoul next door...
Today's quote is from the The Goonies. (1985)
Mouth -"This was my dream. My wish, and it never came true. I'm taking it back, I'm taking them all back."
The really scary part is I know the Goonie Oath by heart after almost 30 years....
I will never betray my goon-dock friends,
We'll stick together till the whole world ends,
Through heaven and hell,
And nuclear war,
Good pals like us will stick like tar,
In the city, or country, or forest or boonie,
I'm proudly declared a fellow Goonie.
My dorkdom knows no boundaries
Day 261
movie: Stranger than Fiction
starring: Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman
genre: Comedy
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
plot: A man starts to hear a voice in his head that is describing everything he's doing. He soon learns a writer is writing about his life
I think the title says it all. The idea that someone else would be able to create your life for you is a scarey thought for nearly everyone.
The idea of the mundane things we do in our everyday life, can actually be important clues to where we are headed, isn't thought of by most. (unless you are a writer or actor or someone who has to create characters usually)
This is a morality story as much as it is a love story. The lead character has to change his life without doing anything over the top drastic. There were moments when I wanted to compare it to the Matrix but, it's not on that extreme of a side.
What do I think i learned from this Film?
Destiny has a way of getting what it wants no matter what you do. The power of thought is more important then anything else around us.
starring: Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman
genre: Comedy
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
plot: A man starts to hear a voice in his head that is describing everything he's doing. He soon learns a writer is writing about his life
I think the title says it all. The idea that someone else would be able to create your life for you is a scarey thought for nearly everyone.
The idea of the mundane things we do in our everyday life, can actually be important clues to where we are headed, isn't thought of by most. (unless you are a writer or actor or someone who has to create characters usually)
This is a morality story as much as it is a love story. The lead character has to change his life without doing anything over the top drastic. There were moments when I wanted to compare it to the Matrix but, it's not on that extreme of a side.
What do I think i learned from this Film?
Destiny has a way of getting what it wants no matter what you do. The power of thought is more important then anything else around us.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Day 260
movie: Detention
starring: Josh Hutcherson, Shanley Caswell
genre: Comedy, Horror
year: 2011
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A group of high school students are being terrorized by a campus killer pretending to be the main character from their favourite horror film Cinderhella
This film mixes elements from some cult classics like Donnie Darko, Scream and Breakfast Club
It mocks some of the sillier elements while still keeping a classic feel itself.
I was under the impression from the trailer that it was a straight up horror, but it's not. There are few scenes of slasher horror. Most of the blood scenes are over the top ridiculous giving to slapstick.
what do I think I learned from this film?
I don't think there is much to learn from this as it's just too distracting with it's funnybones. The only thing I think I can say I took away from it was the idea of what was old is new again.
starring: Josh Hutcherson, Shanley Caswell
genre: Comedy, Horror
year: 2011
format: Shaw Video On Demand
This film mixes elements from some cult classics like Donnie Darko, Scream and Breakfast Club
It mocks some of the sillier elements while still keeping a classic feel itself.
I was under the impression from the trailer that it was a straight up horror, but it's not. There are few scenes of slasher horror. Most of the blood scenes are over the top ridiculous giving to slapstick.
what do I think I learned from this film?
I don't think there is much to learn from this as it's just too distracting with it's funnybones. The only thing I think I can say I took away from it was the idea of what was old is new again.
What's Up? -Sept 7th
What's up what's up?
Okay, my Spudguns, you might have noticed that I've missed a few days. Well, not on purpose. You might remember back the end of February, I had the first round of knee surgery.
Well, it's been a week of doctor's appointments surrounding the second round of surgery. So I'm a few days behind on the movies.
Which, I should be back on track later.
-love Ardeth Blood
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Day 259
movie: The Lorax
starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron
genre: Cartoon, Drama,
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
plot: A young man moves to the forest and starts to chop down all the trees in order to make his fortune. But along the way, he learns that his actions are bad for everyone
This is based on the classic children's book by Dr. Seuss.
The story is a straight up morality fable. It was ahead of it's time, with it's message of global responsibility.
At first, you wouldn't have thought DeVito as the mystical creature the Lorax, but after a few minutes you begin to see the genius of it.
Don't know how much of it will sink in for younger audiences, but it does give in to the many musical numbers that seems to be in anything as of late that's geared to younger audiences.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Learning to take responsibility for your actions and to take care of your environment, because it will ripple out in time to affect others. You are what you do.
starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron
genre: Cartoon, Drama,
year: 2012
format: Shaw Video On Demand
This is based on the classic children's book by Dr. Seuss.
The story is a straight up morality fable. It was ahead of it's time, with it's message of global responsibility.
At first, you wouldn't have thought DeVito as the mystical creature the Lorax, but after a few minutes you begin to see the genius of it.
Don't know how much of it will sink in for younger audiences, but it does give in to the many musical numbers that seems to be in anything as of late that's geared to younger audiences.
what do i think i learned from this film?
Learning to take responsibility for your actions and to take care of your environment, because it will ripple out in time to affect others. You are what you do.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Intermission- Sept 4th 2012
DVD/BLU-RAY: September 11th 2012 - Snow White and the Huntsman,
October 2nd 2012- Tim Burton's Dark Shadows,
October 23rd 2012- Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter,
October 2012 (random dates) Universal Monsters reissued collections
Cinema- September 28th - Hotel Transylvania,
November 16th - Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2
*These are all the Canadian/American release dates*
Just a quick note this morning ... I know many come in here for the new release dates for movies. And I just haven't been keeping up. Part, because there are hundreds of movies being released world wide every week, and to research them would be a job in itself.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Day 258
movie: Xmen 3 the Last Stand
starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry
genre: Action,
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
plot: The world is being given a chance to cure the gene that causes mutants. This forces the mutant population to take sides, half of which decide to kill the ones who want to cure them, half who want to save them.
Not the best in the series at all. I don't know where they thought they were going with this film, but it felt like too much was being crammed into it, without much really fitting together.
Part of that has to do with the fact the Xmen universe is so large with so many overlapping characters, that it was nearly impossible to do this plot properly. There are just simply too many characters in this offering and too many plots that they tried to combine.
If you're walking into this film without any previous knowledge of the comics/cartoons/other films, you will be completely lost.
what do i think i learned from this film?
There is a reason everyone is different, and we need to always remember to play to our personal strengths and not be afraid to be different.
starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry
genre: Action,
year: 2006
format: TV EDIT
Not the best in the series at all. I don't know where they thought they were going with this film, but it felt like too much was being crammed into it, without much really fitting together.
Part of that has to do with the fact the Xmen universe is so large with so many overlapping characters, that it was nearly impossible to do this plot properly. There are just simply too many characters in this offering and too many plots that they tried to combine.
If you're walking into this film without any previous knowledge of the comics/cartoons/other films, you will be completely lost.
what do i think i learned from this film?
There is a reason everyone is different, and we need to always remember to play to our personal strengths and not be afraid to be different.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Day 257
movie: Great Balls of Fire
starring: Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder
genre: Biography, Music,
year:1989
format: TV EDIT
plot: Following the rise and fall of the career of Jerry Lee Lewis and his marriage to his 13 year old cousin
It's been nearly 60 years since the details of the musician's life caused him grief and loss of popularity, and it's still a bit of a weird shocker.
It's difficult to really focus on anything but the marriage between Lewis and his own cousin.
I did however, think that the casting was off. The fact this movie was made in 1989 says more about Ryder being one of the leads then her talent does. Were this film done now, it might actually have a better chance at being good simply because there are so many other female actors now who could play it better.
what do i think i learned from this film?
I'm not too sure I learned anything from this
starring: Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder
genre: Biography, Music,
year:1989
format: TV EDIT
plot: Following the rise and fall of the career of Jerry Lee Lewis and his marriage to his 13 year old cousin
It's been nearly 60 years since the details of the musician's life caused him grief and loss of popularity, and it's still a bit of a weird shocker.
It's difficult to really focus on anything but the marriage between Lewis and his own cousin.
I did however, think that the casting was off. The fact this movie was made in 1989 says more about Ryder being one of the leads then her talent does. Were this film done now, it might actually have a better chance at being good simply because there are so many other female actors now who could play it better.
what do i think i learned from this film?
I'm not too sure I learned anything from this
What that movie inspired me to do #5
When I saw the movie, Ramen Girl, I became obsessed for about 6 months with the whole idea of ramen. I spent days at a time trying to make what I thought was the perfect broth. Which, given the fact I'm vegetarian, is not a simple thing at all.
I still have not managed to.
I'm writing this now, because I'm reading a book about how one man changed his life around because of ramen noodles. And it got me thinking about my own obsession few years ago, all because of a movie about a girl and a ramen noodle chef.
Many people, and many times in our lives, we forget the connection food has to our emotions, our souls. The movie The Ramen Girl, is a reminder of that.
I'm still on my ramen journey, but I would not have started it if it hadn't of been for the small film starring the late Brittany Murphy. I might add, this is the only one of her films I actually enjoyed.
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