Friday, July 20, 2012

Random download of movies from the past two months

I, Robot - One of my favorite movies. If you haven't seen it, I am sad for you.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - Decent movie, Tom Cruise may be a complete dumbass in real life but he is a good actor. This movie had a ton of action but seemed super long.
That's My Boy - Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. Useless dad reconnects with estranged son. Funny but dumb. Really it was the same joke over and over. It is a renter if there is nothing else available.
The Avengers - Go see it. Best movie this year. I wanted to see it again directly after I saw it.
Human Centipede II: The Full Sequence - Super brutal, very gross, a movie that actually makes you want to go take a shower after. Not suitable for viewing by anyone.
Shark Night 3-D - Salt water lake is infested with sharks and carnage ensues. Decent but implausable.
Men in Black III - Funny but not so different from the others that I would rush to see it. Worth seeing if you liked the first two.
Haywire - Great female revenge movie. Watch it if you have the chance.
Woman in Black - Nothing too special. Kind of creepy is about all you can say.
High School - Funny stoner humor that just flows through the whole movie. Adrian Brody steals every scene he is in.
Ted - Mark Walhberg and his talking teddy bear and Mila Kunis. Funny and pretty raunchy in parts. The bear is a dirty dirty toy...
Rock of Ages - If you liked the music of that era (late 80's hair metal ballads mostly), you will like the movie. If not, don't go.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - I really really wanted to like this movie but instead of being fun and silly, it tried to be serious and turned out dumb.
Savages - Good movie. Local drug dealers run afoul of the mexican mafia. Pretty brutal in parts but I really liked it. Worth seeing in the theater.
Magic Mike - If you were interested in this movie, you have already seen it. For everyone else, it is a greased up shirtless man movie with a small amount of plot.
We Bought a Zoo - A very good and heartwarmy movie. Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson are awesome. Watch with your kids if you can.
People Like Us - Starring Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks, both of whom I adore. Man's father dies and he finds out about a sister he never knew he had. Good heart warming movie. Renter to watch with your girl.
Hostel Part III - Brutal and not believeable. Only worth watching if you really feel like finishing the series
The Woman - Overbearing abusive father captures a wild woman living in the woods and forces his family to 'raise' her. Interesting in a somewhat viscious way. Strange that a feral woman had shaved pits. I thought it was kinda worth watching but for most people I would advise a pass for this one.
Goon - Bouncer fighting a hockey player in the crowd gets recruited as an enforcer on a team. Great movie, Seann William Scott is awesome. A perfect movie for those who like the fights in hockey. Fantastically bad language.
Hellraiser: Revelations - Two boys in Mexico find the Lament Configuration and the centobites (with a new crappy Pinhead) appear. Not worth watching by any stretch of the imagination. If you want to watch the whole series, pretend it ended before this movie.
Chronicle - A very cool movie. High school boys end up with super powers and chaos ensues. I would watch it again.
21 Jump Street - Watched it again. Great movie. Not quite as funny the second time but still funny.
2-Headed Shark Attack - Funny if you like bad movies. Brooke Hogan and Carmen Electra with a ton of unknowns get attacked and mostly killed by a massive 2 headed shark. It is somewhat comical how often there just happens to be two people side by side with their backs to the water...

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Snow White and the Huntsman

I will freely admit, I had little or no expectations of this being a good movie. I figured it would be possibly decent, if nothing else, I wouldn't have to get it in the mail at some point instead of something else I really wanted to see. But surprise, surprise, it turned out to be a pretty good movie. Very dark, pretty brutal in parts, and an interesting retelling of the story.

I really don't remember the original story very well. I remember parts of it, the Disney dwarves singing as they go mine for fun. An evil queen with a mirror and an apple. That was basically about it. But this particular version was like the viscous and hard true core of all old fairy tales. The original idea, where there are not always happy endings, people are basically vile and if you don't go to bed right now, the nasty queen will come suck the life out of you.

That being said, it really is a fantasy story. Magical creatures and mystical places. Improbable odds and impossible things. Kristen Stewart really does quite well in this. I really believe that a lot of people mistake her intensity for monotone delivery of lines. If you are just listening, she doesn't seem to have a lot of feeling but if you watch, she evokes a lot of emotion in her face and eyes. I really think that Twilight (which is what people always think of when they think of her) did her no justice but if you watch something else she has been in (The Runaways comes to mind), she really is a pretty decent actress.

The rest of the movie's cast also are quite admirable. Charlize Theron is incredible. Her presence in every scene completely overwhelms the other actors/actresses. Every costume that she wears is more fantastic than the last. Chris Hemsworth is cool enough that he makes me consider growing my hair out again (not that I would look even a quarter as cool).

All in all, the movie is a bit silly in parts but it really was enjoyable. I think worth seeing at the theater. The only annoying part was the accents that sometimes were super strong and sometimes disappeared completely. I sometimes forgot characters even had accents until it came back twice as apparent.

One last bit, the dwarves were awesome.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Battleship, the movie

It really isn't called "the movie" but I felt the need to add that to the end...

In random beer news, I brewed another one this past weekend. I made a 'Dark Red Porter' using a recipe I found in a brewing magazine. Pretty excited about it. I already have a name in mind but we will see if it is worth drinking before I really name it. For the recently made beers, the Black IPA "JT's Front Porch IBA" that Ted and I made is going faster than I would have believed and the Black Chocolate Stout is still bottle conditioning. We opened one of the stouts the other day, it turned out with a much more coffee flavor than chocolate. We shall see how it turns out in a few weeks.

And on to the movie, Battleship was fantastic. A super high intensity action movie, very tense and fun. And surprisingly funny in parts. I really have super low expectations of a movie version of any game. (Resident Evil is the only shining example of the genre I can think of...memorable other examples that come to mind are Doom, Dungeons and Dragons, and the absolutely horrible Bloodrayne). And a movie about Battleship seemed impossible. However, they pull it off admirably. They even have feasible reasoning for the game play...as hard as that sounds.

Awesome movie, Liam Neeson really just has a small role, as does Alexander Skarsgard. The real lead characters are Taylor Kitsch (John Carter and he also played Gambit in Wolverine, bugged me forever trying to figure out who he was), Brooklyn Decker, and Rihanna. Taylor Kitsch really does the 'scrappy underdog screwup that you're rooting for' character to a tee. His efforts to impress Brooklyn Decker at the first of the movie had me cracking up. Brooklyn Decker is gorgeous, as always and honestly, she has become quite the actress. I believe she will forever be the 'hot girlfriend' in every movie, probably never a lead. Rihanna was awesome. If I didn't know she was in this movie, I would not have recognized her. She really sold the role of the hardcore 'forever' tomboy. I really look forward to her being in future movies as possibly the lead. She could easily slip into an assassin or fugitive role.

And another honorable mention were the "veterans" (I put them in quotes because at this time, I am not sure they were not actual veterans that were asked to play in a movie). Seeing them just makes your heart proud...you really will come out of this movie with a strong feeling of patriotism, strange as that sounds.

Go see Battleship. It is worth seeing in the theater. I was completely shocked at how much I enjoyed this movie. It was pleasantly surprised. I would honestly say that if this would have been some sort of "Independence Day II", it would have been an acceptable sequel.

My only complaint is a small one...why did they put so much makeup on Alexander Skarsgard? At one point, they give him a super close up and he clearly has on lipstick...why? That's not what you want to see on the commander of a destroyer...lipstick...and blush...seriously...



Tuesday, April 10, 2012

"Cabin in the Woods" and a new homebrew

Beer first, it took the collaborative effort of a buddy of mine, (Ted), and I to create what has been the best beer I have ever brewed. We planned on brewing an IBA (India Black Ale, also known as a Black IPA or a Cascadian Dark) that Saturday morning and when it began raining, we had to move from the back patio (uncovered) to the front porch (covered). This is why the beer has been named JT's Front Porch IBA. It is as black as midnight, lightly malty, pretty hoppy with a lingering hoppy aftertaste. I hope we are able to make it again in the near future because it is going fast...

On to the movie. I have to admit that before I got tickets to "Cabin in the Woods", I had not seen a preview or heard anything about it. After watching the preview, there was no chance that I going to miss it and I was not disappointed in going. This is an awesome movie and it has everything you could possibly want in a movie. I highly advise you see this movie in the theater. It is worth the money. It is not going to win an Academy award or an Oscar but it has one of the most interesting storylines I have heard of recently. 2 thumbs way up.

***SPOILERS, well, not really, you need to see this movie and I am not going to spoil it for you***

I hesitate to classify it as a 'horror' movie although it definitely has that typical slasher/campy feel for the majority of the movie. The first 40 minutes or so are almost comedic. Honestly the whole movie has a serious humor streak. I would have almost called it slapstick if slapstick meant screaming bloody gore with snarky comments and dialogue. Really tho, everything that you want to happen in this movie, happens. I spent the whole movie wishing that one particular event would occur and then it did. But since I am not really going to spoil it for you (even you few that read this), I am going to stop now. Go see it and we will talk.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

American Reunion and a new beer

New beer first, I had a Ballast Point Scupltin IPA the other day and it was fantastic. Super hoppy but a light mouthfeel. I hope to have another one in the next week or so.

I saw American Reunion last night. A funny movie although there was a surprising amount of seriousness. In my mind, they have to continue the story from the previous movies and because of that, there is not a 'laugh a minute' type feel to this movie. I had no idea that there have been eight of these movies now (EIGHT!?!), including the direct to DVD movies, which means there is a lot of stories to advance in the course of a movie that is not quite 2 hours long. Funny movie tho, Stifler steals the show for most of the movie, yet again.

***Spoiler Alert...although, if you don't want to know how the movie turns out or anything about the movie, why are you reading a review about it? I guess I am just warning morons...dunno***

The main premise of the movie, which is the same of all these movies, is sex. Who's getting some, who's not, what is the problem. The story line of Jim and Michelle having an 'out of sync' issue was pretty touching (in a completely ridiculous way of course) and will probably hit home for a lot of new parents. Eugene Levy is pure greatness with his awkward advice; he is the king of the TMI conversation. The "well placed thumb" comment or the story opening about how Jim's mom liked "diving for dollars" were both confusing and hysterical.

And I had forgotten how awesome Jennifer Coolidge is. I have been watching "2 Broke Girls" and she annoys the crap out of me in that, I had forgotten she was funny when she is not doing the over dramatic "I barely speak english unless there is sexual innuendo" accent. She really was pretty good in this movie and her with super drunk Eugene Levy really did make for several funny moments.

But what really makes this movie is Stifler. Seann William Scott is the master at this role, he is truly reminds me of every obnoxious self deluded prick I have ever known (including myself). But it was really touching when the other four guys came to his work after bitching at him and told him that he might be a dick, but 'you are our dick'. And I honestly cheered when he was the one to step up and punch the doctor who was threatening to sue anyone that touched him, screaming "Go ahead and sue me!! I'm not worth jack shit!!" Afterwards, I swear...never has the line "I am your dick" been included in such a touching moment.

This is a funny movie. In an over-the-top "why are there kids here" kind of way. And worth seeing but don't go to the theater, this one should be a rental. American Reunion should also be the last one of American Pie franchise. Everything was tied up, no loose ends, and anything added to this would be stupid and useless.

Monday, March 26, 2012

In Time

Jamie, Emily and I watched "In Time" last night. If you do not remember the movie, it starred Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried and was a movie about time being made into currency. Basically, through genetic engineering, everyone stops aging when they turn 25. At that point, they have 1 year left to spend or earn more time (there is a green digital readout on your arm that keeps your time). The rich live forever, the poor live day to day based on their job or earnings and if your time runs out, you die.

I missed this in the theater unfortunately and to tell the truth it had kinda fallen off of my radar but this is a great movie. At one point I looked around the living room and not one of the three of us was looking at a phone or on a computer which is a testament to how involving this movie really is. The prospect of the main characters running out of time really does keep you on the edge of your seat. I found myself unconsciously counting seconds as time was running out.

It really brought up some interesting questions about how you would live if you could see your life draining away, second by second. Would there be movies? Would anyone watch TV? Would you read books, or a newspaper or go for a ride on a nice day? Would you go to school after 25? Would there be waiting rooms in doctor’s offices? Would you eat anything other than fast food? Would you sleep in? Ever? Would video games even exist? Or Facebook? If you had just a day left, would you even look at a computer? Or cook a meal? Clean your house or mow your yard? It makes you consider what is important enough to spend your time doing.

"In Time" is a brilliant concept, a great movie that I think everyone should see. It is really well done, a very engaging movie and one of the better movies that I have seen recently. And honestly, it is an example of a fresh new idea, a completely new concept, when all Hollywood seems to churn out now is remakes and television shows or comic books made into movies.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Hunger Games, Free Tickets

It is for Dallas, off of 35, south of 635. Bit far for me but maybe some of you can make it...I am not affiliated with the people who have these tickets at all so when they are gone, they are gone...

http://www.gofobo.com/rsvp/promotion/0e9fb0e007ef573a389fb0feaef3e801

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Free Movie Tickets - "Friends with Kids"

I have not seen this movie or really heard anything about it so if you go, let me know what you think! Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to this one. We are doing a lot of work in the house and if we go anywhere at all that evening, we will go to 21 Jump Street so that Jamie can see it too.


Let me know if you are not able to use the picture above or save it and print and I can send you a copy.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Free Tickets to 21 Jump Street

It's not my promotion but here you go. It is for March 8th at 7:30 in Plano (Legacy and 75).

http://www.gofobo.com/rsvp/promotion/1b1acc0fd41ad1a8c7cc5f46180f508a

I personally thought it was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. You should try to go if you are in the area.

Like I said, it is not my promotion so when they are gone, they are gone.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Project X

To be completely honest, I have thrown a few parties in my life. I was a bit out of my mind for a while in college and there were more than a few parties that were a little wild. Keg after keg of terrible beer, burning furniture in the yard, the "topless after 12" party, visits from police and mad neighbors, I will admit that some of them got completely out of control.

Well, I thought so at least. "Project X" makes me concerned for the copy cat parties that will mimic this movie in the future. And don't think it won't happen! Kids are pretty much morons until they 'grow out of it' (I grew out of it when I was about 27).

The party in this movie was unreal. Just when you think it couldn't get worse, it gets worse. And worse. And worse. It is moderately incredible how far the damage and insanity spreads. It was the kind of man made disaster that you morbidly kind of want to be a part of but are glad it isn't anywhere near your home (L.A. Riots come to mind).

This movie really does have it all. Violence, drugs, topless women, violent little people, riot police, arson, alcohol abuse, destruction of...well...everything...it was a fun movie shot in a 'documentary' type style. Parts of it really reminded me of crowded house parties and made me a bit nostalgic. In that light, it really was a good movie, very vulgar and a lot of fun. An insane depiction of the most memorable night anyone could never remember.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Friends with Benefits

Mila Kunis is hot...and Woody Harrelson is freaking hysterical. This is a decent movie, very funny and dirty in its way. It is a romantic comedy. Obviously, we know from the very beginning how it will turn out. Honestly, it is a boring formula. Nothing is shocking.

But if it turned out any different, we would be disappointed. We would not be happy with how it all ended.

All in all, it was a funny movie. Justin Timberlake is a fantastic actor. He really has found his calling. Every role he is in seems so genuine. So earnest and true. And Mila Kunis is also fun. She seemed so pigeonholed in "That 70's Show" as the stupid girl. It is really awesome that she has blossomed into such a fascinating actress. Doesn't hurt that she is pretty with a good body. And that she is so natural as the intelligent smartass. Makes her a lot more fun.

In the course of having four captain & sevens and five beers, this movie really made me laugh at first but after the first 2/3's really was formulaic and boring. Take from that what you will.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Gone

Jamie and I went to see "Gone" this evening starring Amanda Seyfried. Fantastic movie. Super suspenseful thriller with a very real feeling of hyper paranoia. Amanda Seyfried is a great actress and she really shines in this. Her portrayal of Jill as the "cops don't believe her and you are not sure you do either" protagonist is spot on, a moving performance. The only time it did not seem natural was during an interrogation/interview with the police. That seemed a bit strange and forced but the rest of the movie she was so intense and focused that it was a bit frightening.

***SPOILER***
And to be honest, the end of the movie was exactly what it should have been. Extreme revenge for a life that was ruined by terror and fear, for many lives that were cut short, and a complete lack of desire to be vindicated for everyone's disbelief at what she always knew was true. She didn't need the glory, she just did what needed to be done.
***SPOILER***

I am very excited to see Lovelace later this year. I believe that she will be incredible in that movie too (and not just because of what will probably be quite gratuitous nudity either...)