Clerks is a movie I could talk about all day, so I'll try my best to keep this short and to the point. Clerks is Write/Director Kevin Smith's first movie. It's very low budget (around $30,000), it's in black and white (cheaper film), and the acting really isn't great. And you know what, I don't care about any of that, because this movie will make you wet your pants with laughter.
Clerks is the story of two convenience/video store employees, Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson) and the trials and tribulations of their daily lives as a store clerk in New Jersey. The movie starts with Dante opening the Quick Stop after being called in on his day off. Randal, being the ever vigilant employee that he is, eventually shows up late for his shift at the video store next door. The movie's focus is on these employees, and the misery that ensues at their dead end job. The film lacks a lot of movement from location to location (aside from a short hockey game on the roof, a car scene, a short stint at a funeral home), and really grasps at the brains of these two individuals. Both characters contrast well with one another. They are best friends, but are very different entities. Randal is an outspoken, outgoing, "do as I feel" sort of man, while Dante is somewhat shy and timid. He hate's his job, but also hates the idea of change.
The film is full of memorable movies, including the introduction of two well known and popular characters Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). Smith uses this movie to eventually build a long series of movies including Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jersey Girl, and Clerks II, which all tie into one universe. He's much like John Hughes (Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, ect.) in that all his movies focus around the same town and similar characters, but all have very different plots. Unlike Hughes however, Smith practices his right of free speech a great deal more. Sexual jokes and crude language are abundant in all of his films, and more present in Clerks than anywhere else. It may offend some, but the wittiness of the writing proves to make a hilarious movie.
The movie is rated R as it may include "adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements" according to Netflix. Although I agree with most of this, the nudity and violence isn't really present at all aside from the hockey game and a short fight with Randal and Dante. This movie is however a true masterpiece, despite what it looks like, or how the acting is. It focuses on solid characters in a very relate-able theme (at least if you've ever worked in a retail store of any type). If I was giving movies a star rating on here, it would easily be a 7 out of 4. That's 175% awesomeness. Be sure to check it out while it's on instant queue. Hopefully you like it as much as I do. Happy watching!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The One (2001)
The one is awesome. That's all that needs to be said. Looking for a futuristic, super human, martial arts flick, then look no further. Jet Li star as Gabriel law, a law abiding police officer who, and as a duplicate of Law (Yulaw) who is bent on killing himself? A bit confusing perhaps, but it's awesome watching Jet Li fight himself.
Yulaw comes from another dimension. He is a former dimensional crime fighter turned rogue after discovering he could become stronger by killing off his alternate versions. After escaping prison, he has one ultimate goal, kill the final version of himself to gain immense power and become the One. Unfortunately for him, he is being pursued by two inter-dimensional police, agents Rodecker (Delroy Lindo) and Funsch (Jason Statham). Both are seeking to stop Yulaw once and for all. Gabe is eventually told about what's going on, the other dimensions, and about how Yulaw became so powerful. Gabe also noticed himself becoming more powerful as his counterpart was picking off their alternate versions. With this knowledge, Gabe wages a battle with Yulaw to determine who will be the One. It's a classic tale of good versus evil.
This movie is action packed. It combines two of the worlds greatest action stars (three if you really want to count Jet Li twice), and uses them to it's full advantage. Jet Li fighting himself has some of the best choreography of any movie, and the martial arts performed is stunning. Coupled with great special effects makes this futuristic movie really stand out from most. The plot is old underneath (good versus evil), but on top it's given an amazing new look and feel. Great acting, great action, memorable plot, and some comedy what more could you ask for of a film.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense action violence and some language. It's a must see film, and fortunately, it's viewable instantly on Netflix, so check it out.
Yulaw comes from another dimension. He is a former dimensional crime fighter turned rogue after discovering he could become stronger by killing off his alternate versions. After escaping prison, he has one ultimate goal, kill the final version of himself to gain immense power and become the One. Unfortunately for him, he is being pursued by two inter-dimensional police, agents Rodecker (Delroy Lindo) and Funsch (Jason Statham). Both are seeking to stop Yulaw once and for all. Gabe is eventually told about what's going on, the other dimensions, and about how Yulaw became so powerful. Gabe also noticed himself becoming more powerful as his counterpart was picking off their alternate versions. With this knowledge, Gabe wages a battle with Yulaw to determine who will be the One. It's a classic tale of good versus evil.
This movie is action packed. It combines two of the worlds greatest action stars (three if you really want to count Jet Li twice), and uses them to it's full advantage. Jet Li fighting himself has some of the best choreography of any movie, and the martial arts performed is stunning. Coupled with great special effects makes this futuristic movie really stand out from most. The plot is old underneath (good versus evil), but on top it's given an amazing new look and feel. Great acting, great action, memorable plot, and some comedy what more could you ask for of a film.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense action violence and some language. It's a must see film, and fortunately, it's viewable instantly on Netflix, so check it out.
Rocko's Modern Life (1993-1996)
One of the saddest times for me when I was a kid was when they canceled Rocko's Modern Life. This show is a classic for Nickelodeon views from the 90's. The show stars Rocko, a young wallaby trying to make it on his own in O-Town. Rocko, his best friends, a steer named Heffer, who was literally raised by a pack of wolves, and Philbert, a turtle with a bad case of OCD, together with Rocko's dog, Spunky, spend each episode surviving zany, wild, hilarious situations.
"Rocko" has a vast array of other characters that really hold the show together as well. He has two neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bighead. The Bigheads are always pushing Rocko's generous, polite attitude, with Mrs. Bighead's being the lesser evil of the two, only using Rocko when it's convenient for her. Mr. Bighead is the truly mean one of the two. He hates Rocko being his neighbor, and genially takes a lot of pleasure in others pain. The chameleon brother are the two employees of every small business in O-town it seems. Dr. Hutchinson is a dentist, who eventually marries Philbert, which is a fantastic episode.
The show is one of the few older cartoons on Nickelodeon that really pushed what they could get away with while still being a kids show; Nowhere near as raunchy as say, Ren & Stimpy, but still more adult themed than say, Rugrats, or Doug. The show contains a bullet train to heck, numerous scenes nudity (when you were allowed to show butts on TV), throwing up, blood, and situations that are really more focused on young adults more than children. However, Rocko's Modern Life makes all of these not so childish situations seem childish with it's bright art style, and crazy, slapstick, silly humor. It has a large amount of randomness to it, like when the boys make their own cartoon, but the cartoon is about deli products, or when Rocko meet's people in town that can only be explained as insane (the driving instructor who tells Rocko, "Don't step on the white ones.... hooooot laaavaaa. PINEAPPLES!" while Rocko is trying to take his drivers course/test). The show is by far one of the better cartoons to have been made, especially in the last two decades. It's one you, or your children will not want to miss out on.
Rocko's Modern Life is rated TV-Y7 for nudity, language, and adult situations, but most of that stuff will be funnier to you than any child. Children will still love the sillyness and as always, pictures of butts. Let's face it, butts are funny when you're 7. The trailer is for the DVDs of season one, but all four seasons are available on Netflix instantly.
"Rocko" has a vast array of other characters that really hold the show together as well. He has two neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bighead. The Bigheads are always pushing Rocko's generous, polite attitude, with Mrs. Bighead's being the lesser evil of the two, only using Rocko when it's convenient for her. Mr. Bighead is the truly mean one of the two. He hates Rocko being his neighbor, and genially takes a lot of pleasure in others pain. The chameleon brother are the two employees of every small business in O-town it seems. Dr. Hutchinson is a dentist, who eventually marries Philbert, which is a fantastic episode.
The show is one of the few older cartoons on Nickelodeon that really pushed what they could get away with while still being a kids show; Nowhere near as raunchy as say, Ren & Stimpy, but still more adult themed than say, Rugrats, or Doug. The show contains a bullet train to heck, numerous scenes nudity (when you were allowed to show butts on TV), throwing up, blood, and situations that are really more focused on young adults more than children. However, Rocko's Modern Life makes all of these not so childish situations seem childish with it's bright art style, and crazy, slapstick, silly humor. It has a large amount of randomness to it, like when the boys make their own cartoon, but the cartoon is about deli products, or when Rocko meet's people in town that can only be explained as insane (the driving instructor who tells Rocko, "Don't step on the white ones.... hooooot laaavaaa. PINEAPPLES!" while Rocko is trying to take his drivers course/test). The show is by far one of the better cartoons to have been made, especially in the last two decades. It's one you, or your children will not want to miss out on.
Rocko's Modern Life is rated TV-Y7 for nudity, language, and adult situations, but most of that stuff will be funnier to you than any child. Children will still love the sillyness and as always, pictures of butts. Let's face it, butts are funny when you're 7. The trailer is for the DVDs of season one, but all four seasons are available on Netflix instantly.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)
Tonight is definitely foreign film night, but the next movie I'm reviewing is the complete opposite of the one I just did... which will be displayed under this post.... silly blog formats. Anyways, let me talk about The Good, The Bad, The Weird. This is a movie from Korea and at the time of release was the most expensive movie ever produced in South Korea.
The movie stars an outlaw (the Bad), a lawman (the Good), and a strange robber with impossible luck (the Weird). The three meet while the Bad is trying to rob a train, the Good is their to stop him and collect his bounty, and the Weird is coincidentally also trying to rob the train. The discover a treasure map that will lead the men to great riches. The Weird manages to make off with the map, only to be captured by the Good. The Good continues to try and capture the Bad in order to collect his bounty, while the Weird persists on finding the great treasure of the Qing Dynasty.
The Weird sets off for the treasure, continuously escaping capture, with the Good chasing after him. Little to their knowledge, the Bad is also on their trail, attempting to claim the map and treasure for himself. A group of bandits and the Japanese army also find out about the map and make their way towards it's holder, and the treasure.
The movie is a constant chase for the map, and by proxy, the fortune. Everyone who learns on it becomes infatuated with seizing it's vast wealth. Epic battles ensue from all five forces. Each involving amazing gun fights, knife fights, martial arts, and even cavalry and cannons. The three end up fighting a daring battle with each other for possession of the map in a final dramatic stand off.
This movie was a little slow at parts, but all around was fun to watch. The comedy melds well with the action. My favorite part being where the Weird is running around a gun fight with a scuba helmet on, continuously be shot in his head. The action sequences are simply astonishing. Impressive effects and choreography make each battle memorable and exciting. The film does partake in a few dramatic moments, which really keeps it on track and stops it from just being an action comedy and really makes it an award winning film.
This flick is rated R for nonstop violence (according to Netflix, not me) and some drug use. It's definitely suitable for being PG-13 in my personal opinion. It's a fairly long movie at over 2 hours and plays out a bit more like an entire TV series more than a movie, as it keeps you guessing throughout the movie, waiting for them to reveal secrets and holding your attention for action, comedy, and plot twists. It's a must see for anyone really. It is in Korean, and that means more reading, but the story is well written making it easy to follow, like any good book. Check out The Good, The Bad, The Weird on Netflix instantly and enjoy this work of art.
The movie stars an outlaw (the Bad), a lawman (the Good), and a strange robber with impossible luck (the Weird). The three meet while the Bad is trying to rob a train, the Good is their to stop him and collect his bounty, and the Weird is coincidentally also trying to rob the train. The discover a treasure map that will lead the men to great riches. The Weird manages to make off with the map, only to be captured by the Good. The Good continues to try and capture the Bad in order to collect his bounty, while the Weird persists on finding the great treasure of the Qing Dynasty.
The Weird sets off for the treasure, continuously escaping capture, with the Good chasing after him. Little to their knowledge, the Bad is also on their trail, attempting to claim the map and treasure for himself. A group of bandits and the Japanese army also find out about the map and make their way towards it's holder, and the treasure.
The movie is a constant chase for the map, and by proxy, the fortune. Everyone who learns on it becomes infatuated with seizing it's vast wealth. Epic battles ensue from all five forces. Each involving amazing gun fights, knife fights, martial arts, and even cavalry and cannons. The three end up fighting a daring battle with each other for possession of the map in a final dramatic stand off.
This movie was a little slow at parts, but all around was fun to watch. The comedy melds well with the action. My favorite part being where the Weird is running around a gun fight with a scuba helmet on, continuously be shot in his head. The action sequences are simply astonishing. Impressive effects and choreography make each battle memorable and exciting. The film does partake in a few dramatic moments, which really keeps it on track and stops it from just being an action comedy and really makes it an award winning film.
This flick is rated R for nonstop violence (according to Netflix, not me) and some drug use. It's definitely suitable for being PG-13 in my personal opinion. It's a fairly long movie at over 2 hours and plays out a bit more like an entire TV series more than a movie, as it keeps you guessing throughout the movie, waiting for them to reveal secrets and holding your attention for action, comedy, and plot twists. It's a must see for anyone really. It is in Korean, and that means more reading, but the story is well written making it easy to follow, like any good book. Check out The Good, The Bad, The Weird on Netflix instantly and enjoy this work of art.
Shiver (2008)
Let's talk about a movie that's truly frightening, Shiver. 2008's Shiver is a film by Mexican director, producer, screenwriter, novelist and designer, Guillermo Del Toro (most known for Pan's Labyrinth), about a young boy Santi (Junio Valverde) who's skin is photosensitive, impairing his ability to go out in the Sun. Due to this odd and rare disease, doctors suggest Santi and his mother Julia (Mar Sodupe) move to a town in a valley where there is more shade to protect Santi from the Sun. Somewhat unwillingly, Julia decides to do what's best for her son's condition; however, it turns on not to be what's best for health.
Upon arriving at the small valley town, Santi and Julia rent a house and start moving in. They soon start hearing of murders happening around the village. The villagers are, or course, quick to blame Santi for the murders and dismemberment. Santi, hoping to prove his innocence takes a few of his friend into the woods in search of what's causing these mysterious killings. What they find will shock and terrify you.
This movie gets some pretty mediocre reviews from places like IMDB and even on Netflix the ratings only a 3.3. I was blown away with how suspenseful it was. I started watching it one afternoon while I was playing something and ended up turning away from my game to watch this movie. There are a large number of twists and turns in the plot, the acting is fantastic, as is the filming and sound. It's a movie that will have you jumping in your seat and checking behind you to make sure nothing else is in the room. If you're in the mood for something scary, this film is for you.
The movie is rated NR, ironically for Not Rated. If I had to give it one, it would probably be R for the violence, dark content, and some language. Speaking of which, this movie is in Spanish. Great for Spanish speakers, bad for you if your more afraid of a bit of reading than of the movie. Regardless of what language it's in, it's well worth taking a look at. Check it out tonight!
Upon arriving at the small valley town, Santi and Julia rent a house and start moving in. They soon start hearing of murders happening around the village. The villagers are, or course, quick to blame Santi for the murders and dismemberment. Santi, hoping to prove his innocence takes a few of his friend into the woods in search of what's causing these mysterious killings. What they find will shock and terrify you.
This movie gets some pretty mediocre reviews from places like IMDB and even on Netflix the ratings only a 3.3. I was blown away with how suspenseful it was. I started watching it one afternoon while I was playing something and ended up turning away from my game to watch this movie. There are a large number of twists and turns in the plot, the acting is fantastic, as is the filming and sound. It's a movie that will have you jumping in your seat and checking behind you to make sure nothing else is in the room. If you're in the mood for something scary, this film is for you.
The movie is rated NR, ironically for Not Rated. If I had to give it one, it would probably be R for the violence, dark content, and some language. Speaking of which, this movie is in Spanish. Great for Spanish speakers, bad for you if your more afraid of a bit of reading than of the movie. Regardless of what language it's in, it's well worth taking a look at. Check it out tonight!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Arrested Development (2003-2005)
Here's a piece of comedic genius to keep you entertained for a little while. Arrested Development is a remarkable show about young business man Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) who is forced (by his own will) to take charge of his father's company and his insane family after his father George Bluth (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison. In order to preserve his family and the company, Michael makes some serious sacrifices, including moving into a non-functioning model home where he houses his sister, her husband, their daughter, his own son George Michael Bluth Jr. (Michael Cera), and at times his bothers Gob (pronounced Jobe)(Will Arnett) and Buster (Tony Hale).
The show mostly focuses on Michael trying to control his family and keep their company running smoothly while his father is in prison. His family makes it very difficult. Buster is attached to their somewhat unloving mother and lives with her most of the show. Gob is a magician who just can't seem to put a solid act together. Lindsay, their sister, his an activist who tries to avoid the grunt work of being active in the community. Tobias, her husband, is a failed therapist who can't quite get a grip of what's acceptable in society. Their daughter may be the only semi-normal character in the entire series, but she is a bit of a troublemaker. Together they become an unorganized nightmare of a family, but they do stick together through thick and thin.
The show highlights some of the most foolish behavior you can imagine. It's hilarious, witty, cooky, and down right funny. The performers push themselves 110% of the time to make the characters they play seem believable and real. They will leave you asking yourself, "can they really be that stupid?" Each episode builds off of the previous one, bringing back running jokes in the serious, and making almost a continuous stream of evens with many subplots strung about between. This unfortunately makes the show a little hard to follow if you miss it from the beginning (which I always assumed was one of the reasons it didn't last very long). Thankfully, you can stream it from beginning to end on Netflix right now.
After rereading this over and over, I can't find a better way of reviewing what's going on in the show. Not because it's complicated, just because just change so suddenly. Their are a lot of characters (at least 11-12 main characters), but each is so different and well written, you will have no trouble following their antics. All I can really say is that this is a must see show. I know a large amount of people missed out on it when it originally aired, and some people had a hard time catching on by the second season. However, I've yet to find a person who went back and watched it from the beginning who didn't simply love this show.
The show is rated TV-PG and contains sexual content, adult situations and language, and some violence.
And now I leave you with the best trailer I could find for it. Enjoy the show!
The show mostly focuses on Michael trying to control his family and keep their company running smoothly while his father is in prison. His family makes it very difficult. Buster is attached to their somewhat unloving mother and lives with her most of the show. Gob is a magician who just can't seem to put a solid act together. Lindsay, their sister, his an activist who tries to avoid the grunt work of being active in the community. Tobias, her husband, is a failed therapist who can't quite get a grip of what's acceptable in society. Their daughter may be the only semi-normal character in the entire series, but she is a bit of a troublemaker. Together they become an unorganized nightmare of a family, but they do stick together through thick and thin.
The show highlights some of the most foolish behavior you can imagine. It's hilarious, witty, cooky, and down right funny. The performers push themselves 110% of the time to make the characters they play seem believable and real. They will leave you asking yourself, "can they really be that stupid?" Each episode builds off of the previous one, bringing back running jokes in the serious, and making almost a continuous stream of evens with many subplots strung about between. This unfortunately makes the show a little hard to follow if you miss it from the beginning (which I always assumed was one of the reasons it didn't last very long). Thankfully, you can stream it from beginning to end on Netflix right now.
After rereading this over and over, I can't find a better way of reviewing what's going on in the show. Not because it's complicated, just because just change so suddenly. Their are a lot of characters (at least 11-12 main characters), but each is so different and well written, you will have no trouble following their antics. All I can really say is that this is a must see show. I know a large amount of people missed out on it when it originally aired, and some people had a hard time catching on by the second season. However, I've yet to find a person who went back and watched it from the beginning who didn't simply love this show.
The show is rated TV-PG and contains sexual content, adult situations and language, and some violence.
And now I leave you with the best trailer I could find for it. Enjoy the show!
Remember, there's always money in the banana stand.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Let's talk about an amazing movie, or perhaps a movie you still haven't watched, or almost for certain a movie you missed when it was released in 1999. The Boondock Saints is a hilarious, heroic, cleaver suspenseful action/thriller/comedy about two Irish brothers, their Italian mobster friend, and their quest to rid their city (Boston) and the world of evil.
After a bar encounter on Saint Patty's day with two Russian mobsters, there is a murder attempt on the two Irishmen Conner (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus). Conner and Murphy barely escape with their lives, the Russians are much less lucky. After turning themselves in, they are awaken in the middle of the night by what seems to be a spiritual presence. The brothers then decide they should start a crusade to rid the world of evil men. The twins team up with their Italian friend Rocco, a member of the Italian Mafia, who helps them find and kill corrupt men through Boston.
The threesome is hunted by FBI Special Agent Paul Smecker (Willam Dafoe) as they rampage through the city on a hunt of their own for criminals. Smecker starts the movie as an amazing homicide detective, but slowly starts to question whether the crimes committed by the brothers are really criminal, or if it is justice being served that the legal system could not deliver.
The movie continues as the brothers work their way up the chain of Italian and Russian mobsters, as well as their henchmen and mercenaries.This movie leaves a nice open ending that concludes the current plot, but leaves you wanting more. A sequel is available: Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, but unfortunately is no longer available on Netflix instantly.
The movie packs in a ton of action and comedy. It helps build a strong bond between the characters and the viewer, and keeps you eagerly waiting for the next scheme the brothers can come up with to stop evil men. The major performance however comes from Willam Dafoe. He completely encases himself in the roll of Special Agent Smecker. His acting is by far the pinnacle of the movie, as he is the most surprising and outrageous character and possible the harder to portray. I can't think of another actor that could have pulled off this roll.
The sequel picks up a bit after the first movie leaves off, so if you love the first movie like I did, I highly recommend you check out the second one on DVD. It's not quite as good, but it fills a void that the first movie leaves for you; wanting more of the saints.
After a bar encounter on Saint Patty's day with two Russian mobsters, there is a murder attempt on the two Irishmen Conner (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus). Conner and Murphy barely escape with their lives, the Russians are much less lucky. After turning themselves in, they are awaken in the middle of the night by what seems to be a spiritual presence. The brothers then decide they should start a crusade to rid the world of evil men. The twins team up with their Italian friend Rocco, a member of the Italian Mafia, who helps them find and kill corrupt men through Boston.
The threesome is hunted by FBI Special Agent Paul Smecker (Willam Dafoe) as they rampage through the city on a hunt of their own for criminals. Smecker starts the movie as an amazing homicide detective, but slowly starts to question whether the crimes committed by the brothers are really criminal, or if it is justice being served that the legal system could not deliver.
The movie continues as the brothers work their way up the chain of Italian and Russian mobsters, as well as their henchmen and mercenaries.This movie leaves a nice open ending that concludes the current plot, but leaves you wanting more. A sequel is available: Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, but unfortunately is no longer available on Netflix instantly.
The movie packs in a ton of action and comedy. It helps build a strong bond between the characters and the viewer, and keeps you eagerly waiting for the next scheme the brothers can come up with to stop evil men. The major performance however comes from Willam Dafoe. He completely encases himself in the roll of Special Agent Smecker. His acting is by far the pinnacle of the movie, as he is the most surprising and outrageous character and possible the harder to portray. I can't think of another actor that could have pulled off this roll.
The sequel picks up a bit after the first movie leaves off, so if you love the first movie like I did, I highly recommend you check out the second one on DVD. It's not quite as good, but it fills a void that the first movie leaves for you; wanting more of the saints.
Remember, everyone's a little bit Irish on Saint Patty's day.
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