Movie Review - Pitch Perfect

Acayeah!  So I went into this movie only knowing it had something to do with singing (I know, I'm a genius).  About 2 minutes in I think, "oh shit this is the a capella version of Step Up."  Luckily I was 60% wrong.

Acafunny!  This movie had the oddest group of characters, which equaled hilarious.  There is an underlining theme to The Breakfast Club throughout the movie.  No, there was no A Capella in Breakfast Club, though it's a thought for a sequel. What both movies show are the depths of stereotypical side characters you see in everyday life.  The fat girl, the quite Asian (watch out, it's always the quite ones), the lesbian, the alternative girl, the popular girl, etc.  

SNL started the trend, and this is the era of women in comedy.  Let's talk about Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy (no thats her name I'm not being mean).  You may have had your first look at her during What to Expect when You're Expecting or in Bridesmaids.  I didn't know if I would like her character by the end of the movie, but I just wanted more.  She just has awesome comedic timing.  You are going to laugh throughout the movie and it is because of her acaawesomeness.  

You should go see Pitch Perfect.  A Capella has never been so fun.  No really, it hasn't, ever.  

Movie Review - Teachers Edition

In this time of teachers strikes and union wars two movies come out that teach us what is really important, the children. The first, Won't Back Down, shows us how parents and teachers can fight back against failing schools and injustices in the union. The second, Here Comes the Boom, teaches us one teacher can make a difference by becoming a mix martial arts fighter to save the school's music program. Both very realistic possibilities.

Won't back down does bring up real problems that the school systems are facing. What do you do if your child is in a failing school? Why are teachers protected by the union if they are not doing their jobs? I'm not anti union at all, I believe that good, hard working individuals should be protected. What I don't agree with are unions protecting those that don't deserve it. My favorite line in the movie is when the teachers are arguing about compensation. Viola's character stands up and proclaims ironically about the disagreement, "because we all went into teaching for the money!" which is met by endorsing silence.

Here Comes the Boom is about a 2002 teacher of the year who 10 yrs later has lost his drive and love for teaching. When he speaks out about the school cutting the music program for budget reasons and a teacher's job he ends up volunteering to raise the 48k and getting in over his head. I was impressed by the UFC's presence in this movie (and excited that Herb Dean was in the movie-my favorite ref). TJ says that Kevin James is a huge UFC fan, so I'm sure he loved every minute of filming this. Plus he got in really good shape for the role (looking good Kevin). This movie had me laughing out loud and I do love MMA.

Both movies prove the point that teachers can and should make a difference in children's lives. So whether you are up for a good cry or laugh and want to be cheering and inspired at the end, both are good picks.

Movie Review - Just Dredding This

Why?  Why, why, why, why, why, why, why?  Why?  I know we are in a comic book, super hero craze.  I know that they are destined to make money.  But I think we all agree that Judge Dredd is the exception to the: If at first you don't succeed... rule.  I remember the first Judge Dredd.  I was about 12 years old.  It was so bad my friend and I started laughing a third of the way through and couldn't stop the entire movie.   If Stallone can't make an action movie work, then that should tell you something.

There were these weird slow motion drug induced scenes.  A cool at first-turned annoying after the third time cinematography choice.  They added some interesting fighting scene effects at moments.  I mean slow-motion, 3D blood splatter is something each person should see once in their life.  Halfway through the movie TJ and I just looked at each other with a look that asked, “really?  Is the whole movie like this?”  Yes, yes it is.  Maybe if you were high it would take on some deeper meaning. 

In this Judge Dredd, Dredd is evaluating a rookie and responds to a triple death.  The apartment complex they enter is under gang rule.  Soon they find their selves under lockdown trying to fight their way through in order to survive.  Hmmm... I feel like I already saw a very similar situation earlier this year, and Raid Redemption was far superior. 

At the end of the day, if you saw the first one, just leave it at that.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I grew up in the height of teen coming of age movies. Movie teens of today just don't seem to have the same passion or angst that we had growing up. There's no internal, high school revolution to be had. It's all parties and girl/boy troubles with a little bit of bullying thrown in. There's no breakfast club, dancing to prove yourself, risky businesses to run or Heathers drama to overcome.

Fortunately for this generation seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower will give them a taste of the teen worlds we were a part of growing up. It has an amazing cast including Emma Watson breaking away from Harry Potter. It was semi based on the writer/director's life during his sophomore year in high school. The entire audience, which was about 10 years younger than me, had read the book which the movie was adapted from. Let's just say that after seeing this I had to read the book, it was that good.

After the screening I was privileges to hear the director, Stephen Chbosky, talk about the film and his book. (TJ was super excited, because he the director created Jericho as well). He spoke of this feeling of being infinite, and how he was surprised that it was never used before. He also spoke about how teens often feel infinite, there's so many possibilities ahead for them. As adults we don't often feel infinite anymore. For me this movie rekindled this feeling that with a few good friends and a place that you belong, I can do anything and I'm already standing on top of the world. Like every teen should.

Magic Mike - Review

Ok ladies, it's time for a little magic in your life.  If you saw the trailer and thought, I want to see this movie, then go see this movie you won't be disappointed.  


Anne and I decided to see this at the Landmark theater, since the audience would probably be as entertaining as the movie.   When TJ met us at the theater he looked around puzzled.  "Aren't we seeing A Friend for the End of the World.""Nope, Magic Mike.""Great, I'm the only straight man here.""Yep."

I learned a few things during this movie.  If you wonder how costume shops stay open year round, the male stripper community keeps them in business.  Channing Tatum can dance.  I never saw him in Step Up, but my money is on him for a dance off.  Matthew McConaughey was made for this role.  I don't know if that is a good or bad thing, but once you see it you will understand.  For other educational elements you will have to derive them from your own viewing pleasure.

My favorite part of the entire movie was when I went to get a refill on my drink.  No I wasn't thirsty from screaming/cheering at the screen.  What I saw was a woman run from the bathroom back into the theater.  Didn't want to miss a thing.

After the movie we were of course all very giddy and happy, well I dont know if TJ was.  I did wonder if I would find him practicing his dance moves at home one night.  (Hasn't happened yet).  Anne's only disappointment with the movie was that she wanted more character background and development for the brother.  To really understand why he was who he was.   My reply, "I'm sorry, you wanted this movie to have more substance?"

Ladies, Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez and Kevin Nash give you all the substance that you need.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

If you are a vampire slayer loving history buff, this movie is for you.  

For those of you who have no idea of what this movie is about, the title kind of explains it all.  Still confused, well let's break it down.  Abraham Lincoln is a vampire hunter.  He moves to Spingfield to find and kill vampires.  The civil war was really about saving America from vampires taking over the country.

Could Abraham Lincoln have saved America from being under vampire rule?  This movie shows that it's possible.  The UN can also be keeping the entire underworld at bay.  President Bush may have saved the world by secretly getting rid of the true weapons of mass destruction-vampire cells in the middle east.  It's all plausible.

The movie does show how the history and the historical characters of Abraham Lincoln's time fit into this new look at this great time period, which shaped our nation.  Which in lies the problem, no matter how good the fight scenes are, no matter how good the actors are, you can't get over the fact that it is Abraham Lincoln fighting vampires.  For those of you who think the title is ridiculous, it is, but it is still entertaining.

TED - Movie Review

TED answers the question of what would happen if children's wishes everywhere came true and their teddy bear came to life.  They would he best buds who enjoy the same activities and they would grow up together.  In adulthood you would have your teddy bear living with you, your drinking/getting high buddy who occasionally brings home hookers.  It's every child's dream. 

Seth MacFarlane's movie debut is hilarious.  Seth, you had the entire theater laughing out loud.  Well done, well done.  Mark Wahlberg is great in this role.  Many of my friends think he's better in comedies, though his action skills are put to use in the teddy bear fight scene that leaves him and Ted trashing a hotel room.

There's been a lot of great comedies this year and TED is towards the top of the list.  Put this movie on your week's to do list. Leave the kids at home and go to see a movie about a teddy bear.