Blu-Ray hd movie review of Groundhog Day
March 19, 2009
Bill Murray earned himself Oscar nomination for Lost in Translation. He should have been nominated and won the Oscar for Groundhog Day. Had it not gone up against Schindler’s List and Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, I think Bill Murray and the Groundhog Day could have garnered Oscar nominations. This quirky science fiction/fantasy film had great script, great direction, and great acting. The movie gets better with time and it is still enjoyable.
The movie revolves around Phil the weatherman. For some strange reason, he has relived the same day over and over again while on assignment to cover the Groundhog. Along for the ride are his producer, Rita played by Andie MacDowell, and the cameraman named Larry. As you can imagine, there are some funny and interesting situation that go along with this dilemma. At first, Phil is confused, followed by him taking advantage of the situation in various ways like robbing the bank and hooking up with some stranger. But, as days go by, he can’t have what he truly wants, Rita. The ultimate question is whether he can end the endless cycle of same day.
The film could have been tiring if Phil did same thing every day. On the contrary, Phil grows as human being and matures in one day, the same day. He goes from shallow selfish person to someone everyone wants to be friends with. The film doesn’t seem forced or unnatural. The progression of story flows naturally to the convincing and gratifying ending. Bill Murray manages to infuse a great humor into a movie that sends a great overall message. It manages to be relevant today as it was in 1993. And, just as funny.
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Blu-Ray dvd movie review of The Princess Bride
March 16, 2009
Written by William Goldman, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, and Robin Wright Penn star in this classic fairy tale satire/spoof called Princess Bride. It is easy to see why Princess Bride is loved by so many people all across the age group. It is an intelligent spoof film that takes aim at several genres including fairy tales, swashbuckling, love story, and an adventure. Director Rob Reiner deftly brings weaves good performance and even better script into a winning film.
The story opens with a grandfather reading a story for a boy. The story takes place in Florin, an imaginary kingdom inhabited with heroes and mythical creatures. The story revolves around a beautiful young woman named Buttercup who falls in love with her farmhand named Westley. Westley runs off to find fame and fortune only to run into the Dread Pirate Roberts. Years later, Buttercup is engaged to wed the prince. However, she is kidnapped by three miscreants. They trio are chased by mysterious masked man. This begins the hilarious fairy tale fantasy.
The Princess Bride is a classic film that stands the test of time. The famous lines are unforgettable and as funny today as they were when the movie was released. The great acting and equally amazing story is priceless. How can we forget the “As you wish” or “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, You killed my father, prepare to die.”
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Blu-Ray movie review of The Truman Show
March 8, 2009
The Truman Show is one of the first “serious” movie by Jim Carey. He moved out of the Ace Ventura movies and made a nice leap to a more serious role. Jim Carey brings right amount of comedic performance to this somewhat serious role. The Truman Show was a right movie at the right time. Released back in 1998, the movie resonates well with the reality show craze that was starting to take root.
Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carey, is an average Joe living in an island town called Seahaven. He leads a seemingly normal life. Little does he know that he is a star of a reality show where everyone knows it’s a show except him. He begins to question the oddities that he notices around the town. The odd way his wife acts. Someone resembling his dead father. Strange light falling from the sky. He senses there is something going on and begins to investigate these mysteries. The audiences in the movies and the actual audiences follow the Truman through the mishaps. Ultimately, Truman has to decide where he wants to be.
This was a really well tailored movie for Jim Carey. The drama is not too serious but serious enough to challenge Carey in dramatic role. Jim Carey adds nice comedic touch to the somewhat serious situation faced by the character. The story itself is really timely as it focuses on the explosion of voyeurism in today’s entertainment. Even today, the movie stays relevant and very poignant. It’s thoroughly enjoyable film.
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Blu-Ray movie review of Office Space
February 8, 2009
This is easily one of the best comedies to grace the silver screen. What makes Office Space so funny is that it really does connect with people working in office environment right down to the dreaded cubicle space. I think anyone that has worked a company or corporate with cubicle space and idiotic bosses can relate with this movie. Who hasn’t dreamed of revenge on their boss or company for putting them through ridiculous bureaucracy? Mike Judge, writer and director, really captures the office routine right down to the annoying boss and co-workers. Even the ridiculous situations seem relatable.
The plot is simple. Three disgruntled friends working at technology firm decide to pull off a scam. They decide to steal few cents on each transaction that will amount to large sum in due time. What starts out as performance review by the company turns into two of them being fired and one of them being promoted. This triggers anger and the plan is set in motion. Only problem is that they actually steal large sum instead of small sum over longer period of time. Now, they must figure out how to deal with the problem.
The plot is not really the important part of the film. The office environment and the work related stress that trigger the theft attempt are the real story in the film. Everyone can relate to this story whether you worked at an office or not. Everyone has had obnoxious co-worker or really stupid boss. The movie is filled with golden moments that are just drop dead funny. The scene where they destroy the printer. The scene where they ask a magazine seller if he knows how to launder money. The ridiculous interviews. All of it is ridiculous and yet relatable on weird level. This is one of the true classic comedies that shouldn’t be missed by anyone.
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Blu-Ray hd dvd movie review of Zack and Miri make a Porno
February 4, 2009
Zack and Miri make a Porno has garnered some publicity lately. Wal Mart has asked to change the title to make it more acceptable in their stores. Which is really ridiculous. They will gladly sell hack and slash films such as Friday 13th or Saw franchise yet make a big fuss over a title. This film is not as raunchy as some of the comedies to grace the theater. Also, what if some parent actually bought this movie thinking it appropriate for their kids based on title like “Zack and Miri” instead of “Zack and Miri make a Porno.” Regardless, this is actually a fairly benign romantic comedy from Kevin Smith.
Two friends, Zack and Miri, are in over their head with bills they can not pay. When they run into one of their high school class mate at a reunion, they come up with an idea to make porno flick to pay off their debt. Of course it does not go as planned as they are lifelong friends who have never slept together. We can all see where this is headed. The ending is never in doubt just how they get to the ending is fun ride. There are some crude and raunchy scenes but it’s no worse than your typical comedies.
Seth Rogen must have done something right in his past life. First Katherine Heigl in Knocked up. Now he hooks up with Elizabeth Banks. Both of them are expected to deliver certain performance and they do. The real treat comes from the supporting cast. Brandon Routh and Justin Long are hilarious as the gay couple. And, the use of real porn actress, Katie Morgan, was brilliant. She actually does pretty good job with acting. And Tisha Campbell-Martin as the crazy wife of Delaney was perfect.
Ultimately, Zack and Miri make a Porno is light hearted romantic comedy. It’s really nothing special except that it is funny movie. Once you get over the Porno part of the title, it’s enjoyable film for almost everyone.
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Blu-Ray dvd movie review of Pineapple Express
February 1, 2009
The box of Pineapple Express proudly proclaim “From makers of Superbad.” The Judd Apatow production continues to churn out the best comedies to hit the theater. Over past 3-4 years, comedies with Judd Apatow involvement have consistently been the most entertaining comedies by far. 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall have all delivered tons of laugh. Of course, you have to like his brand of comedy. Some crude jokes mixed in with some smart dialogue are trade mark of Apatow movies. Pineapple Express is no exception.
Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton who works by serving court orders. Rest of the time he smokes pot and dates high school student named Angie. His new pot dealer Saul, James Franco, lets Dale try the new pot named Pineapple Express. Dale promptly tries to stuff while waiting to serve paper to Ted Jones. While waiting, he witnesses Ted Jones killing a person. Dale freaks out and runs to Saul. In the process, he drops the weed in front of Ted’s house. In a stupid twist of fate, Ted Jones turns out to be the dealer who concocted the weed and immediately recognizes the dealer who sold the weed. From there, Dale and Saul become fugitive from Ted and his gang. They are placed in ridiculous to obscene situations from start to finish.
You get the expected performance from Seth Rogen. He has made living playing the slacker stoner and it shows. He is the perfect Dale Denton. James Franco on the other hand has not had this type of role. His performance reminds me of Jeff Daniels performance in Dumb and Dumber. A very pleasant surprise. The supporting casts were spot on as well. Rosie Perez is hilarious as the crooked cop.
This is typical Apatow production. If you liked his previous movies, you’ll love this movie. If not, I doubt you’ll really enjoy this film. The movie is fun ride from start to finish and does not drag like some of his past movies. The movie does get serious toward the end but never loses the humor. Overall, a very funny film. The Blu-ray edition comes with BD-LIVE feature if you have Profile 2.0 player.
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Blu-Ray disc movie review of Knocked Up
January 18, 2009
The brain behind the underrated "Freaks and Geeks" strikes again in this adult comedy. Nobody does adult comedy better than JuddApatow. The follow up to 40 Year Virgin is trade mark Apatow film. Apatow has written, produced, or directed 40 Year Virgin, Talladega Nights, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, and Pineapple Express. Just like Apatow's other works, Knocked Up has similar jokes and hilarious moments throughout the film.
Seth Rogen starts as a slacker stoner Ben Stone. Ben Stone and his stoner friends smoke pot and work on a website that feature all the naked scenes by Hollywood actresses. Katherine Heigl plays Allison Scott who is trying to work her way to be a entertainment reporter for the E!. Allison goes to a bar to celebrate a promotion. There, she gets drunk and hooks up with Ben Stone. Now, the ridiculously hot Scott and Ben Stone getting together might seem impossible. But, we have to go along with the premise to get to the funny stuff. Once Allison finds out that she is pregnant, Ben tries to man up and take responsibility. Their troubled march toward the parenthood is filled with funny moments.
Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl are both excellent. Seth Rogen stands out as the stoner trying to take responsibility. It was hard seeing Rogen as a lead in a movie at the start. But, he put in a solid performance. As with other Apatow movies, the supporting actors are just as funny as the leading actors. The stoner group of friends are hilarious friends trying to support/sabotage the relationship. Also, Kristen Wiig turns in a hysterical performance.
Ultimately, you will love this movie if you like Apatow's brand of comedy. If not, it might not be your cup of tea. There are some crude jokes and scenes that are trademark of Apatow's films. The film is funny from start to finish and is a must watch for any fans who Enjoyed 40 Year Old Virgin.
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Blu-Ray movie review of Burn after Reading
December 23, 2008
The Coen brother's follow up to critically acclaimed No Country for Old Men is an espionage comedy called Burn after Reading. This film has more in common with Fargo and The Big Lebowski than the grim and dark No Country for Old Men. The film is distinctly Coen Brother's idea of comedy. It is quirky with disjointed plot and story lines that are separated by brief and very violent encounters. Even the grim deaths are hilarious in nature. You can't help but laugh when Brad Pitt is shot in the face or when Richard Jenkins get hacked to death by Malkovich's character.
Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand play health club trainers. When a co-worker stumble across a cd containing what looks to be a sensitive government information, they proceed to blackmail the owner of the disc. In reality, the cd is a financial record of former CIA analyst played by John Malkovich. The cheating wife intends to divorce Malkovich. She secretly gathers information on him. The lawyer misplaced the CD at the health club which leads to this absurd situation. The story involves CIA, Russian Embassy, U.S. Marshall, and a gym manager in love with Frances Mcdormand's character. The story is too absurd and crazy to really fathom. But, the ride is filled with funny and really funny death scenes.
You can really see the finger prints of Coen brother's humor in this movie. The sudden and violent deaths suffered by few characters are incredibly violent and funny at the same time. The sharp dialogues by the characters are also a plus for this comedy. There are absolutely no weakness in casting as topHollywood actors and actress such as Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, and Tilda Swinton all deliver top notch performances.
This might appeal to everyone's sense of humor. And, people expecting a movie similar to No Country for Old Men will be disappointed. Some have complained about the absurdity of the plot. It is absurd but that just makes it more enjoyable. The reaction by the CIA bosses at the end of the movie is just priceless. If you enjoyed Fargo and The BigLebowski, you will definitely enjoy this comedic gem.
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Blu-Ray disc movie review of Elf
December 22, 2008
Will Ferrel makes a rare PG comedy instead of his usual rated R college humor movies. As a comedy and holiday family film, it works. Ferrel has made a career out of making college humor movies like Old School and Step Brothers. Thismovie is aimed at holiday movie crowd looking for an easy going film without crude jokes.
The movie is about an elf named Buddy. Buddy is a human that has been raised by Santa's elves at North Pole. And, as he is not an elf, he invariablecauses some mishaps when he grows up. When Buddy was a baby, he accidentally crawled into Santa's bag when Santa was delivering toys to an orphanage. The father elf, played by Bob Newhart , raises Buddy. Buddy grows up believing that he is an elf. Buddy is told the truth about his origin and sets out to find his real father, JamesCaan, in New York City. The movie goes from there and there are some heartwarming moments and extremely funny scenes.
Will Ferrel is perfect as an overgrown elf. I don't think they could have found better elf. Maybe Vince Vaughn could have been as funny seeing as his buddy Jon Favreau directed this movie. Favreau has done well with few movies he has directed including Iron Man and Made. Zooey Deschanel offers an excellent on screen presence as a love interest for Buddy. And, there's really nothing to say about James Caan as he is one of the best actors of all time.
This is fairly sentimental and corny film. But, that's what most people want for a solid holiday film. The plot and script isn't all that original but it's hard to knock the story as it is done with humor and charisma. The stand out performance by JamesCaan as caring father was very endearing and spot on. Overall, it is a very good family film that will shown on television on every holiday season.
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Blue-Ray hd dvd movie review of Jingle All The Way
December 19, 2008
This movie has taken a lot of criticism and generally been laughed off as fairly bad movie. Any Conan O'Brien fan will recognize this movie every time Arnold "shows up" as a guest. It'sinherently absurd to picture the Terminator in a family film where he has to fight off other shoppers instead of robots. I think that's why this film has taken great many knocks. It's just hard to imagine the tough action hero in an unfamiliar setting. More so in a ridiculous setting.
Arnold plays Howie Langston, who is a father who has neglected to shop for Christmas. His home life is in peril due to the disconnect between him and his wife and son. Situation is furtherexacerbated by Ted the neighbor who has the hots for his wife. In order to redeem himself, he desperately wants to buy Turbo Man doll for his son. Of course his wife has warned him to buy it weeks ago. And, as most of us know, trying to buy the hottest toy is nearly impossible near the Christmas. He has to fight hoard of last minute shoppers as well as the villain Sinbad. Sinbad plays another dad himself who has to get the Turbo Man as well. Both of them fight for Turbo Man from one scene to next. Of course, being a holiday film, we sort of know the out come.
The acting is fairly decent considering we are talking about California's governor. He was surprisingly funny throughout the movie. I especially enjoyed the late Phil Hartman as the scheming single dad. Sinbad was Sinbad. Just there for comic relief and nothing more. Overall, there are no stand out acting or really bad acting for that matter.
There seems to be tendency to judge this film sorely based on absurdity of seeing Arnold in anything but an action film. If you ignore the Terminator playing a comedic role, I think you will enjoy this fluff film. It's decent holiday film aimed at children and family. Just don't expect too much and you will enjoy the ride.
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