Showing posts with label coming of age. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coming of age. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

American Pie - The Naked Mile (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2006) Review

American Pie - The Naked Mile (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2006)
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I liked this movie, and I immediately watched some of the tracks (scenes) several times...such as the Naked Mile race and the underwear party. There was more nudity than I expected throughout the movie, and that alone made the dvd worth watching. And I plan on watching the dvd a couple more times. The comedy of the movie was OK (not top-notch...but OK), and some of the subplots were OK...such as the romance between the young Stifler and his girlfriend. And the young Stifler's girlfriend was cute and innocent...which was a nice contrast with other girls that were wilder. College girl nudity in this dvd includes: girl's locker room, stripping naked before the Naked Mile race and standing around waiting for the race to start, running naked and bouncing along for the Naked Mile race, and sex in several frat rooms. I can't remember the last time that I saw this many naked bouncing breasts...bouncing...bouncing (most were natural). But even after all the nudity, the girls at the underwear party were sexy too. There is some full frontal nudity for females during the movie, but not male full frontal.
I own some movies of the actual annual Naked Mile races in Michigan, but those movies were filmed with poor lighting and the picture is "grainy"...lacking in picture sharpness....because the Naked Mile race takes place at night (its dark...there's not enough light). But for this American Pie movie, they used proper lighting and equipment to show their version of the Naked Mile race with sharp picture detail...very watchable.
Overall, this American Pie movie was better than I expected. If you like college comedies with T&A, I expect that you will like it.

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Ready to run wild with hundreds of naked coeds in one of the craziest college traditions ever? Then you'll love the all-new, hilarious slice of American Pie, served up Stifler-style in American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile. When Erik Stifler realizes that he's the only Stifler family member who might graduate high school a virgin, he decides to live up to his legacy. After some well-meaning advice from Jim's dad (Eugene Levy), Erik's ready to take his chances at the annual and infamous Naked Mile race, where his devoted buds and some uninhibited sorority girls will create the most outrageous weekend ever. Filled with smokin' hot girls and the insane Stifler antics you know and love, this slice of American Pie delivers shocking and heartwarming fun all the way to the finish line.

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Beethoven's Big Break (2008) Review

Beethoven's Big Break (2008)
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As a kid, I grew up with the first two Beethoven movies! In my opinion, they are the only worthwhile films in the 'series' I was confused as to what this is supposed to be. Is is the 6th film and a writer happens to guess everything that happened in the original classic, or is it a prequel that shows how the first was made. It does have some cute and funny moments, and I liked Cesar Millan's cameo. Eddie is an animal trainer, but he doesn't want anything to do with dogs. His son, Billy runs into Beethoven and he wants to keep him. Soon, Beethoven gets a part in a movie based on his life from the original. I'd probably recommend BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK!!!

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BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK - DVD Movie

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Monday, January 14, 2013

American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009) Review

American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009)
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Once again Universal dumps the high end cameras and transfer into one of their franchises, so the resulting Blu picture and sound are flawless, but in a film that does not qualify. The DTS was mixed perfectly, especially in each fantasy sequence the music didn't drown anything out. The picture was crystal enough to see every pore and flesh tone - and there is a great deal of that. Aside from the cameos and fun fantasy sequences, the movie is forgettable, but the supplements are fun and worth the watch, including:
* Making of, 8:00 minutes. Director intros with how he dislikes the usual fare so this and all of the others could have been one long documentary of gags, outtakes and fun on the set. This one covers some brief interviews and gags.
* Love Manual, 5:50 minutes. The hot girls from the movie and some of the cameo guys give their take on how to get with ladies.
* Trivia. One of the cast goes around the set and tests people's memory on some good American Pie trivia. Enjoyable.
* Pie-Cons, 6:50 minutes. Interviews with the long list of cameos in this film.
* Deleted scenes, 11:14 minutes. Plenty of extra skin and forgettable dialogue.
* Gag Reel, 4:00 minutes. More outtakes and adlib stuff - hilarious.
* From the Set, 10 clips totaling 19 minutes. Essentially more deleted scenes with lots of extra ladies sans their clothing in funny sequences. Obviously this crew/cast had a good time making the film.
The extended is only a few minutes longer and there really isn't that much of a difference to warrant watching this twice. I would say bookmark the few worthy music scenes on your BD player (love that feature) watch the supplements and skip the rest, but the quality and extras make this a worthy addition to your library if you like the franchise. 3 stars for the positives listed. Enjoy.

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When three East Great Falls High buddies accidentally discover the legendary “Book of Love," penned by some of their school’s alumni, they embark on a hilariously outrageous quest to lose their virginity with the girls of their dreams. Join Jim’s Dad (Eugene Levy) and this lovable and outrageous group of guys in this raucous comedy full of shocking and heartwarming fun!

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Monday, December 24, 2012

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season Two Review

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season Two
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The ABC Family series "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" received a lot of attention during its first season as the series was critically acclaimed and also how ABC Family didn't sugarcoat the challenges of teenage pregnancy. Showing us the ramifications of being pregnant as a young teen but also the responsibilities and difficult choices one needs to make. The series was also popular for its portrayal of teenagers of today. Again, nothing sugarcoated and despite it being on ABC Family, the series shows us the real-life challenges that teenagers are facing. These characters are just regular people, not upper class and each of them have their own set of problems.
The series primarily focuses on the life of teenager Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley). Your typical girl next door. A 15-year-old who plays the French Horn in a band and part of a typical American family ala dysfunctional. During a summer at band cap, Amy met her high school band's "player" Rickey Underwood (Darren Kagasoff) and with one very quick one night stand, this teenager had her life change in ways she would never imagine.Amy has gotten pregnant and through each episode, we would see how Amy copes with her pregnancy, how she had to contend with morning sickness, becoming the talk of the school and even at one point, considering an abortion.
In the second season, Amy now must face the realization that she has responsibilities and that she can't depend on her parents for everything. But also major changes for each character as the season progresses.
Here is what is included on "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER - SEASON TWO" DVD (summaries, no spoilers):
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 12 - The Secret Wedding of the American Teenager - Because Amy is not ready for the responsibility of being a mother (and thinking her mother and father will automatically take care of the baby), she wants Ben to consider marrying her immediately via eloping (using fake ID's). Meanwhile, Amy's mother Anne requests a divorce from George and that he should move out of the house.
* EPISODE 13 - Baked Nevada - Both Amy and Ben's father are upset that their children tried to get married. Meanwhile, Adrian's father (who is a cop) tries to find out where the fake ID's came from.
* EPISODE 14 - The Father and the Son - Rickey's father comes to town and tells Amy's parents that his son can't be trusted and the bad blood between Rickey and his father is reborn. Meanwhile, Adrian's father tries to have his daughter keep away from Rickey.
* EPISODE 15 - That's Enough of That - Rickey tries to cope with his father's request to sell his and Amy's baby for money. Meanwhile, Amy can now find out the sex of her unborn child. And Jack serves his community service and discovers something big.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 16 - Chocolate Cake - Amy talks to Rickey about putting the baby up for adoption. Meanwhile, George's co-worker (a gay couple) is interested in being adoptive parents. Meanwhile, Rickey upsets Ben and puts into his head that she wants the baby's father in her life.
* EPISODE 17 - Unforgiven - Amy and Ben have difficulties in their relationship and now Ben needs some time away from Amy. Meanwhile, Anne and George try to help Amy by looking for adoptive parents. Jack finds a new girl that he is interested in.
* EPISODE 18 - Making Up Is Hard to Do - Ashley is trying to find a way to get Amy and Ben back together. Meanwhile, Rickey causes problems during the adoption interview process. Adrian meets a guy who likes her for her and not for sex.
* EPISODE 19 - Money for Nothing, Chicks For Free - Anne tries to look for a job and Ashley meets a guy who is interested in her. Meanwhile, Jack gets himself into a little trouble.
DISC 3:
* EPISODE 20 - Maybe Baby - Ben's father wants Ben to know a big lesson about money and that if he wants to marry Amy and take care of a baby, he will need to make money on his own. Meanwhile, everyone comes to visit Amy and give her advice about the baby. And Amy makes a decision about her baby and if she's read to put the baby up for adoption or to keep it.
* EPISODE 21 - Whoomp! (There It Is) - It's Amy's baby shower but the problem is that she may be going into labor. Meanwhile, Grace makes a big decision in her life.
* EPISODE 22 - One Night at Band Camp - While Amy is in labor, she remembers the day that she and Rickey met.
* EPISODE 23 - And Unto Us a Child Is Born - Amy gives birth to her baby and Rickey comes to the full realization that he has a child. Amy's father moves out of the house and Ashley also makes a major decision with her life.
The main premise of "SEASON TWO" is Amy getting near the date she is to give birth but all the emotions she has to deal with. Having to take responsibilities as a mother, having to decide if she needs to give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby and how she will have two men in her life. Of course, each of the other characters have their own storylines and drama but every character is utilized well in this second season and I was quite impressed. The second season was just as touching, emotional and enjoyable as the first season.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
Fortunately, the series is in 16×9 widescreen and because it's a newer series, the overall series looks good on DVD. Audio selection is regular stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1. Primary audio is mostly dialogue but you will have music segments which utilizes your speakers more than anything. But dialogue is clear. And for music, very cool to hear Molly Ringwald sing the opening theme.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" comes with a few special features. Included are:
* "Secret Life (You and Me) by the Strange Familiar Music Video - (3:55) A ballad sung by The Strange Familiar featuring clips from "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" Season One.
* Character Secrets: The Cast Tells All - (10:09) Featuring interviews with the cast members of "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER". The cast members discuss their characters and their role in the series and also talk about their favorite characters in the series.
* Cast Close-Ups - Going behind-the-scenes of "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER". This is a section in which a young teen named Mikela gets to learn about the making of the TV show and interviewing crew members and cast members. The interviews featured are Mikela with:
- Shailene Woodley - (2:59) Interview with the the actress who plays Amy Juergens.
- Mark Derwin - (3:07) Interview with the actor who plays George Juergens.
- Molly Ringwald - (1:33) Interview with the actress who plays Anne Juergens.
- Megan Park - (2:37) Interview with the actress who plays Grace Kathleen Bowman.
- Daren Kagasoff - (3:06) Interview with the actor who plays Rickey Underwood.
- Greg Finley - (1:29) Interview with the actor who plays Jack Pappas.
- Ken Baumann - (1:12) Interview with the actor who plays Benjamin "Ben" Boykewich.
- India Eisley - (1:53) Interview with the actress who plays Ashley Juergens.
- Francia Raisa - (1:37) Interview with the actress who plays Adrian Lee.
JUDGMENT CALL:
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" was another enjoyable season that was just as solid as the first. Well-acted, awesome storyline and great how each character was utilized throughout the series and overall, a good balance of fun and teenage angst.
The characters are quite likable and pretty much what is happening with American teenagers today. These are characters and storylines that young people and parents can relate to.
The series does a great job at handling the character development of each character and of course, with topics focusing on sex and friendship but also ramifications that result from sex (one night stands, cheating, affairs, etc.). This second season goes further as Amy learns that having a baby is her responsibility and that her expectation of her parents taking care of the baby full time while she attends school goes out the window; Ben who is in love with Amy and ready to take care of the baby learns that his father won't share the wealth with him and he has to make money on his own but also having to realize that Rickey will need to be part of Amy's life whether he likes it or not; Grace who is the girl who practiced abstinence and wanted to wait for the right guy for marriage now contemplating sex; Adrian who always gets what she wants sexually now having to deal with meeting a guy who doesn't want to have sex with her but he likes her for her and not her body; Jack exploring relationships with women of different ethnicities and bad boy Rickey having a life changing moment when his abusive father returns to his life and when his baby is born.
This second season continues where the last season had left off but presenting real problems for these characters. And each actor portrays their character role remarkably well.
For the parents or adults watching this series, you'll recognize the parents of these teenagers. "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" features quite a bit of talent with 80's teen queen Molly Ringwald playing the character of Anne (Amy's mother); "Life with Bonnie" actor Mark Derwin as Amy's father George; "Melrose Place" actress Josie Bissett playing Grace's mother; "Smallville" and "Dukes of Hazard" actor John Schneider as Grace's father; "The Sopranos" actor Steve Schirripa as Ben's father Leo; "Ghostbusters" Ernie Hudson playing the part of Dr. Ken...Read more›

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The drama and secrets continue in the top rated second season of the hit ABC Family original series that has fans and critics buzzing all across America. Good girl band geek Amy is smart, talented and pregnant. That's just one of the secrets that Amy, her friends and family deal with in this poignant portrait of modern day high school life. Experience an award winning series overflowing with humor, heart and compassion.Bonus Features Include: Cast secrets revealed, exclusive music video of the Strange Familiar, behind the scenes with the cast, on set interviews

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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Get Real (1999) Review

Get Real (1999)
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"Get Real" combines a terrific script with superb acting. Steven Carter is one of the best gay teen characters ever written, portrayed touchingly and realistically by Ben Silverstone. He is simultaneously geeky and sexy, awkward and self-assured, yet underneath his fears and self-doubts there is always a ray of self-acceptance and sense of humor about his predicaments that comes shining through.
You will marvel at Steven's courage, empathize with his pain, and just simply fall in love with this complex and totally adorable young man. His love interest, another complex character, is also brilliantly played. Steven's next-door neighbor and (female) best friend is the only character who comes across as somewhat stereotypical (an overweight fag-hag type), yet her performance avoids the pitfalls that the stereotypical characterization could've created.
The quirky humor the director interjects throughout the film will catch you off guard at times - during the scene inside the park men's room, when the soundtrack started playing The Troggs' "Love is All Around", I had to supress an urge to laugh uproariously and at the top of my lungs (I first saw the film in a theater).
"Get Real" is a "must see" for anyone who knows what it feels like to be young, gay & in the closet, and also for straight folk who wish to understand the difficulties GLBT people have to face, even in our contemporary, allegedly "enlightened" world.

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Monday, September 17, 2012

Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana Review

Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana
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In 2009, the Disney Channel featured a crossover trilogy featuring their top sitcoms "Wizards of Waverly Place", "The Suite Life" on Deck" and "Hannah Montana". Needless to say, this rare crossover was a big ratings winner for Disney as over 9.3 million viewers tuned into the crossover episodes. And now, all three episodes are featured on DVD with "Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana".
Here is a listing of the episodes featured on the DVD and brief summary of the episode:
* Wizards of Waverly Place - Episode 25: Part 1 - Cast-Away (To Another Show) - In this episode, Justin wins a contest for a teenage cruise to meet London Tipton. Excited about the contest and excited about meeting London, Justin's sister Alex and Max come along. But with Alex, due to her missing homework, she is expected to study on the ship so Alex comes up with an idea: To bring Harper along and have her pretend she's Alex, while she has fun with Bailey and uses the alias Ashley Olsen. Meanwhile, Max finds a rival on the cruise, Zach Martin. Meanwhile, Justin meets London but pretends he's a doctor. This episode features a crossover with the characters of "Wizards of Waverly Place" and "Suite Life on Deck".
* The Suite Life on Deck - Episode 21: Part 2 - Double Crossed - Hannah Montana is going to perform on the SS Tipton and Cody tries to impress Bailey by trying to get tickets (despite the concert being sold out). Meanwhile, someone turns Justin blue and Mr. Moseby thinks its Zack, while Justin thinks its his sister Alex. This episode features a crossover of characters from all three shows.
* Hannah Montana - Episode 19: Part 3 - Super(stitious) Girl - Miley, her father Robby Ray and Lilly are onboard the SS Tipton for her concert. But Miley has a setback when she loses her deceased mom's anklet and Miley doesn't think she could perform as Hannah Montana without it. Meanwhile back at home, Jackson, Oliver and Rico open a package meant for Robby. This episode features a crossover of "Hannah Montana" and "The Suite Life on Deck".
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana" is presented in Full Screen (1:33:1) and is presented in Dolby Digital Surround Sound. For the most part, picture quality is better than the broadcast. Everything was good, although a segment in the "Hannah Montana" episode during a scene which involved Jackson and friends, picture quality looked quite blurry. But for the most part, all three episodes look good on DVD. As for audio, audio is clear and understandable. Personally, I found it much more appealing to have the audio on my receiver set for stereo on all channels.
Subtitles are featured in English SDH and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana" comes with the following special features:
* Bonus Short: Justin's Award-Winning Essay - (3:33) Watch the essay video that got Justin and his siblings on the S.S. TIPTON Teen Cruise!
* It's A Suite Life Having Fun With Hannah & The Wizards - (5:42) Hilarious bloopers and backstage interviews with the stars!
* Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-Ray is Suite - (4:45) A featurette about Blu-ray and High Definition.
* Learn How to Take Your Favorite Movies on the Go - (1:03) A Featurette explaining what a Disney Digital Copy is.
JUDGMENT CALL:
For Disney Channel fans of the original sitcoms "Wizards of Waverly Place", "Suite Life on Deck" and "Hannah Montana", to see a crossover with the three shows is quite rare and exciting for the fans. Well, technically the only episode to feature characters from all three shows is in the second episode "Double Crossed" and for some reason, the cast of the "Wizards of Waverly Place" and "Hannah Montana" do not interact in any of the episodes. Nevertheless, the storylines do tie the characters of each show together.
For the most part, fans of the three-episode crossover can't find anything wrong with this release. For the most part, all episodes are quite entertaining, hilarious and family friendly. I watched the DVD along with my son who enjoyed the crossover when it first aired on television and was excited to see it all over again.
As for the crossover episodes, I did feel that Brenda Song's character London Tipton ("Suite Life on Deck") was a bit too uncaring and self-centered in the special crossover episodes, especially on the "Hannah Montana" crossover episode. But there were a good number of enjoyable scenes throughout the three episodes. I found it interesting to see Bailey and Alex hanging out, Justin and London on a date, Zack and Max square off against each other, Cody and Harper enjoying their intellectual side of each other and more. Also, for "Suite Life on Deck" fans who wanted to see Cody and Bailey grow closer, those fans get to see how it all happens.
The added bonus features on the DVD was a nice touch but I wish they were much longer but for the most part, fans of this special crossover will be entertained by them.
Overall, "Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana" was a fun, entertaining and hilarious DVD. Each crossover episode is fun for the entire family and for fans of each series series, overall this DVD release is quite solid. Definitely check it it out!

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Climb on board for fun on the high seas as three of your favorite Disney Channel shows come together in WIZARDS ON DECK WITH HANNAH MONTANA -- on DVD for the first time ever! The S.S. TIPTON embarks on a triple-length comedy crossover event when Justin wins a Teen Cruise to Hawaii -- and a chance to meet London. Both Justin and Max do their best to win the heiress's affection, while Cody tries to win concert tickets for Bailey, and Alex accuses Zack of being a prankster. Between the kids' pranks (who turned Justin blue?!) and crazy schemes (Alex sneaks Harper on board to take her make-up science class?!), the excitement goes overboard when international superstar Hannah Montana checks in on her way to a sold-out concert in Hawaii. But when Miley Stewart loses her lucky charm anklet and her Hannah wig, are her days as the world's biggest pop star over forever? It's all here in WIZARDS ON DECK WITH HANNAH MONTANA with three times the fun and triple the laughs! Plus, this new full-length adventure includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, hilarious cast bloopers and more!

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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Kids (1995) Review

Kids (1995)
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My pets behave better than this. And yet, this is what kids are doing. This is not an exaggeration or a class statement; these are real kids in real neighborhoods strolling the streets with no moral direction.
It really was almost like watching a documentary on a primate species, how the males and females gather in separate groups to chirp and chatter at each other until it's mating season. Then they all get together in a big pile and have at it with whoever is handiest.
The plot? A day in the life of aimless kids: virgin conquests, shoplifting, public urinating, drinking, smoking, getting high, breaking into a pool for a skinny dip, street fighting (complete with a brutal, perhaps deadly beating for a simple transgression), raves, public fornication, and one girl's discovery that she has AIDS.
There are two scenes that stand out in the movie, the first being when Telly briefly comes home, and his mother is sitting on her hinder, smoking, nursing her new baby, and watching TV. She barely notices Telly is in the room, except to tell him to be quiet so he wouldn't wake the baby. Parenting at its very worst, and you just know that little baby will grow up the same as Telly.
The second is the scene where Casper wakes up after the party. He moves from the tub he passed out in, past his friend who is unconscious over the toilet, to the kitchen where he immediately drains the dregs of the leftover beer bottles and lights a cigarette. He then goes on to take advantage of a girl who is passed out. Wow. Another morning in hell.
Larry Clark has done pretty well with Kids, though his work with 'Bully' was better, smoother, less raw while still being on the cutting edge. The performances from Leo Fitzpatrick (Telly), Justin Pierce (Casper), Chloe Sevigny (Jennie), and Rosario Dawson (Ruby) are more than acceptable. Clark certainly has a talent for bringing teenage angst and degradation to the screen, and for using brutal scenes to hone his dagger of truth home to those brave enough to watch his films. Enjoy!

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Powerful and passionate, colorful and compelling, Larry Clark's KIDS is 24 frenetic hours in the life of a group of contemporary teenagers who, like all teenagers, believe they are invincible.With breathtaking images from one of the world's most renowned photographers, KIDS is a deeply affecting, no-holds-barred landscape of words and images, depicting with raw honesty the experiences, attitudes and uncertainties of innocence lost. KIDS gets under the skin and lingers, long after it is viewed.The kids at the core of the story are just that: teenagers living the urban melee of modern-day America.But while these kids dwell in the big city, their story could, quite possibly, happen anywhere.

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame) Review

A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
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This is one of the most well done and touching Christmas movies I have ever seen. It's a little like "Old Yeller" but with a better ending.
A special treat for all animal lovers and people who want something deeper from Christmas than just Santa Claus and materialism. Some of the best, realistic family values and the ability to overcome are portrayed in this wonderful movie.

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Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) plays George McCray, Linda Emond (Julie & Julia) plays his wife Mary Ann, and Noel Fisher (The Riches) plays their son Todd in the 237th Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, A Dog Named Christmas. Based on Greg Kincaid's novel, the special premieres on CBS Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.The McCray family is anticipating a happy - if uneventful - Christmas on their Kansas farm, when an unexpected visitor enters their family. Todd - the McCray's 20-year-old developmentally-challenged son - hears that the local animal shelter is looking for families to foster a pet for the holidays, hoping that some will be permanently adopted.Todd's father, George, is firmly opposed to bringing a dog into the McCray household, either temporarily or permanently. George says he's concerned that Todd won't be able to adequately care for the dog, and that it will be traumatic for him to return the animal to the shelter after Christmas.The real reason for George's stubborn refusal? Bruce Greenwood says, "He's had two dogs in his life that he loved deeply, one when he was a child, the other when he was serving in Vietnam. Both experiences ended badly, wounded George psychologically, and he's afraid the same thing will happen again, this time involving his son." Mary Ann, George's insightful wife, understands. Linda Emond says, "Mary Ann starts out feeling that a foster dog would be a great thing for her challenged son Todd, but pretty quickly comes to realize that a dog would actually be a great thing for her husband, George. Mary Ann knows that George is - in his own way - a wounded animal, and that bringing a dog into their home could be a real gift, a real agent of healing."

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Roll Bounce (Widescreen Edition) (2005) Review

Roll Bounce (Widescreen Edition) (2005)
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Roll/Bounce is an excellent movie!
I was pleasantly surprised with just how good this film is. The movie has a great look to it and manages to come across as funny, touching, visually pleasing and very well acted.
Cant recommend this one enough! Roll on out and pick yourself up a copy.
Highly recommended!

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ROLL BOUNCE is the freshest, funkiest, coming-of-age comedy on wheels! It's the late '70s when roller skating to soul tunes and disco was a way of life for teen skater Xavier (Bow Wow) and his pals. But when their local rink closes, "X" and his crew must pull together as a team to try and win big money at a rival rink's Roller Jam skate off!

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Friday, August 24, 2012

According to Greta (2009) Review

According to Greta (2009)
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Just saw this film at its Santa Monica, California, premiere. It is truly a shame that the movie is not being distributed in theatres and instead is going direct to DVD & Blu-Ray. I hope the DVD contains some extras, especially a commentary, all of which were sadly lacking on the DVDs for Hilary Duff's earlier small, independent films of "War, Inc." and "What Goes Up."
For those who have doubted Hilary Duff's dramatic talent up until now, "According to Greta" should put those fears to rest. Duff turns in an unquestionably strong performance of a complicated character that will come as a surprise to those primarily familiar with her more tween/teen-oriented work such as the "Lizzie McGuire" TV series, "A Cinderella Story," and the "Cheaper by the Dozen" films. What the audience has borne witness to here is her genuine maturity as an actress and the possible paradigm shift in her career to more serious dramatic fare in the future.
Duff plays the title character of Greta, a 17 year old girl who has been "exiled" to her grandparents' home in New Jersey for the summer, given her mother's own inability to control her daughter and preference for saving her troubled marriage. Greta has decided to end her life once she turns 18, currently reflecting upon which method of death would be most desirable. Simultaneously, she has created a "bucket list" of sorts of things to experience in the final year of her life. The news of Greta's plans come as a surprise to her grandparents, especially her grandmother, played by veteran actress Ellen Burstyn. The Golden Globe- and Oscar-nominated Burstyn turns in a fine performance as Greta's "Grammy" Katherine, who is determined to give her granddaughter structure and discipline, and perhaps even aide in finding value in life.
Another surprise performance is given by actor Evan Ross, who plays Julie, a restaurant line cook with a shady past, who is committed to living as responsible and ethical a life as possible. Next to Duff's substantive performance, Ross' own poised and balanced performance will likely be a highlight of the film for viewers. In the movie, Greta and Julie become co-workers and eventually strike up a romance, one that comes off naturally, even in scenes of interpersonal character unease. But Greta's hardened attitude about life, her sharp hurtful words, and manipulative actions towards Julie, as well as her grandparents, threaten to drive those closest to Greta away, even as they all labor to help her see life's gifts.
Standing behind inter-relational tensions, is a haunting secret from the past. Will the recognition of this painful experience finally push Greta to take her life? Or can her grandparents and Julie -- or more pointedly, can she herself -- help transform her great pains into a realization for the sanctity of life? Check out the movie and find out for yourself.

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Hilary Duff delivers the most unexpected performance of her career as Greta, a rebellious 17 year old ‘exiled’ for the summer to a sleepy Jersey shore community where she immediately informs her grandparents of her plans to kill herself by the time she turns 18. But before Greta can cross suicide off her ‘to-do’ list, she’ll begin an interracial romance with a young cook from a troubled background confront a tragic family secret and maybe even discover the promising young woman beneath her sarcastic shell. Just when Greta’s looking for a way out, will life find a way back in?

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Friday, August 17, 2012

This is England (2006) Review

This is England (2006)
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This story, both beautiful and disturbing in it's messages and imagery, is about many different themes, all brilliantly woven together by British director, Shane Meadows.
The themes cover Thatcherite England in the 80's, Skinheads (good and bad), racism, bullyism, and the loss of childhood innocence. The film is strongly influenced by Director Shane Meadows childhood experiences as a skinhead, both good and bad.
The outline of the story is that a young "Shaun Fields"(played amazingly by newcomer Tomo Turgoose) lives in a small un-named Northern English town in 1983. "Shaun" has recently lost his father in the early stages of the Falklands War. On the last day of the school term before summer break "Shaun" is harassed over his choice of hippy-like clothing by several cooler kids.
On his way home from school, Shaun chances upon a non-racist skinhead gang (which includes two Jamaican members), led by the charming and lanky "Woody" (played by the affable Joe Gilgun). "Shaun" immediately takes to "Woody" as a surrogate father figure and is soon admitted in to the gang. Admission means parties, a new girlfriend (Rosamund Hanson) a new haircut, a new Ben Sherman shirt, and a new pair of boots (purchased by his mother (Jo Hartley) in an extremely funny scene) as well as a whole new group of friends who treat Shaun as an equal.
All seems well in this quiet English town until one incident changes all of their lives about midway through the film. This is the return of "Combo" (the electrifying Stephen Graham in his first major leading role) from 3 years in prison. "Combo" is the former leader of this gang and wastes no time trying to re-establish his dominance in a direct confrontation with "Woody". "Combo" has become a racist during his 3+ years in prison and views skinheads as the prefect front line soldiers in the National Front's (an extremely conservative political party) war to keep England for "Englishmen."
This confrontation with "Woody" soon splits the gang, some siding with "Combo", others with "Woody". "Shaun" is now forced to choose among father figures and the movie takes a decidedly chillier tone from it's lighthearted first half.
The film is brilliant because all of Meadows characters are complicated and feel like real human beings. "Combo" even offers "Milky" (Andrew Shim), a black skinhead, the chance to join his gang because "Combo" views the immediate problem as the "Paki" (Pakistani) workers who have flooded his town in recent years, taking jobs and houses from Englishmen.
It's the complexities such as this that make the characters (such as the Swastika tattooed Combo) so approachable and compelling to watch.
Even Shaun still appears like an adorable little child as he dresses in an English Cromby coat to go "Paki Bashing" at the local store.
The movie comes to what seems like an almost inevitable violent clash between two of the main characters that, despite its predictability, still jars the viewer, hopefully leaving you sickened. Shaun is then left to decide where his future lies.
The movies story is set against the backdrop of the Falklands War, whose brutal images Meadows deftly juxtaposes against the current violent and desolate climate of 80's England. Meadows was, interestingly, granted full access to many war footage images that had never been released to the public previously.
The film contains a fantastic soundtrack of early "skinhead reggae" tunes, including several songs by Toots and the Maytalls, including "54-46" which is played over a collage of media clips from 80's Britain and the Falklands War. It's a terrific mood setter for the rest of the film.
Meadows shines so brightly (as does his cast) because he intimately knows this material and these characters, many of whom are based on or even named after childhood friends of his.
Some American viewers may initially be off-put by the idea of any "Skinhead" related movie if all they know of skinheads is what they have seen in the American press in the last 20+ years. It may surprise many viewers not familiar with the original skinhead scene (circa 1966-72) in Britain to learn the the original skins (now often called Traditional Skins, Trojan Skins, or '69 skins) were a multi-racial bunch who were an off-shoot from the Mods. They were known, like the Mods, for being sharp dressers and they chose as their music Jamaican Rocksteady, Reggae, and American Soul. The skinhead movement in England largely died out in 1972 and then saw a revival in the late seventies. It's this revival group that was penetrated by the likes of the National Front that Meadows covers here. If you choose to not watch this film based on it's subject matter, you are missing not only one of the best acting performances by a new-comer(Turgoose)in recent history, but you are also missing what will no doubt become considered landmark moment in British film history.

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School is out for summer, and 12 year old Shaun is about to find a dangerous new group of friends. Having lost his father in the Falklands War, life has been lonely in this grim coastal town in northern England.When Shaun meets the local skinheads, however, their companionship and even their violence appeal to Shaun’s hurt and rage. In Combo, an older volatile skinhead, Shaun finds a big brother and under Combo’s leadership, the gang and young Shawn will arrive at an irreversible act of violence.

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Karate Kid II (1986) Review

The Karate Kid II (1986)
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The first Karate Kid literally spoke to any kid who felt out of place and picked on. Strongly enough, it was a concept played out over and over again. But the evenhanded direction of Avildsen made it a triumph. So what do you do for a sequel? You get real. Not that the first one wasn't real. The threat to Daniels safety in the first movie was always there and fully realized. But take this student and mentor pair and send them to Okinawa, and you have a whole different ball game. The story centers more on Miagi and his journey home to see his dying father, and facing demons he left as a young man. Asian culture takes certain things much more seriously. Honor in this movie is a subject brought up constantly, and we see it from Daniels perspective; as an American who does not understand why these people do things they way they do in the name of honor. As Daniel comes to grips with this life code in the small village of Miagi's youth, he realizes that the bully who has targeted him this time does not hold back. He's ready to kill Daniel. He has no qualms about it either and feels it's justified. As Daniel swoons a beautiful Asian girl and finds he's getting in deeper with the affairs of Miagi's past, he holds his ground, and his good upbringing helps to hold his own honor in place. In the end, the climatic fight scene is what really makes the movie. The whole story builds up to that moment. The idea is that this fight is real, there is no competition, no points. This is not a tournament, this is not a spectacle. Daniel is fighting to stay alive. And it is more brutal then the rules laden tournament of the first movie. Morita and Maccio play off each other so well it's obvious these two have great chemistry. The teacher/student relationship is apparent from the first scene despite their polar opposite personalities. As in the first movie, each character gives the other what they are missing. Daniel gets a father figure/teacher, Miagi gets a son/student. This movie is just as good as the first in my opinion, just different. A different set of circumstances played similarly to the first one. It's as different as it can be while still holding the same values. I give it four stars only because of some very minor inconsistencies but overall, it is a very good film.

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

American Dreams - Season One (Extended Music Edition) (2002) Review

American Dreams - Season One (Extended Music Edition) (2002)
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"American Dreams" is a show that could have been on the air during the very timeframe in which it was set. In it's entirely too short three season run, it was a standout, simply because it was well written, wonderfully acted, and just plain entertaining - something to which the millions of reality shows and "Law and Order" clones cluttering the airwaves couldn't begin to compare. "American Dreams" captured both the lingering innocence and the burgeoning counter culture of the 60's. Kids spent their time listening to records and watching "American Bandstand", but surreptitiously attended war protests on college campuses. Dads earned a living and handed down advice and discipline while moms cooked balanced meals, but after the children were in bed, they discussed such taboo subjects as women's rights, race relations, and birth control. All of these subjects were addressed intelligently and realistically, but the writers never failed to add humor to the scripts as well.
Much of the show was from the viewpoint of Meg Pryor (played by the wonderful Brittany Snow). We first meet Meg as a sweet 15 year old who realizes her lifelong dream of becoming a dancer on "American Bandstand". The two hour pilot episode finds Meg and her wild child best friend Roxanne scheming to be pulled from the daily lineup of hopeful dancers outside the Philadelphia television studio where "Bandstand" is filmed, for a guest appearance on the show. It takes some conniving on the part of the always hilariously outrageous Roxanne, but one day the impossible happens, and both girls make it onto the show. Meg doesn't believe it could possibly get any better - until she catches the eye of one of the show's producers, who offers her a regular spot. Her ecstasy is short lived when she finds out that not only was Roxanne was not asked to be a regular, but her father will not allow her to be on the show. Meg's determination finally wins her father's permission, but her guilt over Roxanne leads to her decision to quit. A resolution is reached when the producer is impressed by Meg's loyalty and invites Roxanne to be a regular as well, but the pilot ends on a somber note with the assassination of President Kennedy.
This episode is characteristic of the rest of the season (and Seasons 2 and 3 as well). "American Bandstand" features prominently in the series as we follow Meg and Roxanne's daily adventures as dancers and minor celebrities. One of the highlights of the series was the outstanding performances of many 21st century bands playing 60's acts such as Jay and The Americans and The Kinks. However, it also tackles heavier issues, such as the Vietnam War (a major focus of Season 2, which follows the active duty of Meg's brother J.J.) and racism. Many storylines feature Henry, a black employee of Meg's father's appliance store, and his son Sam, with whom Meg forms a close friendship despite disapproval from both families and society in general. Over the course of the three seasons, Meg develops from a starry eyed "good girl" to an intelligent, socially conscious young woman, who challenges the gender roles set for her and always follows the path that she knows is right. But the show never forgot how to have fun as well.
"American Dreams" was one of the finest television shows ever produced. Thumbs down to NBC for not recognizing what they had. If only they'd given it a fighting chance (putting it in a decent time slot and allowing the episodes to be re-run in the off season), it would have been remembered as a legend years from now!

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Friday, July 20, 2012

The Sandlot 3 - Heading Home (2007) Review

The Sandlot 3 - Heading Home (2007)
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If you enjoyed the Sandlot and Sandlot 2, you're sure to like Sandlot 3 - Heading Home. The original Sandlot was definitely a tough act to follow, and unless you were alive and kicking in the 1970's, younger viewers might not understand all the political references in Sandlot 2. The Sandlot 3 comes full circle and is a wonderful family movie. The characters are real and the story line is heartwarming. Get out the popcorn, gather your family together and get ready to enjoy The Sandlot 3 - Heading Home.

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Take the field with a new lineup of scrappy sandlot sluggers! Starring Luke Perry as a pampered pro athlete who rediscovers his love for the game, The Sandlot: Heading Home is a pulse-pounding and heartwarming tale about losing your ego, putting your friends first...and winning it all! Major league baseball superstar Tommy Santorelli (Perry) racks up great numbers at the plate, but his "me-first" attitude drags his team down. But Tommy gets a second chance when he's knocked unconscious by a pitch and wakes up as a 12-year-old on his childhood playing field...the sandlot! Now, with a greedy developer, Earl Needman, threatening to bulldoze the sandlot unless Tommy's ragtag friends can beat Needman's much-better team, Tommy must decide whether to put his own interests first by switching teams...or stay true to his friends by leading them to their greatest victory yet!

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Sunday, July 1, 2012

The History Boys (2006) Review

The History Boys (2006)
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I did the "Oxbridge term" at exactly the same time as "The History Boys," the fall of 1983. I chose instead to accept a scholarship to an American university that I won halfway through the Oxbridge term. I've lived in America ever since, but my first 19 years was in England, and I can relate to this movie.
Some explanations are in order, because some cultural things are hard on American audiences. Someone once famously observed that we're two nations divided by a common language.
"The History Boys" is not set at a boarding school; it's a grammar school, and it's a second-tier grammar school. In the pecking order back then, you'd have had your British public (but actually private) schools, then your grammar schools led (as the movie mentions) by the likes of Manchester Grammar. Then you'd have the grammar schools like the one in the movie and it would, for these boys, have been a heck of an opportunity (if you buy into the whole Oxford & Cambridge thing, which obviously I didn't) and a bit of a reach. They'd be at a disadvantage for some of the reasons given in the movie (fewer opportunities than kids at more high-falutin' schools) and for the reason of simple English snobbery and the class system at the time.
Second, the class represented here is not, as one reviewer suggested, a mythical place where students care, teachers care and debate thrives. This is an actual place, very much how good English schools were, especially in the last year of 'A'-Levels and the Oxbridge term. It's very well-portrayed here. When I came to the USA, where I attended a fine public university, I never recovered from my disappointment that there wasn't the same level of debate and class discussion. Frankly -- and I love this country, but this was my experience -- no class I took in six years at a good university here ever challenged me as the 'A'-Level and Oxbridge classes had. I think maybe Britain's a little like Japan in having very high standards at the end of high school (and corresponding student stress) that then fades in university.
A clarification on the lives the boys go on to lead. They would end up, for the most part, in fine houses (see reviews below). That's the whole point. Attending either Oxford or Cambridge (while there are no guarantees) did pretty much set people for life if they approached it aiming for that. I've seen that from afar in the lives of my contemporaries who went there. That's why the stakes are so high in the story and success so desirable.
And a final clarification on the aspect of the movie one reviewer called "morally suspect." Maybe so, but the culture of sexuality in Britain is different from the culture of sexuality here in the States. Britain legalized gay marriage, after all, more than a year ago, with minimal fuss, and even The Times of London now lists same-sex unions without fanfare along with the heterosexual ones. The whole issue of homosexuality is different, including the assumption over there that sexual orientation is not necessarily consistent for life. And same-sex experimentation is famous in largely male or all-male British schools. So that aspect of the movie ought to be judged as much as possible in the context of the movie and probably not in an American context which -- no offense intended -- seems more inclined to censure and prudishness.
All that said, and picture quality aside, this is an outstanding movie and a great portrayal of 1983 in England, down to the cars and the music. The only thing I remember that's completely missing here is furious political debate. Britain was four years into Margaret Thatcher in 1983, and politics and social clashes were very much on people's minds, including students like these, and Alan Bennett completely omits that.
But that's my only criticism. Richard Griffiths, who is a veteran British actor whose face would be instantly recognisable to any Brit seeing the movie, is wonderful, on a "Goodbye Mr. Chips" level and better than "Dead Poets Society." Indeed, "History Boys" beats "Dead Poets" simply because it's not Hollywood-ized, it's a much more real movie.
It's got great bullseye detail, too, like the church service at the beginning where the robed priest ministers to a congregation of three, which is the state of the Church of England, Britain almost completely lacking American-style religion at this point, a very secular place despite the lack of division between church and state.
Dominic Cooper as Dakin, Samuel Barnett as Posner and Russell Tovey as Rudge stood out for me, but all the boys are great, and all of the types felt very much familiar to my memories.
The movie is often funny, the dialog wonderful, the way the boys are and the classroom scenes perfectly pitched. The essential scene is the one where Griffiths tutors Barnett one-on-one, and it's essential because it tells us exactly why Griffiths' character is a great teacher, which has to be established.
The ending doesn't bother me. This is Alan Bennett: This is about ideas. The ending furthers the ideas.
This is the same playwright who brought us "40 Years On," yet a much different play and a much different view of a much changed Britain -- and that's why Bennett has endured, because he's changed with the culture.
This is a great movie if you're not offended by frank discussion (and ambiguity) about late-teen and adult sexuality, if you're a bit of an Anglophile, and if you're willing to sit back for something that's really a long conversation rather than an action movie. All of which is why it'll have limited success this side of the big pond.

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From award-winning playwright Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George) comes this delightfully witty comedy of eight boisterous-yet-talented schoolboys hoping to gain admittance to England's most prestigious universities. They're aided on their quest by two teachers, a shrewd young upstart and an inspiring old eccentric, whose opposing philosophies challenge the boys to confront the true meaning of education and the relative values of happiness and success.Adapted from the original Tony Award winning play and starring the original Tony Award winning cast, The History Boys is an engaging, thought-provoking, and wickedly funny look at history, the pursuit of knowledge, and the utter randomness of life.

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Monday, June 18, 2012

Gossip Girl: The Complete Third Season (2009) Review

Gossip Girl: The Complete Third Season (2009)
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Let me start out by saying Gossip Girl is one of my favorite shows on television. I find it to be absolutely delightful, a definite guilty pleasure. Seasons 1 and 2 were 10 out of 5 stars, and after the season 2 finale, I was anticipating season 3 to be the best year yet. I mean, Chair finally happened!!
But something changed in season 3. Blair was no longer the Queen B, and I feel like she became a slightly weaker character, which really upset me (She was always my favorite). Serena, especially in later episodes, became more of a spoiled brat, then the charming Serena of previous seasons. And Jenny, oh Jenny, please cut your hair and wash your face before you return to the Upper East Side in Season 3. I could hardly stand Jenny whenever she came on screen.
However, the show was still very good. We got to see an entirely different side of Chuck Bass, which I loved. He had a wayy sexier haircut and wardrode as well this season. But, he finally grew up. I still loved all of the Chuck and Blair scenes, they were adorable. Nate, too, finally seemed to grow a backbone. And of course, the season was wrought with OMG moments, especially the finale. All in all, it was still a very good season, just not quite as good as the previous ones. I still recommend it of course, and look forward to season 4.

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Spotted: Our beloved Upper East Siders, all grown up. Though high school may be behind most of them, you can be sure a future of love, scandal and, of course, secrets awaits. Based on the best-selling series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, this drama is told through the eyes of an all-knowing blogger -- Gossip Girl -- who, via constant, avidly read text messages, is determined to uncover and fuel every scandal possible on Manhattan's Upper East Side, where gossip rules, and affluent young people find themselves with the money, access and appetite to explore all the temptations New York City has to offer. Keeping track of the shifting friendships, jealousies and turmoil in this wealthy and complex world isn't easy; that's why there's Gossip Girl.Executive produced by Josh Schwartz (Chuck, The O.C.) and Stephanie Savage (The O.C.), Gossip Girl has won a legion of devoted and fashion-forward fans.

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Sunday, June 17, 2012

Adventureland (2009) Review

Adventureland (2009)
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I got to see this film at a sneak preview. I got free tickets at an 80's club I frequent. I only had a mild interest in seeing this film when I saw the trailers. In other words, this one was going to be one to wait for on dvd. Free is free, and I went with a tribe of folks on a Wednesday night.
To my surprise, this was a really sweet, funny, well-acted, and truly great film. Yes, this is a film, not some flash-in-the-pan, cash in on the youth market, gross out comedy. Sure, it has elements of that too, but they're more subdued and the humor is less broad and more sublte. It's basically about characters you already know or have met in your life. It takes place in the 80's and it's basica plot involves the horror any 20-something would face during a recession, getting a really crappy summer job!
The real revelation I found with this film came in the form of Kristen Stewart. She's the real deal. I had seen her in Twilight recently and found everything anyone did in that film to be hollow. Here, she really shows her acting chops playing a confused youth afraid of the unknown. Jesse Eisenberg is the main character in the film, and I expected nothing but greatness from him, I previously saw him in the brilliant The Squid and the Whale. He is a very talented young actor who I expect to see a lot more from in the future.
The film has all the details of a youth summer job that sucks pegged. Everything from the one hot-chick that everyone wants, the low-rent customers, the over-zealous and possibly dellusional bosses, and on-job romance. It's all done with genuine emotion and situations. Nothing feels contrived or forced. Characters make mistaks and things go wrong, but there are no moments of the characters becoming overwrought and giving prefunctory speeches regarding the film's main themes. This is really well written.
I must warn all the video game obsessed, vapid, youth drones about what they're getting with this film. It has real characters, and a believable situation. It's a hang-out picture. You just spend time getting to know a particular group of characters who share the same crappy theme park summer job. There is no contrived plot devices, like switched or confused identities, no one is masquarading as one of the opposite sex, no plot devices to keep a false narrative going, and no gags just stuck in the film like an overlong action sequence to get yucks. Yes, the kids get wasted and high, but it has more to do with them coping with their boredom, and it also helps lead to their bonding.
The film manages to be honestly touching as well, something I really didn't expect from this piece. It was made by the same director of Super Bad, a really brilliant and funny youth comedy, but it is nothing like it. It's not as great, but its not going for the same thing. The humor comes from character and honest situations and not from over-blown comic situations just set up for the yucks.
If this film would've been advertised differently, I would've paid to see it.

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