Bandslam (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Take a chance on this unexpected gem, do, and never mind that you may have gone "Uh oh!" when you first noticed Vanessa Hudgens's name on the billing (although, okay, I did sneakily like the first HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL). I walked into BANDSLAM unawares, didn't really know what it was about, and I ended up pleased and tremendously entertained. I guess that's when the taste is sweetest, when you're not expecting too much. BANDSLAM has more in common with NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST than it does with HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.
Gaelan Connell, I haven't seen him before, but he seems a natural at playing the nervous, ill-fitting-in, fumbly role and, somewhere, a threatened Michael Cera has to be biting his fingernails. This kid is also glib enough that he even reminds me of vintage young John Cusack. Connell plays iPod-attached misfit Will Burton who is newly moved to Lodi, New Jersey, and he's actually glad to be in the Garden State, so you get an idea of how miserable his past existence must have been. He now attends Van Buren High School, where he learns that the biggest event is the Bandslam, this annual Tri-State Battle of the Bands (winner gets a record deal).
Will loves Indie rock; he regularly writes to David Bowie in this thoroughly one-way correspondence relationship. Will also happens to be a walking encyclopedia of rock & roll knowledge, and this may or may not have something to do with his being befriended by the very cool and popular ex-cheerleader Charlotte (Aly Michalka, of the pop duo Aly & AJ). Charlotte fronts a lowly garage band, and she dreams of competing on Bandslam, although her band would have to contend with her school's own juggernaut rock group, Ben Wheatly & the Glory Dogs (Ben Wheatly, by the way, is Charlotte's ex). Will, thru no fault of his own, becomes the manager of Charlotte's tiny band. Juuuust a bit out of his depth, he's got eight weeks to get good at this gig before the big Battle of the Bands swings around. For Will Burton, it's time to come out of his shell.
Will also meets Sa5m (Hudgens, branching out from sweetness and light). Sa5m - the "5" is silent - is quirky and brooding and talks a bit like MTV's Daria. Sa5m also has a secret. She and Will become partners in a classroom project, and one of my four best moments in the movie has to do with Will's part of the project. The other three moments? They're all musical numbers and performed by Will and Charlotte's band.
BANDSLAM is a coming-of-age movie and it isn't vanilla or moronic, and you could've knocked me over with a feather when I later realized this was a PG-rated film. But, yeah, looking back, I don't remember any profanity. Or gross-out content or mean-spiritedness for its own sake. Instead there's an emotional weight, a passion for music and an edginess and tons of smart screenplay. There's even possibly the most awkward first kiss in history. There isn't a bad performance, only varying shades of very good and terrific. It helps that there's a complexity to the characters. Gaelan Connell, endlessly relatable, easily carries the film. Aly Michalka comes in and blows me away, and I love that there are different sides to her unpredictable character, and a bite. And she has pipes, stronger than Vanessa Hudgens'. It's hard not to rock out to her rendition of Steve Wynn's "Amphetamine." Meanwhile, Vanessa Hudgens steps a bit out of her comfort zone, and I liked it. I didn't think Hudgens and emo would work, and yet it does.
And Lisa Kudrow is Lisa Kudrow, and that's always a good thing for the movie audience.
It wouldn't have worked so well if the music hadn't been so great. The actors sing the songs and play the instruments, and is it me or does that bass player remind you of a young Stephen King? I love that the little garage band develops its own sound, and "I Can't Go On, I'll Go On" is an absolutely inspired name for a rock band. Cameron Crowe will probably appreciate "I Can't Go On, I'll Go On." John Hughes probably would have liked this movie. I always like it when the nerd makes good.
DVD Special Features: the "Making Of" documentary (21 minutes long); commentary track with Director Todd Graff and actors Aly Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens and, showing up late (he was at the beach), Gaelan Connell; nine deleted scenes with optional director's intro (including Aly Michalka's brief acoustic version of "Amphetamine," the full rendition of Charlotte's ex-boyfriend serenading her with "Pretend," and the cute "Shredding" scene); Honor Society's music video "Where Are You Now"; and Vanessa Hudgens performing "Everything I Own" with the band.

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A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band -- together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.

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Friends: The Complete Sixth Season (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is surely one of the best series in Friends history. All the characters evolve and they bring in a new style of humour. There are 25 episodes in all, one of the longest series! Season 6 is one of the greats! Here are the episodes and what happens in them.
The One After Vegas - Ross and Rachel aren't sure whether they went ahead with the wedding; Monica and Chandler are having second thoughts; and Phoebe takes Joey on a trip in her cab.

The One Where Ross Hugs Rachel - Joey is upset that Chandler is moving in with Monica. Phoebe helps Ross to show his feelings for Rachel.
The One With Ross's Denial - Ross won't acknowledge his feelings for Rachel, who is occupied with looking for a new home. Joey seeks a new room-mate; and Monica and Chandler disagree over decor.
The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance - Joey suffers a hernia just as his health insurance expires; Ross puts on an English accent when lecturing to university students; Phoebe's psychic reveals something grim; and Rachel discovers the marriage to Ross hasn't been annulled.
The One With Joey's Porsche - Joey finds the keys to a Porsche; Chandler and Monica babysit Phoebe's triplets; and Rachel goes with Ross to make sure their marriage is annulled.
The One On The Last Night - Rachel gets ready to move into Phoebe's apartment. Chandler has a leaving party with Joey before taking Rachel's place with Monica.
The One Where Phoebe Runs - Joey gets a new room-mate - Australian dancer Janine LeCroix (Elle Macpherson) - while Rachel is amused by the running style of her new room-mate Phoebe, a cross between Kermit and The Six Million Dollar Man.
The One With Ross's Teeth - Ross goes overboard on dental hygiene ahead of a date; Chandler thinks Janine has added too many feminine touches to Joey's flat; and Rachel tries to impress fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
The One Where Ross Got High - Chandler finds out that Monica's parents Jack (Elliot Gould) and Judy (Christina Pickles) bear him a grudge for introducing Ross to marijuana.
The One With The Routine - Janine invites Joey to Dick Clark's New Year's Eve extravaganza in Times Square, where Monica and Ross revive their high-school dance routine. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Rachel can't find the Christmas presents they got from Monica.
The One With The Apothecary Table - Rachel tries to conceal her love of Pottery Barn furniture; and Joey falls out with Janine when she turns against his pals.
The One With The Joke - Chandler is put out when Playboy publishes a raunchy joke which Ross has claimed credit for; and Phoebe's criticism upsets Monica and Rachel.
The One With Rachel's Sister - Rachel's annoying sister Jill (Reese Witherspoon) turns up after being cut off by their father and falls for Ross. Monica has a cold but doesn't want it to affect her sex life with Chandler.
The One Where Chandler Can't Cry - Chandler is criticised for not being able to cry; while Rachel and Jill (Reese Witherspoon) fight over Ross; and Phoebe discovers that her twin sister Ursula is starring in porn movies.
The One That Could Have Been (part one) - The gang contemplate how differently their lives could have turned out. Chandler envisages life as assistant to famous soap star Joey; and Phoebe dreams of working on Wall Street.
The One That Could Have Been (part two) - The gang continue to contemplate how differently their lives could have turned out. Ross dreams of how he could have spiced up his marriage to Carol (Jane Sibbett).
The One With Unagi - Chandler upsets Monica when he gives her a home-made Valentine's Day present; Ross passes on his martial arts techniques to Rachel and Phoebe; while Joey needs a lookalike to help him in a money-making scheme.
The One Where Ross Dates A Student - Ross gets into trouble when he goes out with student Elizabeth (Alexandra Holden). Phoebe and Rachel's apartment is wrecked by fire.
The One With Joey's Fridge - Joey's fridge breaks down. Rachel needs an escort for a charity ball so the gang vies to find her Prince Charming; Ross frets over Elizabeth's rowdy plans for spring break.

The One With Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E. - The gang reminisce as Joey prepares to audition for the part of an alien hunter in sci-fi show Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E.
The One Where Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad - Ross meets Elizabeth's protective father Paul (Bruce Willis) who isn't happy about the relationship - but is attracted to Rachel. Joey insults the creator of his robot co-star, and Phoebe reveals she's writing a novel based on the experiences of Monica and Chandler.
The One Where Paul's The Man - When Ross goes with Elizabeth (Alexandra Holden) to her family's rural retreat, her father Paul (Bruce Willis) turns up with Rachel. Meanwhile, Monica is making wedding plans.
The One With The Ring - Rachel grows disenchanted with an emotionally unhinged Paul (Bruce Willis). Chandler and Phoebe shop for Monica's engagement ring.
The One With The Proposal (part one) - As Chandler proposes to Monica, Richard (Tom Selleck) reappears. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Rachel contemplate life without Mr Right.
The One With The Proposal (part two) - Monica realises she may have to pop the question to Chandler.
EXTRAS - Commentary by the 3 creators, Casino Trivia, Friends of Friends Video guest book, Gag Reel and Gunter Spills the Beans about Season 7.
All in all, a must have for Friends Fanatics!

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This smart, sophisticated comedy looks into the hearts and minds of a group of single friends, all struggling with love, careers, dreams and disappointments at a time in their lives when everything is possible. From Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions. DVD Features:Audio Commentary:Prodcuer audio commentary on 3 episodesGag ReelInterviews:"Friends of Friends" guest/celebrity interviews.Other:Gunther Spills the Beans promo for next season. Casino Challenge trivia game

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Hotel for Dogs (Widescreen Edition) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)So my brother and sister and their spouses are taking an "emergency mental health day" over to the casino boats and I'm pulling Uncle duty for a couple hours. We decide to go to the movies and I try to convince them to go see My Bloody Valentine 3D.
"We don't wanna see it." they said, "It scares us."
"Why, I asked," because you're all a bunch of babies?"
"We're not babies! We're this many", they said, holding up 3 fingers.
"Exactly. You're not babies. You're post-toddlers."
"Uncle Hammoooooock! We wanna see Hotel for Dogs".
Well I thought, maybe it would be for the best to see Hotel for Dogs. If I take them to see it then maybe years from now when I'm a toothless old loon confined to a government nursing home the kids will remember this movie fondly and come around to visit me and shoo the flies off my face and maybe keep the attendents from stealing my teeth and underpants.
Besides, i could teach them how to mix Milk Duds with popcorn and the flask of "Uncle Medicine" I carry would smooth over any bumps, especially if I mixed it with a nice fizzy Tab. Okay, kids, Hotel for Dogs it is!
Well sir, I was flabbergasted. This movie was much better than it looked in trailers and commercials. In the trailers, it looked like your average , dopey, mediocre kid movie. But it's better than that. The fine folks who made this film seemed to have put some actual thought and effort into entertaining our kids.
Basically, you got these two kids, bother and sister, who have been in and out of various foster homes since their parents died. They are a handful, a couple of smart little con-artists. But they are motivated by the desire to stay together and remain as much of a family as possible, and this desire extends to their dog, Friday, whom they keep hidden from a string of foster parents who won't take kids with dogs. Most of their schemes involve ways to feed or shelter Friday, but when that becomes too daunting a task they decide to bunk him in an abandoned hotel. One thing leads to another and eventually they are taking care of not only Friday, but a whole pack of dogs. The stray children have created a family for themselves with other strays. Of course there is a serious threat to their happiness, which(do I need to say spoiler alert) is alleviated in the end and eveyone lives happily ever after. That covers the plot.
There's a lot to like about this film. The acting is good. Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon are especially funny as Lois and Carl Scudder, the stars of the Carl Scudder Experience, a low-rent rock lounge act that couldn't cut the mustard playing for a back-alley craps game much less at a venue in Vegas. They're more petty and selfish than evil, although Kudrow looks kind of like a white trash Cruella DeVil. Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin do a good job as the kids. They're smart but not that wise-beyond -their -years smart you see in some movies. They look and act like actual kids.
I should also mention the dogs. I'm generally not a fan of animals that "act" unless they're terrorizing the human population of a small town or island somewhere, but these dogs are often funny, even by adult standards. I think the trick is that the dog scenes are not overdone. They don't wear out their welcome for the grown-up crowd. Kids will love it. The mutts have their own little characteristics and traits but the crowd favorite was Cooper, a big english bull dog who eats anything and everything, from license plates to ladies shoes.
The movie was written by Jeff Lowell,Robert Schooley ,& Mark McCorkle. Schooley and McCorkle created the Kim Possible series and helped write Sky High. They are developing a reputation for making quality family pictures that are fun, smart and imaginitive.
The plot is simple but it's also well done. It's silly in ways that kids will enjoy but it's never insulting, pandering or overly sentimental. And really, does a kid's movie need an intricate, detailed plot. Sure any adult who's lives in a country with free electricity is going to know how this thing turns out, but this movie really wasn't written for adults. It has humor in it that will keep an adults attention, but it's meant for th kids. A big part of the fun of seieng a movie like this with the kids is watching them watch the movie. Most of this stuff is new to them. They don't know for sure if the Hotel is doomed when the dog catchers find out about it. They don't know if the brother and sister are going to remain a family. And they are completely surprised and tickled when the dogs perform cute and funny little stunts that dogs have performed for years. You can get a kick out of watching the suspense, surprise and joy play across their faces as the movie progresses. It's one of those nice little films you can share with your family.

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Hotel For Dogs is a funny, heartwarming and inspiring animal adventure that shows how far love and imagination can take you. When 16-year old, Andi (Roberts), and her younger brother Bruce (Austin) find themselves in a foster home with a strict “no pets" policy, they must use their quick wit to find a new home for their dog, Friday. When they stumble into an abandoned hotel, they realize they can transform it into the perfect place for Friday- as well as all the strays in the city. What began as a crusade to save one dog becomes a high stakes adventure as everyone around them starts to wonder- who let the dogs in?

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Easy A (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's easy to like a character, but it isn't often you come across one that you would want to actually be friends with, or maybe even wish you could be like. For me, such a character is Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone), a high-school student from Ojai, California. True, she may only be a fictional character, but she's also the embodiment of personality - smart, witty, and affable, yet not so perfect or above it all that she fails to be human. Despite these magnetic qualities, she isn't noticed much by her peers, and she's all but upstaged by her best friend (Aly Michalka), who makes it a point to believe only what she wants to believe instead of actually listening to the truth. Things drastically change for Olive when she gains an infamous reputation as the school floozy, something she didn't start but certainly chose to perpetuate.
Her story is told in "Easy A," which is not only one of the funniest teen comedies of recent memory, but is also one of the most intelligent. Rather than go for obvious lowbrow sex and booze toilet humor, director Will Gluck and writer Bert V. Royal show the temerity to engage the audience with clever dialogue, strong characters, and a plot we can actually care about. It doesn't play down to the audience. If we laugh, it's not because of a vulgar throwaway gag but because of genuinely funny scenarios, many of which are relatable to varying degrees. Perhaps the film is founded on an extraordinary premise, but in my mind, it's a perfectly plausible premise, and the fact that the filmmakers could keep the story grounded while making it entertaining is quite an amazing achievement.
Olive's infamy begins when she lies about having lost her virginity over the weekend to a college student she made up. The lie is overheard by Marianne (Amanda Bynes), a judgmental and pious Little Miss Christian, who proceeds to tell everyone she knows about Olive's indiscretion. Rumors quickly spread. Other students begin to take notice of her, and although she never asked for her newfound reputation, she finds she's appreciating the attention. She's then approached by her gay friend, Brandon (Dan Byrd), who's so tired of being harassed by homophobic bullies that he begs her to pretend to have sex with him. Knowing that no one would believe her if she simply told people about it, Olive drags Brandon to a classmate's party, where they lock themselves in a bedroom and make all the necessary noises. Everyone is fooled.
This includes Marianne and her circle of Christian friends, one of whom boldly suggests that Olive follow the lead of Hester Prynne in "The Scarlett Letter" and mark herself. Not content with doing things half-heartedly, Olive arrives at school the next day wearing a bustier with a red A affixed to the right breast. In due time, she's approached by other boys who want Olive to do for them what she did for Brandon; she agrees to help them all, although she's well aware that the situation is getting out of hand. It's bad enough that they're using her to inflate their egos. Why must they also compensate her with gift certificates and coupons to affordable stores like The Home Depot and Bed Bath and Beyond?
The ads have prepared us to view Olive as a cliché - a wisecracking teen who never shows her emotions and flaunts her superior intellect in the form of biting sarcasm and dry wit. But we end up seeing nothing of the sort. Olive is a young woman of considerable depth, jokey on the outside but within harboring needs, hopes, and deep insecurities. They emerge during scenes with the school mascot, Woodchuck Todd (Penn Badgley), the one guy who has known Olive most of her life and sees the person behind the reputation. Through him, she comes to believe that regaining her self-respect depends on tracking down each of the boys she helped and coercing them into telling the truth. This proves far more difficult than she expected. It's just as well; the root of "self-respect" is "self," which is to say no one other than her can turn the situation around.
Other characters, such as Olive's loveably liberal parents (Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci) and her perpetually flustered school principal (Malcolm McDowell), add color to the story, even if they are a bit less three-dimensional and serve mostly as comedy relief. The English teacher, Mr. Griffith (Thomas Hayden Church), is not only as witty and charming as Olive but is also remarkably perceptive; the same cannot be said about Mr. Griffith's estranged wife (Lisa Kudrow), which is ironic since she's the school's guidance counselor. I don't want to reveal too much about this couple. Let it suffice to say that Olive's actions have consequences that extend beyond the limits of the student body.
The film is told as a retrospective, Olive opening the film with a webcam confessional that continuously weaves in and out of the story proper. This is far from an original narrative technique, but Stone's performance and Royal's dialogue elevates it to new heights. Right at the start, we're drawn to this character, and we want to stay near her even after the story has come to an end. Not too many roles have this kind of power. Not too many teen comedies are this well written. "Easy A" is a sweet, sassy, ingenious little movie, one that I hope will not be forgotten ten years from now.

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OLIVE AN AVERAGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, SEES HER BELOW THE RADAR EXISTENCE TURN AROUND OVERNIGHT ONCE SHE DECIDES TO USE THE SCHOOL'S GOSSIP GRAPEVINE TO ADVANCE HER SOCIAL STANDING.

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