A Goofy Movie - 7 stars out of 10
"A Goofy Movie" is one of those childhood films that will never get old (and one that I am thankful to own on DVD). For me, the film's most memorable quality is its awesome 90's soundtrack. The songs I 2 I and Stand Out (sung by Tevin Campbell) PERFECTLY fit the time period in which this film debuted and easily could have been played on the radio without complaint. Today, they are still incredibly catchy and make you want to be on-stage with Powerline! The film delivers a ton of laughs, particularly with The Leaning Tower of Chees-a, Bigfoot (and the Bee-Gees), and Lester's Possum Park (which is very reminiscent of Country Bear Jamboree - coincidence?) Bill Farmer's voicing of Goofy is magical as he is surrounded by the acting talents of Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, and celebrity cameos by Pauly Shore and Wallace Shawn. Above all else, this coming of age story reaches deeper than silly Disney antics - on a much smaller scale than Toy Story 3, it elaborates on the ideas of growing up and a parent's desire to remain a part of his child's life. Heartwarming and hysterical, "A Goofy Movie" is for the kids out there who never want to grow up.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Kids Are All Right - 1 star out of 10
The Kids Are All Right - 1 star out of 10
When "The Kids Are All Right" came through Netflix, I had hoped for something other than Brokeback Mountain with old women and no horses. I was not so lucky. I cannot understand the Oscar nominations. The acting was not spectacular (certainly nothing that I would expect to receive a nomination for best actor or actress), and the story was just average. I suppose that the liberal content is the reason for its praise. Ruffalo and Benning's characters were extremely static. In fact, the only character that truly offered depth in the film was Julianne Moore. This story of a convoluted and awkward love triangle is enhanced by the occasional misplaced gay joke makes things even stranger. As everything falls apart in the characters' lives, this film's unsatisfying ending tops it all off. If this garbage had won any Academy Awards, I would have given up on the Academy.
When "The Kids Are All Right" came through Netflix, I had hoped for something other than Brokeback Mountain with old women and no horses. I was not so lucky. I cannot understand the Oscar nominations. The acting was not spectacular (certainly nothing that I would expect to receive a nomination for best actor or actress), and the story was just average. I suppose that the liberal content is the reason for its praise. Ruffalo and Benning's characters were extremely static. In fact, the only character that truly offered depth in the film was Julianne Moore. This story of a convoluted and awkward love triangle is enhanced by the occasional misplaced gay joke makes things even stranger. As everything falls apart in the characters' lives, this film's unsatisfying ending tops it all off. If this garbage had won any Academy Awards, I would have given up on the Academy.
Friday the 13th (1980) - 6 stars out of 10
Friday the 13th (1980) - 6 stars out of 10
Perhaps I rated this film higher than I typically would because of a low expectation, but I can definitely see how this film has become one of the classic slasher films. Friday the 13th has an interesting concept that lacks clever realization and falls pretty flat as plot is sacrificed for killings. I understand that the first-person killing provides a lot of the mystery and intrigue of this film, but it takes away from the film, especially when they cut away at unnecessary times to imply the murders instead of showing them. I must admit, Kevin Bacon's death was pretty incredible but the killings start to get old about halfway through. It's just one after the other without much plot development to separate them. I was pretty upset that Robbi Morgan was killed so early on. She was probably the best character in the film and the film would've benefitted to have "the sweet girl" persevere a bit longer. I would be remiss if I did not bring up the parallels to the movie Psycho, particularly some of the musical themes and one ENORMOUS spoiler that I will not discuss. Overall, Friday the 13th makes a great date movie as it is less graphic than many modern slasher films, but provides just enough horrific imagery to keep you on edge.
Perhaps I rated this film higher than I typically would because of a low expectation, but I can definitely see how this film has become one of the classic slasher films. Friday the 13th has an interesting concept that lacks clever realization and falls pretty flat as plot is sacrificed for killings. I understand that the first-person killing provides a lot of the mystery and intrigue of this film, but it takes away from the film, especially when they cut away at unnecessary times to imply the murders instead of showing them. I must admit, Kevin Bacon's death was pretty incredible but the killings start to get old about halfway through. It's just one after the other without much plot development to separate them. I was pretty upset that Robbi Morgan was killed so early on. She was probably the best character in the film and the film would've benefitted to have "the sweet girl" persevere a bit longer. I would be remiss if I did not bring up the parallels to the movie Psycho, particularly some of the musical themes and one ENORMOUS spoiler that I will not discuss. Overall, Friday the 13th makes a great date movie as it is less graphic than many modern slasher films, but provides just enough horrific imagery to keep you on edge.
The King's Speech - 10 stars out of 10
The King's Speech - 10 stars out of 10
Colin Firth's performance is elevated beyond acting and becomes a living, breathing entity on the screen. The nuance of his speaking is remarkable and although I have always viewed him as an average actor, he has now set himself apart from most other actors with one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. The story itself is remarkable as the original screenplay reveals the truth behind the events occurring in the English monarchy at the onset of WW2. Although it is difficult to see past Firth's performance, Geoffrey Rush adds another incredible performance to his resume (including Shine, Shakespeare in Love, and the Pirates franchise). Helena Bonham Carter also breaks loose from her character role reputation as she brings emotion and chemistry to the relationship between herself and King George VI. Amidst other amazing actors on this cast list is Guy Pearce who once again thrives in a despicable role. In addition to the incredible story and acting, The King's Speech boasts 12 Oscar nominations including best score, best picture, and 3 nominations in acting categories. This film will not soon be forgotten.
Colin Firth's performance is elevated beyond acting and becomes a living, breathing entity on the screen. The nuance of his speaking is remarkable and although I have always viewed him as an average actor, he has now set himself apart from most other actors with one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. The story itself is remarkable as the original screenplay reveals the truth behind the events occurring in the English monarchy at the onset of WW2. Although it is difficult to see past Firth's performance, Geoffrey Rush adds another incredible performance to his resume (including Shine, Shakespeare in Love, and the Pirates franchise). Helena Bonham Carter also breaks loose from her character role reputation as she brings emotion and chemistry to the relationship between herself and King George VI. Amidst other amazing actors on this cast list is Guy Pearce who once again thrives in a despicable role. In addition to the incredible story and acting, The King's Speech boasts 12 Oscar nominations including best score, best picture, and 3 nominations in acting categories. This film will not soon be forgotten.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - 10 stars out of 10
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - 10 stars out of 10
1st Review
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." These ten words changed the film industry forever. This is a film that defines the entire science fiction genre. What started out as a simple idea from the director of American Graffiti ended up becoming the most famous movie of all time and netted six Academy Awards in 1978, including a nomination for Best Picture. No subtitle necessary - this film will always be known simply as "Star Wars." It possesses some of the most dynamic and legendary characters in movies through the mysterious connection between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the constant sexual tension between Han Solo and Princess Leia, and the many aliens (and one black guy) featured throughout the two trilogies. Through this film, Hamill, Ford, and Fisher became megastars while Alec Guinness and James Earl Jones added to their impressive resumes. John Williams' musical theme immediately brings visions of space travel and even people who have not seen Star Wars immediately recognize the theme. It may not have won the Academy Award for Best Picture but the Star Wars franchise has grossed more money than the other four nominees combined, to an exponential degree. Star Wars has an amazing ability to transport the viewer into another universe and regardless of the year, this franchise will remain a timeless classic.
1st Review
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." These ten words changed the film industry forever. This is a film that defines the entire science fiction genre. What started out as a simple idea from the director of American Graffiti ended up becoming the most famous movie of all time and netted six Academy Awards in 1978, including a nomination for Best Picture. No subtitle necessary - this film will always be known simply as "Star Wars." It possesses some of the most dynamic and legendary characters in movies through the mysterious connection between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the constant sexual tension between Han Solo and Princess Leia, and the many aliens (and one black guy) featured throughout the two trilogies. Through this film, Hamill, Ford, and Fisher became megastars while Alec Guinness and James Earl Jones added to their impressive resumes. John Williams' musical theme immediately brings visions of space travel and even people who have not seen Star Wars immediately recognize the theme. It may not have won the Academy Award for Best Picture but the Star Wars franchise has grossed more money than the other four nominees combined, to an exponential degree. Star Wars has an amazing ability to transport the viewer into another universe and regardless of the year, this franchise will remain a timeless classic.
[Pictured: Who could have known that this would become a world-wide phenomenon]
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