The Great Buck Howard, I Love You man, Monsters Vs. Aliens
Geez, I really shouldnt wait so long to post these frickin' things. Then I forget what I wanted to say...
Also, turns out our Watchmen podcast was uneditable. We rambled on too much and there wasnt much to do to salvage it. So that one wont be posted anytime soon, but we're hoping to give it another go (with a different flick) sometime this month. *fingers crossed*
The Great Buck Howard
This trip to the movies was totally spontaneous. Decided to play hooky one day, and that day corresponded with Carlos' bday, and after lunch we found ourselves at the Kendall, with limited movie selection. Figured, I love Colin Hanks, what the hell.
Overall, really happy that I went. It was such a good, fun movie. The cast was fantastic. I love Colin Hanks even more after seeing this. He was totally channelling his dad at times, in a good way, but he's not gonna stand in his shadow. Speaking of the senior Hanks, Tom Hanks had a few scenes in the movie too, and it was just great watching the two of them together. Guess Tom didnt hafta dig too deep to find how to play the dad in this one.
John Malkovich was perfectly cast. He hit all of the quirks of the character, made him loveable when he was supposed to be and frustrating when that was called for. He has so much charisma playing the audience charming Buck Howard, and it was a joy to watch him. Mad props to Steve Zahn and Emily Blunt as well. Overall, you could see the cast enjoying themselves, which made the movie that much more enjoyable.
Also, absolutely loved the opening sequence. It was really quirky, and very relevant to me right now. Colin Hanks' character was trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, and as he walked around he saw people with multiple-choice type options about what they do, and his was constantly changing. From there I basically knew the movie was a good choice.
In short, it was happy fun movie with a great cast.
I Love You, Man
As expected, hi-freakin-larious. If there's anything I've learned recently movie-wise, its trust Paul Rudd. Once again he found a gem. Most people assumed that his recent partner in crime, Judd Apatow, had somehow been involved with this one, but turns out he wasnt. Doesnt mean it was free of his influence, though. It was similiar enough to his comedic style, that you probably dont believe me. Offensive, disgusting, quotable, Oh-no-(s)he-didnt dialogue. I was dying.
Paul Rudd was fantastic. His character go through so well, I felt awkward right with him. Jason Segal also fantastic. I wanted to take him home, and have him be my best friend. The supporting cast was phenomenal: Rashida Jones, Jamie Pressley, J K Simmons, Jane Curtain, Lou Ferrigno, even the often cringe-inducing Andy Samberg. Was particularly happy about seeing Curtain in the cast. Woulda liked a bit more from her, but not at all complaining.
One complaint I did hear was that there wasnt much conflict in the film until towards the end. I didnt think it was a problem. The majority of the film was man vs himself type of conflict, which is less obvious, and I also felt it was more of a character piece than anything else. Besides, when I go to a movie like this, Im interested in the frat boy type humor, and that was there in abundance.
Monsters Vs. Aliens
The biggest win this movie had, all of the quick (mostly sci-fi) references and one liners for the adults. Exhibit A: "Supernova, this is Red Dwarf. Code: Nimoy" or "Has it gotten warmer over the past fifty years?...Cuz that would be a convenient truth"
Wonderfully star studded voice cast. And I liked that the opening credits listed the cast, cause it always drives me crazy when I forget to do my homework, and spend the whole time trying to figure out whose voices Im hearing. As a side note, does anybody not like their phrase "lend their voices"? It sounds like they put their voice in a paper bag and handed it to someone for the weekend. I digress. Loved Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, and Seth Rogen (even if some of his jokes were kinda forced). Reese Witherspoon was trying too hard. Keifer Sutherland was prolly my favorite, just based on voice talents. You could hear what a blast he was having as General W. R. Monger (almost died when I heard his name). Still a tough guy, but totally different direction from Jack Bauer, which I think he was grateful for.
The 3D wasn't anything to special. Although it was sorta worth it just for the first few scenes (which were the best 3-D wise) and hearing the packed theater of little kids Oooh-ing and aaah-ing.
Plot, kinda meh. Decent lesson movie for the kiddies. Again, the grown-up jokes were good. Good movie for now since there's not much out, but I can see why it wasnt saved for summer.
Also, turns out our Watchmen podcast was uneditable. We rambled on too much and there wasnt much to do to salvage it. So that one wont be posted anytime soon, but we're hoping to give it another go (with a different flick) sometime this month. *fingers crossed*
The Great Buck Howard
This trip to the movies was totally spontaneous. Decided to play hooky one day, and that day corresponded with Carlos' bday, and after lunch we found ourselves at the Kendall, with limited movie selection. Figured, I love Colin Hanks, what the hell.
Overall, really happy that I went. It was such a good, fun movie. The cast was fantastic. I love Colin Hanks even more after seeing this. He was totally channelling his dad at times, in a good way, but he's not gonna stand in his shadow. Speaking of the senior Hanks, Tom Hanks had a few scenes in the movie too, and it was just great watching the two of them together. Guess Tom didnt hafta dig too deep to find how to play the dad in this one.
John Malkovich was perfectly cast. He hit all of the quirks of the character, made him loveable when he was supposed to be and frustrating when that was called for. He has so much charisma playing the audience charming Buck Howard, and it was a joy to watch him. Mad props to Steve Zahn and Emily Blunt as well. Overall, you could see the cast enjoying themselves, which made the movie that much more enjoyable.
Also, absolutely loved the opening sequence. It was really quirky, and very relevant to me right now. Colin Hanks' character was trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, and as he walked around he saw people with multiple-choice type options about what they do, and his was constantly changing. From there I basically knew the movie was a good choice.
In short, it was happy fun movie with a great cast.
I Love You, Man
As expected, hi-freakin-larious. If there's anything I've learned recently movie-wise, its trust Paul Rudd. Once again he found a gem. Most people assumed that his recent partner in crime, Judd Apatow, had somehow been involved with this one, but turns out he wasnt. Doesnt mean it was free of his influence, though. It was similiar enough to his comedic style, that you probably dont believe me. Offensive, disgusting, quotable, Oh-no-(s)he-didnt dialogue. I was dying.
Paul Rudd was fantastic. His character go through so well, I felt awkward right with him. Jason Segal also fantastic. I wanted to take him home, and have him be my best friend. The supporting cast was phenomenal: Rashida Jones, Jamie Pressley, J K Simmons, Jane Curtain, Lou Ferrigno, even the often cringe-inducing Andy Samberg. Was particularly happy about seeing Curtain in the cast. Woulda liked a bit more from her, but not at all complaining.
One complaint I did hear was that there wasnt much conflict in the film until towards the end. I didnt think it was a problem. The majority of the film was man vs himself type of conflict, which is less obvious, and I also felt it was more of a character piece than anything else. Besides, when I go to a movie like this, Im interested in the frat boy type humor, and that was there in abundance.
Monsters Vs. Aliens
The biggest win this movie had, all of the quick (mostly sci-fi) references and one liners for the adults. Exhibit A: "Supernova, this is Red Dwarf. Code: Nimoy" or "Has it gotten warmer over the past fifty years?...Cuz that would be a convenient truth"
Wonderfully star studded voice cast. And I liked that the opening credits listed the cast, cause it always drives me crazy when I forget to do my homework, and spend the whole time trying to figure out whose voices Im hearing. As a side note, does anybody not like their phrase "lend their voices"? It sounds like they put their voice in a paper bag and handed it to someone for the weekend. I digress. Loved Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, and Seth Rogen (even if some of his jokes were kinda forced). Reese Witherspoon was trying too hard. Keifer Sutherland was prolly my favorite, just based on voice talents. You could hear what a blast he was having as General W. R. Monger (almost died when I heard his name). Still a tough guy, but totally different direction from Jack Bauer, which I think he was grateful for.
The 3D wasn't anything to special. Although it was sorta worth it just for the first few scenes (which were the best 3-D wise) and hearing the packed theater of little kids Oooh-ing and aaah-ing.
Plot, kinda meh. Decent lesson movie for the kiddies. Again, the grown-up jokes were good. Good movie for now since there's not much out, but I can see why it wasnt saved for summer.