Movie Review: The Hudsucker Proxy
The Short: When Norville Barnes finds himself applying for a job at Hudsucker Industries, he's in for more than he bargained for. Not that working in the mailing room was bad enough, when Mr. Hudsucker himself leaps to his death, second-in-command Sidney J. Mussberger must find an idiot to take Hudsuckers place, and it looks like Norville is just the man. If Mussberger's plan works, he and the members of the board will make it rich as the stock prices fall, under the poor leadership of Norville Barnes.
The Good: I really wasn't expecting myself to enjoy this film. But I thought I'd give it a try. And it turned out to be one of my favorite films I've seen all month. From the lush settings to the Norman Rockwell-esque characters, from elegant camera swivels to a perfectly fitting score, this film was in my opinion, a masterpiece.
The Bad: Norville's love interest is one of the most annoying ladies on the face of the earth.
The Overalls: I really, really enjoyed this film, and I'd definately recommend it to anyone. It was very funny, maybe a little touching, and definately kept your interest.
**** (4/5)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
O'Brother Where Art Thou? Movie Review
Movie Review: O Brother Where Art Thou?
The Short: From the brilliant minds and eyes of the Coen brothers comes a modern retelling of Homer's age-old classic, The Oddyssey. When three convicts escpae from a 20th century prison camp, they must band together to face a "cyclops", evil extended family, a flood, and even the Law itself. Not to mention recording a hit single and winning back divorced wives.
The Good: Yes sir'e. This here were a film that I could listen to George Clooney's voice for the couple hours without cringing. And that should earn him an Oscar.
Also the historical tie-in with George Nelson was great, and I loved the "Cyclops."
The Bad: I wasn't all that excited by the ending.
The Ugly: Sure, Clooney's acting wasn't cringe-inducing in this film... but his hair addiction was.
The Overalls: Definately a whole ton of fun. It's funny, it's intense, it's sort of moving. And we get to see George Nelson almost cry. Now that makes a good film!
*** 3/4 (3.7 / 5)
The Short: From the brilliant minds and eyes of the Coen brothers comes a modern retelling of Homer's age-old classic, The Oddyssey. When three convicts escpae from a 20th century prison camp, they must band together to face a "cyclops", evil extended family, a flood, and even the Law itself. Not to mention recording a hit single and winning back divorced wives.
The Good: Yes sir'e. This here were a film that I could listen to George Clooney's voice for the couple hours without cringing. And that should earn him an Oscar.
Also the historical tie-in with George Nelson was great, and I loved the "Cyclops."
The Bad: I wasn't all that excited by the ending.
The Ugly: Sure, Clooney's acting wasn't cringe-inducing in this film... but his hair addiction was.
The Overalls: Definately a whole ton of fun. It's funny, it's intense, it's sort of moving. And we get to see George Nelson almost cry. Now that makes a good film!
*** 3/4 (3.7 / 5)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Red Eye Movie Review
Movie Review: Red Eye
(Possible spoilers from here on out...)
The Short: Busy hotel manager Lisa Reisert find herself and her father's life at risk when she is needed in a plot to assassinate a polititian staying at Lisa's hotel. When she is "kidnapped" at 30,000 by her seatmate in a cross-country flight she must choose to help the assassin and let her father live, or refuse and put her father's life on the line.
The Good: At first I thought this movie would get a little old after awhile, mostly taking place in an airplane and all, but to my surprise it kept a pretty good pace and kept us exntertained for the whole couple hours. Also, Cillian Murphy is a scary guy...
The Bad: It didn't really get Thriller-ish until the last couple scenes. And half the movie your sitting there thinking, "When does this thing actually start to get intense?"
Also, this film is about a group of assassins. The only death in the entire film is of one of the assassins... I guess they're not good at their job.
The Overalls: I gave this film an "Aight..." rating. Nothing special. Just a fun little thriller.
*** (3/5)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Douglas Adam's Starship Titanic review
Book review: Douglas Adam's Starship Titanic
The Short: In this sci-fi farce, Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) brings the rest of the galaxy to life, in a book influenced by a computer game created by Douglas Adams. The story begins with the opening ceremonies for the world's greatest starship, the Titanic. But little do the aliens of this distant planet know that things can only go horribly wrong. With a couple unsuspecting people onboard, the starship (trying to take off) suddenly dissapears. And then reappears above earth, and crash lands on the future property of some innocent earthlings.
When one of the earthlings is invited into the Titanic by a confused robot, the 3 humans can't help but venture onto the ship.
What they find is a whole mass of disfunctional robots, a romantic alien journalist and a slightly crazed parrot.
Not to mention the fact that the ship takes off, accidentally kidnapping the helpless humans.
The Good: Trust me, you'll know this book is written by one of the craziest men alive right off the bat. The book is hilarious, and has just the right amount of absurdity to make a great book. And it's a nice length too.
The Bad: The book almost feels like it's trying to add a little of Douglas Adams flavor. Which is impossible to do if your not Douglas Adams. So it makes for a slightly awkward mess at some points, but all in all it's not terrible.
The Overalls: It's a great book if you want to just sit back a relax, and have a few chuckles. Sure it's not as brilliantly amazing as Douglas Adam's works, but it's still a very fun time.
*** (3/5)
The Short: In this sci-fi farce, Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) brings the rest of the galaxy to life, in a book influenced by a computer game created by Douglas Adams. The story begins with the opening ceremonies for the world's greatest starship, the Titanic. But little do the aliens of this distant planet know that things can only go horribly wrong. With a couple unsuspecting people onboard, the starship (trying to take off) suddenly dissapears. And then reappears above earth, and crash lands on the future property of some innocent earthlings.
When one of the earthlings is invited into the Titanic by a confused robot, the 3 humans can't help but venture onto the ship.
What they find is a whole mass of disfunctional robots, a romantic alien journalist and a slightly crazed parrot.
Not to mention the fact that the ship takes off, accidentally kidnapping the helpless humans.
The Good: Trust me, you'll know this book is written by one of the craziest men alive right off the bat. The book is hilarious, and has just the right amount of absurdity to make a great book. And it's a nice length too.
The Bad: The book almost feels like it's trying to add a little of Douglas Adams flavor. Which is impossible to do if your not Douglas Adams. So it makes for a slightly awkward mess at some points, but all in all it's not terrible.
The Overalls: It's a great book if you want to just sit back a relax, and have a few chuckles. Sure it's not as brilliantly amazing as Douglas Adam's works, but it's still a very fun time.
*** (3/5)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Fierce Creatures Movie review
Movie Review: Fierce Creatures (1997)
The Short: When billionaire, company owner Rod McCain buys a small zoo as a part of a huge business deal, he sends British, ex-cop Rollo Lee to run the zoo. Chaoes ensues as a battle between staff and management tears the zoo apart, just in time for new management to take Rollo's place. Under new management the zoo becomes a marketting jungle starting a famly feud, kindling romance, and completely baffling the old zoo employees.
The Good: I really enjoyed this film, being a Monty Python fan it was interesting to see both John Cleese and Michael Palin's years of acting experience bring this comedy to life. I also loved the characterization of Americans to be sex-loving, money-hoarding, nose-in-the-air, jerks; very hilarious. How true is that? Also interesting to note is the fact that Kevin Kline plays two characters in this film.
The Bad: Bland soundtrack is probably my biggest complaint.
The Overalls: Very funny film. Maybe not for everyone who, but it has a good mix of British dry humor and American slap-stick, aa fun combination. Watch it, it'll give you a few good chuckles.
*** (3/5)
The Short: When billionaire, company owner Rod McCain buys a small zoo as a part of a huge business deal, he sends British, ex-cop Rollo Lee to run the zoo. Chaoes ensues as a battle between staff and management tears the zoo apart, just in time for new management to take Rollo's place. Under new management the zoo becomes a marketting jungle starting a famly feud, kindling romance, and completely baffling the old zoo employees.
The Good: I really enjoyed this film, being a Monty Python fan it was interesting to see both John Cleese and Michael Palin's years of acting experience bring this comedy to life. I also loved the characterization of Americans to be sex-loving, money-hoarding, nose-in-the-air, jerks; very hilarious. How true is that? Also interesting to note is the fact that Kevin Kline plays two characters in this film.
The Bad: Bland soundtrack is probably my biggest complaint.
The Overalls: Very funny film. Maybe not for everyone who, but it has a good mix of British dry humor and American slap-stick, aa fun combination. Watch it, it'll give you a few good chuckles.
*** (3/5)
Dark Knight Movie Review
Movie Review: The Dark Knight (2008)
In Short: Batman returns in this dark sequel to 2005's Batman Begins. This time around Batman, along with new D.A. Harvey Dent, and James Gordon of the Gotham Police, have helped to make the City of Gotham less of a dirty, crime-infested city that it always has been, and more of a city with a bright future. That is until a crime menace arrives by the name of Joker.
The Good: I have been waiting for this film for about a year. I remember freaking out when the first teaser trailer made it to the internet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWw0ov-cAUg), and I remember seeing the first photo of the film's Joker (http://movies.yahoo.com/summer-movies/The-Dark-Knight/1809271891/photos/289/7233). And in all that time I made expectations. And it still blew my mind. It was better than I could of imagined it being. Ledger does an Oscar worthy performance as the Joker, that sinister laugh just makes me want to hide under my seat. Aaron Eckhart delivers a one-two punch as Gotham disctrict attorney Harvey Dent. I really felt Dent's character come alive, he wasn't that same old DA we've always seen. This guy really deserved the title "White Knight of Gotham." Once again great camera work by writer director Chris Nolan. And that brings us to the story itself. Ingenius. I loved it.
The Bad: Some acts of crime by the Joker are a bit far-fetched. Besides that there isn't much to say to denounce the film.
The Ugly: I'm not really sure what was up with the annoying buzzing sound everytime a stressfull part of the film came around. I'm not sure how I felt about it. Maybe once or twice, but it seemed like half the film's soundtrack was that sound.
The Overalls: Great film. Yes, there is a reason why it is one of the biggest box office successes of all time. Go see it. You can't help but enoy it. Maybe you'll love it.
**** 1/2 (4.5/5)
In Short: Batman returns in this dark sequel to 2005's Batman Begins. This time around Batman, along with new D.A. Harvey Dent, and James Gordon of the Gotham Police, have helped to make the City of Gotham less of a dirty, crime-infested city that it always has been, and more of a city with a bright future. That is until a crime menace arrives by the name of Joker.
The Good: I have been waiting for this film for about a year. I remember freaking out when the first teaser trailer made it to the internet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWw0ov-cAUg), and I remember seeing the first photo of the film's Joker (http://movies.yahoo.com/summer-movies/The-Dark-Knight/1809271891/photos/289/7233). And in all that time I made expectations. And it still blew my mind. It was better than I could of imagined it being. Ledger does an Oscar worthy performance as the Joker, that sinister laugh just makes me want to hide under my seat. Aaron Eckhart delivers a one-two punch as Gotham disctrict attorney Harvey Dent. I really felt Dent's character come alive, he wasn't that same old DA we've always seen. This guy really deserved the title "White Knight of Gotham." Once again great camera work by writer director Chris Nolan. And that brings us to the story itself. Ingenius. I loved it.
The Bad: Some acts of crime by the Joker are a bit far-fetched. Besides that there isn't much to say to denounce the film.
The Ugly: I'm not really sure what was up with the annoying buzzing sound everytime a stressfull part of the film came around. I'm not sure how I felt about it. Maybe once or twice, but it seemed like half the film's soundtrack was that sound.
The Overalls: Great film. Yes, there is a reason why it is one of the biggest box office successes of all time. Go see it. You can't help but enoy it. Maybe you'll love it.
**** 1/2 (4.5/5)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wow, vacation was nice but now I'm back to blogging and without further ado I present:
Dr. Shadey's Top 10 Movie Heroes!
So, pretty much this is going to be a list of my personal favorite film heroes (as the title suggests), but I'll be sticking more toward the action/adventure side of the spectrum, maybe throw in a few sci-fi and such, but leaving out Superheroes (It would then have to be my list of top 47 favorite action heroes). And here we go...!
10. Ben Gates (National Treasure)
Brains: *** (3/5)
Brains: *** (3/5) 
Dr. Shadey's Top 10 Movie Heroes!
So, pretty much this is going to be a list of my personal favorite film heroes (as the title suggests), but I'll be sticking more toward the action/adventure side of the spectrum, maybe throw in a few sci-fi and such, but leaving out Superheroes (It would then have to be my list of top 47 favorite action heroes). And here we go...!
10. Ben Gates (National Treasure)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brawn: ** (2/5)
Cool: ** (2/5)
It's not easy being the end of a line of treasure hunters. Especially if it's up to you to steal the Declaration of Independence or kidnap the president. And somehow he never ends up in jail, that's just amazing in itself.
It's not easy being the end of a line of treasure hunters. Especially if it's up to you to steal the Declaration of Independence or kidnap the president. And somehow he never ends up in jail, that's just amazing in itself.
9. Marty McFly (Back to the Future)
Brains: *** (3/5)
Brawn: ** (2/5)
Cool: **** (4/5)
"Whoa, this is heavy." Yeah, going back in the past and having your mother fall in love with you can really weigh on you. Luckily Marty has friends in high places, and knows how to act cool while destroying his own past.
8. Zorro (The Mask of Zorro)
Brains: *** (3/5)
Brawn: **** (4/5)
Cool: **** (4/5)
Nothings cooler than dressing in black. In fact it's probably pretty hot. The original masked crusader, Zorro, shows us a thing or do about kicking butt in the Mask of Zorro.
7. John McClane (Live Free or Die Hard)
Brains: ** (2/5)
Brawn: ***** (5/5)
Cool: *** (3/5)
Who needs computer skills when you can destroy a helicopter with a cop car? Not John McClane. He's one cop you don't want to mess with.
6. Aragorn (Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brawn: **** (4/5)
Cool: *** (3/5)
Never screw with an heir to the throne of Gondor. Especially if he's a trained Rnager. The Nazgul learned that, so did the orcs, trolls, goblins and wargs. "Are you frightened?"
5. Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brawn: **** (4/5)
Cool: *** (3/5)
History teacher gone bullwhip crackin' archeologist adventurer. Sound like something from a back-to-school nightmare? Think again. Dun da dun dun da DA. It's Indiana Jones. Giant rolling boulders, lions, booby traps, Nazis, tanks, falling bridges, mine cars, Hitler himself, rats, nuclear explosions, ants, Natives, arrows, poison, and even snakes can't stop him. Just don't forget the hat.
4. Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brawn: *** (3/5)
Cool:*** (3/5)
Why walk into your heist, if you could drop in from the ceiling. From hacking into computers to
breaking into a high security building with little more than an automatic weapon, Ethan knows the ropes of breaking and entering. Just watch out for rats.
breaking into a high security building with little more than an automatic weapon, Ethan knows the ropes of breaking and entering. Just watch out for rats.
3. Han Solo (Star Wars)
Brains: *** (3/5
Brawn: *** (3/5)
Cool: ***** (5/5)
Sure, he's a smuggler, gambler, rebel, and just plain old scum but you can't help but trust this guy. He always seems to be able to get himself out of a tight fix, and blast his way through any obstacle, even carbon freeze can't hold this guy.
2. Jason Bourne (The Bourne Ultimatum)
Brains: ***** (5/5)
Brawn: **** (4/5)
Cool: *** (3/5)
It's hard to feel safe when you know Bourne is out there. Ex-Assasin Jason knows a thing or too about everything, even though he doesn't remember anything. Fighting assasins with pens? Check. Blowing up building with a toaster? No problem. Getting a girl? Yeah, but they always die.
1. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
Brains: **** (4/5)
Brawn: **** (4/5)
Cool: **** (4/5)
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is the ultimate fighting machine. Using his trusty brains, and stylish brown robes, Obi can do just about anything. From discovering "missing planets" to slashing open Battle Droids and Sith, nothing can stop him from showing everyone how it's done. Good thing he's a good guy
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is the ultimate fighting machine. Using his trusty brains, and stylish brown robes, Obi can do just about anything. From discovering "missing planets" to slashing open Battle Droids and Sith, nothing can stop him from showing everyone how it's done. Good thing he's a good guy
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