2-2-12 Groundhog Day

Today is that special day of the year when my Grandma celebrates another birthday and the groundhog pokes his head out to see his shadow or not! Well thus year he did so only six more weeks until spring! So for tonight I choose a great movie that makes me laugh every time I see it, Groundhog Day.

This film stars the very funny Bill Murry and the very beautiful Andie McDowell. Directed by Harold Ramis this film is full of laughs and frustration. If you're not familiar with Ramis he was te director of the Ghost Busters series and Stripes. Murry's character, Phil Conners is reliving a day over and over, in which each time he must make an adjustment in order to stop being such an arrogant you know what. I really enjoy this film because you'd expect that after the second day he would have figured things out and moved forward but in classic Bill Murry fashion he does not. I find that this is a very unique film that is done very well. Stars 6/10 because it's another goofy and fun Murry film but is not the best one. Is available on Netflix! Happy Birthday Grandma!!

1-26-12 Fanboys

The movie for tonight...Fanboys! This movie was recommended to me by my wife's coworker and it was simply amazing! I'm a huge Star Wars fan...so much that for Christmas this year my brother bought me a lightsaber! Yeah to be honest I'm almost a fanboy but not quite as crazy. As a kid I saw the movies and pretended to be Luke Skywalker! So to see a movie that portrayed a group o young fans that love a series as much as me and live an adventure that I myself would be apart of if I could. Well then it's worth you're time to check this film out.

Released in 2008 this film features a cast of well known character actors like, Dan Fogler, Kristen Bell, Jay Baruchel, Sam Huntington and Chris Marquette! They mostly play small parts in big movies but in this film they are the leads and they are amazing! Now there are cameos like, William Shatner, Seth Rogen, Danny McBride but the best part is that they got two Star Wars actors to make cameos. Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia and Billy Dee Williams who played Lando Calrissian. Their parts are epic in this movie and make for a good time if you can catch the references! So the story is based in 1998 just before the epic release of Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace. This is the tale of a group of super fans better know to the world as 'Fanboys' that set out to see the film before anyone else. They plan to do so by breaking into Skywalker Ranch, home of George Lucas and place where he keeps the film. Along the way they must battle Trekkies and each other as they try and accomplish their dream. Along the way they rediscover themselves and meet new and interesting people. Saved by the the chief and aided by an unexpected foe. In the end you'll be shocked and sadenef but overall you'll have lived at least for a couple hours lived in the shoes of a fanboy! This film is a comedy but I'd rather classify it as an adventure film. Stars 7/10! Available on Netflix!

1-19-12 Ides of March

Tonights film is Ides of March which is a political drama based around a Govener's presidential campaign. The main character Steven played by Ryan Gosling is a campaign manager. The Govenor is play by George Clooney who also directed the film. The cast also includes Philip Seymore Hoffman and Paul Giomatti.

This film is an amazing tale of what a presidential candidate should look and stand for, but he has a secret that most end up with. The Govenor who's and under dog has the the desire and the message to win but because he refuses to play by the political rules lags behind in the poles. One of his young aids and friends Steve is helping him climb to the top. Steve's attention is grabbed by a young intern and a steamy romance is born. At the same time a competitors manager is trying to get him to jump ship and join the other team. This is where the fun begins!!! The cinematography in this film is amazing and at times grabs you or high lights important details. The closing shot of the film leaves you wanting and yet answers your question. The movie is based around the play, Farragut North. It's a gripping thriller that is a must see! Stars 8/10. Good story and a great cast makes for a great movie...though somewhat predictable! Available on Netflix!

1-14-12 Office Space

Sorry for missing yesterday's blog I was a bit under the weather. Seeing how it is Saturday and everyone is out we will change up the mood with a comedy! Surprisingly there is a link between the last film and Office Space! So it's a good transition.

So the link between the two films is John C McGinley! This is a fun movie filled with laughs and plots! The film follows a character who is depressed and just doesn't care anymore. Well that is after he sees a hypnotist! It has a small love plot line that involves a very beautiful jennifer Anniston! There is a fun character Milton, which in mind makes the movie! There is so much to say but you just have to see this film yourself! It was released in 1999 stars Ron Livingston! Stars 9/10 recommend this film to everyone. Available on Netflix!!

Seeing how I've got a theme going this week with Vietnam era movies, I've got another film that you must see! Born on the Fourth of July is a inspiring movie that has connections to the last film in more than one way! It is another Oliver Stone movie that is about an alienated Vietnam veteran.

Born on the Fourth of July stars Tom Cruise, who plays a young man who serves his country but pays the price. While fighting he losses his ability to walk. As bad as that is he returns home from the war to a generation of protesters and people who alienate him for fighting in the war. This story is about his journey to find justice for those who are fighting but also the journey to find himself. Being born on the 4th of July he always had a patriotic side that led him to fight for his country. That same drive and passion is redirected when he joins several other veterans who are also trying to be heard! It's one of my favorite Tom Cruise movies! Now again this is an Oliver Stone movie so it is at times very strange but the story in itself is unique and original written from personal experiences. Stars 6/10 It is another film with an amazing cast with, Willem Dafoe, John C. McGinley, And Tom Berenger. I highly recommend this movie to people that enjoy older films that progress slowly but have a good story! This film is available on Netflix.

1-11-12 Platoon

I did not have time to watch a movie tonight. So I'm going to leave you a recombination. Since I mentioned Platoon in my post from yesterday I will recommend it tonight!

Platoon is a great film written and directed by a then up and coming star Oliver Stone! What makes this movie so special and one of my favorites is that he wrote it from a personal perspective. He is a Vietnam veteran who's character is portrayed by Charlie Sheen. Now he wrote this movie because he felt that the previously made movies portrayed Vietnam in an overly patriotic and unrealistic fasion. Released in 1986, becoming an instant classic that features Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe. It has a star studded cast to support the previously mentioned. Now I love this movie because it portrayed a very real struggle between life and death but also fate! Since most in his platoon were drafted he was not. On the other hand Sheen's character was a college student who decided to enlist. Now while there is the struggle from with in, the platoon must also survive patrols and night raids from the enemy. But as the movie progresses there is another rift in the story and for that you must watch it...! I recommend this movie for most but it is graphic! Stars: 8/10 Available on Netflix!

Tue. 1-10-12 Apocalypse Now

Today I'm watching a classic film, Apocalypse Now. It is a vietnam era film starring Marlon Brando, Michael Sheen, and Robert Duvall. Released in 1979 with the War fresh in the country's memories. This film features a young Michael Sheen who is a captain in the infantry who is called upon to terminate An insane Colonel Kurtz.

Now while watching this movie I find a strange coincidence were a young Sheen is patrolling the jungles of Vietnam and is also narrating the film. Sound familiar it's repeated again years later in Oliver Stones Platoon with a young Charle Sheen who is in Vietnam and is also narrating. This is a great film that I recommend you watch it is long but the story is worth your time! It is a Coppola film so you know that the quality is going to be that of a classic! Stars: 7/10 Status: Classic Available on Netflix!