Year One

Yes...This movie. I've had it for a while and recently a spout of boredom compelled me to watch it mainly out of curiosity and well... I do like Cera. And... it wasn't as bad as I heard. I mean sure..it wasn't great but I guess for me Micheal Cera saved it.

Jack Black, per usual, I hated in this movie. He is obnoxious, stupidly funny (not good), and just generally annoying. That right there really tarnished the movie. Luckily, there were other parts that raised my opinion.

Mainly Cera's character. I know he plays the same role, blah blah blah. But he does it well and I thought it was completely funny in this film, especially we needed that opposite to Black's character to stop this film from becoming all penis jokes and the sort. I also actually kind of liked the story line. Or at least the satire of it with all the biblical references. I thought that was decently clever and kind of fresh. Although it was weird how they started out as cavemen and ended up seemingly thousands of years from cavemen times to biblical times but eh..it's a movie. I also really liked the love interests going on, even Black's was ok. Also, the star studded cast was really surprising but I liked it. Olivia Wilde especially.

6 out of 10

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The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects, eh? If you don't know about this movie...for the time being just think of it as your typical crime movie. Group of guys do various jobs to get money/drugs. You know the type. In detail the movie is about five guys who get together to do some jobs, their last one turns wrong and they all die except for one. So most of the movie is him in the interrogation room and then flash backs to what he's saying.

Nothing wrong with that type of movie, I actually really like crime movies so of course I did like this movie. However, I am glad to say this is one movie in it's niche that breaks free and actually blew me away. Yep, huge twists come at the end and they way it's all presented is very genius. This is a movie that you will be thinking about once it's over. Replaying scenes and trying to figure out what happened. And to me, that's a sign of a pretty good movie. When it can get me to sit down for a moment and think about what just transpired.

Overall, I'd say this is a great movie, especially for those who like the genre it's in but even for those who want some mystery and action.

8 out of 10

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Clerks II

First off I want to take some time to clear up something with my blog that's been happening lately. I bought a custom domain and tried setting it up, however, it must take 3 days or so (supposedly) to take full effect as my blog has been in transition mode for a few days. What this means is basically for now you can't really comment on my posts. I mean you can try and see if it's working but for now it isn't. But you can read my reviews fine and follow me if you incline. Now on to the review.

I decided to review Clerks II in sort of a compare/contrast to the first one, as they took completely different directions. Clerks II followed a more structured comedy movie path. Had a generic storyline, funny characters, etc. Cut and dry, very simple where as Clerks was more of a slice of life comedic film. What this means for Clerks II is...well for me this approach didn't work at all. I mean sure it was funny but it was not always a good type of funny and in essence it was kind of bland in that aspect.

Basically I feel Clerks and Clerks II are almost completely different movie ideologies. Clerks did the black and white, slice of life, somewhat witty movie, while Clerks II fell for the generic cesspool of comedies.

All in all I felt this was a mediocre movie, but a decent sequel for people who may have liked Clerks. I, however, didn't really like Clerks so that may be an influence on my opinion.

5.5 out of 10

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Clerks

Clerks, another cult classic film, this time a comedy. If you don't know about this movie...well you should but basically it's the toils and turmoils of two clerks working in a gas station convenience store and a video store.

Right off the bat I did have a few problems with this movie. For one, I'm not sure why they opted to film in black and white. Its not like the technology wasn't available at the time and it didn't add anything. If anything you'd think it would be harmful. Secondly, the acting was pretty sub par. I afterwards read that they were on a low budget so they just used their friends which would explain it partly, but lot of the scenes including some featuring the two main actors, were pretty terrible and I almost laughed at them in some cases. The last major flaw I had in this film was the predictability of some of the scenes, which you may not think is an issue and that's because most movies, especially modern ones today, seem to get it right and aren't that predictable. But this one... Without even watching it once I could almost guess exactly what would happen down to the minuscule scale. Not a good thing when they then try and bring up these huge "hilarious" twists at the end which I already guessed 30 minutes ago.

You may be thinking now...well what did you like? Well... I did appreciate some of the filming style aspects. The fact that it wasn't that linear, lots of random events transpiring as well as random interjections that would pop in. Also like how it did represent spot on the problems of a convenience store clerk. It didn't glamorize them or make them out to be something they aren't. Very truthful in that aspect. And it is because of that which is why I can believe how this movie achieved "cult film" status.

But for me...not the best movie.

6 out of 10

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Thor

Just got back from watching this new blockbuster so hopefully a few of you guys will be interested. In all honesty I was kind of reluctant going into Thor. I'm not a huge fan of all the superhero movies coming out but I do like the idea of the combined Avengers one that Marvel seems to be working towards and after watching both Iron Mans...well, guess I should give the whole universe a shot. Although Natalie Portman helped my decision as well.

So while I didn't go in with the openest of minds, I will say I did enjoy it. The action scenes were amazing as I knew they would be, combine that with the spectacular visuals of the other realms and this movie was very visually appealing (and this is without Portman mind you) so that alone was great. Not a movie you'd fall asleep in. I also really liked, again, the subtle notions towards the Avengers grand plot. Whether it was referring back to some scenes from Iron Man or even slight comments about the Hulk and others, very nice touch I always appreciate in movies. 

I guess my only down points to the movie would be the slowness of progression at some points. Mainly at the beginning but usually all the scenes when they were in the other world. It looked amazing..but not much going on there which kind of bored me. Another issue was some of the comedic relief...just didn't seem to bode well in some circumstances.

Overall a great continuation of the Avengers series and great Superhero movie as well.

7 out of 10 

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Bored to Death

Another HBO television series review for today. Bored to Death is probably my favorite of the HBO series I've seen so far. Although that may have something to do with the cast. I love Jason Schwartzman and Zach Galifianakis and they play hilarious roles in this show.

The premise of the show is that Jason's character is a writer who breaks up with his girlfriend and basically to get over his grief and also to help him come up with another book he moonlights as a private detective. This is where things get hilarious. His cases range from somewhat series as a women thinking her husband is cheating, to the downright ridiculous such as the stolen skateboard episode. What makes them even funnier is the situations he gets himself in, whether it be trying to get with a prostitute while his friends are smoking pot in the getaway car or how he ends up in a "dungeon". I find myself rolling in laughter every episode.

8 out of 10

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Portal 2 Movie Poster

Now how many of you wish this was true? I know I do! It'd be a pretty awesome storyline honestly and with the portals could have some sweat effects and be pretty exciting. Plus, cast the right beauty and have some stellar voice actors, aka make this star studded and you know all the fan boys would rush in.. Although I guess that was the premise of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. But nonetheless, I think it could be a big seller.

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Eastbound and Down

Another Television series review, Eastbound and Down is a HBO series my friend today told me about and showed me. I decided to write a review on it for my blog and I've watched half the first season so far, but I have a pretty good idea of it through that.

Eastbound and Down stars Danny McBride, who I only really knew from trailers and Pineapple Express. Of which...I wasn't too fond of him. Although in hindsight I think it was more his character and personality of which I now realize he was a pretty good actor in the movie and his characters are..unique at least. This show follows McBride's character as a foul mouthed, washed up major league baseball pitcher who has moved back in with his brother in his old home town. His character is essentially the typical redneck. Drinks beer 24/7, curses nonstop and his appearance. But that's honestly what makes this show so funny. His ridiculous mannerisms and backwards way of doing...well everything turns this show into a hilarity or at the very least a train wreck of a story you just can't turn away from. But overall Eastbound and Down is pretty funny if you're into the whole vulgarity and shock aspect that was rampant in Talladega Nights so if you find this online or have HBO and see it's coming on, I say give it a shot.

6.5 out of 10

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Pulp Fiction

Get ready to scream hearsay. Yesterday was the first time I saw Pulp Fiction. I know...shocking. But hey, anytime is the right time to see a cult classic isn't it? And might as well review it!

First off I will say I throughly enjoyed this movie. Pulp Fiction was great at the kind of movie style I like. Multiple story lines, nonlinear plot line, interconnectedness with one another, violence, and loads of pop culture references with witty banter. Add the fact that I am a big fan of Tarantino and of course this movie was a hit with me. I must say I don't know why I haven't seen this movie before... I think the length was one aspect but even then I am disappointed in myself. 

My only real problem with the movie is more of a personal issue and I don't even know why I'm bringing it up really as it worked well in the end. But the nonlinear plot line plus the nature of the different plots for a while really confused me as it just seemed to be a bunch of loosely related almost boring story lines. Of course things pick up quick and change back and forth which then diminishes this tiny complaint a little but I'll stick with it. A few parts were slow.

Nonetheless, this is a cult classic movie that totally deserves the attention.

9.5 out of 10

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Insidious

Not sure what this movie is? Well it's a fairly new movie, talked up to be very scary, and...it actually lived up to expectations. Insidious has got to be one of the most original movies, of this genre, that I've seen in a while, also a pretty scary one to boot.

Briefly, the plot is of a family who moves into a new house, one of their son succumbs to a "coma" and then weird ghosts appear. Now I know I said this movie was original and that plot line doesn't some so...original. But, in order to preserve suspense for those of you who go out to see it I won't reveal the end twists which bring on the uniqueness. I will say that there is more that meets the eye and should give this a chance if you find yourself watching it and thinking it's another stale horror flick.

Scariness factor, I did find myself a little jumpy a few times throughout the movie, which is very good considering I don't usually scare that easily. Also the whole mood of the movie was pretty creepy, through the score, the one song played over and over, little things that you may catch out of the corner of your eye, etc.

Insidious was advertised as one of the scariest movies of this year and... I think it's right. 

7.5 out of 10

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BLARGHAAAHRGARG - A Short Film

BLARGHAAAHRGARG, yes, that's the name of this short film. Making it hard to find unless you know exactly how to spell this monster of a name. Which speaking of monsters, that's what this film is about! It's a short film based off of a labortory accident in which a giant (semi giant I guess) "snot" monster attacks a guy and his grandmother.

Now, the name may scream skeptical to you but it actually was decent. The story line and camera angles were spot on, plus all the foresight to the actual event. It showed that the directors payed attention the small things and put some thought into it which I really like in a film. My only issues for it and it's not so much there fault as they did the best they could, was the actual effects. The monster and all his activities screamed cheesy effects at you but you do learn to overlook those as hey it's not supposed to be blockbuster quality. Overall very entertaining short film.

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Parks and Recreation

Decided to talk about one of my new favorite shows for today. Parks and Recreation I feel is kind of a sleeper hit. It's on it's 3rd season already but just recently has really been hitting it big in terms of viewers and such. 

Parks and Recreation is sort of filmed the same way as The Office and in many ways they are similar. But you have a camera crew filming these day to day operations of the characters and they give one on one interviews. However, they don't ever actually show the camera people like they do sometimes in The Office. So if you liked that filming style from The Office, this is a logical new show for you to watch alongside. Conveniently they are aired after one another.

In case you don't know, Parks and Recreation follows the Parks department of a small town in Indiana's government. The office is full of characters from crazy Leslie Knope, meat loving Ron Swanson, and weirdly metrosexual Tom Haverford. The show is full of these characters and they interact in such funny ways. I will say the humor isn't for everyone as, again, it's sort of in The Office style with improv in places and such. But if you like the Office definitely give Parks your attention, you won't be sorry.

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