Movies and Television

I think the best review I saw of this movie had the concept like this:

This movie is an ice cream sundae. Yes, it's fluffy and sugary and brightly colored, but it's such a sweet, simple treat that makes you feel like a happy little kid.

If you go into it expecting a nice bit of candy shop magic, you'll do just fine. Plus Mark Ruffalo can call me up anytime.

It's a MUSICAL.

With Burt Reynold and Dolly Parton. And bad 80's clothing on her hookers. But, the great thing is that, in a group, this is a totally watchable movie. Because Dolly Parton is really precious and cute.

And if you are a native Texan, you can decide if you should laugh or cry every time anyone tries to speak with a southern accent.

Excellent.

So ... much ... swearing ...

This movie was surprisingly AWESOME.

Went to the big screen theater expecting nothing but cheeeeese. But man, oh, man, they delivered. Stuck with the Alien formula of having a kickass chick (the delicious Sanaa Lathan) take charge of the situation. And the science! The science was spot-on perfect. I just hate when movies are based on clearly false science. And this one hit all the big themes: aliens, primitive culture, pyramids, atmospheric science, Mayan culture, Antarctic exploration (although they lose points for too much skin exposure in a sleet storm), and group psychology.

Much like how Terminator 3 was actually quite watchable, this movie proves to be a delight. Highly recommended for your summer cinematic cravings of kickass women and well-rendered CGI.

Cute, wacky little British comedy about a half-Pakastani family living in London. A Pakistani father and a British mother herd a flock of rebellious children. It's pre-Bend it Like Beckham, but in a similar vein. Good film with a few painful moments (ick, wife-beating), mostly funny.

mmmm, French.

Wow, what a long, strange film. Imagine if "pulp fiction" had been set in the desolate outer slum of Rio de Janero and in the early 70's. Guns, drugs, disco, joints, rapes, murders, and way too much gore in the form of gang violence. A very well-made movie, I must say, as the line between acting and documenting was easily blurred. Seeing little kids with guns is never a good time.

The story of the slum (called The City of God, hence the title) is told by a boy who grows up deep in the rotting heart of the area. All he longs for is a good joint, a good camera, and a chance at losing his virginity. Drugs come easy, women are more of a problem, and ultimately, his camera helps him escape. Rocket, the narrator, must live in the shadow of his older brother, a hoodlum of the worst sort. Rocket's brother is part of a tough gang of three petty thieves who are admired and feared by many, but mostly by Li'l Dice, the younger brother of another member of the gang. While Rocket avoids his brother's lifestyle, Li'l Dice tries to do one better. He kills everyone in his path and becomes Li'l Ze, the head of the new gang. The movie then descends into the intertwined lives of everyone in the slum, from failed romance to drug deals. As aliances shift, a war breaks out between the last two dealers. The movie shifts timing and often repeats snippets of scenes to finally link the narrative into one cohesive story. The Beginning of the End is the name of the almost final scene, trying in with the opening scene.

A good movie for those who like Tarantino and documentaries. Gritty but well-done, although I'd certainly never need to sit through it again.