Film Review -- 21 (PG-13)

Directed by Robert Luketic
Relativity Media / Michael De Luca Productions
Released March 28, 2008

So I got the unique chance to see this film a bit ahead of time. Since I am a Boston University student and for the majority of the last spring the producers used our campus to film, they are now giving back by way of free screenings. With my free popcorn and small drink, I was in a pleasant mood (although I had been a jerk all day for some reason) and went into this film with a clear head.

And then the film started and without fail, I was back to my crabby mood watching a bad movie. Literally within the first 20 minutes of the film there was no doubt in my mind that I was not going to like the movie. I was also annoyed by all the other students in the theater who were giggling and chatting every single time a scene in the film was on our campus. Just because a film is made on our campus does not mean we are now famous. Especially since every character in the film sports an MIT shirt, hat, bag or pendant.

Forget the audience, back to the film. Everything seemed to be right in the thought process for this movie except one thing -- just because you are basing a movie of a book based on an interesting story in reality, it does not mean you need to hire two of the crappiest screen writers ever (Peter Steinfeld & Allan Loeb) to try and adapt it to film. The opening sequence? Horrible voice over narration. First scene of dialogue? Completely awkward and unbelievable. This is going to be a long two hours and three minutes (I check on my iPhone within 15 minutes).

If you have not already seen a trailer for this movie you are lucky. Literally run out of the room if you are watching the Celtics beat the Mavericks tonight on TNT if it comes on because the trailer and the premise is all this film has to offer. There is no character depth what so ever. All the sudden you will find Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth) making out with main character Ben Cambell (Jim Sturgess aka WHO?) for no real reason besides they are just all soooo smart. Meanwhile Kevin Spacey will do everything he can to make this movie badass but the PG-13 rating makes it F'ing weak. Oh yea, Laurence Fisburne is in it and he is somewhat bad ass. He is like a half-ass-bad-ass.

Well if you do read this review and still go see the movie, make sure you know the only significant work that director Robert Luketic has done is Legally Blonde and you will understand fully why it sucks so hard. The guy has some sort of Kate Bosworth fetish, too (she did look pretty goood though. They did a good job of hiding her gaseous, anorexic bootydoo). The cinematography was actually pretty well done and it was nice to see Boston in film. But next time Hollywood, bring your A-list directors and writers to town. Where the hell is Scorcese?

1.5 out of 4

Film Review -- Rambo (R)

Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Rouge Marble/Nu Image Films
Released January 25, 2008

Luckily for last months Oscar winners John Rambo aka Rambo 4 aka Rambo IV: Pearl of the Cobra was not released until after the 2007 deadline. Sly Stallone triumphantly returns to the screen to play the simple, barbaric and nostalgic character John Rambo. Stallone is no stranger to playing roles created a quarter of a century ago (Rocky Balboa aka Rocky VI in 2006) and his aging is hardly noticeable thanks to countless cycles of designer steroids combined with plastic surgery. Today Stallone is still a major action star thanks to his willingness to play roles from the Regan administration to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood hiatus. The Rock is the closest thing we have to mega-action hero today and he is simply too good of an actor (trained by the astute WWF) to play the roles that Sly and Arnold did.

As I watched Rambo IV for the first time I was excited to see who the 21st-Century John Rambo was and I wondered what a twenty year break would do to such a complex character. When I read in the opening credit sequence that Stallone co-wrote and directed this fine film, a comforting feeling came over my mind and body. Remembering First Blood (1982) aka Rambo which is a great movie, First Blood Part II aka Rambo 2 which is a typical awful 80’s action piece of crap and then Rambo: First Blood Part III which is possibly one of the worst action movies ever; I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in awe of Rambo IV: Pearl of the Cobra. This is a well done, semi-realistic film that kept me on the edge of my seat while consistently blurting out “Holy…” and other assorted exclamations.

The plot is simple. The film begins with a montage of graphic footage of Burmese soldiers abusing and murdering people. Next we witness John Rambo in Thailand catching snakes (Cobras) and selling them to a Thai amusement park with snake charmers. Rambo also demonstrates bow-fishing and sharing as he gives local Buddhist’s fish he caught. Just up the river is war-torn Burma where the military in power is ravishing the country attempting to annihilate the Karin people (a minority). When American missionaries are captured by the Burmese military, Rambo escorts mercenaries to Burma to rescue them. The priceless quote that defines the movie is, “When you’re pushed, killing is as easy as breathing.”

Rambo introduces himself as “John” and the mercenaries refer to him as “boat man”. I think it is ironic and interesting that the name Rambo is not present in the script. If you like action movies then do not miss Rambo IV! It is a return to the gory glory days of human flesh being torn apart and more gunfire than words. If you miss the 80’s/90’s senseless violence and the lack of plot movies this is for you. The happy ending is great because it leaves enough of an opening for a fifth part of the First Blood series. My only question is whether John Rambo will be freeing his fellow elderly people from abusive orderlies at a nursing home or organizing violent protests against AARP and Social Security organizations in Rambo V.

4 out of 4
(Review by tee diddee)

Film Review -- Be Kind Rewind (PG-13)

Directed by Michel Gondry
Partizan
Released February 22, 2008

What can I say about a movie that has one of my favorite funny-men (Jack Black), one of my favorite hip hop artists (Mos Def), and fifty percent of one of the greatest cop duos since Starsky and Hutch (Danny Glover), except that these three need to work together more often. If Be Kind Rewind would have casted just one of these men, it would have been a decent movie. But if you put them all together, you have a film that is as funny as it is heart-warming.

Be Kind Rewind is the story of two friends Jerry (Black) and Mike (Mos Def) who are trying to deal with a crisis. Jerry becomes magnetized following a botched sabotage mission and his magnetism accidentally erases all of the videos in the store where Mike works. Their solution? Re-create every movie in the store every time a customer wants to rent it. These "re-makes" become so popular that Mike, Jerry and their female accomplice Alma (Melonie Diaz) become local celebrities.

The lesson in Be Kind Rewind is that it does not take a lot of special effects and a huge budget to make a movie worth watching. A good movie just needs some imagination, desire and heart. Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) definitely delivers with this movie without an incredibly confusing premise found in his other films.

Definitely check this one out, but don't expect it to be your typical Jack Black comedy. However, you will still laugh and be entertained.

3 out of 4
(Review by CMill)

News -- 2008 Academy Awards

The Oscars are now a thing of the past. This is good for everyone who is tired of wondering who will win and all the people who felt guilty and ran to the theaters to watch these old movies and made some good movies that just released see bad box office sales (RAMBO). And the winners are...

Really for me, the fact that the academy gave so many wins to No Country For Old Men is ridiculous. I loved this film, and I love the Coen's (think Big Lebowski), but I really felt that There Will Be Blood would gather more attention from the classically anti-Coen academy. However, besides my disappointment for all the snubs with Transformers (DAMMIT!), I was not very surprised tonight. I was delighted that Atonement, which sucked, won practically nothing and Juno which really wasn't THAT great, won the only award it should have (go Diablo!).

Jon Stewart is the man, Gary Busey is psychopathic and Hilary Swank is still not hot. That sums up the Oscars. Check it out next year.

P.S. There Will Be Blood won the GoodenoughFilms.com Oscar Poll with No Country For Old Men in a close second. Thanks for voting!

P.P.S. I lost my Oscar pool with 16 out of 24 correct by 1 selection and got second place for a measly 7.5 times the amount I put in (tee hee ... $$$$). I cannot believe they did Transformers so rotten! Love to Ron Fierstein for setting up the pool.

Film Review -- Meet The Spartans (PG-13)

Directed by Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer
New Regency Enterprises
Released January 25, 2008

There is nothing much to say about this movie. This was honestly the single worst movie I have ever been to. I am literally only writing this review as a warning to anyone who might get the wrong idea to go see this movie. Sit down right now and watch anything else. This movie is filth.

I only went to see it because I am nerdy enough to find things like Epic Movie and Scary Movie somewhat funny. But Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer officially should not be allowed to make these mock off movies anymore. Literally, the audience was silent for moments when ten jokes would pass. If these guys ever went to a showing of this movie, I can not imagine any reason why people would not launch soda and popcorn all over them (or tomatoes if available).

The jokes were lame, outdated and pathetic. The use of product placement was not clever and even cameos from Method Man and the fat guy in Borat did nothing. This was simply the lamest movie ever. Oh yea, the hottest thing in this movie is Carmen Electra. And if you are like me, you know that Carmen Electra is so 2002. Not hot. Old.

YUCK!!!

0 out of 4
(worst rating in site history)

Director's Chair -- Jason Reitman

As a first part in this new mini series on the site, I thought it would be cool to include more about some of the hottest directors in Hollywood right now. Director's Chair will usually be one of our writers discussing who they believe is a noteworthy director or, as in this case, a situation where a director speaks on a film recently reviewed on the site.

Jason Reitman is the director of Juno -- a very hot film this Oscar season. And although Juno was not my favorite film of the year, the opportunity to showcase this Oscar nominated director has less to do with my opinion of the movie and more to do with this unique opportunity to provide a link to an exclusive interview with him and one of my good friends at butv10.

Seeing as I help edit and get this segment online, I might be a tad bit bias. But I think he has some good thing to say, and I like to think I am involved in the content connected to this site. So check it out, Jason and Rob, in a little chat on butv10.com

Film Review -- Cloverfield (PG-13)

Directed by Matt Reeves
Bad Robot
Released January 18, 2008

When I first sat down to write about the new sci-fi thriller Cloverfield, I thought about simply writing "go see this movie" in huge bold caps and let that be my entire review. But you all expect more than that, right?

Cloverfield is the newest work from the mind of J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost). The film begins with the simple story of Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David) during his going away party before he takes a job in Japan. Unfortunately, New York City is being besieged by some unknown attacker and the remainder of the film deals with Rob and his friends as they traverse through Manhattan looking to escape.

Much like The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield is made in a home movie style that at first is a bit nauseating from all the jerky movements and the random starting and stopping of clips. But you easily get used to it and, in fact, the home movie element of the film enhances the level of horror because it gives the movie a more realistic feeling and that point of view perspective that pulls you into the drama (so much so that a theater full of rowdy teenagers actually sat silent and afraid during the entire film). The movie's lack of soundtrack adds to the sense of realism as well.

Abrams has definitely created a sci-fi, action, horror gem with Cloverfield and I highly recommend everyone goes out and sees it. This is definitely one not to miss for any fan of this genre. And do yourself a favor, if you don't know the meaning of the word irony, please look it up before you do go. Otherwise, parts of the film will certainly fly over your head.

3.5 out of 4
(review by CMill)

News -- 80th Annual Academy Awards / Ledger Tragedy

The nominations are in! And besides a snub to The Orphanage in any department, I am pretty impressed by all the nominations for this years 80th Annual Academy Awards. Assuming they will actually go on televised as planned, the Oscar's red carpet should be rolling out on the 24th of February. 33 days away, it is far to early to know whether disgruntled writers and activist actors will turn this historic night into another hour long news conference. For the sake of Daniel Day-Lewis and his all but certain Oscar nod, I hope not.

In a much more tragic and unrelated turn of events, young actor Heath Ledger will not be present at the awards, strike or not, after being found dead this afternoon by the New York City Police Department. Ledger was reportedly found near a bottle of "sleeping pills" in his co-celebrity and friend Mary Kate Olsen's apartment. A tragic and unexpected scenario for a very promising actor and person. Rest in peace.

News -- SuperBowl

SuperBowl -- February 3rd, 2008

Yes, it has happened. The Patriots are officially one win away from being THE best team in the history of the NFL. No questions asked. The 1972 Dolphins got NOTHING on this team. In two weeks we will see if a team in the modern era of football can pull of an undefeated season. The New York Giants stand in the way but they, as we all know, are run at quarterback by young Eli Manning. This clash is sure to be a great one with NFL history on the line.

Film Review -- The Orphanage (R)

Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
Warner Bros Pictures de Espana/Grupo Rodar
Released January 11, 2008

The Orphanage is one of those movies I really had not heard too much about. In fact, I only saw one commercial for the movie and already wanted to run out and see it. They pretty much had me at "from the guy's that brought you Pan's Labyrinth." I know I'm an impulse viewer, but with that kind of endorsement, who could blame me?

The Orphanage is a psychological thriller that centers around Laura (Belen Rueda) -- a woman who buys the very orphanage she spent her childhood in. Her plan is to turn it into a sanctuary for mentally handicapped children with her husband and their son Simon (Roger Princep). Soon after they move in, odd incidents begin occurring that all seem to stem from Simon's imaginary friends who also inhabit their new home. And if you want to know what else happens, you'll just have to go and see it because that's all I'm going to tell you of the story.

The brilliance of this film is it's ability to play upon your imagination. Most of the fear that the audience derives is based more upon their anticipation and interpretation of what is happening in the home than any visual images of horror on the screen (although there are plenty of visuals as well). With great acting from Rueda and Princep combined with a terrific musical score, this cinematic goal is magnificently accomplished.

While this movie may not have the incredible imagery that Pan's Labyrinth had, it still has that great storytelling that grabs the viewer and stirs them, mercilessly, until the very end. Truly a treat for moviegoers that like to draw their own conclusions and not have the story completely laid out in front of them.

(A side note, if you enjoyed this movie and want to see another Spanish film just as creepy and well done, check out The Devil's Backbone. )

3.5 out of 4
(Review by CMill)

News -- The 2008 Golden Globes

They were by no means exciting, flashy or fun. But the 2008 Golden Globes were announced none the less and a full list of winners is now available. There weren't too many shockers in there but the winner's list is worth a look. Let's hope that this mess is sorted out so that the 80th Oscar Celebration is not a bomb as well.

Film Review -- Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)

Directed by Zach Helm
Mandate Pictures/Walden Media
Released November 16, 2007

I am proud to say that watching films for children has always been enjoyable for me as the heavy and sometimes overwhelming themes from 21st Century cinema are absent in these G and PG movies. As I sat down to watch Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, I knew that I could push reality aside for a couple of hours and focus on the all powerful and refreshing suspension of my own disbelief.

Films starring excellent actors can always be a sure bet for satisfaction. Mr. Magorium is a character similar to Willy Wonka but not as frightening. The title role, played by Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Hook), instantly creates a fun and loving relationship with co-star Molly played by Natalie Portman (The Professional, V is for Vendetta). Their father-daughter energy is natural and gives the audience a comforting and familiar feeling. Jason Bateman (Teen Wolf 2, Arrested Development) plays a stereotypical accountant nick-named “Mutant” who has difficulty finding the bright side or even a reason to enjoy his life. As Mr. Magorium prepares to leave this world and his store, he needs to give what has made him so happy to his favorite employee -- Molly.

The “Wonder Emporium” is not a regular toy store by any means and that is what makes this movie great. The special effects bring the Emporium to life to show a different world. From bouncy-balls to paper airplanes the induced memories of our childhood are what gives Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium it's strength. While Molly is caught up on her expectation to finish her first symphony, “Mutant” is also diverted from appreciating life because of his serious occupation. But Mr. Magorium’s lust for life brings these two polar opposite characters together. It is interesting to think about how work gives us the opportunity to empathize with people we normally would never experience.

Director Zach Helm focuses on human imagination and the immense changes experienced by each character for the majority of the film. The most dominant and also cliché theme in the film is that children can teach adults important lessons. For many of us that work with young people and even those of us who don’t, it is vital for us to remember that kids are teachers too. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is a unique visual experience and with it's inspirational characters it is a fitting film for anyone who appreciates faith.

3 out of 4
(Review by tee diddee)

Editors Note: Once again, many thanks to Thomas for getting this review done all the way from Shanghai. As for us in the States, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is hard to find in theaters but I hope this review will influence your next Netflix or Blockbuster decision. Best to you Thomas.

Film Review -- There Will Be Blood (R)

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films
Released December 26, 2007

This movie literally came out of nowhere. To put it in perspective, it was a balmy 70 degrees today in Boston and I was out on a walk in a fantastic mood when I decided to stop in and see this film. Let every viewer beware, this is not a film that you should just walk into. This was one of the most oddly suspenseful, twisted films I have seen in a long time.

I knew from the very first scene that I was in for something different. The film has no dialog for literally the opening 15 minutes but does include some seriously The Shining-esk music that put a pit in my stomach. Director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) took Upton Sinclair's "Oil!" and made a modern day psychological thriller worth watching.

Be reminded that this film was over two and a half hours. This is not a film to see if you are antsy-pantsy or, in my case, coming off an hour long walk in unseasonable warmth. But if you have the time and want to give the effort to wrap your mind around this gem, haste not and hit the theater ASAP.

There Will Be Blood is the story of "oil-man" Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) who, around the turn of the century, is quite possibly the most greedy oil tycoon in the west. Upon hearing from a religious fanatic (Paul Dano) that there is a huge oil revenue brewing in a town named Little Boston, Plainview travels with his son to monopolize the area. However, his disrespect of the local people and their enthusiastic religious ways, sends his domination on a serious whirlwind.

The pacing of this film was slow. Really slow. Scenes stretched out so thin that they were almost as thin as the nail I was biting. But in the end, it just heightened the tension to insurmountable levels. The acting out of Day-Lewis (Gangs of New York) and Dano (Little Miss Sunshine) was very solid. I was very surprised by Dano who, after a pretty solid and odd performance in Little Miss Sunshine, was able to lay out another odd and solid performance for this film.

Daniel Plainview may be one of the best good/bad characters in a long while. The critical nature of the film in question of organized/fanatical religions was also pertinent and very well thought out. I have already gone on Amazon and grabbed a copy of Sinclair's "Oil!" and hope to see how it matches up. What an odd film...

3.6 out of 4

News -- 2008 Golden Globes Canceled?

Wow. It has been rumored that the 2008 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Golden Globe Awards have been canceled due to the Writer's Strike in Hollywood. This is huge news and may be a pivotal moment in this seemingly never-ending strike.

In other news, after the first web poll on this site, you the viewers decided that Denzel Washington's Thriller American Gangster should be the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Drama). Let's hope we actually get to know the HFPA winners after all.

Editors Note: This rumor has been confirmed. The 2008 Golden Globes have been canceled and will be replaced by some sort of news conference... Should be thrilling.

Editors Note (take two): The winners will still be announced during said new conference on NBC.

Happy New Years!

Welcome one and all to the new year. I make my promise that this year, I will rev up this site to a new level! Keep in touch and visit often! I sincerely wish you all a safe and wonderful 2008.

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms

Site Update -- Polls & Breathers

Hey peoples! I added a somewhat corny but fun and interactive new element to the site -- a polling system. I will periodically be adding new film related polls that anyone can vote for (in the right hand column). I hope you all take advantage of this advancement. Drive up the vote!

In other news, I will also be taking a break from now until the New Year. I will be in Chicago for three nights for the New Year Celebration with Ms. Magical Sara and would rather focus on making it great than updating the site (sorry for being selfish, ha). I hope everyone else has something great lined up with family and loved ones. See you all in the new year!

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms

Original -- Puzzled

I found this little film I made over the summer withering away on a burned DVD at Sara's house a little while back. I made the transfer, digitized, and tossed it on YouTube. I think you might like it. It very well might be the movie that made me fall for her... (awww)

Link: Puzzled
Site: YouTube
Length: 4:15

I hope you enjoy this little number. To all of those involved, my thanks once again. If you feel like watching anything else that I have thrown up on YouTube, you can click the link on the right to my personal site or just weave your way through the link to Puzzled. Cheers!

Film Review -- Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem (R)

Directed by The Brothers Strause
Twentieth Century Fox/Davis Entertainment
Released December 25, 2007

Yea, BOY! Now this is what I'm talking about for a Christmas thriller. After a calm morning with the family and friends, I took off for the theaters with high hopes. And I'm still buzzing after watching about a thousand people die, monsters eating face and the good guys finishing last in the newest Aliens Vs. Predator film.

Don't get me wrong, this movie was pretty much junk. For any snobby film critic who demands believability or insists that someone must cry in the theater for a movie to be good, they would have walked out 10 minutes in. But for the rest of us who aren't supercilious d-bags, this was everything it should be.

Gory, action-packed and VERY short, AVPR, as it has become known, was plain fun. The Brothers Strause (Colin and Greg) are incredibly well known and popular in the visual effects world but they haven't gotten a chance to direct something of this caliber yet in their career. Perennial music video directors (Nickelback, Red Hot Chili Peppers), I am actually very excited about these two young dudes as future horror/thriller flick directors. They seemed to understand what the audience wanted from this little Christmas Day miracle and delivered.

All in all, go see this film if you feel like watching MAD DUDES get messed up by some serious monsters and you don't mind a pointless script/plot that only caters to violence. Oh yea, guys, there is a really hot chick in this movie (I'll let you see if you get to see her naked).

2.5 out of 4

Merry Christmas!

From me to YOUUUU! Let there be peace for all around the world. To my writers in Boston, California and China, peace be with you as well.

Original -- Office Party

Wow. My roommate Matt must be the most bored man on the planet during the holiday season because he managed to put this little number together. I have seen some of these before but it is even better to see yourself in one. This includes me and my three roommates and their old roommate. See if you can spot me.

Link: Office Party
Site: JibJab.com

Film Review -- Charlie Wilson's War (R)

Directed by Mike Nichols
Universal Pictures/Playtone/Relativity Pictures
Released December 21, 2007

Yes! A political thriller! No! It stars Tom Hanks! Yes! Phillip Seymor Hoffman! No! Julia Roberts!

These were my thoughts heading into this film. Obviously conflicted, I relied on the 5 Golden Globe Nominations to comfort my matinée viewing in the slightly packed Saint Louis theater (for an astronomical 6 bucks). What ensued was an enjoyable hour and a half gem about the tribulations of Texas Congressional Representative Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) to garner support against the great Red army in Afghanistan during the Cold War. The film, based on a true story, was an overall success even when Julia Roberts did everything she could to ruin it.

Let's set it out on the table here. Anytime a film has a practically unknown and disrespected director like Mike Nichols (Primary Colors, yuk) and a cast with the likes of Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymor Hoffman, it is obviously going to be the actors who grab viewer's attention because of their big Oscar nod names. If you have been riding the Tom Hanks wagon for a while, you might be as disappointed as I was with his decision to sink to the worthlessness of The Da Vinci Code and let his hair grow into whatever that mullet thing was for that film. A man who basically is casted as himself in every film possible, I either steer far clear from Tom or unwillingly succumb to the grandeur of the opportunities he has in major Hollywood productions. This time, he saved his glory.

Charlie Wilson is a womanizing, alcoholic Congressman whose life put up on screen matched well with his internet reputation (Wikipedia like whoa). And Hanks did a great job of, well, being himself but also being Wilson. I was generally not convinced that the BEAUTIFUL women in this film would actually be attracted to him, but men in great places get great girls. His personality fit very well into this part and his attractor factor was apparent in the fantastic screenwriting.

Speaking of women who "suck," there is always Julia Roberts. I really don't understand why she is considered anything more than a good face but once again, she was a face. I wouldn't say great because the years since Pretty Woman show on the corners of her eyes and mildly attractive features. She played a Texan born again Christian whose financial and spiritual power help Charlie Wilson in his political campaign against Communism in the Middle East. Now a blond, Roberts struggled with a fake accent and failed to even deliver a comical "slut" line towards three sluts with success.

With every dark in this film came a light. Once again, Phillip Seymor Hoffman delivers a fantastic performance as a character unlike his own personal being -- thus confirming him as an actor with the most depth and breadth in the bizz. This time, Hoffman was a disgruntled, witty CIA spy who was the tactical mastermind of this Afghan campaign and is the unlikely but obvious match to the narcissistic Wilson. I am in awe of Hoffman's acting ability and have come to believe that he can single handedly bring up the acting of 5 actors alone. His nod for a Golden Globe nomination was a no brainer.

In a film dominated by big name actors, the recreation of this historical moment was done practically without flaw. The film came and went without supstantial drag or exposition through dialog. The mixture of anti and pro-American sentiments only bolstered the story that, to my liking, ended with an inter-title with the f-word about the states. Humorous and stimulating, the film is a must see over the holiday season.

3.3 out of 4

Site Update -- Video Links

Yo! So I got many complaints about the embedded films that I have allocated to this site because their embedding makes the site load slow. Also, once viewing, the embedded version does not offer full screen capabilities or anything of that sort. So I have changed posts with video links (originals, news, etc.) to direct links to their origin. I think you will find it works much better. Let me know.

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms

News -- New England Patriots (2)

Crunch Time. Again, I bore this blog with Patriots mumbo jumbo glory talk but I find myself SUPER anxious for the next Pats game as soon as the last one ends. The setting for this final game is like a movie. Let me explain...

For those of you who don't get it or don't know yet, here is a little run down of all the potential NFL records that the Patriots and their players have left on the table for the last game of the season at The Meadowlands in the Dirty Jerz.

1. Obviously, the Patriots can become the second team in history to win out an entire regular season. Not since some lame bunch of dudes under Don Shula in Miami has a team gone undefeated through the regular season (1972 Dolphins). One win away, the Pats can join this incredibly exclusive club.
2. Tom Brady is 2 touchdown passes away from holding the single season touchdown record held currently by Peyton Manning (49). Tom is already tied with Dan Marino at 48 and looked poised today vs. the Dolphins to take the record but had a bad second half. It's down to the wire now.
3. Randy Moss needs 2 touchdown catches to pass Jerry Rice for a single season record (23 total).
4. The Pats as a team need ONE more touchdown to pass the 1984 Dolphins most touchdowns in a single season -- a mark that my beloved Rams narrowly failed to accomplish 6 years ago.

That about rounds it out. All this together is a pretty great scenario for an epic game. Haters take notice -- this is a monumental moment not only for the New England Patriots but for the history of this sport. So, get your self out to a bar (because I know no one actually has a NFL Network subscription) and check out a piece of history. Hopefully it won't be 10 degrees and raining so that all record hopes are lost and its a 6-0 Giants win. THAT would be terrible.

Film Review -- Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (R)

Directed by Jake Kasdan
Columbia Pictures/Apatow Productions/Relativity Media
Released December 21, 2007

The Apatow crew is back at it again. This time, instead of shedding light on high school celibacy or unwanted pregnancies, The Crew made this sarcastic film about the life and times of Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) -- a rags to riches, moronic musician who, against all adversity, seizes the day (of course). The film was pretty much a two hour mockery of Ray and Walk The Line and my suspicion is that Apatow wanted to prove that anyone can write "the musician story" and make it work. And for the most part, it did.

Unlike most other Apatow creations, I was surprised that this film focused so much on slap-stick like humor. When I saw that the film was rated R, I was actually more excited that the humor would not be directed at 13 year old boys but would be more universal (basically, not another Talledga Nights). But instead of making the jokes more intelligent, the jokes were just more raunchy and it must have been the frontal nudity of a flaccid penis that pushed the rating to the R-level. Either way, the cliche driven film was bolstered by greater creative freedom associated with the R-level rating.

I was fully cognizant going into this film that it was going to be some sort of "fake-rockstar" plot made to vent someone's (Apatow's) frustration with the rise of "the musician story" as a successful genre (and I must agree, was Walk The Line not EXACTLY like Ray but with white people? Think about it). All in all, I felt like I was stuck in one of those awful Epic Movie 4 or Date Movie 7 trash theater blockbusters. The sarcasm was so thick that it really brought the level of humor way down when in comparison to the quasi social commentary of most Apatow films. The amount of sex jokes were humorous but straight up childish. And I was pretty surprised that they included some racist humor that made me giggle but was a bit distasteful. A wide range of sup par comedy.

What I did like was the flow of the film. I find myself feeling very trapped in Apatow's films (someone get this guy a new editor) with no release in site. But the flow and the timing of this film were very well done. The humor gets you at the most random moments and if you are a sarcastic person in general, this script will have your sides splitting. The is no doubt, it certainly had it's moments. The inclusion of Tim Meadows as the sidekick and drug promoter was a fantastic touch. I missed him.

Can't complain too much when you are on Christmas break (finished my finals) and you are with some old friends seeing a movie. Feel at ease seeing this film that there is a little something for anyone.

2.7 out of 4

Film Review -- Juno (PG-13)

Directed by Jason Reitman
Fox Searchlight Pictures/Mandate/Mr. Mudd
Released December 5, 2007

I often await the holiday movie season with an ounce of trepidation. It seems that the majority of the releases this time of year either rise to occasion and deserve the awards praise bestowed upon them or fall completely flat on their face. It’s safe to say about half the movies I see between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day never fail to disappoint. However, Juno is not one of those films -- it is a refreshing and humorous gem laying hidden in what could be one of the biggest holiday seasons yet.

The movie is about Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page): an edgy, intelligent, smart ass with a penchant for punk rock, who finds herself pregnant after an evening that “started with a chair.” It’s a typical story about a pregnant teenager and the struggles that she has to face. What sets this film apart from all the other after school specials and health education movies is the strength of the script and characters. Page anchors the film with a brilliant performance that has already earned her both SAG and Golden Globe nominations. She truly deserves these nods as she showed a range of acting ability in Juno as she evolved from an almost Punky Brewster-esque quirkiness to a heart wrenching breakdown and the back again seamlessly.

Page is joined by an equally talented supporting cast including Justin Bateman who plays Mark Loring. Loring is the man who is set to adopt Juno's baby but is not sure he is ready to be a father let alone a grown up man/husband. I’ve become quite a believer in Bateman’s ability to deliver comedy (especially Arrested Development) but here I actually got to see him in a more dramatic role and I would like to see more. He’s truly an underrated talent.

Also guest starring in this film is Michael Cera as Paulie Bleeker: a gawky member of the high school track team who is also the father of Juno’s baby. While Cera’s boyish charm and comedic delivery are perfect for this film, it seems he is certainly being type casted. It is very difficult to see the difference between Paulie Bleeker and Superbad’s Evan or Arrested Development’s George Michael.

These days, it seems that comedies are laden with low brow dick and fart jokes that, don’t get me wrong, are hysterical. Still it is also nice to see a movie that can deliver comedy with an abundance of higher brow intelligent humor that has a great script to match a great cast. This movie is a perfect example of what happens when you have that award winning combination.

3 out of 4
(Review by CMill)