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)

Original -- I Am Beautiful!

Hello Team!
A little video, from me to you... and you thought your girlfriend was embarrassing.
Enjoy!!

Link: I Am Beautiful
Site: YouTube
Length: 3:47

Film Review -- I Am Legend (PG-13)

Directed by Francis Lawrence
Warner Brothers/HeyDay Productions
Released December 14, 2007

Yup, I did it. I faced my fear of the winter blockbuster and went to see I Am Legend. I have to admit, I had seen adds for this movie for so long, I was honestly convinced that it was going to be good. And Will Smith is somewhat the man so it had a good chance of greatness but fell just short.

The premise of the film is the bomb. A guy (Will Smith) who is the last man left standing in New York City (or the world) going against all odds to prevail. A survivor of a worldwide viral plague, Robert Neville holds onto his hopes to save humanity at all costs. What you might not know is that, more than the obvious issues of being the last man alive like insanity or starvation, the real issue for Robert Neville are nighttime dwelling zombie/vampire people. But as some sort of military scientist who vowed to save the city of New York, Neville fights and tests the zombie people to end the world’s plague. Oh yea, he has a dog named Sam, too. And it’s a girl.

Let me go on to say that once again I was blown away by Hollywood’s special effects. The shots of New York City with the complete absence of humanity were very, very well done. Surprisingly, in the zombie-ridden city, lions and tigers are also wondering the streets. The animation of the city was great, the zombies okay, and the animals pretty weak. It was weird that the animation would vary but I suppose recreating Manhattan is less difficult than a CGI-ing a tiger. And I mean, tigers? Did the Bronx Zoo collapse or something? Super random. Comparable to the wolves in The Day After Tomorrow.

Overall, it was what it was – a zombie movie. But I wouldn’t even really call these dudes zombies – they were more like blood crazed, hive dwelling, vampire-zombies that screamed like the skeletons in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and butted their heads like those weird dinosaurs (pictured below). All in all, they were still super freaky.

Stegoceras. A dome-headed, bipedal dinosaur.

I should have known better walking into this movie that the dude who directed Constantine (Francis Lawrence) could not make a story worth watching. Stuff just happened – there was no structure. As per par, it was a blockbuster with a good premise, great antagonists and a super hunk superstar as the lead (and Will Smith was so hot, ohmgee). Beware of some random religious undertones and a couple of tearjerker moments. And am I wrong to believe that if 99 percent of Manhattan is dead and everyone else is zombie-fied that the electricity would probably stop functioning? Just a thought. A good thriller. Does anyone know if the book was great? Let me know.

2.5 out of 4
P.S. Will Smith talks to mannequins. Not nearly as well done or effective as Tom Hanks talking to volleyballs in Castaway to show the deterieration of the human social conscience in times of isolation. WILSON!

Film Review -- Lions for Lambs (R)

Directed by Robert Redford
Andell Entertainment/United Artists/Brat Na Pont Productions
Released November 9, 2007

I recall watching A River Runs Through It as an adolescent with my family and being moved as Robert Redford took me to a place far away. Whether behind the camera, in front of the lens, or both; Redford embodies an American generation that has questioned, died for, and redefined our global society. When I sat down to watch Lions For Lambs I did not know what to expect. I read about the recent box office failures of many "anti-war films" in the U.S. that made me want to experience them first hand. Redford's Lions For Lambs gave me a clear understanding of war in the war that has plagued our nation for too many years.

The film has three intertwined stories that cover the vital components of today's war. Redford plays a conflicted professor at a nameless university on the west coast. He is troubled by the fact that his two most valued students enlisted during his Political Science class and joined the "War on Terror". The audience meets the former students Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena) while they are being briefed on their mission in Afghanistan. The U.S. military has a new strategy and it is revealed as the two inexperienced soldiers head out with their platoon to "take the high ground". As RPG’s hit their helicopter, Arian and Ernest are down behind enemy lines and the real terror begins.

Meanwhile in a comfortable office in Washington D.C.; Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise), a presidential hopeful and leader in America's holy war, meets with journalist Jannie Roth (Meryl Streep) to discuss the "new" strategy. Roth quickly discovers that the Senator is desperate to boost the Republican parties popularity by winning the "heart and souls of the people". Irving's "win at all cost" and trial and error strategies were some of the same plunders experienced in Vietnam. As the powerful politician attempts to feed propaganda to the media, the audience receives a glimpse of the revolting reality many refer to as the news. Roth finds herself in a quandary -- write the fiction she was handed that her editor and many people would revel in or write the real story of Senator Irving making rushed decisions and lose her job. Redford and writer Mathew Michael Carnahan are able to show how strangers thousands of miles apart impact each other in profound ways.

I remember when a professor of mine in Brooklyn asked our history class what cause we would die for. No one seemed to have a definitive answer. Carnahan wrote this film to force the viewer ponder a similar idea. When do we sacrifice our comfortable life to make a stand to protect and fight for what we believe in?

As the situation in the mountains of Afghanistan continues to get worse so does the meeting that Redford's character has with his spoiled ungrateful student. The last half of the movie shows an accurate account of how war brings about nothing good. The fact that there is no plan to bring our troops home, but only to attack in a different manor is sad. The idea of killing people to help people is illogical. The quote from President Theodore Roosevelt sheds light on our present situation in the world.

"If I choose between Righteousness and Peace I choose Righteousness."

I never marched in any anti-war marches in New York when I lived there. I have a cousin in the Marines and a friend who enlisted in the Army over a year ago and is shipping out again after Christmas. If there were a march for peace I would stand at the front and be proud. Peace is the only cause that I know is worth dying for.

3.5 out of 4
(review by tee diddee)

Editor's Note: Tee Diddy is one of my favorite writers for this site and took the time to write this review from China. My best to you Thomas during this Christmas season as you yourself are in a far away place.

Site Update -- Template

Yo, Yo! Just after I announce some minor changes I decided to start working with an entirely new template because, let's face it, that last one was getting hard to look at. Let me know how you feel about the new steez-o and come back soon!

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms

Original -- The Ghost Of Christmas Passed Gas

For my final film in my 16mm production class this semester, I made this little film. It stars the ever wonderful Magical Sara and is a collaboration from our mixed up minds. Enjoy!

Link: The Ghost Of Christmas Passed Gas
Site: YouTube
Length: 3:09

Overall, the class was a good challenge for me. As someone who grew up thinking in digital, working in digital and creating in digital, the whole process of filming on Kodak Film Stock, sending film to a processing lab in the middle of nowhere, and anxiously awaiting the return initially drove me up the wall. In the end, the process did teach me a lot about overcoming limitations and doing what has to be done to get a film finished. If you have ever worked with a Bolex, you know what I mean.

The Bolex. My old nemesis.

Of course, I ended up making a funny little film with a goofy punch line and a sweet sound track but don't be fooled -- the production of this COLOR 16mm film was tough. I look forward to going back to working with digital soon. I miss my mini DV's.

Site Update -- Categories

Yo Peeps! Just added a little categories list on the side so that you can go to a specific group of posts instead of scrolling down the whole blog. For example, you want to see some Goodenough Films original creations? Just click the Original Creations Link on the side bar and you will be led to all posted Original Creations by date. I'm sure most people understand how categories work so I will shut up.

James
Founder GoodenoughFilms

Actor Showcase -- Katie Mathews

Katie Mathews Coming To A Roof Near You! (2007)

Welcome to another facet of this site that, due to my 6 month hiatus in "technical difficulties" land, deserves a serious comeback. I am obsessed with the production of films but I am not stupid enough to neglect that fact that in the end, most people see films because of the actors in them. And although I think that this actor centralized movie-going is what sends some great movies to the proverbial cleaners and other terrible movies to the top, I have love for actors because without them, Planet Earth is all we got.

So for this Actor Showcase, I decided not to write about Brangelina or Hayden Panettiere (she is SUPER little sister hot but just not hot) but a friend of mine who moved out to Los Angeles a few years back -- Katie Mathews. She is one of my favorite people to inhabit this planet and a very talented female actor (I think actress is a no-no these days).

I include here a reel she made and placed on her own youtube site. Check it out!

Link: Katie Mathew's Reel
Site: YouTube
Length: 3:44

Her natural talent is clear and I feel like she certainly has a great face and personality to make the transition to the movie or television screen. The best way to contact her for work is most likely her myspace page.

All and all, a great person and a great actress. The best to you Katie on your journey to certain success.

Film Review -- No Country For Old Men (R)

Directed by Ethan & Joel Cohen
Paramount Vintage/Miramax Films
Released November 21, 2007

I think it's fair to say that the Coen Brothers' last couple attempts at the big screen (The Ladykillers, Intolerable Cruelty) were, well less than successful. In fact they were borderline garbage. Thankfully that streak has come to an end with their latest film No Country For Old Men -- a screenplay that they adapted from a Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name.

The story centers around Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), who happens upon a drug deal gone horribly wrong while out hunting near the Rio Grande River and winds up finding a satchel full of cash and a truck bed full of heroin. He later ends up being hunted by a twisted sociopath, Anton Chigurh played brilliantly by Javier Bardem.

That's all I'm going to say of the story because finding out what happens next is part of the experience. Needless to say this film is vintage Coen Brothers complete with sharp dialog and dark humor. However, don't go into this movie expecting to see another Big Lebowski or O Brother Where Art Thou, this is not one of those movies. Also, be forewarned this movie has enough blood to make Sam Peckinpah blush, but never has violence been filmed so beautifully.

Don't be surprised if this movie is a major contender next award season.

3.5 out of 4
(Review by CMill)

News -- R.I.P. Pimp C

Yes, it's true. I'm slandering my Film site with more entertainment news like the rise of the Patriots. But this one hits home to me. Rapper Pimp C passed away today. And if you are a supporter of hip-hop music like I am, this deserves a serious moment of silence.

No he would never be in The Source as one of the greatest MC's of all time and Yes, he did spend the majority of the last 6 years in prison for assault charges. But if you are like me, and you grew up in the southern half of the United States in the early to mid to late 90's, I can only hope you were introduced to UGK and all the good times the group had to offer. Pimp C was the man. No doubt. And the fact that he was just recently released from a 8 year prison sentence makes his untimely death even more tragic and ironic.

So, if you have a minute, and you want to give some respect, take a moment for Pimp C and think about the people you love.

And then when I got on my knees that night to pray
I asked God why he let these killas live
and take my homeboy's son away
Man if you got kids show em you love em
cuz God jus might call em home
Cuz one day you here but
baby the next day you gone. - Pimp C (1973-2007)

For any of those who have slept on Pimp C, here is one of my favorite and more recent songs that UGK put out. The video originally released just after Pimp C's own release from prision.

Link: Get Throwed
Site: YouTube
Length: 4:22

Original -- What's That From?

I should have mentioned at some point that my roommate Matt Fierstein and I (and our good friend Chris Grannon) created the only game show on butv10, the BEST college television station ever (wink, wink) and it is a movie quote trivia show named What's That From?. So far it has been a really cool experience and I hope you check this website to watch a bunch of our episodes streaming online. Matt and Chris, you guys are the men, man.

Link: What's That From?
Site: www.butv10.com

News -- New England Patriots

I hate to throw this in there, but if you read my last post, you will see that I am an avid Patriots fan and what better year to let it be known than this. My friends from Saint Louis hate me daily for my ties to New England and my ties to New England sports leaves me no less than dead to them. But whatever.

I must say, that more so than any other football game this season, this game vs. the Ravens was pure fun. I think that this was real television entertainment. The stakes with each game is getting higher and higher as the Patriots go for the undefeated season. And the Patriots, against ALL odds (as seen v. Ravens) are winning.

A side note to the A-holes who were announcing this game, Kornheiser especially, QUIT HATING!!! So many haters out there. Just sit back and watch. Punks.

Patriots?
4 out of 4 (more like 12 out of 12)

New To... Comcast HD -- Alpha Dog (R)

Directed By Nick Cassavetes
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment/A-Mark Entertainment

This is my first shot at doing a “New To...” that is not a new film in theatres or DVD release. Alpha Dog is obviously no longer talk of the town in any town (or suburban high school) , but it is new to HBO Comcast in HD and therefore, was new to me in my personal home theatre in Boston. This gives me the chance to write about films that I missed (either on purpose or on accident) in theatre and if you have already seen it or don’t care, then don’t read. But if you are like me and you have Comcast and a sweet HD home entertainment system, use these types of reviews to save yourself time while sitting on the couch with delivery on the way.

Alpha Dog may not be exactly the best film to start in this new series but it was unfortunately the only one on the list. It was not that good. Although I was not fooled that the guy who brought you The Notebook (Nick Cassavetes) would be able to produce a bomb movie about drug dealing, kidnapping and murder, I was still hopeful that the great story the film is based on would be enough to make the two hour wait for the Patriots Football Game fly by. It hardly did that.

The story centers on the true life story of Jesse James Hollywood – a kid twice featured on America’s Most Wanted for dealing and murder. Hollywood, renamed Johnny Trueblood (Emile Hirsch), gets in some serious beef with a TWEAKED out drug dealer (Jake Mazursky played by Ben Foster) who owes him money and thus, in a strange turn of events, Trueblood kidnaps his younger brother Zach (Anton Yelchin). I’ll let you be the boss of deciding whether this is a premise to a film you would like to see. The story came across poorly with terrible acting. In the end, the true-life story seemed incredibly staged and fake and could barely make me believe I was not watching an amateur remake of life.

Beware!! JT is not to blame. So don’t even think it. Yes, Justin Timberlake is in this film and yes, he is NOT an actor he is a pop star. But as with most charismatic pop stars that make the jump to film (Ludacris, LL, and even Ice T), he is not half bad. Of all the characters that did not sell the film, JT was not one of them. Seeing as 90 percent of the people most likely went to see this film to see him, they should have gone ahead and given him the part of Trueblood and let Emile Hirsch, the non-frightening thug, play, well, NOTHING. I have never been a fan.

Anyhow, this is hopefully enough to deter you from seeing this film unless the wait until the Patriots game is too much to bear. If there had been more nudity and less “I’ll kill you, dog” moments with a cast of w-w-w-white boys, I’d list this as a B-movie. Instead, it gets the old…

1 out of 4