Film Review -- Burn After Reading (R)

Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
Relativity Media
Released September 12, 2008

The Coen brothers are at it again! After winning the Academy Award for Best Picture with No Country For Old Men, the duo has come back with a late summer comedy that is chock full of talent. Cloney, Pitt, & Malkovich are just some of the names that alone made this film seem worthwhile.

I must say I was oddly impressed with this film. The first ten reviews I read gave it pretty crappy remarks. Perhaps it is just my undying love for these comedic geniuses that made me again fall for it in the end. Although the plot was pretty much based upon misunderstandings and wacky affairs, it had awesome character depth and a surprisingly hilarious supporting role from Brad Pitt.

I understand why all the hostility about this movie exists in the critic world. I mean, technically, nothing actually happens in this movie. But at the same time, a lot happens. It is a subtlety that I personally believe makes the Coen brother's movies fantastic. The majority of their films, especially The Big Lebowski, are driven by their wonderful characters and not the plot. Like The Big Lebowski, this is a film where almost everyone is in deep and over their heads flies the plot which they all try and grab a hold of so as to understand what the heck is going on.

Although the film is certainly not an Academy winner or a future cult classic like many of their films, it is not a flop like The Ladykillers, although some believe it is. I can hardly believe they actually turned this movie around so quickly -- not to mention they have 5 other movies lined up between now and 2010. If you like easy humor, twisted plots, Clooney or hearing the word "fuck" well over 200 times, go see this movie today! Let me know what you think, I'm dying for more opinions.

3 out of 4

News -- Paul Newman

Hollywood lost one of it's greatest stars and wonderful people today. Paul Newman passed away today at the age of 83. Paul was always one of my favorite actors and Cool Hand Luke will forever be one of my favorite films. My best wishes to his family and friends, I'm off to the supermarket to buy every Newman's Own product I can find.

Film Review -- The Dark Knight (PG-13)

Directed by Christopher Nolan
Warner Brothers Pictures
Released July 14, 2008

(Editors Note: Because this site was being updated, Thomas wrote this review in a timely fashion but it was put on the back burner un-posted. Use the review to sway your DVD/Netflix options in the near future.)

I was bummed to hear the negativity surrounding the fourth Indiana Jones so I decided to wait until it reaches DVD. The second Hulk looked better than Ang Lee’s flop and I enjoyed John Favreau’s Ironman. Superhero films are extraordinary because we can live vicariously through them and do things we only dream of doing. That is why I didn’t hesitate to brave crowded theaters full of lines and 90’s babies to see The Dark Knight -- Christopher Nolan’s newest and perfect installment in the Batman series.

The Dark Knight is what any avid or casual movie viewer needs. From start to finish this two and a half hour masterpiece proves that Tim Burton does not comprehend the complex character of Bruce Wayne or Batman as well as Christopher Nolan. Nolan’s directorial fame began with Pi and continued with Memento. When Nolan’s Batman Begins hit theaters in 2005, fans were allowed a glimpse into the evolution of a superhero. Nolan’s vision of the famed “Caped Crusader” is real. From Gotham City to Alfred, no part of The Dark Knight is unbelievable. Nolan has given us a Batman who does not fit into the stereotypical mold for good reason. Adam West played the Batman of the baby boomer generation. That colorful show and film was full of countless “pows,” “bams,” and “splats.” That was realistic because of the 50s/60s time period when it was set and taken directly from the comic. Meanwhile, The Dark Knight is a reflection of the 21st century urban American society and also stays true to the original comic books storyline.

A star-studded cast including Michael Caine (Get Carter & Alfie), Morgan Freeman (Glory & Driving Miss Daisy), Christian Bale (Empire of the Sun & Newsies), Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy & The Professional), and many others shine in The Dark Knight.

However, no one matches the sheer genius that the late Heath Ledger (Monster’s Ball & The Brothers Grimm) demonstrates as The Joker. From the first scene in The Dark Knight until the end, Ledger’s performance is a “tour de force”. His laugh is demented, his eyes are full of terror, and his vicious words emanate from the depths of evil. Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Burton’s 1989 Batman was an entertaining and humorous character. Ledger’s Joker is the definition of villain.

Go see this movie in theaters! Unless you have a stellar home theater there is no possible way that you can fully appreciate Dark Knight on DVD. The intensity of the explosions, score, and suspense are amplified on the big screen.

Although The Dark Knight received a PG-13 rating, I DO NOT recommend that children see this film because it is too realistic. This outstanding film showcases my generation’s greatest actor. Although, Heath Ledger died young, his career taught all of us about life, love, fear, happiness and death.

5 out of 4
(Review by tee diddie)

Original -- Sarah Palin Advertisement

In order to get myself back into the scene here, I thought it would be a good idea to post a little mock-video I made in jest of the Sarah-Palin-Pro-Life contingency in the ol' US of A. The commercial was for my post-production class (I'm in graduate school, by the way) and it has yet to be recieved by the class. I thought I would share it all with you first...

Link: Sarah Palin Advertisement
Site: YouTube
Length: 0:41 Seconds

In case you were confused, I am a fervent supporter of Mr. Obama and have been for quite a while. With almost 2 months to go in this election, you can be sure to see a lot of interesting stuff about the Obama/McCain battle that is sent to me. I'll keep my opinions to a minimum and focus on entertaining political media. Enjoy the advertisement.

Site Update -- New Template

After a long hiatus, GoodenougFilms returns with a new look. I blame myself completely for a lack of posts during the summer. I graduated college, had a great summer and I got lazy re-writing the blog-HTML. But here it is. Get ready for new posts soon. Writer Tee Diddy has left China and is now teaching geography in Mexico and hopes to keep his international perspective alive. Keep in touch and keep up with the enthusiasm. We are over 10,000 hits (thanks Mom).