November 20th - Movie Roundup

I've mentioned quite a few times that I used to run an awards show website with a bent for movies, which was really born out of my love of the Oscars and my subsequent Oscar parties. I was really obsessive compulsive about everything, pouring over website after website getting all the information I could. Subsequently, I was a fount of worthless information, even about movies I have never seen nor plan to see. So, I had a reputation as a movie guy. The big secret is that I didn't really go and see too many of them. I just knew everything about them. It was akin to my love of "politics." Sure, I can talk about policy, and I certainly have a degree in Political Science. However, I was fascinated by the game aspect of it all -- the behind the scenes machinations. Policy is the byproduct of the real "politics."

As an example: I find it terribly more interesting that Tom Daschles' experience as Senate Majority/Minority Leader is much more of a signal of how the Obama administration is going to do a full court press for health care, than any sort of impact (or lack there of) he's going to have as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Anyway, the point of all this is movies. I really only saw one movie in the theater this summer and that was The Dark Knight. So, recently I have made a concerted effort to rent some of the movies I missed this summer. I know. I should have a Netflix account, but I really have to make time to watch movies. Paying $20 a month just doesn't seem practical at the moment. Until I have some more disposable income (cross your fingers), I'm just going to rent movies occasionally.

Iron Man: I really had every intention to go see this in the theater, but for whatever reason, I never did. I certainly like pretty much all of the talent involved, though I have to say, I'm not exactly upset that Terrance Howard isn't going to be in the sequel. He's just kind of douchy. I've always enjoyed Robert Downey, Jr., and his story of redemption in Hollywood is the type that will eventually get him an Oscar for a role that probably won't deserve it (for instance, he's getting buzz for Tropic Thunder). While I was basically familiar with the Iron Man story, I do have to say the character of Tony Stark is a pretty refreshing change for superhero movies. In most movies like this, you'd rather they get to the suited up action, but I was actually intrigued by Stark and Pepper Potts (god, what a great name, and welcome back, Gwyneth!). I would highly recommend this...though I'm sure everyone has already seen it.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall: I really didn't set out going to the video store to rent this one. Sure, I love Kristen Bell, but I didn't really have a compelling need to see it. I haven't bought into the current comedy crop from the Judd Apatow band of misfits. It was really just a situation that it was there, and I was in the mood for a comedy. I was pleasantly surprised, though I could have done without the full frontal male nudity. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...there is NOTHING attractive about a flaccid penis. Anyway :) I think I was most impressed by Mila Kunis, because the only thing I had seen her in was "That 70's Show" back in the day, and I think she will have a reasonably good career in comedy.

Get Smart: As a child, I was addicted to old television shows. I would watch them in the afternoon and on Nick at Night, and Get Smart was one that I particularly enjoyed. So, when I heard they were making a movie, I was intrigued as to how they were going to do it. I am happy to say that they did a pretty good job of referencing the source material. Anne Hathaway was the real revelation here, and I am looking forward to the sequal. Oh, and any movie with Terrance Stamp in it is fine by me. Though, as bitchy as he was, I half expected him to be in a wig and prance around like Bernedette from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army: I wasn't really familiar with Hellboy when I dragged my then boyfriend to it when it came out, but I was impressed by the movie and the storytelling as a whole. Since then (sans the douchebag bf), I have become a big fan of Guillermo del Toro. Everyone needs to go out and see Pan's Labyrinth. I was happy to see with Hellboy II, the powers that be let Guillermo unleash his imagination. Honestly, while watching this movie, I couldn't help but become even more excited (if possible) at him directing The Hobbit. God, if I only had a time machine. Hellboy II is just a great sci-fi/fantasy movie, and if that is your cup of tea, then you need to rent it. For the other nerds out there: Didn't Princess Nuada remind you of Kira from The Dark Crystal?


So there you have it. I'll probably catch some more movies through the holidays, especially since a lot of my tv shows will be in reruns.