Oscar Night Feb 24 2008 - Into the Wild

Did I watch the Oscars? Not really. . . Too Boring !

Read below, most of this is not my writing, but perfectly summarized.

"As deserving (or not) as many of last night's Oscar winnerswere, it was hard not to notice one glaring omission among the Best Picture and Best Director nominees: Sean Penn's haunting adaptation of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild (available on DVD3/4).

Starring Emile Hirsch and Best Supporting Actor nominee HalHolbrook, the film tells the true story of twenty something Christopher McCandless, who boyishly wandered around the American West before dying of starvation in the Alaskan wilderness. While Krakauer's book delved deeply into his subject's motivations and psyche (was he selfish or stupid? Spiritually lost or psychologically ill?), Penn, who wrote and directed the film, smartly reduces his narrative just to McCandless's quest - the places he saw (gorgeously shot by cinematographer Eric Gautier), the fellow American wanderers hemet (Vince Vaughn is particularly winning as one of them), and how he and those he encountered were changed by the experience.

Beautiful, restrained, funny, and sad, Into the Wild is a celebration of our national instinct for liberty and the lengths to which true believers will go to find it. That golden guy doesn't know what he's missing."

I give "Into the Wild" 4.75 stars out of 5.

Most importantly, the soundtrack to this movie is 100% Eddie Vedder. This is an incredible album. Truly introspective and personal. Buy this cd! Guaranteed you will listen to this cd for the rest of your life. I am a huge Pearl Jam fan and this album doesn't dissapoint at all. As you listen again and again it is confirmed just how talented Eddie Vedder is. The songs he wrote for "Into the Wild" fit the movie like a puzzle. You hear in the music the desire to disconnect from our society that has become fixed on money, status, and neglect of our planet. The album has the feel of melancholy, and depth. I get the feeling that as Eddie made this album, he wasn't trying to make just a 'solo album', but rather put the deceased Christopher McCandless' perspective and life to music. Eddie nails this one perfectly.

Idiocracy

Title - Idiocracy

Rating - R

Actors - Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard

Directed By- Mike Judge

Recommendation? If you never saw this, it wouldn't matter.

Length - Short. 84 minutes. Yes !

The premise of this movie is some "very average joe" and a "ho" are participants in an Army experiment. They are to be frozen for one year, but instead are frozen for 500 years. They wake up in the U.S. in year 2507 and are surrounded by a civilization of idiots. Society turns to pure dumb asses because of the existing love for Nascar, Monster truck races, fast food, laziness, etc.

The movie is Directed by Mike Judge. Famous for Office Space and Beavis & Butthead. If you enjoyed Office Space, you will recognize some of the same actors, and voices. I do like the premise of Idiocracy, I too agree that we are in fact 'dumming down' as a society. Most people don't read, care about speaking proper English, correct spelling or grammar, or intellectually stimulating themselves in any fashion. I enjoyed Judge's take on what society could be like 500 years from now if our "4 x 4 lifted, Kick Ass! Truck" loving brethren continue to have children without recognizing they are in fact now responsible for a new human life. Responsible for thier morals, ethics, attitudes, etc. But, if one is a dumb ass to begin with, chances are they have no clue on how to raise a child who will be counscious of these values.

The movie is clever at times. I thought it was -okay-. Judge does point out how we all love a good old fashion groin shot. We all laugh at America's funniest videos, sports, anything, where a guy takes one to the balls. I chuckled a couple times. But, overall I thought the movie was dumb. Maybe that is the point? Maybe the irony to this movie is that I too am a complete dumbass who would consider renting a movie about dumb asses?

I give this movie 2.5 stars out of 5

TRUDELL - DVD

Title - TRUDELL

Rating - Not Rated
Actors - Documentary - Based on a True Story
Directed By- Heather Rae

Recommendation? Absolutely watch this movie. Inspiring, provoking, and insightful.

Length - Short. 78 minutes :) Easy to squeeze in after a busy day

This movie is about a guy I had never heard of before, John Trudell. Evidently, he has spent his entire life fighting for Native American rights. He has been relevant since the late 1960's. The fact that I had never heard of him before is smoking gun evidence that I still have a lot to learn and discover.

From the DVD Jacket "In 1979 while protesting the US government's policy on American Indian affairs, John Trudell burned an American Flag on the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington, DC. Within a matter of hours his pregnant wife, three children, and mother-in-law were killed in a suspicious fire on a Nevada reservation. This ended his role in the movement, but his voice would not be silenced."

I was simply amazed at how articulate and philosophical John Trudell is. His viewpoints on Democracy, the sense of entitlement that the Government obtains, and how to live life are relevant now more than ever. As you listen to John Trudell, you will agree that he is Bob Marley, Martin Luther King, Ghandi, and Socrates all intertwined in a Native American man.

Watch this movie. Guaranteed you'll learn something. I give this 4.5 stars out of 5.

Gone Baby Gone - DVD

Title - Gone Baby Gone

Rating - R , , , For Violence

Actors - Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris

Directed By- Ben Affleck

Recommendation? It's on DVD now. Only rent it if you are watching with adults. Do not watch if you are uncomfortable when violence against children is alluded to.

Length - Acceptable. 2 hours.

This movie was co-written and directed by first time director Ben Affleck. I don't think he's written anything 'good' since "Good Will Hunting" in 1997. I think it is really impressive that he co-wrote this movie, and directed an all star cast including Hollywood pros Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris. I can only imagine he would be intimidated by both of their resumes. All the actors deliver in this movie.

What I liked about this movie is first of all, it was full of suspense, changed directions at least three times, and left you with a moral dilemma.

The story is about a little girl who is missing. She is presumed kidnapped. One of the mother's relative's pays for private detectives( Casey Affleck & Michelle Monaghan ) to also investigate. The private eyes work alongside the cops ( Morgan Freeman & Ed Harris ) and they discover quickly they are holding destinies in their hands.

The ending will give you something to talk about with whoever you saw the film with, or anyone who has seen the movie.

This is a movie that is perfect for watching. . . maybe all alone. . .late at night. . .mid week. After watching it, you won't be able to go straight to bed. You'll need some distraction afterwards. Either some meaningless tv, or something to do while you chew on the film's climax for awhile.

This movie is getting critical acclaim. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the fact that J. Lo's ex-boyfriend is more than just a pretty face. If there is a real 'shocker' to the movie, it's how good of an actor Casey Affleck is. I know the role wasn't a HUGE stretch for him. The setting is in Boston, so that made it easy. But, I think it's easy to predict that Casey will be offered more abstract roles than his big bro.

I liked the movie. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Heartbreak Kid - DVD

Title - The Heartbreak Kid
Rating - R , , , VERY RATED 'R'
Actors - Ben Stiller, Jerry Stiller, Malin Akerman, Michelle Monaghan
Directed By- Bobby & Peter Farrelly
Recommendation? It's on DVD now. Only rent it if you are watching with adults, and in a goofy mood

This is the Ben Stiller movie for 2007. The story is about a guy who is a loser at love. He is getting older in life, and his friends, married friends of course, are encouraging him to get married. He is dating a gal for 6 weeks and all seems dandy. He decides to be spontaneous and courageous and marries her. Let the wackiness begin!!!
This movie is funny. There were 3 or 4 times in the movie that I laughed out loud. I watched it by myself and still laughed out loud.
This movie is VERY RATED 'R'. There are a couple scenes that may make you blush, or a little uncomfortable if you don't like blatant sexuality in your face.
Again, the movie is funny. There are certainly a few parts where if you are discussing the movie with someone else who also has seen it you will talk about. I would predict this is the type of movie that mainly guys would think is funny.

I give the movie 3.5 stars out of 5. But, hey, it's a Ben Stiller movie of late. . . what else would you expect?

Across The Universe - DVD

Title - Across the Universe
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess,Lots of other people you've probably never heard of
Directed By- Julie Taymor
Recommendation? It's on DVD now, so RENT IT...maybe even buy it?!

I rented this movie and watched it Saturday night. This movie is a musical. All of the music is based on songs by The Beatles. I loved this movie. It is basically the story of a young Brit in the late 60's who travels to America and intertwines with some American Youth.
The movie clearly depicts scenes of history while explaining the story, similar to the way the movie "Forrest Gump" did. You will not be disappointed.
Every once in awhile you are reminded, or even scolded into remembering how brilliant The Beatles were. Their music was pure genius. If you aren't familiar with The Beatles music, by the end of the movie you will want to hear more, and listen often. This movie tells a love story through a collage of 20-30 Beatles songs. Very cool.
Bono makes a cameo. That was a pleasant surprise. This movie received an Academy Award nomination for costume design. The costumes, dance choreography, and lighting are amazing.
I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 Stars. You need to rent this movie, or BUY IT!!! And if you haven't done recently, grab "Abbey Road" by The Beatles and listen carefully. Then party to that album. Then have a deep conversation with that album in the background. Then play Xbox while listening to the album. Then start a journal to the album. Listen to that album 10 times in one week. Get familiar with it. I want to hear your thoughts.

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/acrosstheuniverse/

Jack Johnson Sleep Through The Static

Artist - Jack Johnson

Album - Sleep Through The Static

Should I buy it? Burn it? Or select tracks only? BUY IT

Sometimes I get in the mood for pizza. Sometimes I get in the mood for a very particular pizza. The pizza I love is made by a place named 'Sauce' here in Mesa, AZ. It is on a thin crust, almost like a cracker it is soooo crispy. Green Peppers, Onions, Pepperoni, and some ground spicy sausage. It is AWESOME!!!

Jack Johnson's 'Sleep through the static' is exactly like my favorite pizza. It isn't exploring new territory. It isn't anything different from my expectation set from the last time. It is exactly what I thought it would be, exactly what I wanted.

Jack Johnson is the perfect cd for a social setting. I can throw this cd on if my friends are coming over for a dinner party, play cards, or if my mom and grandma will be here for the afternoon. Few artists can play in the background adding to the vibe desired rather than taking away from it. You can throw this cd on, start at track #1, and let it go all the way through, and let it begin from start again. You do not need to play DJ with this album.

He does get deep on a few tracks. "All of life is in the drop of the ocean" he sings. He has a nice little mantra "You better not be alone" that can get stuck in your head. All good stuff. All short songs.

This album is not a departure from anything he's done earlier. It is more of the same. That is not an insult. As always, you will end up envying Jack's laid back philosophical surfer ways. Oh ya, by now he's gotta be super rich, too. That's always nice.

I give it 4 out of 5 Stars.

No Country For Old Men - Movie

Title - No Country for Old Men
Rating - R
Actors - Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem
Directed By- Coen Brothers
Should I see it? Wait until DVD


I read this book. Usually books don't translate over to the theater well, but this did. The book was written by Cormac Mccarthy. I read his book "The Road". Also very good. On the back flap it described "No Country for Old Men" and it was compelling.

The premise of the movie is a guy is out hunting and stumbles upon a drug deal gone bad. Everyone is dead, and oh ya, there is $2,000.000.00 in cash left at the scene. For some reason, this has always been my ultimate fantasy for some reason. FREE MONEY!!! AND LOTS OF IT!!! But, as the story develops he takes the money and is now being pursued by the law and the rightful owner of the money. Josh Brolin plays our hero. He plays the character awesome. He's got the bullheaded, uneducated, veteran, role down. Tommy Lee Jones is the small county Texas cop who always does what is right. This cop follows the law. Doesn't care about money. He cares about justice. He is the old guy who is wise, uncertain about current times, and could be your grandpa. Javier Bardem the villian. This guy plays the character that you imagine shares the same characteristics of the devil himself. Cold blooded, calculated, and the resiliance of the Terminator.

The movie is right at 2 hours long. It should be out on DVD soon. It will create some Oscar buzz. It's rated R for a reason. Some pretty good Texas shootout type violence. I'd recommend seeing it. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/nocountryforoldmen/