When a Movie Moves You

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Every once in a great while, I'm exposed to a film that reaches out and grabs at something deeper than just my heart strings. It pulls at the fiber of my being. It makes me wonder if some where, deep down -  beyond the Disney fan and the Medical Coder - at the heart of a dreamer is a devout gypsy.

I've never been able the type of person to thrive within stone walls. I lack the patience for conventional education, but I soak up the lessons of experiences of life (my life and others) like a sponge. I find peace in nature, and wordless meaning in the faith, friendship, and in the company of others. But those that know me best usually realize that I'm reserved (yes, even in this blog) when it all comes down to it. Only friends who have known me for decades really get "the whole story", though I do make every effort to be honest in this blog, as in all recordings of this journey that is my life.

The Way  isn't a hard movie to watch. It probably wasn't a hard movie to make either. Shot on location, it follows several backpackers on their journey along The Way of St. James. Focusing on Martin Sheen's character - a doctor from California who came to Europe when he learned his 20'something year old son (a field anthropologist in the making) tragically passes away - the movie follows his emotional and physical journey on The Way, where he meets up with several others from around the world, all traveling for different reasons. Living off the road, small towns they come across on the way, and the kindness of strangers, they make their own pilgrimage across the countries.

Now, I love a hot shower and a comfy bed as much as the next person - maybe even more, but the gypsy in me can't help but acknowledge the true power of being in nature, alone, soaking up all the world has to offer for a few months. It's a beautiful idea and I truly respect those who do that.

So when I pass away - that, dear readers (ye brave, ye few) is how I want to be remembered. Don't go to a grave stone. Don't put me in a box in the ground. Let my passing be a catalyst for growth. Pack up my ashes and spread them along some long ancient foot road...

Just make sure to take me to Disneyland first.

Movie Reviews - Super 8 and Green Lantern

There is something to be said for our small town of Port Orchard. And that is - we have a movie theater, a drive-in movie theater, a roller rink, and a bowling alley.

But that said, we usually choose to hit up the movie theater or the drive-in (especially with summer movies upon us).

This past week, we saw 2 flicks that were both really great:

Super 8 was a fun movie, designed for any monster movie lover, or child of the 80's. Somewhere between The Last Starfighter and Goonies, this movie engages monster movie cliches in a highly entertaining way.

My Sailor was impressed by the child actors (and I have to admit, there wasn't a weak link in the cast). I was impressed by the monster. See, ever since Cloverfield was released, nearly all monsters have looked like Cloverfield, or a cross between Cloverfield and Alien. Even the Kraken in the recent Clash of the Titans movie bore a striking resemblance to good ole' Clover. Cloverfield was a fun monster movie as well (once you got over the shakey cam perspective).  But I was thrilled to FINALLY see a creature that is creative take the screen. Maybe it had a touch of District 9's alien's in it, but just a touch.

Overall, yes yes yes yes - go see this movie. (and stay through the credits)!

The other film we saw last night - Green Lantern!  It was awesome.  I'm not familiar with the storyline outside of the movie, but My Sailor is, and he feels that it's pretty much spot on. The characters were engaging and the not-so-subtle messages about the power of fear vs the power of courage made for some interesting dinner conversation afterwards. We saw this one in Real 3D and it was awesome.

What films are next? Cars 2!

2012 - A review

Opening day, I was treated to see the movie 2012.

I haven't really been terribly jazzed about seeing the movie, but if there is one thing I'm always down for, it's being exposed to new and different things. In that aspect, I truly inherited my parent's love of the arts, even if it's not something I would have normally considered.

So that said, there was one reason I was looking forward to seeing this movie. I love John Cusack. Ever since "Gross Pointe Blank", I decided I love this actor. Not only does he look strikingly like a guy I had a crush on in my youth, he also has that intense, yet comic way about him. It's almost an awkward "every man" style that I enjoy in his acting (even when I haven't cared for the movie).

However, I have to say, I really enjoyed the movie and can't wait to see it with my family. I would definately suggest sticking to the 13 and up age range, as it does have some very intense moments, and a fair amount of adult themes.

It was a fun ride! Yes, it was HEAVILY laden with special effects, but what you do you expect?! It's a DISASTER movie about the earth's crust up and moving.

It wasn't so much of a human drama as it was an edge of your seat roller coaster ride. Well edited, it barely gave you time to breathe between disasters. The cliche moments gave it a bit of levity, which was necessary to make it overall palettable.

I'd highly recommend seeing this one in the theaters. Saddly, it will not hold up on a small screen.

"Paranormal Activity" - my review

There is a lot of buzz about this movie that promises to be this generations "Blair Witch". Curiousity got the best of me and I ended up seeing it last night.
(Double click the preview below to see it full size.)

And ya know what?

It's not the "Blair Witch" of this generation. Several times I had to look away from the screen due to the single camera jostling during the film. I never had to do that in Blair which, but I am attributing that to the fact that "Blair Witch" was shot largely in black and white or night vision, if I remember correctly.

This movie is also slightly mismarketed. In fact, in my opinion, it's pretty much mistitled.

It's not so much a movie about the progression of a haunting. In fact, there is no ghost involved. Instead it's a move about the progression of a possession.

It starts out slow, as we get to know the young couple. It even has some laugh out loud funny moments during scenes were they do mundane things like brush their teeth. These 2 characters are much prettier than the Blair Witch cast. Her hair never really looks like she slept on it - you know, the basic hollywood stuff. But that's not necessarily too much of a detraction from the story.

As most movies of this type go, things are slow for a while. Unexplained foot steps on the stairs...a creaky door that movies for seemingly no reason... just basic simple theater tricks that honestly had me more giggling than frightened.

In fact, between the nausea from the motion sickness, and the slow pick-up, I almost left the theater considering the movie a waste.

But it was FAR from a waste...

The acting of the lead actress just gets better and better. Her terror is very real. Her boyfriend's reaction to it all at some points seems pompus, but knowing their age bracket, and the character's occupation (a day trader), it doesn't come of as unbelievable that this guy is skeptical yet deeply desires to be in control.

I don't want to spoil anything, but the scare at the end is well worth sticking it out.

Oh - and one more thing I loved - the lack of soundtrack and credits. No credits in the begining or the end of the film gave it a much more realistic feel. It simply opens with a note from Paramount Pictures thanking the"families" of the couple for the footage.

I believe most of the audience in the full theater I was in felt the same way. While many chatted, laughed, and made cynical commentary through the film, by the time it ended - there wasn't a peaceful soul left on the room.

Highly recommended... if sleeping at night isn't on your agenda. The irrational fear of the dark takes a good long time to shake! In fact, I saw the film almost 12 hours ago, and have no fear of demons, and I'm still a bit jumpy!

So far - this is your best bet for a Halloween spook.

A few words about District 9

Those that know me know that I'm a not-so-closet Fantasy and Science Fiction fan. I cut my eye teeth on the original Star Trek series as a child and spent much of my downtime in high school watching every cheesy Sci-Fi movie that the Sci-Fi channel created.

So when Science Fiction movies come out, I'm usually all over 'em.

District 9 was no different. I got the chance to see it today and I must say... I am facinated.

I'm going to try to make this review as "spoiler free" as possible, but I can say a few things about it.

"Facinating" is the only word I can use to truly describe this firm. It's a Sci-Fi film that explores the depth of human nature and fear of the unknown.

At times, its gritty and raw and had me squirming. At other times, I was at the absolute edge of my seat. Other times, I felt the beginings of tears well up. Oddly enough, I can't blame my feelings on being a Sci-Fi geek. No one walked out of the theater without being moved in some way.

Now, you don't expect to be changed or move by a Sci-Fi film. They are usually just fun escapes from the grit of modern day reality. Only the best films stick with thier audience. Am I saying this is one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made? Hm... hard to say at this very moment. I'm still mulling it over.

But the fact that, hours later, I'm still mulling it over means one thing.

It's definately worth seeing.
That's my 2 cents.
If you've seen it, feel free to comment!

Movie Review - Transformers 2

I recently saw Transformers 2 (I know, I know, FINALLY) and I thought it was pretty great. I loved the action, but the adult humor got a little over the top. I didn't really hear many adults giving off more than a passing giggle at most of the jokes. Many of them received the cold shoulder all together from the exact audience they were aimed for. THAT should tell you SOMETHING.

Other than that, special effects were great and the story was more indepth than the last.

But being the intellectual that I am, I started wondering... What is it about Optimus Prime that has people of both genders enthralled with this character? In a scene where Mr. Prime is single-robot-handedly protecting Sam from robots, I realized what it was. He's the perfect man.

No, really, he is!

He's a bit of a father figure to the male community. He's a leader, intelligent, commanding physical prowess (aren't many cars bigger than a semi!) and warrior-like skills.

For the female community, he is sensative, but far from a push over. He's articulate, but able to put his money...er... oil where his mouth is. There's a tenderness about this creature that reaches out to women. As one of my theater pals put it, "I want to have his baby."

Overall though - his nobility transends gender.

For women, nobility (at least for this woman) is one of sexiest traits there is. It just breeds a sense of security.
For men, nobility makes you either want to follow or fight along side this guy. Obviously, he knows what's up!

There ya go - definately worth a see. And I hope to go back and see it in IMax with my brother and dad someday soon.