Saturday, January 30, 2010

Management (2009)

"Here's to people being happy."

- Management


And, that is exactly what this film is about - happiness.

Though, sometimes we take the notion of happiness for granted and place other things above it such as security, money, status, etc. Sometimes we choose these things though we know they may not make us happy. But, we do it anyways.

This film is about choice. And, the consequences that come with the choices we make. It's about change. And, being courageous enough to take action towards what makes us happy rather than unhappy.

Sometimes what makes us happy may seem unpractical and unrealistic. But, what if things that are considered "practical" and "realistic" makes us unhappy? What, then? Is this the kind of life we really want to lead? It kind of makes you wonder.

The film started out as a romantic comedy. As the movie progressed, it really became more of a movie about discovery and identity - knowing who you are and going after the things that make you happy.

To me, it was really an honest type of movie - it was real. Both Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn gave great performances. (Note: I really enjoy watching Jennifer Aniston on the big screen. I especially liked her performance in this film). I really liked how the two interacted on screen.

On one hand, there's Sue (played by Jennifer Aniston) who seems to be a headstrong, practical gal. She represents all things practical in life. While on the other hand, there's Mike (played by Steve Zahn) who is really kind of "stuck" working in his family business and still trying to figure out what he wants to do in life. He represents the "dreamer" in all of us.

It felt as if each character represented two opposing forces - the practical vs. the dreamer. Putting the two together, really was entertaining to watch.

I enjoyed watching this film from beginning to end. It started out very comedic, but got more serious towards the end.

Also, I liked how there were a few twists and turns, it was not very predictable at all. And, I think this is what the movie is trying to communicate. Life is not predictable. Things change, people change. And, change is what makes life interesting.

If you're in the mood for a comedy type film, I highly recommend this movie. Check it out!

(p.s. I did enjoy the music in the film, there are some pretty cool and catchy tunes!)




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Monday, January 25, 2010

Indie Film Pitch Clip - Love and Taxes

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this Indie Film Pitch Clip for the film, Love and Taxes. Check it out!

"A week before shooting the latest installment of their new movie, "Love & Taxes" (the world's first-ever pro-tax romantic comedy), Jake and Josh Kornbluth give an update on their plans -- and welcome more donations to their project (in return for cool perks, including the chance to appear in the film)."

Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Friday, January 22, 2010

Sherlock Holmes

I had been thinking about seeing this film for awhile. When it first came out, I didn't get a chance to catch it being occupied with the holidays and all.

Though, I kept hearing good things about it. So, I decided to finally go ahead and check it out.

As many people know, the characters are based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. Being an avid reader of mystery and detective novels as a kid, I was really excited to see this movie.

Going into it, I did have expectations. Mainly, I thought this would be a "who done it" type of film being based on the life and stories of a detective. Though, I was mistaken.

Mostly, the film focused more on the characters rather than a "case" per se. While watching the film, I felt that I found out more information about the different characters (mainly Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson) than trying to solve a case.

To me, it was more of an informational film that focused more on the characters and their backgrounds. It was interesting. Though, it was not what I had expected.

In all honesty, I was expecting to see a "mystery" type of film. In reality, I saw more of an adventure and comedy type of film. Sure, the action was great - it kept my attention. Though, I still felt that mystery side of things was missing.

Throughout the film, there were a few bits and pieces of mystery. Though, not enough to make it a "mystery" type of film.

I don't want to spoil it for you but most of these bits and pieces of mystery were more about "how" something was done rather than who was the one that did it. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Towards the end, they put more the kind of mystery I was expecting (i.e. who done it) when they introduced another villain.

And, the identity of the villain was kind of revealed but not so much information was given out. In essence, they left some questions unanswered about this new villain for of course, a sequel.

Overall, I would say the film was ok if you're looking to watch an adventure and comedy type of film. Though, it really didn't fulfill my expectations of being a "mystery" type of film.

If you're one who likes detective stories and mystery types of films, it may disappoint (in my opinion). On the other hand, as far as adventure and comedy goes - it was very entertaining to watch.

(Note: For other perspectives on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link
Kelly Whyte - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



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Monday, January 18, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - The Philosopher Kings

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up a trailer by my tweep, Transcendental Media, for their indie feature documentary film, "The Philosopher Kings." Check it out!

"In search of wisdom found in unlikely places, The Philosopher Kings takes us on a journey through the halls of the most prestigious colleges and universities in America to learn from the staff members who see it all and have been through it all: the custodians. This thought-provoking, feature-length documentary interweaves the untold stories of triumph and tragedy from the members of society who are often disregarded and ignored, and seeks out the kind of wisdom that gets you through the day and the lessons one learns from surviving hard times, lost loves, and shattered dreams.

From the producers of the multiple-award winning Flight from Death, The Philosopher Kings gives us the opportunity to learn from eight incredible individuals whom we would never have otherwise taken a moment out of our day to acknowledge".


Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Ugly Truth

"And, that my friends is The Ugly Truth."

- The Ugly Truth


Men. Women. Relationships. I think that about sums up this movie.

More importantly, it's about the truth. Despite the truth being ugly (and a lot of times it is) or not, most times we all find it hard to face the truth. And, that is what this film is all about - facing the truth.

Both Abby Richter (played by Kathryn Heigl) and Mike Chadway (played by Gerard Butler) have a hard time facing the truth - both deal with it in their own way.

In a way, both Abby and Mike live in separate worlds where reality and fantasy both collide. (If you've seen the film, you know what I'm talking about).

On the exterior, Mike is a cool, macho type of guy. But, on the interior he has been hurt badly in the past. On the other hand, Abby is a nice, smart, type of gal who is looking for the ideal type of guy. She refuses to believe Mike's views on men, women and relationships.

Though, in an effort to woo her ideal perfect guy she starts taking his advice. To her surprise, it works. But, at what cost?

Abby soon realizes her ideal perfect guy is falling for what she might be, not for what she really is. And, that is the ugly truth.

I enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Both Kathryn Heigl and Gerard Butler were both great in this film. Gerard Butler brought a sense of reality while Kathryn Heigl brought a more idealist view of the world.

Both views clashed, yet worked well at the same time. It truly was great to see different points of view on the same subject.

If you're in the mood for a comedy type movie, I definitely recommend this one. Check it out!

(Note: For another perspective on the movie, check out my tweep's, BobbyBless219, review).


Happy movie watching!



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Monday, January 11, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - Don't Shoot the Pharmacist

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up the trailer for the indie feature comedy film "Don't Shoot the Pharmacist." Check it out!

"Emmy Winner Ben Bailey stars as Zack Wright, a Brooklyn Pharmacist that must do everything in his power to simply survive the zany night!"

Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



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Thursday, January 7, 2010

Up in the Air

"To know me is to travel with me."

- Up in the Air


I have to admit, this film didn't really stand out to me when it first came out. I'm not sure what it was - maybe it got lost in all the hype from Avatar. It just didn't capture my attention.

In fact, I didn't even plan on seeing this film. Only when I kept getting recommendations to go see it, that's when I decided to go ahead and check it out. I'm glad I did.

Let me just say, this is probably one of George Clooney's best performances (in my opinion). I really liked the way his character, Ryan Bingham, was portrayed. It really brought out a sense of "realness" to the film. Without going into too much detail (as I don't want to spoil it for you), let's just say I think there may be people who can relate or know someone like his character - it's a very relatable film.

Speaking of "realness," this film was a real eye opener - it really made a statement on the state of the economy today. With many businesses being hit hard financially, it really showed the effect it had on people with all of the layoffs and downsizing. And, the topic of "people" is really at the center of this film - it's what life is all about.

On the topic of "people," there was really one scene I enjoyed. Without going into too much detail, let's just say it was on the topic of technology replacing people. And let's just say, when it all boils down to it - we are people, not robots. There is no replacement for people - it's who we are.

Regarding the film, I really enjoyed the movie overall. It had a great story line - something everyone can relate to. I think the name of the movie really describes what life is all about - the unexpected. If we planned every moment and things always went according to plan, then where would the fun and mystery be?

Sometimes life doesen't always take us to where we thought we would be. Sometimes we end up in the most unexpected places. And, this is what life is all about - dealing with what is dealt to us. Sometimes it could be a good thing, sometimes it could be a bad thing. No matter what happens, it's up to us to make the most of it.

This is a story about life and how we deal with the unexpected. In a way, I think it makes a statement that the unexpected is what life is all about. This is a film that really makes you think - it makes you thankful for what you have today, not for what you might have tomorrow.

If you're in the mood for a drama type movie with a bit of comedy, I highly recommend this film. Check it out!

p.s. If anyone has read the book, I'd definitely be interested in hearing about it. Maybe I'll check it out!

(Note: For other perspectives on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps:

Kelly Whyte - Review Link
Reel Artsy - Review Link
Reel Talker - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY Has Opened Nationwide

For all of the fans of the original movie, Boondock Saints, the sequel, Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, has just recently been released nationwide. Check it out!

Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/boondocksaints2/

Theater Locations: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/boondocksaints2/theaters/index.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/boondocksaintsII
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BoondockII



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