TV Review – Skins (2007) aired on BBC

Starring – Nicholas Hoult, Mike Bailey, Michelle Richardson, Dev Patel
Season – 1
# of Episodes – 10
Length of Episodes – 60 minutes

“Skins” is how teen melodrama should be. Oh, and it’s a constant reminder of how much American TV sucks. “Skins” aired their first season on the BBC in 2007. They tell the story of a group of college friends who date each other, drink, do drugs and god forbid have sex. You’ll have seen a few of the stars before. Nicholas Hoult starred in “About a Boy” and “Dev Patel” was actually cast for “Slumdog Millionaire” from his part on “Skins”. All the staples of teen melodrama are here… The kid who wants his best friend’s girlfriend. An affair with a teacher. But then they branch in to some more modern topics of discrimination based on sexual orientation or religion. “Skins” is a well crafted and interesting story of a group of friends surviving college. They are in Season 3 now so adopt a new guilty pleasure and pick up the first two seasons on DVD.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th (2008)

Starring –
Director – Daniel Farrands
Domestic Gross – Direct to DVD
Running Time – 90 minutes

Released just before the most recent Friday the 13th this retrospective is more than just a promo. They do a great job of combining original footage, stories from cast members and famous fans. Plus, it’s always fun to look back at the 80’s originals. There’s some really funny stuff from Seth Green and James Roday talking about growing up with Jason. Even if you’re a passive Friday the 13th fan this is worth the 90 minutes.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Hamlet 2 (2008)

Starring – Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler
Director – Andrew Flemming
Domestic Gross – $4,886,216
Running Time – 92 minutes

After an unsuccessful acting career Dana Marschz (Coogan) becomes a high school drama teacher directing quirky adaptations of Hollywood movies. After being told that the drama budget was being cut and that this would be his last performance he decided to go out on top with some of this own material. That “original” material is Hamlet 2 a sequel to the Shakespeare classic. For those unaware Hamlet dies at the end. So, Marschz’s version involves a time machine and Jesus among other liberties. This sounds really quirky and fun, but in reality it’s just one joke over and over for 90+ minutes. I was really excited to see this when I first saw the trailer and heard the premise, but was sorely let down. There are enough indie comedies out there if you’re in the mood for one so… skip this one.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Bottle Shock (2008)

Starring – Randall Miller
Director – Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez
Domestic Gross – $4,078,607
Running Time – 93 minutes

Bottle Shock is the true story of how California wines began to be taken seriously on the world stage. It stars Bill Pullman as Jim Barrett the owner of Chateau Montelena, a fledgling winery. He is assisted by his general screw-up son Bo played by Chris Pine and his best friend Gustavo (Rodriguez). Alan Rickman plays Steven Spurrier an ex-pat Brit living in France and running his own wine store. In an effort to stock his store with the finest wines he travels to California to test the new offerings from the Americans. Along the way he collects samples to bring back to France and display in an open wine competition. While I didn’t expect to enjoy this Pine and Rodriquez were great together and it had a little “Miracle” feel where we’re rooting for the Americans. On the whole though it was just okay. I honestly don’t have any major complaints, but on that same token there’s nothing to rave about either.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – American Teen (2008)

Starring – It’s essentially reality so there’s nobody you’ve ever heard of…
Director – Nanette Burstein
Domestic Gross – $942,441
Running Time – 95 minutes

A reality movie. I know… some of you call that a documentary, but no… this is a reality movie. Essentially Nanette Burstein goes to Warsaw, Indiana and chronicles the lives of 4 high school seniors. The film begins the first day of school and extends right through graduation. That’s really all you need to know. They marketed it as the reality Breakfast Club and I suppose that’s somewhat true, but it felt a lot more like a long episode of MTV’s True Life: I’m a High School Senior. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re in to reality. Which if you are I would recommend this. Otherwise, it’s really not worth the effort… There’s nothing groundbreaking here.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Nobel Son (2008)

Starring – Alan Rickman, Bryan Greenberg, Shawn Hatosy, Mary Steenburgen
Director – Randall Miller
Domestic Gross – $540,382
Running Time – 110 minutes

Alan Rickman is at his best when playing a douche bag. Score… Here he plays a Nobel Prize winning physicist who is so self-involved he really seems to dislike his family. Bryan Greenberg plays the son that can’t quite measure up and stopped trying by going in to the academic field of cannibalistic studies. Steenburgen rounds out the family as the dutiful wife that holds the family somewhat together and a renowned academic in her own right. A bizarre kidnapping plot is followed by revelation after revelation each one crazier than the last. This is a true black comedy. Some of the twists are a bit far-fetched but the ending is satisfying enough for the effort.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Starring – Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber
Director – Gavin Hood
Domestic Gross – $99,152,810 (as of May 6)
Running Time – 107 minutes

Let me preface everything by saying that I do not know the comic book plotline for Wolverine and watched this simply as a fan of the character from the previous three films.

Origins? That’s what the title says, right? So, where the hell did Wolverine come from? Why does he have claws? Sure, they tell us how his skeleton was transformed to adamantium, but nobody tells us why he was a mutant in the first place. The movie starts pre-Civil War and a child is shown with bones that will extend from the knuckles like claws. He also heals extremely quickly. He and his brother are then immediately in their 30’s and fighting in war after war (as shown in the trailer). So, what I want to know is why were they mutants to begin with? The previous movies make these mutations out to be a somewhat recent historical occurrence… not 200 years in the past. Then somebody tell me why he’s a kid and then 35, but then never ages again. Remove my logical questions and it’s just an entertaining Summer film. Good times and crazy action. Plus, Taylor Kitsch is pretty baddass as Gambit. Go in looking for a good time and you’ll enjoy it… Just don’t try to find an origin in the story.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – The Express (2008)

Starring – Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid
Director – Gary Fleder
Domestic Gross – $9,793,406
Running Time – 129 minutes

"The Express" is the story of the greatest running back you’ve probably never heard of… Ernie Davis. Davis followed Jim Brown at Syracuse and became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Ernie Davis faced tremendous racism en route to a stellar career at Syracuse and dealt with it with class (see Jackie Robinson) thereby paving the way for all those to follow. Unfortunately, Davis never had a chance to play in the NFL due to serious health issues that resulted in his life ending all too soon. I have been a football fan all my life and prior to this movie had never heard of Ernie Davis. This is the best kind of biopic. It tells a poignant and entertaining story of someone you should have heard of, but may never had. At over 2 hours you could make the case that it’s a little too long, but I never found myself looking at the clock. Definitely check this one out, but expect it to get dusty in the end like Brian’s Song.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Star Trek - IMAX (2009)

Starring – Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana
Director – JJ Abrams
Domestic Gross – $79,204,289 (as of 5/10/09)
Running Time – 126 minutes

Prior to going to Star Trek I heard some terrifying words from friends and reviewers… “alternate timeline”. That’s usually a cheap way to mess with history and is generally done poorly. Not the case with Abrams’ Star Trek. This was a well done reboot and is now less geeky sci-fi then kickass space action movie. See this movie within the next 10 days while it is still at IMAX. I grew up watching the original Trek movies and loved Next Generation. My fiancé hates roughly all things sci-fi. So, having brought her I think I got a good read on the film from a fan (me) and a hater (her). We both walked out loving it. The timeline thing can get a little confusing, but they took a second here and there to explain. Pine is perfect to play the young Kirk constantly womanizing and jumping in to action before realizing consequences. Quinto was fantastic as a young Spock. I always thought Spock would have been a little more reckless in his youth and Quinto nailed it. In any case I’m looking forward to their next effort tentatively scheduled for 2011. I remember the geek-filled excitement the first time I saw the new Trek trailer almost a year ago where they were working on Enterprise in a dry-dock so I guess the best compliment I can give to this is that it lived up to that excitement for all 126 minutes.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Cadillac Records (2008)

Starring – Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short
Director – Darnell Martin
Domestic Gross – $8,195,551
Running Time – 108 minutes

Cadillac Records attempts to tell the story of Chess Records in an entertaining fashion. The subject matter is there. Chess Records was to Blues what Atlantic was to R&B with a stable of musicians that included Etta James, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Bo Diddley among others. Unfortunately the film starred Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess and he just mailed it in playing sleezy more than anything. They completely ignored the existence of Bo Diddley. Now, the good. The music was done extremely well. Beyonce really nailed Etta James in her version of At Last. To boil it down though this would have been better as a tribute concert than a movie. Don’t bother. Just check out the soundtrack instead.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – I Love You, Man (2009)

Starring – Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones
Director – John Hamburg
Domestic Gross – $68,570,273
Running Time – 110 minutes

Absolutely hilarious! I get that it’s manufactured to capitalize on the “bromance” movement in pop culture, but anytime you put Rudd and Segel on screen they are going to find the funny. Rudd is excellent as the straight man with Segel being more overtly funny. Rashida Jones is great as the open girlfriend as well. In their bit roles Andy Samberg and JK Simmons are hysterical. As for the plot Peter (Rudd) is a man that gets a little too wrapped up in his relationships to the point that he has no guy friends. When it comes time to pick a wedding party he is hit with this realization and decides to pursue making friends. In that effort he meets Sydney and they bond over their love of Rush. Hilarity ensues. I wouldn’t say it’s on the level with Role Models, but it’s a great date movie that you both can enjoy.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Synecdoche, New York (2009)

Starring – Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton
Director – Charlie Kaufman
Domestic Gross – $3,083,538
Running Time – 124 minutes

Charlie Kaufman is bat shit crazy. I just sat here for about 5 minutes considering leaving that as my entire review. All the reviews online of this film describe it as “difficult, but genius” or “a true allegory”. What that says to me is that this movie is nonsense and nobody wants to be the one to admit that they didn’t get it. Well, I didn’t get it. There was a house perpetually on fire and minuscule art as well as a to scale set of New York City. I could not have been more confused or less entertained. In conclusion... Charlie Kaufman is bat shit crazy.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Bedtime Stories (2008)

Starring – Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Russell Brand, Courtney Cox
Director – Adam Shankman
Domestic Gross – $110,101,975
Running Time – 95 minutes

Bedtime Stories is a Sandler vehicle for kids. Like any Adam Sandler movie the plot is secondary to the funny. In this one the irresponsible Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) has to babysit his niece and nephew while their mom (Courtney Cox) is out of town. Together they spin these crazy tales at bedtime that begin coming true. Unfortunately for Skeeter only what the kid’s come up with comes true. It’s a ridiculous fun romp that is probably fantastic for kids under 10 and reasonably entertaining for those over. Russell Brand is hilarious in his bit part as Skeeter’s best friend with narcolepsy and night terrors. Beyond that it’s just another ridiculous kid’s movie that is easily forgotten within a week.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Starring – Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin
Director – Jonathan Demme
Domestic Gross – $12,796,841
Running Time – 114 minutes

This is probably the most real portrayal of a family wedding ever put on the big screen. Written by Jenny Lumet (daughter of the great Sydney Lumet) and directed by Jonathan Demme. This film runs 20-40 minutes longer than it probably should, but it does add to the reality. Demme spends a lot of time with background and establishing shots. At one point there is a ten minute montage of the wedding with nothing plot-related. Anne Hathaway is fantastic as the former model and addict returning from rehab for her sister’s wedding. The real surprise is Rosemarie DeWitt. You’ve seen her in everything and she was becoming a “that girl”, but her performance in Rachel Getting Married really establishes her chops. She plays the very put together sister/bride. DeWitt and Hathaway take a story that is very simple and straightforward and power it in to truly fantastic film. Be advised there are some Office-like uncomfortable moments. Despite the title this is not the rom-com you were looking for for date night. Better for a hangover day. Enjoy.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Book Review – The Fires of Heaven (WoT) by Robert Jordan (1993)

In the 5th book of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time he continues to chronicle the actions of the Dragon Reborn, a former shepherd, now on the path to killing the Dark One and saving the world. Rather than give the entire plot suffice to say if you liked the first 4 you won’t be disappointed by The Fires of Heaven. This not a series you can jump in to in the middle. It would be maddening with all the names and different peoples. Some major characters are seemingly killed in this volume and shift the power. It’s kind of difficult to review without giving the plot, but the bottom line is that if you are a fan of fantasy like Lord of the Rings give this series a shot. The first book is the only one that can really act as a stand alone so you can always stop there if it’s not for you.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Book Review – Strangewood by Christopher Golden (2007)

Strangewood is the story of a fantasy author’s imagination come alive. TJ Randall created Strangewood as a child dealing with a tough home life. The characters were routed in reality, but the world he created was pure Tolkein fantasy. When he put this world on paper it became an international bestseller (think Harry Potter) that demanded sequel after sequel. After a while he was just going through the motions, but not really imagining the stories. The world became darker and over time less stable. Finally the inhabitants of Strangewood felt the only way to keep their world alive was to force TJ Randall to return to them… By kidnapping his son. If it sounds a little weird that’s because it is, but in the end it was a really cool story and only about 300 pages. If you’re in to fantasy at all this is a worthy summer read.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – JCVD (2008)

Starring – Jean-Claude Van Damme
Director – Mabrouk El Mechri
Domestic Gross – $470,691
Running Time – 92 minutes

HELL YEAH Van Damme is back! JCVD is the tale of Van Damme’s life falling in to the shitter and just at the lowest point after he loses a role to a ponytail-less Seagal he is pulled in to a bank robbery. The robbers use him to talk to the cops and he becomes and accomplice while trying to escape alive. Sounds ridiculous, right? I guess it is a little, but supremely watchable. Make sure you’re not multi-tasking because it’s subtitled. I doubt this is the resurrection of a career for Van Damme, but his acting was surprisingly good. Hopefully we’ll see the Muscles from Brussels in a Bloodsport sequel.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.