Monday, March 31, 2008

Movie Review: Chestnut: Hero of Central Park


A part of me must be about eight years old as this is DEFINITELY a kids movie. Two orphaned little girls find a puppy and hide him from the nuns who take care of them. When they're adopted by a couple who live in the big city, they sneak the dog along.

It's no small feat hiding a great Dane from two adults, a maid and a doorman for a building that doesn't allow dogs. All the mishaps are blamed on the girl's adjustment to being adopted.

The plot turns very much into Home Alone for dogs, but it make silly sense so give it a watch. Gather your kids and some popcorn and head to Bandon for the DVD.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0387925/

Buy the DVD on Amazon
Chestnut

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Movie Review: Camp Nowhere


It's all fun and games till somebody gets hurt. Some kinds who dislike the camps their parents send them to form their own and just party and fart around. They find an irresponsible adult to pretend to be the leader of the camp and rent a spot that used to be a commune.

Christopher Lloyd plays the adult. I guess it's supposed to be a silly kids movie, but it just didn't entertain. No adult with any brains would go along. And if he did, he'd be arrested immediately. Just everyone around let things slide. Scary and stupid.

Powers has a VHS copy and look in Bandon for the DVD.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0109369/
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Saturday, March 29, 2008

Mini Series Review: Buffalo Girls


Harlots with a heart of gold and a mannish woman seem to be the limit of Hollywood's view of females in the old west. They didn't even include the farm wife in this telling. Ah well. Still Anjelica Huston poured her heart into the role of Calamity Jane. Melanie Griffith plays her long time madam friend and Reba McEntire at the start of her acting career as Annie Oakley.

Mostly the story follows Calamity Jane from obscure cow poke to London and Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. I think they could have simplified the plot a bunch. It's convoluted and I'm only guessing it was to justify the title.

I enjoyed it enough to say give it a watch. I just wouldn't have my expectations very high. VHS users look in North Bend, Dora, Lakeside and Bandon. The DVD is also in Bandon and Coquille.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0111903/
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Friday, March 28, 2008

Movie Review: Air Amierca


This soft sell anti Vietnam war movie charmed me. I liked and believed the irreverent character played by Robert Downey Jr.. This was back when he was a good actor before he really screwed himself up with drugs. It was also before Mel Gibson went crazy too.

Young Billy Covington gets conned into going into Laos to support gun and drug running for clandestine American programs. It's all about paying off tribal folks to encourage them to help fight communists. Though the corruption and greed make the programs less than effective.

Yes, this is a comedy with drama over tones. I liked the story and acting. Hopefully you will too. It's an old film so Coquille and Lakeside of VHS and Bandon has the DVD.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0099005/
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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Movie Review: The Bride


This bride of Frankenstein version stars Sting as the man who brings the woman of his dreams to life. Jennifer Beals plays the bride.

The story managed to charm me enough to say if they'd used people who could act, it might have been a good movie. Well I liked Clancy Brown as the monster and David Rappaport as his little person friend. The plot gets a little complicated here and there too. In some ways it reminded me of a drama version of Young Frankenstein. That's a very good movie, see it instead.

The Doctor and the monster fight over the girl and the girl finds confusion in the obsessive doctor and isn't too sure about the monster early on. The monster goes off and learns how to be a person. That aspect makes it almost worth watching. Use your judgment. Coos Bay and Bandon have copies of the DVD.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0088851/
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Documentary Review: Affluenza


This film so fits in with the reason for this blog. I pick up a batch of movies a couple times a week from the library for free and write about them on a free blog service, pay as little as I can for internet access and just generally stay out of the consumerist society.

I truly love the aspect of contrasting things like gross domestic product numbers going up with things like the environment, people working and being content and society in general. It always confounded me how a stock for a company would go up after announcing 30,000 people lost their job.

Noted author Joe Dominguez wrote this interesting book called Your Money or Your Life all about figuring out what you REALLY want. Not what you have to do to "keep up." (Great book check it out at the library.)

Watch the bonus features, the long piece could have been done better and less "talking head." but it's really interesting and does add to aspects of the film. Some of the "anti commercials" are thought provoking.

I started to consider the impact I was having on the world around me. I wish to leave the world a better place. If that means no one remembers me, I can live with that. See it, see if you start wondering about your impact.

Look in North Bend and SWOCC for a copy of this intriguing DVD.

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0475060/

Buy it on Amazon
Affluenza
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Movie Review: Bus Stop


Marilyn Monroe stars as a lounge singer who catches the eye of a naive young buck in town for the rodeo. He's so excited to find his "true love" he decides he's going to marry the girl after chatting with her for five minutes.

He drags her to the rodeo and wins every competition and tells all the announcers he's going to marry her. She likes the attention, but claims to not like her suitor. He ropes her when she tries to get away from him at the bus stop and forces her onto his bus home.

Nobody seems to care that she's objecting. There's tons to dislike about this film. Rampant sexism, a "who cares" plot and stereotypical characterization. I supose the only reason it's not in my dog category is it held a tiny amount of interest.

I don't know how to feel about how she ends up with the cowboy at the end. She says to spite all his bad acts, he's treated her better than any man before. I know that can be a sad, but realistic state of affairs for some women. I think this movie gave a little strange insight into Marilyn Monroe the person.

The whole candle in the wind aspect. "Never knowing who to cling to, when the rain set in." Though I'm sure that was unintentional on the movie makers part, it made it a tad interesting for me. I'm glad I saw it, and yet have no intention of seeing it again.

Bandon by the Sea has a copy of this DVD. (hah I'm a poet and I know it!)

IMDB http://imdb.com/title/tt0049038/
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Monday, March 24, 2008

Movie Review: Chasing Amy


Ben Affleck and Jason Lee star as a pair of comic artists. Joey Lauren Adams plays a lesbian that Affleck's character falls for.

I suppose I'm bowing to peer pressure to give this a rating at all. IMDB readers give it a 7.5. I guess i'm so totally out of touch with what "others" like maybe I should quit giving reviews. Oh wait, I am not doing it for them. OK, pity party over.

First off, the gal is bisexual if she sleeps with a man too. That's fine but they keep calling her a lesbian. Second, Kevin Smith irreverence often goes too far. (So do many others, but I'm not reviewing their films this moment. ) All I can figure is it pisses him off that women get to choose who they go with and men are at their mercy.

The guys in this film piss on anything beyond them. And everything is beyond them. Lesbians, emotions, affection and care, all elude their simple "dyke hating" ways.

OK, I hated this film. I'm insulted by this film. Maybe this is how "guys are." but I don't want to be around the "typical" guy in Smith's universe.

You don't have to listen to me. Bandon has a copy.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118842/
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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Movie Review: American Beauty


Yeah I know, calling an Academy award winner a gem seems like cheating. Deal with it. I had it in the good category all this time. I just decided that it's darkness was a bigger lesson than I thought.

I dont want to watch it over and over again. In a sense, knowing what happens just spoils the plot. Kevin Spacey stars as a middle aged husband in a midlife crisis who has the hots for his daughters attractive high school friend. Annette Bening plays his uptight philandering wife.

You'd think that it would be VERY creepy the old guy hitting on hte young girl, the truth is Spacey's character redeems himself. He figures out what he truly loves about life. I'll just stop there and tell you the twists and turns are worth a watch.

Someone must have pilfered the VHS as they all say missing. That's alright, North Bend and Coos Bay have the DVD

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169547/

Buy it on Amazon
American Beauty (Widescreen Edition)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Movie Review: Candy


Oh wow. I hated this film. Yet I look on IMDB and they gave it a really high rating and see it as great. I do not understand.

Heath Ledger plays a drug addict do nothing who hooks up with a gril called Candy which is also one street name for heroin. Abbie Cornish plays the girl. Tragic to be sure. I would like someone to explain to me the point. Drugs are bad, they make you do stupid disgusting things.

Mean asshole parents are bad, they make you look to drugs to solve your problems. Here's a film in search of a point.

Bandon Library has a copy.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424880/
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Friday, March 21, 2008

Movie Review: Amost Famous


I thought this would be an easy review. I had a lot to say about this film, then I sat down and started thinking about it. I feel lost heh. Ok, my personal rule is.. there is no such thing as writer's block. Just write through it until you get to something good. I'll start with things that really amused me.

Our main character has an older sister who tries to help him break free of their over protective mother. He's a brilliant prodigy who keeps getting advanced in school. When his sister finally breaks free of the binding family ties, she gives him her record collection, telling him "this will set you free."

Though his life could be anything he wants, he decides to start writing about rock and roll and makes a name for himself until he gets a coveted assignment with Rolling Stone. He goes on tour with a band and sends back dispatches on his experiences.

Kate Hudson plays a groupie who follows a band around. She helps our young hero gain insight into the group dynamics. Ms. Hudson is the daughter of Goldie Hawn and remarked on a talk show that her mother's film The Banger Sisters is a lot like her Almost Famous character all grown up. I agree. Consider the films complimentary.

Bandon has a couple copies of this fine film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181875/
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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Stuff and Nonsense

I've got a pretty big list of films I've seen, but strangely no dogs and no gems lately. So I just thought I'd post about my thoughts today. The Coos Bay Library has been closed the last week and wont open for another week. If you are in town, you can still use the drop box, or just go over and check out the North Bend branch.

North Bend has a perpetual book sale and magazines right at the entrance. That's kind of nice to paw through. I pick up stuff now and then.

I've been to many of the libraries in the system. I have yet to visit them all though. Maybe we should take a road trip. I got married inside the Powers library. That was an interesting non movie related event though. So I wont bore you with any details.

Ok, any questions or comments, please post them here. I'm still looking for someone to do a few reviews a month. Give me a little break. Type at you soon.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Two Watchables


Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman play opposite as mother and daughter in this single mom drama. I'm not sure if my feelings are somewhat clouded by my lack of a relationship with my red headed mother or if the mom really is a selfish bitch. I suspect she is though.

Mom has dreams and daughter better get used to it. Though when they're apart the kid displays separation anxiety. It makes me squirm watching people on screen go through similar to what my life was like. I wish there'd been some value lesson or important reveal about all the crap mom puts her kid through. No such luck.

Library: VHS North Bend, Coquille; DVD North Bend, Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0149691/


This film pairs Susan Sarandon with Goldie Hawn as a pair of aging groupie chicks. The acting and story is much better here. The ladies turn themselves into these characters and make it look easy.

Sarandon's character has moved on into a regular life and left her past behind. She has a husband and kids who know nothing of her raunchy past. Then Hawn shows up to shake up her friend's persona.

There's a sub plot involving a writer who helps Hawn. Geoffrey Rush so convinced me of his role that I didn't realize it was him until I just read it on IMDB.

Library: Coquille, Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280460/
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Unrelated other than my take on them.


I have not seen the original of this film and therefore cannot compare. Jude Law plays a Casanova type character who loves them and leaves them. He finds an older woman who he falls for and he finds out she's loving and leaving him for a younger guy. Sad in a pathetic game playing way. Susan Sarandon plays the heart breaking lady.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375173/


William Hurt plays a professor who experiments with hallucinogenic drugs and sensory deprivation tanks to try and achieve a higher consciousness. If that weren't weird enough, strange things start happening to his body. I don't pretend to get this film. I remember it was a big deal when it first came out in 1980.

Library: Myrtle Point and Coquille

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080360/


You'd think Jack Nicholson playing off Adam Sandler would make a film. Alas, I didn't appreciate the pairing. Sandler has anger issues and Jack tries to help him. It just got old fast. Both these actors have too much personality to give up screen time and the only thing I figure is the director wasn't' strong enough to keep them in check.

Library: DVD Bandon, Myrtle Point; VHS North Bend, Powers, Coos Bay

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0305224/
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Monday, March 17, 2008

Movie Review: Can't Hardly Wait


Maybe a teen might like this, I'm not sure it's appropriate for them though. A bunch of kids go to a graduation party and blow off all the steam of ending their high school careers. I could name a dozen better teen angst films. This one isn't worth much at all.

Seth Green has a pretty good scene with a gal pal from years past when they get locked in the bathroom together. Though it doesn't begin to save the film. Jennifer Love Hewitt adds nothing to the plot even though she's considered the hot popular girl. Some of the credits amused me, jock #2 and so forth. Look for John Hughes old classics if ya really need to explore the high school scene.

In the mood for some bad acting and script? Look in Coquille for the DVD and Coos bay for the VHS.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127723/
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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Two Anime Reviews


All anime should look like this. Heck, all animation should look like this. The convoluted and somewhat pointless plot only permits a good rating. The military intelligence holds captive a young girl with a gem with special powers. She's descended from people who used to live on a floating advanced city.

A pirate family attacks the transport carrying the girl and she falls from the flying ship. Her gem allowed her to float down to where she meets a boy who tries to keep her safe from both the pirates and the military. Eventually they hook up with the pirates and find their way to the flying city.

Anna Paquin voices the girl lead with James Van Der Beek as the boy. Listen for Cloris Leachman speaking as Dola the pirate mother and Mark Hamill as the evil Muska.

Look in Bandon Library for this fun anime find.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092067/


Very little of the look and feel of this film would win awards, but the plot held together tons better. A rogue decides to storm the castle he believes to be the source of conterfeit money. On his way there, he finds some bad guys trying to attack a girl in a car. He rescues her but they get her away from him.

Turns out she's a princess being held prisoner in the castle he plans to storm. Murry tells me that anime sometimes doesn't have much of a cohesive plot, but this seems to be a complete story that makes sense from beginning to end.

Check it out also from Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079833/
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Saturday, March 15, 2008

Group Review Watchables


Jodie Foster and Yun-Fat Chow bring a more realistic approach to this tale of a woman hired to teach a Siamese king's children. I enjoyed the subtle affection these two develop. No great feats of acting, no great writing, but a pleasant couple of hours to spend with the DVD.

Library: North Bend, Coos Bay, Coquille and Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166485/


Many people just love this wacky convoluted film. It's alright, I just don't hold it in as high esteem. I'm still confused about the plot. All the who's doing what to whom. Lots of really good people in it though. We have John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin almost steals the show.

Library: VHS Coos Bay, North Bend, Dora, Lakeside; DVD Bandon, Coquile, North Bend

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/


Ah here's a better role for Yun-Fat Chow.To say this is a karate film doesn't really do it justice. I like the wise man energetic novice antics. Have a little fun and pop some popcorn for this action packed adventure.

Library:Coquille, North Bend

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245803/


I've seen some of the rocky films in the past. Murry picked this one up when he saw it on the shelf. I thought it had some romantic sweetness. I don't really care about the boxing part, but the wise old grizzled fighter taking on the angry young man opponent held a bit of my interest. I enjoyed the pleasant surprise of Milo Ventimiglia as Rocky's son.

Library:Dora, Bandon, Coos Bay

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479143/
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Friday, March 14, 2008

Movie Review: RV


Sometimes poop is funny, sometimes, it's not. Robin Williams stars as a workaholic dad who takes his family on a vacation in an RV but really it's a work trip. I like the idea of a values lesson road trip, it just coulda been better. Williams ending up covered in someone else's excrement does not entertain me. I mighta switched it off right there, but I am a glutton for punishment.

Jeff Daniels and Kristin Chenoweth almost saved this pile had they been more than a caricature of trailer trash. Maybe take a road trip of your own instead of bothering here.

Just love Williams, Daniels and the others? Ok, your toilet trip. Look in Myrtle Point, Dora, Coos Bay and Powers.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449089/
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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Documentary Review: Sicko


Love him or hate him Michael Moore makes outstanding film. He's perfected the art of irony and contrast with humor and tenderness. I cried.

I like that he accepts criticism. Even going so far as to help an anti Michael Moore website owner who was having a health care crisis. How many people care about their fellow man enough to help their nay sayers?

I love living in America and even more on the Oregon Coast. Murry and I seriously asked ourselves where we might go if a health crisis came into our lives. Canada is a bit on the cold side and Cossta Rica is a bit warm. Anyway, back to the film.

Please watch it. Even if you're in another country with universal health care. It might make you appreicate it more. Here in Coos County, check it out from Bandon, Coos Bay, Myrtle Point and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386032/

Buy it on Amazon
Sicko (Special Edition)

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Movie Review: 1408


Generally I'm not a fan of horror flicks. Maybe if I were, this would get a better rating. Well, no. Lots of things were unclear.

A guy who debunks paranormal hotels checks into a fabled room at the Dolphin Hotel. Most of the film features John Cusack alone on screen. I do like him so that was pleasant enough. We're never quite sure if it's real or just all in his head. I tend to like that. I bought it all and jumped out of my seat and hid my face throughout.

I was fairly convinced the main character had scared himself until a twist happened at the end. I will leave that to you to sort through should you be willing to be scared. It's based on a Stephen King story. Dora and myrtle Point have the DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450385/
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Series Review: Carry on Laughing


I watched one and a half episodes of this series and then just switched it off. A more accurate title might be Carry on Yawning. The setups and comedy just fell flat. It was all HAHAH look at us we're funny making faces and pretending we can't see without our glasses.

Bandon for some weird reason has two copies of this stinker.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157218/
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Monday, March 10, 2008

Movie Review: 300


I've been avoiding this. I suspect I'll get a tad flamed for this review. Certainly I'm not ASKING for such a thing. See, the filmmakers based this on a true event. I get why they might do that, but the thing is, they violate history and that REALLY bugs me. Some people think the events accurately portray the life and times of King Leonidas.

Even worse, some people will accept mystical properties of this telling as real. Like it's a video game. I just wonder why they couldn't just let it be fantasy and leave it at that. Ah well, such is the way of Hollywood.

The plot? Three hundred Spartans and a handful of Greeks hold of thousands of Persian soldiers. Epic battles while at home Spartans bicker over politics.

There is entertainment here. Just view the "history" with a bag of salt. Lots of violence and sex too. Bandon and Coos Bay have copies od the DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/
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Sunday, March 9, 2008

Movie Review:


Many aspects of this film offend me. Lets start with the title. The whole sexual politics angle betrayed the true plot of unrequited love. I don't enjoy frat boy antics either. I despise guys like the lead played by Jerry O'Connell. He responded to an ultimatum of commit or end it by playing the field to see what's out there. Gag.

Reading over the above I contemplated changing my rating, but well I try and reserve dogs for films I REALLY can't stand. This could have been alright with another rewrite and some casting changes. Oh and his friend freaking out after he supposedly slept with a man, we're supposed to care why? The character was an ass, his over-reactions were stupid and offensive.

Bandon has a copy of this DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0218864/
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Saturday, March 8, 2008

Movie Review: The American President


This film by Aaron Sorkin kept me entertained throughout. Michael Douglas plays the widower president who starts dating lobbyist Annette Bening. I enjoy political commentary with a comedy twist. True words often come from jest. The amazing cast tells the story of how a relationship can effect making deals in the White House.

Look for Martin Sheen and Michael J. Fox who went on to TV programs loosely based on their roles. Richard Dreyfuss does a great adversary too.

Dora and Bandon have VHS copies, look in Bandon and North Bend for the DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112346/

Buy it on Amazon
The American President

Download it from Amazon
The American President

Friday, March 7, 2008

Movie Review: Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope

If this had a more cohesive plot, I'd call it a gem. This sweet romantic comedy revolves around an animal shelter in an African town. I like learning about other cultures but I just can't see well enough to follow a subtitles. Thankfully, South Africa has a vast English speaking population.

The black and white politics remind me of the cultural differences around the world. It's sad to see people treated as third class citizens. It's even more sad to see people treat themselves as such. The white woman lead sleeps around with a married man. It just seems like she needs a big helping of self respect.

Take some time and view this entertaining story. Bandon has the only DVD copy.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398830/
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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Movie Review: Bushwhacked


OMG Please help me. I should create a special category for bad just for this seventh circle of hella stupid film. The head, Daniel Stern, has a permanent goofy grin throughout. I thought too much botox, but no, poor guy that's just his face. As with other really unwatchables I watched like half with fast forward. Then I just switched off. I couldn't take it anymore.

Coos Bay, North Bend and Coquille have the DVD. Why do they have so many copies of this clunker when no copies of some really good movies?? Ah well.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112602/
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Combo List

I'd prefer to keep the lists to movies I didn't like, but my list needs clearing off. I'll start with some good and end with watchable.

GOOD

The Buddy Holly Story - Bittersweet story of how the singer gained popularity and met is wife. Gary Busey got a well deserved Oscar nomination.
Library: VHS North Bend, Coos Bay; DVD Bandon

Black Hawk Down - True story of how confusing war gets. While I'm glad I saw this one, I see no need to ever watch something like it again.
Library: VHS Coquille, Powers, Bandon; DVD North Bend, Dora, Coos Bay

Air Force One - Far fetched and TOTALLY entertaining! Harrison Ford plays a kick ass president who fights off terrorists. Glenn Close steals a chunk of the show as the vice president.
Library: VHS Dora, Lakeside, Myrtle Point, North Bend; DVD Myrtle Point

Armageddon - Yet another unbelievable yet entertaining story. Hollyweird seems to have a thing for two movies with the same plot. This and Deep Impact came out the same summer. While both are good movies, this is more fun. Grab some popcorn and watch Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck save the world.
Library: VHS Dora, Coos Bay, North Bend; DVD Coquille, Bandon

WATCHABLE

Always - Richard Dreyfuss flies fire supression aircraft and dies. Audrey Hepburn plays an angel helping him transition into heaven. Holly Hunter gives her usual outstanding performance as Dreyfuss's grieving love interest.
Library: VHS Dora, Coquille; DVD Bandon, North Bend

The Right Stuff - I like this kinda stuff, it's just I think I would prefer a documentary to a biopic. I liked the stuff about John Glenn's wife being imperfect and Chuck Yeager breaking his rib before the first super sonic flight. Some of the politics dulled the film down.
Library: VHS Dora, North Bend, Coos Bay; DVD North Bend, Bandon

Music of the Heart - Meryl Streep plays a demanding music teacher who helps inner city kids play the violin. Of course this film preaches. I do like the message, that kids need boundaries and exposure to culture outside their experiences, it just gets a little heavy handed. Worth a watch though.
Library: VHS Bandon; DVD North Bend

American Pie - I think guys will like this more than I. My old roomie and I saw it years ago and he just laughed and laughed. So much of the idea is teen angst and gettin sex. Yes, it's funny, but it's also very crass. I haven't' seen the sequels, but I'd hazard a guess its' the same juvenile humor.
Library: VHS Coos Bay, North bend; DVD Coos Bay

Carousel - This old musical tells the story of a bad boy hooking up with a good girl. Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae star as the couple at the center of a tragic romance. It's worth a watch, but I think there are tons better plots and songs.
Library: VHS Coos Bay, Powers, North Bend, Myrtle Point; DVD Myrtle Point
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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Movie Review: To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar


After yesterday's review, I couldn't get this movie out of my mind. Like Priscilla it features three drag queens who go on a road trip in a vehicle that breaks down. Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo find themselves in a small dusty town filled with dull gray characters.

Swayze's chracter, Vida Boheme, gives the best explanation of the various stages of lifestyles when he explains that trans-sexual men want to be a girl, gay men don't want to be with a girl and drag queens have too much femininity for either gender. In many ways, it's all camp and play acting. On another level, these people live more as their true selves than most of us. They certainly liven up the broken spirits of the townsfolk.

Stockard Channing gives an outstanding performance as an abused housewife. So head on out to Coos Bay and Coquille for a VHS tape and Bandon for the DVD of this silly charmer.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114682/
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Monday, March 3, 2008

Movie Review: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert


Three friends who perform in a drag show set out on an adventure into the Australian desert. Along the way the bus they're driving breaks down. They meet a cast of strange characters, climb rocks and sort out their messy lives. They call the bus Priscilla.

You may remember Hugo Weaving from Lord of the Rings and the Matrix series. He plays a more catty role as "Tick." Along the lonely road one of the characters stands atop the moving Priscilla and surfs in full drag. This display may be worth the two hour film all by itself.

Coos Bay and Bandon Libraries have a copy of this DVD

IMDB http://w ww.imdb.com/title/tt0109045/
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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Movie Review: Dragonfly

A few months ago I reviewed a film called "Blue Butterfly" where the mythical properties of a special butterfly made a boy walk. Now we have this film with Kevin Costner seeing his dead wife in dragonflies everywhere. Costner's character and his wife are doctors. Very pregnant she runs off to work in a south American jungle. He promised to look in on the children in the cancer ward where she worked, but didn't bother until her death.

When her cancer kids see her in their near death experiences they claim she's sending him messages. Also a brain dead body talks to him in her voice. Being a man of science he's totally freaked by this. He goes down to South American to try and find her. It's all mystical and stuff.

I couldn't get over how selfish both these doctors were. I mean she still had kids she was treating when she ran off to the rain forest pregnant. Then he was an insensitive jerk. We're supposed to care about any of this? Why?

North Bend library has the only copy on VHS.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259288/
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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Movie Review: Calendar Girls


The husband of a member of an English women's group falls ill with cancer. Her best friend goes to the hospital to sit with her while her man goes through treatments. While there the women complain about the terrible furniture in the waiting room. So the rather energetic friend gets the idea of making a calendar as a fund raiser for new couches. To stir up interest, the older women pose nude.

We never see any naked old lady bits in this film based on a true story. Helen Mirren stars. Mirren appeared on 60 Minutes a few years ago where she spoke about being naked on film. Early in her career she'd done quite a bit of it. The expression she used "getting your kit off" struck my funny bone.

Please check out this sweet film. North Bend and Bandon have the DVD, look in Coquille and Lakeside for the VHS.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337909/
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