Movie Revew: Bells On Their Toes

Bells On Their Toes

This 1952 sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen stands on it's own so feel free to check it out. A female engineer and mother of 12 tries to get a job after her husband passes away only to find no men will hire her. Myrna Loy charms at the matriarch of the huge family. I so want to see the previous film, but apparently the library copy was lost.

Check this DVD out from Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044410/

OiVey

Documentary Review: Breaking Ranks

Breaking Ranks

This film explores the cause of four soldiers who fled to Canada rather than fight in the war in Iraq. I mentioned that I was watching it to some online friends and their reaction is they're traitors. I wouldn't call them that, but I do find major flaws in fleeing the country once you're already enlisted. These guys ought to stop sobbing about the choices that led them to the military in the first place. Seems to me you join up, you take what you're ordered to do. If you're like me, and don't take orders well, the military is not the place for you.

Worth a watch for the different points of views expressed. Head to Bandon to check out this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0867140/

The IMDB record for this film is very sparse.

OiVey

Movie Review: Brewsters Millions

Brewster's Millions

This little Richard Pryor film reminds me of brain candy. No substance but tasty. The silliness makes it a good lazy day watcher. Brewster is a down and out baseball player will inherit 300 million if he can spend $30 million in 30 days.

Spend a couple of hours of your time and check out this oldie but goody movie from Coos Bay.

I'MDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088850/

OiVey

Book Review: The random walk guide to investing : ten rules for financial success

The random walk guide to investing:
ten rules for financial success
by Burton G. Malkiel

This fast read, it took me only a day to scan through it, gives practical advice for sorting out your financial life. I got it to look at the asset allocation models, but I found those way too conservative for my taste. It's a good book for beginner as it talks about index investing, living below what you earn and diversification. I read a much shorter article by Andrew Tobias that told me the same thing.

Pick thos book up in North Bend

OiVey

Movie Review Breakfast on Pluto

Breakfast on Pluto

A mixed up abandoned Irish lad goes on a search for his mother in London. He finds himself deeply in touch with his feminine side and dresses as a woman. In his search for love he finds his true self. This touching film meanders and mixes in elements that seem disjointed and weird. Worth your time, just not quite up to gem or good status.

Do watch the bonus features. It gives some insight into the the absurdity of the script. Bandon Library has the DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411195/

OiVey

British Television Series Review: Red Dwarf

Red Dwarf

We love science fiction so of course we adore this late 80s and 90s British series. Odd couple Dave Lister, Craig Charles, and Arnold Rimmer, Chris Barrie, spend their time flying around the universe aboard the mining ship Red Dwarf. Sentenced to 6-months suspended animation for bringing a cat on board, Lister wakes up 3 million years later as the only remaining human alive. The ships computer Holly creates a Rimmer hologram to keep Lister sane. Yes, it is that complicated and twice as funny. Be sure to view the bonus features and check out all the making of and model behind the scenes.

Disk 4 has major issues and may not be available, but all other 7 were fine. The DVDs are in North Bend and Coos Bay has many VHS series, alas not 4.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/

Buy it on Amazon
Red Dwarf Complete Collection (18DVD)

Lame List

Ok, I know that I use the term Dog for bad movies, but these were just lame enough that I decided to use that term instead. I'll go back to dogs later. ;)

The Break-Up

Jennifer Aniston is very pretty and you get to see her naked backside in this. Some would say that's worth it, but I'm not into ladies so she doesn't do it for me. I could care less about this couple and their break up. They're annoying and sad. Vince Vaughn acts about as well as a wooden stick.

Library: Bandon and Dora

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452594/

The Boys of Sunset Ridge

I love Pat Morita. I wish his charm and talent would have made something of this film. Alas, I don't think anyone could save us from the lame and boring plot, acting and storyline. Four friends live and love throughout the years golfing. YAWN.

Library:Dora

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0292459/

Breaking Away

Dennis Quaid looked pretty good as a young man, again, not a reason to watch this boring film. I get the conflict between the "cutters" and the college kids, I just don't understand why the cutter kids can't keep their act together enough to keep a job. The kid obsessed with Italy held my interest a LITTLE bit.

Library:Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078902/

Breakaway
Christmas Rush

This kind of reminded me of the first Die Hard film. Dean Cain plays a cop trying to prevent a theft at a mall that just closed for Christmas. All the lame shootemup action is a big yawn. IMDB calls it Christmas Rush.

Library:Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0315398/

Bedazzled

Brendan Fraser can act, just not in this film. The devil, Elizabeth Hurley, tries to trick an annoying young man into selling his soul. There is a sweet scene in jail where a fellow inmate tells the man his soul can't be sold. One little moment in two hours. LAME!

Library: Bandon (Myrtle Point's copy seems to be missing)

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230030/

Enough for today, OiVey

About This Blog & Holiday Wishes.

For those of you out there looking for long detailed reviews of film, please click on the Internet Movie Database link to the left. I include them with every short review I do. I also try and highlight outstanding performances when I see them.

My reviews are simply a taste to consider a film you might otherwise miss. There are so many gems lurking on the dusty library shelf. As I've posted before, this blog celebrates the Coos County Library System. Certainly you can rent from any retailer, and if you are not in Coos County, I encourage you to have a look within your own library system.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday in whatever form you choose to celebrate. I'm spending my Christmas watching videos. I'm not going to post until the 26th of December.

OiVey

Movie Review Between Heaven and Hell

Between Heaven and Hell

A class conscious bigoted WW II soldier loses his best buddies from friendly fire and hits the commander who causes their death. He's bucked down to private and sent to a unit with a dictatorial commander who abuses his soldiers. Robert Wagner does some of his best work as the rich plantation owner turned soldier. He befriends poor Buddy Ebsen and changes his outlook on life.

I like to see people change with a little life education. Pick up this interesting film from the Coquille library branch.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049004/

OiVey

Movie Review Boys on the Side

Boys on the Side

Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker and Drew Barrymore take a road trip across the country and end up in Arizona. Drew's dippy character manages to do in her no account boyfriend and the girls run off hoping no one will find them. The joy and sorrow that this film portrays provides an emotional roller coaster ride. It's sweet and sad and explores how people become friends. Well worth a couple hours of your time.

Check out North Bend, Coos Bay and Myrtle Point for the DVD and Bandon and ESO for the VHS.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112571/

OiVey

Movie Review Boiler Room

Boiler Room

I find it tough to watch a film like this because I think of all the people getting ripped off by guys like these jerks. Though the story and acting do draw you in to the world of a young man trying to please his father. I'm left wondering why he has so much trouble in school yet he can do so well learning to become a stock broker. The homage to the film Wall Street was a nice touch.

Bandon and Coquille have copies of Boiler Room. Look for Wall Street in Myrtle Point and Coos Bay.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181984/

OiVey

Movie Review Borat

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

OH MY GOD. I cannot begin to tell you the depth of my distaste for the latter half of this film. This mockumentary portrays a Kazakhstani man coming to America. It seemed weird and I laughed here and there at the mocking of various subcultures, but I started to get a little weirded out by the poop and anti semitic jokes. I dd not need to see naked pictures of Borat's "son." THEN things got TOOOOOOO bizarre. Borat and his producer start fighting in the nude. I sooo need brain washing to get those images out.

NOT FOR CHILDREN, Myrtle Point has a copy of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443453/

OiVey

Movie Review Two Spaghetti Westerns One DVD

This DVD contains two what are called "spaghetti westerns." During the 1960s the western genre was out of favor with Hollywood so many of the actors found themselves out of work. Italy took up the slack.

Done in English, these have the flavor of a very badly dubbed film. Seasoned actor Lee Van Cleef stars in both.The fillm quality is low, but the plots are moderately ok. Murry thought they were interesting examples of the Italian made films. You decide.

The titles on IMDB are in Italian, but I used the library titles.

Beyond the Law

A thief takes a job as sheriff, makes a plot to rob a shipment of silver. This is a typical bad man with a heart of gold (silver?) story. Lots of "shoot em up' action.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062645/

Death Rides a Horse

A man just out of prison tracks down the ex partner who betrayed him. The lone survivor of the family murdered by the ex partner teams up with Lee Van Cleef for revenge.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064208/

Coos Bay, Myrtle Point and Bandon libraries all have copies of this DVD collection.

OiVey

Movie Review The Barchester Chronicles

The Barchester Chronicles

Normally, I really love this kinda Masterpiece Theater Brit drama stuff. I just couldn't get into this mini-series of a british wodower vicar and his daughter. It strikes me as odd that Alan Rickman does not appear on the main cast list for this film, considering they put his face on the box. I guess they're trying to get us to watch one of his first acting jobs. I believed the characters, therefor the actors did a good job. I just didn't get into the slow boring story.

Check out the Bandon Library branch for this mini.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086667/

OiVey

Movie Review Baby Doll

Baby Doll

Tennessee Williams writes the most interesting gritty characters and this is no exception. A weasel of a man marries a young woman before she turns 18 in the hopes of building his business to keep her in the style to which she would like to become accustomed. He promises not to touch her until her 18th birthday. Karl Malden plays the husband and Carroll Baker plays the Mrs he calls baby doll.

I decided just now to give this a higher rating because of the writing and acting. However, the topic of useless couple in a battle with a neighbor isn't that interesting to me.

Look for it in Myrtle Point and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048973/

OiVey

Movie Review The Razor's Edge

The Razor's Edge

I like to stick to DVD reviews, but since this is one of my favs I'll make an exception. I can't say I'm a Bill Murray fan. He has this quality that seems like he's "acting" all the time. This is one rare example where I believed him as the character he plays.

A pair of wealthy friends go off to deliver an ambulance to help WWI injured soldiers. The experience changes then and upon return Murray's character finds himself restless. He decides to travel and try and make sense of his malaise. He ends up in India seeking enlightenment. After those experiences, he moves to Paris and runs into his wealthy friends again.

Outstanding performances by Theresa Russell and Catherine Hicks. They managed to twist my heart into knots with their acting.

Please dig out your VCR for this fine film. VHS only copies at Coquille and North Bend. I couldn't get into it but the novel by W. Somerset Maugham is in Bandon and North Bend. There's also an Audio book.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087980/

Buy the DVD from Amazon
The Razor's Edge

Buy the BOOK from Amazon
The Razor's Edge

Movie Review The Andromeda Strain

The Andromeda Strain

A military space capsule accidentally brings back an alien virus that devastates a small New Mexico town. A group of scientists research how to stop it before it devastates the human race.

This 1971 Michael Crichton and Nelson Gidding work still holds my interest. I especially like the science gal with her irreverent attitude and imperfections.

Bandon seems to be a good place to look for a film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066769/

OiVey

Documentary Review Bingo!

Bingo, the Documentary

What's wild about going to Bingo is how so many people think it's something different from going to a casino to play slots or black jack. I find it sad to watch these folks and their rituals, chasing a "dream." The life lessons make it worth a watch. They don't shove it down your throat either.

Library: Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243787/

OIVey

Soso List

This group of films have been on my list for about two months and like the Dog List, didn't' quite deserve a whole review of their own.

Bad Girls - Lady focussed western with some good people, but the story falls flat. Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell and Drew Barrymore all do a enough of a job to bring it up past Dog status. Library: Coquille, Dora, Myrtle Point and North Bend. (there is a British girls in prison tv series by the same name. I hear it's good but haven't seen it)

Ask the Dust - An ambitious Italian-American writer moves to a Los Angeles flop hotel and begins to write stories of his experiences. A nice "behind the scenes hah" shot of Colin Farrell and lots of sexy images of Salma Hayek can't quite save the erratic plot. Library: Bandon

Barefoot Contessa - I feel it's a tad wrong to place this down in my rating. After all, it's Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner. I just don't get why we should care about this woman. It seemed so much like Cindarella becomes a whore. Harsh, I know, but there it is. Library: Bandon and North Bend (VHS & DVD)

Autumn in New York - Downer RomCom about womanizer Richard Gere and free-spirit Winona Ryder. I just didn't believe this creep of a guy could "change." Library: Bandon

Bowery at Midnight - It's neat to see Bela Lugosi in something besides vampire thrillers, but the plot, bad acting and dreary looks just detract from really enjoying him. You thought CSI was gory and violent! Library: Bandon

OiVey

Documentary Review Boys of Baraka

The Boys of Baraka

This film follows the lives of several middle school African-American at-risk boys on their journey from Baltimore to a Kenya Africa school. With a 75% drop out rate in this large American city, it's hoped that the boys will gain a new perspective from the far away education. Sadly, in the middle of the 2-year program, fighting in Kenya shuts down the school. The boys struggle with their lives back home in America.

Definitely an emotional ride as a film. Check out the Bill Cosby comments on the Special Features. It make me think seriously of teaching in an inner city school.

Bandon and Coos Bay have copies of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0444608/

OiVey

Documentary Review Blue Vinyl

Blue Vinyl

I had to return this film before I could watch it so I had to hold it twice, I'm SO glad I went to the extra effort. I like the ironic style of the search for answers to PVC production. I like the concept of being aware of the products you buy's life cycle and how it may contribute to pollution. I also like that she tries to have a sense of humor about it all.

For the thinking consumer, check out this fine film in Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303307/

Buy it on Amazon
Blue Vinyl: The World's First Toxic Comedy

Movie Review Box of Moon Light

Box of Moon Light

My husband Murry liked this film, but I did not. I don't care why people are fuddy duddy Mr. Smartypants who try to go back to their childhood fantasies. Yawn. Weird people, living weird lives gave me nothing to cheer for. I like the guy who plays the "kid." (Sam Rockwell) and John Turturro well enough. I just couldn't get into the story.

Head to Bandon for this DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115738/

OiVey

TV Series Review Firefly & Serenity

Firefly

This 2002 series by "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series creator Joss Whedon did not entertain me when I tried to watch it during original airings. It makes a whole lot more sense watching it from the beginning from the DVD collection. It's space opera and needs watching in order to keep track of plot twists and turns.

Library: Coos Bay, North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/

Buy this TV series on Amazon
Firefly - The Complete Series

Download by episode from Amazon
Firefly

Serenity

This original movie has the style and charm of the series and would just confuse anyone watching it without knowing what's going on. That is why I put them together. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Library:Coos Bay, Coquille and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/

Buy the DVD of the movie from Amazon
Serenity (Collector's Edition)

Sorry, the movie appears not to be on the Amazon Download

Movie Review The Astronaught Farmer

The Astronaut Farmer

No way would the federal government allow this man to get close to launching a rocket. They did a poor job of suspending my disbelief on that account. Other than that, the story is alright and Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen played believable characters.

Coos Bay, Dora and Myrtle Point have copies of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469263/

OiVey

Blockbuster Group

Superman Returns

This film picked up after the second Superman movie from the late 70s early 80s era. The man of steel returns to save the world from Lex Luthor once again. While the story did drag a bit , I enjoyed newcomer Brandon Routh.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/

Batman Begins

Hello comic book summer film. I like the idea of a dark and broody hero and I enjoyed seeing the backstory of how he developed into the dark knight.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/

Mission Impossible III

I think Tom Cruise is so full of himself that sometimes it's distracting in a film. HOWEVER, the director,J.J. Abrams , musta kept a tight leash and helped him to a very believable performance. Best of the three films.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317919/

Firewall

Sometimes Harrison Ford picks good scrips, sometimes not. Avoid Frantic but do see this one. A thief takes a bank security expert's family hostage in order to get him to help them steal millions. Watch as he turns the tables and kick ass.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora, Lakeside and Myrtle Point

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408345/

OiVey

Movie Review The Big Country

The Big Country

Gregory Peck swoon. This story tells of a sincere man who knows when to fight and when to let it go. He finds himself caught between his bride-to-be's family and another ranch over water rights. He tries to intervene and bring some calm, but long standing grudges win out.

I hope you like this 1958 classic as much as I did. The DVD is in Bandon, and VHS copies are in Coos bay and Lakeside

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051411/

OiVey

POST 100!

I'm so pleased to have so many posts. I set out to write reviews based on the Coos County Library DVD collection and to date I have over 100 reviews. I'm impressed with the number of delightful films I would never have found just going on recommendations from others.

I had a Bockbuster unlimited card when we lived in Medford, Oregon, but it didn't even occur to me to just go through a list selecting every film that held a little adult interest. By that I mean, I will watch a "child" DVD like say Cars or Yu Gi Oh, but not Blues Clues or the like.

I just found out today what ESO means. They provide services to people who cannot physically come into the library. It Stands for Extended Services Office. So some movies listed under that label may not be available to check out.

Please visit http://www.cooslibraries.org/screens/libs/eso/outreach.html to find out about ESO services with Coos County Libraries.

Happy 100 post day!

OiVey

Movie Review Mystery Men

Mystery Men

We own this film and watch it all the time. William H. Macy just plays his role completely to the hilt if shovels had a hilt heh. This rag tag crew of wanna be super heroes led by Ben Stiller tries to save the world. Also look for outstanding performances by Hank Azaria and Paul Reubens. Janeane Garofalo has one of the best lines of the films when she urges invisible boy to put on some clothes.

Coos Bay has the only copy of this gem.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132347/

Buy the DVD from Amazon
Mystery Men

Movie Review Bite the Bullet

Bite the Bullet

Lots of great actors do not a good film make. Though I will give Gene Hackman credit, I believed him in his role. Candice Bergen phoned it in and James Coburn turned in his typical performance. Nothin wrong with predictability now and then, it's just.. I don't get why we should care about these people.

Got yerself some hankerin for some western grub? Look in Dora for a VHS copy and North Bend and Bandon for DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072705/

OiVey

Movie Review Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich

To call this film weird does not begin to impress upon your mind the depth of strangeness portrayed. John Cusack leads as a puppeteer who takes a day job working for a strange little corporation on half a floor. Everyone has to stoop in the office. It's just bizarre.

I didn't recognize Cameron Diaz until I saw her name in the credits. The marvelous cast and strange story would make this film a gem, but I didn't like the dark and grubby set design and a few creepy sex scenes.

It's a shame North Bend has the only copy of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120601/

OiVey

Movie Review Blades of Glory

Blades of Glory

Typical Will Ferrell being silly film. Can we have plots for $400 Alex? ;) No, we dont need no STEENKEENG PLOT! If you liked Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live, you'll like his films. Battling male figure skaters get kicked out of the sport and find out they can come back as a couples team. Have a laugh for a couple hours.

Check out the shelves in Coos Bay, Myrtle Point, Coquille, and Dora.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445934/

OiVey

Movie Review Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot

A 10-year-old boy takes boxing lessons without much joy in the sport, when he notices the girls ballet dancing classes. He starts mimicking the dance moves when the teacher notices and invites him to join the class. This goes against his working class miner father and brother and they harass him to stop, until his father realizes it's his ticket to a different life.

VHS copies in Coquille and Coos bay and DVD versions in Bandon and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249462/

OiVey

Movie Review Blind Horizon

Blind Horizon

This kind of reminded me of Total Recall where the lead, Val Kilmer, isn't quite sure who he is and what's going on. I enjoyed the twists and turns, but it has a few too many plot complications and a grubby look to really get deep into it.

Check it out from BAndon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337881/

OiVey

Movie Review The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia

This disjointed and convoluted story meandered along ending up somewhere but I didn't care at that point. Hilary Swank did an outstanding job and I didn't even recognize Scarlett Johansson until I saw her name in the credits. Well acted by the ladies, but the cop fighting and politics were just distracting.

Lots of copies all over the system to choose, look in Bandon, Coos Bay, Powers and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387877/

OiVey

Movie Review The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Day the Earth Stood Still

This classic science fiction thriller always delights with its use of eerie music and a giant robot. Michael Rennie leads as Klaatu the human alien come to earth to warn us to learn to be peaceful or risk destruction. Be sure to turn over the DVD and view the making of the film with the director and others.

Run out and grab this oldie but goodie from Coos Bay or North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/

Buy the DVD from Amazon
The Day the Earth Stood Still

Download it from Amazon
The Day The Earth Stood Still

Movie Review Mona Lisa Smile

Mona Lisa Smile

I'm kind of vacillating on what kind of label to give this film. I guess I'll give it a good because I do like the idea of enlightening young minds. Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst square off as teacher and student. Most girls in college of that era are looking for the MRS degree and this art teacher wants them to have goals beyond a husband.

Check out Bandon, Dora, Powers, Lakeside and Coquille for this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304415/

OiVey

Movie Review The Ballad of Jack and Rose

The Ballad of Jack and Rose

Like the film Birth, this has a creepy child sex aspect that totally grosses me out. I wonder if the filmmakers intended to make it an indictment of communes or if they just used it as a device to make an unhealthy relationship between Jack and Rose?

It reminds me of another hippy themed film I reviewed a while back called "A Simple Curve." That one featured a father/son conflict and at least had more of a plot. I'd like to see a decent view of commune life. Until then, lets avoid crap like this, shall we?

If you love Daniel Day-Lewis, pick up this film in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357110/

OiVey

Movie Review Blue Butterfly

Blue Butterfly

The filmmakers imply this tells a "true" story of a boy with cancer chasing after a rare butterfly. I like butterflies and I like nature. What I don't like is encouraging magical thinking about the power of a dream curing a serious disease. Lets take a seriously ill kid traipsing across the forest, yeah that's a good plan. Watch a nature documentary on rare butterflies instead.

If you just LOVE William Hurt look for Blue Butterfly in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0313300/

OiVey

Moive Review Aurora Borealis

Aurora Borealis

Grandson Duncan, Joshua Jackson, falls for his grandparent's caregiver and learns to sort through his own demons. Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher charm as the grandparents. Granddad starts to show the signs of Alzheimer's and claims to see the Aurora Borealis from his condo balcony.

I hope you like this film as much as we did. Look in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387037/

OiVey

Movie Review Blondie

Blondie

Penny Singleton delights in the lead of these 1940s black and white shorts. Some of the stories are dated and very campy, but charming for pre-sitcom film era. My husband Murry loved the acting chops of the dog Daily. ;)

Check out two DVDs with five episodes each from Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029927/

OiVey

Movie Review Blue Collar Comedy Tour

Blue Collar Comedy Tour

I'm reviewing all three DVDs available in the system as they're the same. Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Ron White and Larry The Cable Guy spend a couple hours talking about their red white and blue neck ways. If you like any of them, it's likely you'll like all these guys. They pander a little to their market with a little jab here and there at "liberals," but it doesn't last long. A good belly laugh funny grouping.

Get them one at a time from Bandon and Dora. I see Ron White also has a book out, that's in Coquille.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330069/
IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0423871/
IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0807745/

Buy it on Amazon
Blue Collar Comedy Tour 3-Pack
.

Movie Review The Aviator

The Aviator

I don't understand the brouhaha over this film. Oscar nominations not withstanding. I thought Cate Blanchett was doing a caricature of Katharine Hepburn. Leonardo DiCaprio portrayal of Howard Hughes had moments when he shined a little. Mostly I wasn't sure if they were making fun or trying to tell a true story.

I almost put this in with the short review of dogs post. But I just had too much to say. Find the Aviator in Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora, Lakeside and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338751/

OiVey

Collection of Very Short Reviews

This list gives the movie title, my quicky review and the library to check them out from. Click on the title for the Internet Movie Database overview.

Alexander -Long boring and uninspiring. Bandon.
Attila - Better than Alexander by a little. Coquille.
Being Julia - Forgettable. Coos Bay, Bandon and Powers.
Bionicle - Pointless excuse to market toys to your kids. Coquille.
Marie Antoinette - What would a queen have on her IPOD? Probably not this stinker. Bandon and North Bend.
Bill Maher, New Rules - Love Bill, hate this. Pointless excerpts from his show called Real Time. Bandon.

Ok, that's my list of things I've seen that didn't deserve a full review. If you feel different, please comment.

OiVey

Movie Review Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City

Armistead Maupin's Tales of the city

This miniseries tells the story of a group of people living in the same apartment building in San Fransisco in the early 1970s. Originating from Maupin's newspaper column, it tells the story of naive Mary Ann Singleton played well by Laura Linney. Olympia Dukakis charms as the pot smoking landlady.

Truly a study in multi-culturalism where alternative lifestyles and differing cultures bump along the road of life. It would bore teens, so gather your grown up friends and look for this series in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106148/

OiVey

Movie Review Bad Santa

Bad Santa

I so was prepared to hate this film and do not misunderstand.... THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS! That being said, I laughed. It's a weirdly charming, deeply disturbing take of a really messed up Santa dressing thief.

Lauren Graham has a foul mouth and Billy Bob Thornton knows how to act demented. Cloris Leachman shocks as grandma of the boy Bad Santa befriends.

Adults only check this film out from Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307987/

oIvEY

Movie Review Autism Is a World

Autism Is a World

This film helps broaden my mind and is part of the reason I love the library so much. The true story of Sue Rubin, a California college student with autism, impresses upon us with normal brain function how frustrating it must be to live insider her head. Julianna Margulies narrates as if she's speaking for Sue. I hope you will find her story as compelling as I have.

Check out this documentary in Lakeside, Coos Bay, North Bend and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443434/

OiVey

List of Gems

I'm having a rough day so I thought I'd do a recap and "about this blog" post. I love the Coos County Library System and we watch on average seven to 10 movies a week. I pick from the shelves of outlying libraries because the website does not allow holds in Coos Bay or North Bend. Sometimes my hubby Murry picks something up directly off the shelf, but mostly I use the internet.

I'm still in the B's as I check out the DVD collection one at a time. When I review a film not in the A's or B's it's because I like to vary my ratings or someone suggests something I will really like. Once in a great while, I'll just look up a film I know I like. That happened with Muriel's Wedding and Blast From the Past. I own copies of those films as I like them very much.

Feel free to comment on anything.

GEMS to date 11/13/07

Blast from the Past
Muriel's Wedding
The Apartment
Amazing Adventure
All I Want
Last King of Scotland
Capote
13 Rue Madeleine
A Beautiful Thing
Baadasssss!
Bagdad Cafe
Chocolate
Aeon Flux
The World's Fastest Indian
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
About a Boy
Smoke Signals
Shipping News
Because of Winn-Dixie
American Splendor
Little Miss Sunshine
Tortilla Soup
The Incredibles
10 Items or Less

OiVey

Movie Review The Big White

The Big White

To help his crazy wife Robin Williams tries to collect his brother's life insurance. He finds a body in his Alaska dumpster and passes it off as his brother. The guys who dump the body want it back and they track him down and kidnap his wife. Holly Hunter charms as the Mrs. who claims turrets syndrome. THEN ole bro, Woody Harrelson, shows up and ask for his cut. Convoluted, very much, and still funny.

Ask for The Big White in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402850/

OiVey

Movie Review The Battle of the Sexes

The Battle of the Sexes

This 1959 Peter Sellers film explores the interaction between men and women in a rather sexist manner. I realize it's an old film, but very typical in its portrayal of women in charge as harpy tyrants who push men around. Sellers is a shy retiring accountant who's employer brings on a female business expert. Hy jinx ensues.

Have a look in Bandon for this DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052607/

OiVey

Movie Review Being There

Being There

Chance likes to watch....TV.... Some consider this bizarre film a classic and I've heard it helped Shirley MacLaine restart her waning career. Peter Sellers leads as a confused man who grew up in a wealthy household tending to the garden. His patron dies leaving him with nothing and nowhere to go. He wanders the streets until hit by uber rich Mrs. Benjamin Rand. She takes him in and introduces Chance to her sickly husband.

Everyone mistakes Chance's name as Chauncy Gardner and start viewing his horticultural tips as profound musings. I still don't know how I feel about this movie. On one hand, it's superbly acted. On the other, the plot leaves me baffled. Bits are laugh out loud, but most of it is subtle.

Check it out on DVD in Bandon, North Bend and Dora. VHS copies are in North Bend, Coquille and lakeside.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078841/

OiVey

Movie Review Benny and Joon

Benny and Joon

Very charming early Johnny Depp movie with outstanding performances by Mary Stuart Masterson and Aidan Quinn. Oh I didn't realize that was Julianne Moore until I read it just now.

Benny tries his best to take care of his mentally ill sister. The pair inhabit a small town where Benny plays poker with white elephant odds and ends. One evening Joon sits in on a game and believes she has a great hand, but loses and has to take home one of players unwanted house guest. Depp's character Sam seems to have some mental issues of his own but he and Joon charm each other and us.

Check out my mate Murry's favorite film on DVD in Bandon and Coos Bay and on VHS in Lakeside, North Bend and Coquille.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106387/

OiVey

Movie Review Birth

Birth

Yuck. This creepy Nicole Kidman film tells the story of a boy who claims to be a woman's dead husband. It so totally borders on kiddie porn that I found myself gagging at one point. Certainly, nothing is shown, but keep this away from children.

I guess the star rated a few copies, but it's such a poor film I don't understand. Find it in Coos Bay, Bandon and Lakeside.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337876/

OiVey

Movie Review An American Rhapsody

An American Rhapsody

Scarlett Johansson stars as a rebellious teen who joins her family after years growing up in Hungary. They left her behind as an infant when communist took over. Her parents petitioned to bring her to the states and finally got her back. Living in a strange land was too much for the girl and she decides to return to her caretakers in Hungary.

I know this is a true story, but I didn't really care about the family or their plight. Some consider this Johansson's break our role, but I don't consider broody teenager when you're 17 that big a stretch.

Coquille and Lakeside branches have copies of this film. Place a hold or go down in person and pick it up.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0221799/

OiVey

Movie Review The Black Brigade

The Black Brigade

A rag tag group of soldiers whose usual duty involves digging latrines, find themselves on the front lines trying to prevent the destruction of a strategic dam. The production value leaves a lot to be desired, but the acting and plot are superb. Look for Richard Pryor and Roosevelt Grier.

Check it out. from Bandon. This film has the title of Carter's Army in IMDB and it can also be found in a collection of war movies in Coos Bay called War Classics.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064135/

OiVey

Movie Review Blast from the Past

Blast from the Past

Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone will simply charm your paints off in this geeky comedy about a family who spend 35 years in a fallout shelter. You just cant beat Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek as the quirky parents of Adam who is born just after the parents mistake a plane crash for the end of the world. He meets Eve in a sports memorabilia shop and instantly falls in love.

Please rush to the library and pick up this great laugh fest. Find the DVD in Dora and VHS copies in Coquille, Dora and Powers.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124298/

Buy it on Amazon
Blast From the Past

Download it from Amazon
Blast From The Past

Moive Review Amiercian Girl

American Girl

This screwed up tale of a needy young girl wasted my time. Abandoned by a father in prison, a cold mother and siblings who mistreat her, our American girl keeps trying to kill herself. Someone called this a black comedy, I don't recall anything approaching funny.

Lakeside has a copy of this dog.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0329297/

OiVey

Movie Review Antitrust

Antitrust

This film comes off a little like an Outer Limits episode and I like some of those so I liked this one too. A young programmer finds himself lured to a major software company where mysterious goings on lead him to discovering company secrets. Lots of fun digs at Bill Gates and Microsoft.

I'm pro Antitrust. You can be too. Look in Myrtle Point and Bandon for the DVD.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0218817/

OIVey

Movie Review Big Fish

Big Fish

Tim Burton can be a rather dreary director and while this is not a film of complete sweetness and light, it has loads of charm. A giant of a man tells his son years of tall tales. The boy doesn't find out until his father's funeral a majority of his stories turn out to be true. Go frolic in this weird world for a couple hours. It's well worth your time.

Catch Big Fish in Myrtle Point, Coos Bay and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319061/

OiVey

Movie Review Premonition

Premonition

Sandra Bullock tries valiantly to save her husband when she has visions of his death. It's a very random convoluted film that has nice elements, but just ends up being confusing and messy.

Check it out in Dora, Bandon, Myrtle Point and Coos Bay.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477071/

OiVey

Movie Review Dial M for Murder

Dial M for Murder

Since I commented on To Catch a Thief in the previous post I figured I'd get on the Hitchcock theme with this film. Again we have Grace Kelly in the lead as a wife who's husband schemes to get rid of her by murder then framing her for the killer's death. Hitchcock's other works, Rope or Rear Window are much better.

There's an extensive Hitchcock selection at the library, search through any shelf and you're sure to find a good one. The DVD for Dial M for Murder is in Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046912/

OiVey

Movie Review After The Sunset

After the Sunset

Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek aint Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Though certainly this is no remake of To Catch a Thief, it has some similar elements with a cat burglar gone good and two sexy leads interacting with hi jinx.

Find After the Sunset in Bandon and To Catch a Thief is in Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367479/

OiVey

Moive Review Muriel's Wedding

Muriel's Wedding

Toni Collette delights as the sheltered lead Muriel who lives inside her ABBA song muddled mind. Her dreams of breaking away and adventuring out in the real world come true when she hooks up with an old school friend and moves to the big city. These girls party hearty until Muriel's friend hurts her back and can't walk anymore. Muriel obsesses about being married and finds an athlete who needs citizenship to stay in Australia. Definitely a chick flick, but I would hope a real man could handle it.

Gotta go down to the library for this one, the only copy is in North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110598/

Buy it on Amazon
Muriel's Wedding

About this Blog

I deleted a comment this morning that was not in English and appeared to be spam. I'm going to turn off anonymous comments for a week, but those of you who know me can email me. I'm also going to post a couple extra today so that I have about 31 reviews for Oct.

Happy movie night.

OiVey

Movie Review Hollow Man

Hollow Man

This blockbuster special effects extravaganza follows the typical formula of ego maniac scientist testing on himself. Yawn. Kevin Bacon plays the mad scientist. The effects don't save this trash heap of celluloid.

Place a hold from Bandon and ESO or look for it in North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164052/

OiVey

Movie Review Alchemy

Alchemy

You may remember Thomas Cavanagh as the lead in the tv series Ed. Here he's a nerdy science guy who tries to quantify what attracts people to one another. Most of the characters barely rate about one dimensional, but it has a little charm here and there.

Look for Alchemy in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285682/

OiVey

Movie Review Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss

Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss

Ok, for the first time I'm in a quandary. This is better than soso but not quite up to a good rating. It's a watchable tale of a romantic gay man. I found it sweet and interesting through to the end. Sean Hayes might be a bit typecast as gay, but he's not mr over the top Jack McFarland in this.

Look for it in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137386/

OiVey

Movie Review The Amati Girls

The Amati Girls

While I wouldn't call this a "great" movie, it sure didn't deserve such a bad rating off the Internet Movie Database. They gave it a 3.9 out of 10 on 257 votes. It's an Italian-American family drama about a widow and her daughters. There are some laughs with this quirky bunch. Somewhat typical but not too. Cloris Leachman rules the family and the always good Mercedes Ruehl stars as her eldest daughter.

Look for dreamy Mark Harmon and pick up this film in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0213446/

OiVey

Movie Review The Benchwarmers

The Benchwarmers

Juvenile does not begin to describe this film. When Murry found out Adam Sandler was one of the producers, he said he understood the film better. I did laugh and I do like underdog stories, I just can't rate this high. Rob Schneider does alright as the lead, in general I don't care much for David Spade, but he offended me very little heh.

If you want to relive your jr high experience, click on the library link and search for it in Coos Bay, Dora and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437863/

OiVey

Movie Review Green Card

Green Card

Earlier today I was looking up the libraries for "The Apartment" and it brought up Green Card so since I've seen it and it's not a half bad movie, I'd toss in a review. Self centered Andie MacDowell wants a posh Co-op apartment and can't find her way in without being married. So she hooks up with Gérard Depardieu who wants a green card. She tells the Co-op board that her husband lives away, until the INS comes for a visit.

Check shelves in Lakeside and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099699/

OiVey

Please Respond

The point of this blog is to help folks find their way into the Coos County Library system. I have always loved the idea of so many books in one wonderful place, but I am also intimidated by the overwhelming visual mountain inside. I have trouble finding books to read because the numbers are often small.

The internet changed that. Plus figuring out that I could place a hold on a book or movie made life just amazing for me. I can almost research anything I want.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone from Coos County is reading this blog? Please let me know and post a comment. This is for you.

OiVey

Movie Review The Apartment

The Apartment

This sweet film won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Billy Wilder. Nominated were Best Actor Jack Lemmon and best actress Shirley MacLaine. A young hard working office executive wanna-be trades evenings at his apartment for the hope of work advancement. When one of the girls taken up to his place for extra workular activities tries to kill herself, he nurses her back to health.

The library has VHS copies in North Bend and Coos Bay, but you can get the DVD from Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053604/

Buy it on Amazon
The Apartment (Collector's Edition)

Movie Review Betsy's Wedding

Betsy's Wedding

I love Alan Alda, and while he's an outstanding actor and really interesting guy, I'm afraid he needs someone to help him focus. He wrote and directed this disjointed family comedy. Extraneous scenes of infidelity and mob antics detract from what could be some funny stuff about Alda's fashion disaster daughter Betsy, played by Molly Ringwald.

Lakeside and Myrtle Point branches both have a copy of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099128/

OiVey

Movie Review Art School Confidential

Art School Confidential

A young man goes to art school just as a serial killer is targeting people in the neighborhood. His work is summarily dismissed by his pompous professor and he decides to find ways to "get even." The whole thing felt contrived and phoned in. It didn't show me anything new about art school or society.

Murry liked this movie, so maybe you will too. Look for it in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364955/

OiVey

Book Review Wishcraft, How to Get What You Really Want

Wishcraft:
How to Get What You REALLY want
by Barbara Sher

Someone recommended this book just after I separated from my ex husband and I couldn't' find it in the bookstore. A few years later, I found it at a rummage sale. I LOVE the life changing goal setting advice.

Sher is my kinda people. I've since read two others of her work from the Coos County Library System. She has readers write a "dream day" to help with making a plan, and I've brought 80% of that day into my life. You can too.

Check out Wishcraft from North Bend or Coos Bay branches. Remember, books can be held and sent to any library branch.

Keep on readin!

OiVey

Movie Review Just Like Heaven

Just Like Heaven

This RomCom with a metaphysical twist starts slow, but once it gets going, you'll laugh and cry. Reese Witherspoon stars as a ghost like figure haunting her stylish apartment. When Mark Ruffalo's character movies in she haunts him.

Check it out of Bandon and Dora library branches.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425123/

OiVey

Movie Review American Movie

American Movie

As I understand it, movies about making movies aren't usually that successful. While this documents one independent filmmakers dream, it seemed rather sad. I would hope that someone would have more of their life together, ie take better care of their children before embarking on a quest for one's heart's desire.

Ah well, mostly a bore, but if you are just OBSESSED with cinematic process, take a look in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181288/

OiVey

Movie Review Amazing Adventure

Amazing Adventure

Early Cary Grant SWOON! A spoiled rich man makes a bet with his doctor to live in poverty an entire year. I like old movies with sweet plots and this is such a tender Cinderella story. Well worth a bit of your time.

Check it out from Myrtle Point. Sometimes when older movies are put on DVD their titles get changed. I found the title The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss in IMDB.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027286/

Buy it on Amazon
The Amazing Adventure

Download it from Amazon
The Amazing Adventure

Moive Review: Fantastic 4

Fantastic 4

Both Murry and I are huge science fiction fans and this has some interesting little tidbits of space stations and technology that are neat to look at. I just could care less about the characters or plot.

Four friends get exposed to radiation while on a space station. This gives them super human powers which they use to fight evil. Yada Yada Yada.

Sub par acting left me going eh. Have a couple hours to kill? Look for Fantastic 4 in Bandon, North Bend or Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120667/

Movie Review All I want

All I Want

So I sometimes don't pay that close attention when I'm watching and I mistook Elijah Wood for Tobey Maguire. In my defense, they have a similar look. Wood mesmerizes as a strange freshmen experiencing life in his off campus apartment. Two love interests and strange goings on with his mother both confound and intrigued me. I am calling this film a gem because I think it's worth the weird twists and turns.

The Internet Movie Database calls it "Try Seventeen" for those of you who might use another source for your viewing. Coos County residents can find it in Bandon and Lakeside under "All I Want."

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311941/

OiVey

Movie Review Babel

Babel

Dear Brad Pitt, can I please have my two hours back? Real life people make all kinds of bad choices and run their life off into ditches. I don't really think it's all that entertaining unless there's some point. I don't know why the white couple were in Morocco, I don't know why the Mexican maid thought she could take the kids across the border without permission and what is with the Japanese girl? The only people who I understood their motivations were the Moroccan kids. They were CHILDREN and couldn't understand the implications of firing a rifle.

Creepy, pointless and boring, in that see look at us we made a dramatic movie to get Oscar buzz, but there's no other reason for this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449467/

OiVey

Book Review Martha Beck: Finding Your Own North Star

Finding Your Own North Star
by Martha Beck

I read another blog called Get Rich Slowly and they posted an O magazine article from Martha Beck about self consciousness. Read the article at the Oprah URL below. It reminded me of Beck's wonderful self help advice in North Star. She puts you through the paces of an emotional exercise plan that can help anyone live a fulfilled and happy life.

http://www.oprah.com/spiritself/omag/ss_omag_200707_mbeck.jhtml

Go straight to the Coos County Library site and look up Martha Beck and you'll find this book and a few others. http://www.cooslibraries.org/

OiVey

Movie Review Beyond the Sea

Beyond the Sea

While I love Kevin Spacey this film fell short of his usual quality acting. I like a good biopic, but I guess Bobby Darin just wasn't that interesting a guy. His ego and volatile relationship with his wife, actress Sandra Dee, struck me as pathetic.

Big fan of Darin, Spacey or Dee? Check out the film in North Bend and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363473/

OiVey

Movie Review: Last King of Scotland

Last King of Scotland

Forest Whitaker's performance won him the much deserved Oscar for his portrayal as Idi Amin. On talk shows the actor is shy and humble, on screen, you can just feel the woosh of energy emanating from him. A Scottish physician finds himself charmed by the charismatic Ugandan leader, until madness and paranoia drive Amin into violent outbursts.

Click the library link above and search for this outstanding film in Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455590/

Buy it on Amazon
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)

Movie Review Capote

Capote

I know it's a rather obvious choice because of Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance, but this film had so much more going for it than Oscar contention. The story and friendship between Truman Capote and Harper Lee, not to mention how much Capote identified with the murderers.

Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend and Myrtle Point all have copies of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379725/

Buy it on Amazon
Capote

Movie Review 13 Rue Madeleine

13 Rue Madeleine

This 1947 depiction of world war II American spy mission held my interest til the end. James Cagney trains his men to fight Nazi Germany, until he discoveres one of them is a spy for the other side.

Bandon and Coos Bay both have copies of this fine film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038279/

Buy it on Amazon
13 Rue Madeleine

Movie Review Barnyard

Barnyard

Apparently in this universe there are boy cows and girl cows and animals walk and talk and party like humans. There are laughs here and there but more entertainment value in a California milk commercial. I like the one where they sing Sunshine Day.

It seems a little too teenagey for littler kids, so I would view it before plopping the younguns in front of this video. Look for it at the Bandon Library branch.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414853/

OiVey

Movie Review Beautiful Thing and Better Than Chocolate

A Beautiful Thing

A brit teen discovers his sexual attraction to his friend in this sweet story about a boy coming to terms with his gay orientation. He lives in a tenement with his mum and surrounded by neighbors with unusual points of view.

Look for A Beautiful Thing in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115640/

Buy it from Amazon
Beautiful Thing

Better Than Chocolate

This film features a lesbian struggling to find a way to tell her mother she's gay. I'd always thought Canada was much more progressive about sexual orientation, but I guess I was wrong. Lots of sexually explicit scenes in this film, notably an apartment filled with vibrators of many shapes and sizes. Don't worry, though for adults, this film is quite funny and touching.

Taste Better Than Chocolate also in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168987/

Buy it on Amazon
Better Than Chocolate

Movie Review The Ant Bully

The Ant Bully

Though this animated feature contains the voice talents of Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Paul Giamatti, they couldn't save it from the bad plot monster. A small boy terrorizes an ant colony until one of the ant scientists shrinks him. The queen makes him one of the society and he tries to get along. Try a Bugs Life or ANTZ. Either one will satisfy more than this dog.

Look for it in Coos Bay, Bandon and Dora.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429589/

OiVey

Movie Review Baadasssss!

Baadasssss!

Yet another film with a different title off IMDB. This one has a title of How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass but I'm using the library title to make it easier to find it there.

The story and history this film depicts is harsh. I'd like to see some more black cinema it references. Murry said he found Watermelon Man very interesting, but alas the library does not have a copy.

Mario Van Peebles depicts his filmmaker father, Melvin during the making of his groundbreaking 1971 independent film. Look through the special features at the documentary with Melvin and others involved in the early production. Plus, take note of the truly multi cultural film crew.

A man with a dream can move the world. Check for the film in Bandon

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367790/

OiVey

Movie Review A Simple Curve

A Simple Curve

I'm going to give this a soso rating, but I'm glad I saw it. It's the tale of an old hippy draft dodger and his son as they conflict over civilization catching up to them. The son, Caleb, goes off on a new age house guest about carob (the so called chocolate substitute) that totally had me falling down laughing. You'll just have to see it to understand.

Caleb has reached the point in his life where he has to decide to seperate from his father's values and form his own. Check it out in Coos Bay.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422458/

OiVey

Movie Review Bagdad Cafe

Bagdad Cafe

WEEIRDNESS ok, this fim shows up on IMDB as OUT OF ROSENHEIM. I have NO idea why, but I thought I'd mention it in case you get confused like me.

A strange German woman shows up at a high desert truck stop and cafe. She finds a way into the crusty heart of the truck stop owner Brenda and helps build the business into a thriving hot spot. I use the word "quirky" too much, I realize, but it so fits!

Search for Bagdad Cafe in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095801/

Buy it on Amazon
Bagdad Cafe

Movie Review All the Queen's Men

All the Queen's Men

Who knew Matt LeBlanc can act?! I'd never heard of this silly film before I saw it in the library list. It's a World War II romp about a group of, um, men who try and steal an enigma machines from the Germans. Eddie Izzard teaches them how to fit inside a factory run entirely by women. It seems they were trying to do a "dramedy," and it mostly worked for me. I kinda wish they'd decided to go for all laughs or go for serious with funny bits happening naturally. No matter, it's enough to get a Good rating from me.

Check out this fun film in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252223/

OiVey

Reason for this blog

I've been meaning to start a blog on "interesting movies" I found at the Library. I started out just picking movies off the shelf in Coos Bay and North Bend at random. I found some good ones just because I liked the actors or I'd heard about them somewhere. Then when I logged on to the library web site, I found I could click on DVDs and go through the list alphabetically. I'm still on the B's at the moment, but I think there's enough to start posting some "should see" with comments.

The library and Internet Movie Database links are to the upper left. Any reader can comment. I've made labels at the bottom of each review so you can see clearly a list of what I consider a gem, good, soso or dog. Also family and adult theme can be selected.

Suggestions welcome. Post a comment and I'll see what I can do.

Happy viewing Oregon!

OiVey

Movie Review Chocolate

Chocolate

A gypsy woman and her daughter swirl into a small French town during a windstorm and soon open a chocolate shop. Townsfolk discover the decadence of the perfect sweet spot, though some conservative faithful balk at her Sunday store hours. Juliette Binoche stars and look for Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and others in this sweet romantic film.

Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend all have DVD copies of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241303/

Buy it on Amazon
Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)

Movie Reviews

Ok, this IS a review post, but I decided to do three movies in one. I will post the links and tell what library but I disliked them so much, I wont bother with seperating them into individual posts.

The Family Stone

Sarah Jessica Parker stars as an uptight finance going home to meet Dermot Mulroney strange, free spirited family. While You Were Sleeping did this plot better and with tons more charm and grace. See that instead.

Insist on seeing it? Look in Coos Bay, North Bend or Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356680/

Best Laid Plans

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend. Di it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end. Ok, old song lyrics aside, this pointless random screwing people over film just left me cold. Reese Witherspoon and Josh Brolin star.

Coquille, North Bend, Dora and Coos Bay all have copies.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133412/

War of the Worlds.

I don't consider two hours of Dakota Fanning screaming her head off as entertainment. Want some special effects science fiction fun? Try 5th Element.

If you want to see the story, try the 1953 version, it's also at the library. To see Tom Cruise wet his pants look in Powers, Dora, Coos Bay, Myrtle Point or Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407304/