Movie #24- "Seven Psychopaths" (2012)

I really wanted to love this movie.  "In Bruges"(also from Martin McDonagh) was a nice change from the usual hitman movie, and I was expecting more of the same.  Instead, I simply liked it.  This isn't to take away from some of the high notes this film hits.  There are some great visuals contained in "Seven Psychopaths" along with some cool passages of dialogue.  And I can't forget to mention Christopher Walken, who is usually worth a watch.
However, this movie can be broken down into two parts.  The first half contains plenty of violence as the search of a missing dog begins.  We get to the second half, and the tone shifts, becoming more thoughtful and reflective as the characters discuss a screenplay Colin Farrell is working on, called "Seven Psychopaths."  Don't worry, still plenty of violence.  And the screenplay is the main focal point of the film, with the dog kidnapping acting as a catalyst.
I appreciate what McDonagh was trying to do.  I liked each half separately, but it didn't work for me as a whole.  It was a movie that you enjoy, but something seems a little off.  With that being said, I would still be interested in the next project from McDonagh. 


Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 22

Movie #23- "Man on Wire" (2008)

When I was in college, I took a class in documentaries.  We looked at several of the earlier films of this genre, so I've seen "Triumph of the Will" more than once.  However, the documentary film was one that I never really held an interest in until the last couple years.  My wife is a fan of the form and as I've gotten older, I've started to take an interest.
"Man on Wire" is a fascinating story that combines different elements of storytelling.  The film focuses on Philippe Petit and his tightrope walking adventure between the World Trade Center's twin towers.  What Petit accomplished was an illegal act, yet you find yourself cheering him on.  His description of the act throughout the film is a mix of insanity, defiance, and poetry.  His obsession of this feat is amazing.  And while the other members of crew describe the events, it goes from documentary to a spy caper with the men sneaking into the buildings to set up this stunt.
I was surprised by the amount of footage and photos that were available leading up to the event.  Unfortunately, the film makers felt the need to fill in the gaps with reenactments, which knocked the rating down for me.  It is a little eerie looking back at these two prominent pieces of the New York skyline and an event that could never happen again.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 21

Movie #22- "Flashdance" (1983)

Yes, I went there.  I think there are very few films that scream "Eighties!" louder than "Flashdance."  It's a 90 minute music video featuring a couple hit songs that helped set several fashion trends.  Then look at the people involved.  Not the actors, but rather those behind the scenes.  Jerry Bruckheimer.  Don Simpson.  Peter Guber.  Jon Peters.  Joe Eszterhas.  A list of insiders with a remarkable amount of credits for the films of the 80s and 90s.  But what about "Flashdance", the actual movie?
The plot seems to boil down to this; welder/dancer dates boss, she applies to ballet school, guy she dates surprisingly has ties, and he gets her an audition.  It waters down the message of following your dreams against the odds when you're sleeping with a guy that can help your career.  And the one character that strikes out on his own, fails (although he seems to only try for a few weeks).  In fact, when you really break down this film, a lot of it doesn't make much sense.  With the barrage of music and dancing, it doesn't need to make sense.  So many questions.  How does the bar/burger joint pay the dancers (the patrons never seem to tip them)?  Who's responsible for the props and professional lighting? Did she get accepted into the school?  And if so, will her dance doubles also get accepted?  I do have to credit them for casting Lee Ving, the lead singer of the punk band Fear, in the "bad guy" role.  Some iconic 80s scenes, yet kind of silly.

Rating: 5/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 20

Movie #21- "The Thin Man" (1934)

There have been talks about Hollywood remaking "The Thin Man".  I understand the reasons.  A perfect combination of murder mystery and fast-paced comedy.  At the same, I also understand how Hollywood will screw it up.  They've tried in the past to update the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 40s with seemingly limited success.  I'm sure dollar signs are dancing in someone's head at the potential of another franchise.
Personally I was surprised by the amount of enjoyment the movie provided me.  Nick and Nora were a treat to watch, and could probably drink Delta House under the table while referring to it as a "light breakfast."  It would be interesting to see how an update would handle the alcohol consumption (although I'm still against it). 
I knew that "The Thin Man" would be a breezy, lightweight comedy yet I wasn't expecting the film noir aspect so common of movies from that period.  The dinner scene involving all the suspects is pure fun and the highlight of the film.  Seven movies were made in the series and they even added a child.  Apparently Nick and Nora needed someone to act as bartender.   

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 19

Movie #20- "The Paperboy" (2012)

Wow, this movie is a hot mess.  As I've stated before, I like the smaller, character driven films.  But this one just didn't work for me.  The basic plot is simple enough; woman writes prisoner, falls in love, gets newspaper writer to prove the man is innocent (there are other subplots that flesh out the story).  It's an opportunity for actors to go against type, especially John Cusack as the convicted murderer who lives in the swamps of Florida.
But it tries too hard to be arty and edgy.  Plenty of shots with handheld camera, drenched in sunlight and draining the color.  This is a very sexual movie, but in this case, it's more violent than erotic.  Some of those scenes are aspects of the characters, while others just seem to be added for pure shock value.  I think there's a good movie somewhere in here, screaming to get out.


Rating: 4/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 18

Movie #19- "Zero Dark Thirty" (2012)

Intense.  Disturbing.  Controversial.  At times, confusing.  Several words could be used in the description of this film.  With "Zero Dark Thirty", the hunt for Osama bin Laden has become a riveting piece of work.  This is the kind of film designed to create a conversation (and possible argument) after viewing it.
The film opens in a disturbing manner, with just audio from 9/11.  Shortly after, we are thrust into the usage of torture as a means to obtain information.  While we've seen more gruesome methods used in television and movies (Jack Bauer anyone?), the psychological elements of the torture also unfold.
However, the first half can also be confusing with the number of Al Qaeda names that are tossed around.  Even if you followed the events, you still need a flow chart.
Jessica Chastain brings the intensity, starting as a seemingly meek CIA operative, who becomes obsessed with the final goal of the mission.  She has no problem clashing with others to get Bin Laden.  And this pressure cooker builds until the apex when Navy SEAL Team 6 descends upon the compound in the final 30 minutes.
Of course, when you delve into a subject like this, you will generate controversy.  Some question the factual nature of the material while others make reference to a political agenda.  However, it's a solid story that motivates discussion.  The end of 2012 produced some very good films.  


Rating: 9/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 17

Movie #18- "The Music Man" (1962)

The musical.  A genre that I have very little experience with and one that I enjoy more on stage than in film.  I think my opinions of the musical may have been developed in high school.  Apparently when you audition for a part, you need the ability to carry a tune.  Since my singing is rather limited, I was relegated to the smaller, non-singing, non-dancing roles.  For this project, I was sooner or later going to have to leave my comfort zone and jump right into the musical.
"The Music Man" is the favorite of a friend and co-worker.  While she is several years younger than me, she loves the musicals from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.  I often joke with her about being born in the wrong era.  So for my first musical, I let her make the choice.
In watching "The Music Man", I was a bit conflicted.  It seems that a lot of the musicals from that time take place in a simpler and idealistic America.  I had to take that into consideration, knowing that it would be a combination of charming and corny.  I was surprised with my familiarity of the music and songs.  Robert Preston played Professor Harold Hill on Broadway and it shows as he dominates every scene he's in.  Meanwhile, Shirley Jones basically outsings everyone else.  Unfortunately, I didn't find the rest of the cast that interesting (sorry Buddy Hackett) and while the director offers some different perspectives using camera angles, it generally feels like the filmed version of a stage show.
If it's any consolation, I didn't dislike "The Music Man" as much as I feared.  I can appreciate the effort.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 16

Movie #17- "Rear Window" (1954)

I am embarrassed.  As a film fan, I hate to admit the number of Alfred Hitchcock films I've seen over the years.  That number is... three.  I would rate "Psycho" as one of my top ten favorite films, which I have watched multiple times.  The other two, "North By Northwest" and "Notorious", caught my eye only in the last couple years.  So I'm hoping to get a few more Hitchcock films under my belt by the end of the year.
While "Rear Window" is nearly 60 years old, I was surprised how well it holds up.  Since the technology has improved over the years, the concept of voyeurism has actually become more relevant.  Except now, we take what we see/record and post it online.
A couple things about this film really stuck me.  First, I like how Hitchcock tells several stories involving the residents of the apartment complex without giving them much in the way of dialogue.  And secondly, the way he builds the suspense in what he doesn't show.  I realize that Hitchcock had to work within the framework of the era, but sometimes less is more.  Finally, I know that James Stewart has played several "All-American" characters in his career, but in "Rear Window", he's kind of ass.  Sure he's the hero, yet not the most pleasant guy.
Can't wait to tackle more classic Hitchcock this year.



Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 15

Movie #16- "Jeff, Who Lives at Home" (2011)

Until about the middle of 2012, I had a limited knowledge of Mark Duplass and his brother Jay.  I'm a fan of "The League", so I was aware of Mark's work as Pete on that show.  Unknown to me was his "other" career as a writer/director.   "Cyrus" served as an introduction, followed by "Safety Not Guaranteed" (which Mark stars in and serves as an Executive Producer) and that lead me to "Jeff, Who Lives At Home."
This is the kind of movie I enjoy.  Low budget, quirky characters, some laughs along the way with a few surprises.  Films that offer some correlation to real life and situations that are part of the human experience.  In this case, it's finding your purpose in life and wasted potential.  And depending on your belief system, that small, random incidents could be signs of greater things.  I'm curious about their other films, especially in regards to the camera work as they zoom in-and-out on characters, which at first is jarring, then you gradually except it. 
No big summation here, just a small, enjoyable film.


Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 14

Movie #15- "Sexy Beast" (2000)

For the second day, I watched a film featuring a psychotic madman.  However, each character brought a different level of crazy to the table.  With "Sexy Beast", Ben Kingsley takes a man with violent tendencies and adds a childish nature to him.  This is someone who will not take "no" as an answer and turns into a 6 year old throwing a fit inside Toys R Us.
The description of the movie short sells it a bit.  Yes, the "one last heist" plays into the final portion of the film and we've seen that done several times.  What sets "Sexy Beast" apart is that Gal (Ray Winstone) wants to stay retired.  Retirement has been good to him.  He absolutely wants no part of the heist.  Don Logan (Kingsley) will not accept this response.  That's really the focus of the film, Logan's inability to handle Gal's rejection.  It makes him crazy (or crazier).
Kingsley got nominated for an Oscar and it's fun to watch him in the role.  He's violent man, filled with rage, yet his tantrums are nearly comedic.  Considering the man once played Gandhi,  it's a fabulous contrast.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 13

Movie #14- "Blue Velvet" (1986)

"Blue Velvet" is a film that I should have been a big fan of in college.  It was daring, challenging, and strange.  Yet it wasn't until "Twin Peaks" (and I didn't immediately jump on that bandwagon either) that I discovered the world of David Lynch.  The connection between the two is striking, especially the visuals Lynch creates.
I guess what pushed me toward this film was Lynch's appearance during the recent season of "Louie".  His character seems to be a throwback to an earlier Hollywood and someone that walk out of a Lynch movie.  I tried to describe "Blue Velvet" to a co-worker, and while you can hit the plot points, it really doesn't sell the film.  The best way I could surmise it was as a nightmare version of a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew mystery.  The idealistic view of the 1960s, combined with a seedy darkness of modern times.  I don't imagine many actresses willing to venture into the the territory Isabella Rossellini explores and Dennis Hopper is one of the most menacing characters on film.  Lynch carefully balances beauty and darkness, sometimes combining the two such as the scene with Dean Stockwell singing "In Dreams" into a caged light.
"Blue Velvet" is truly not for everyone's taste, as evidenced by Roger Ebert's less than stellar review.  But it one that will catch your attention.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 12

Movie #13- "Taken 2" (2012)

When the original "Taken" came out in 2008, it was unexpected.  Here was 56 year old Liam Neeson headlining an action film, a guy not known for that genre.  With plenty of Neeson kicking ass and a great speech about having "a particular set of skills", the movie had a good run at the box office.  A sequel wasn't necessary, but with money to be made, four years later we get "Taken 2".
I remember several people telling me how excited they were to see the movie.  And yet, I never heard anyone talking about it after the fact.  That lead me to believe that either they didn't see it or it wasn't very good.  I've seen "Taken 2" and it was obviously the latter.
The plot seemed simple enough, revenge.  Plausible idea, and the filmmakers felt the need to up the ante by including the entire family for this adventure.  So far, I'm with you.  Then it takes 30 minutes before the actual "taken" aspect of the film to finally happens.  You're starting to lose me since I don't really need an update of Neeson and the family.  Then his unlikely ally turns out to be his daughter.  It falls apart for me from there.
Unfortunately this one also did well at the box office and the door is wide open for "Taken 3".  Maybe this one will add a new family member, Aunt Nelly, who is visiting the Mills family from Florida.

Rating: 4/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 11

Movie #12- "Dr. No" (1962)

My first James Bond experience was Roger Moore.  It was back in the 1970s, when ABC would air their Sunday Night Movie.  I can't recall whether "The Man With the Golden Gun" was my first Bond film or "Live And Let Die".  I have seen every Bond movie in the theater since "The Spy Who Loved Me", with the exception of "For Your Eyes Only".  I even count "Never Say Never Again" in that tally (although many Bond fans won't).
I know Sean Connery is often considered the best Bond, but his portrayal of the character is something that I have a vague knowledge.  I've seen bits and pieces of his early Bond work, just not uncut and in their entirety.  So another wrong that I'm hoping to right with this project and I figured I would go to the start of the series.
It is startling to witness the changes the series has gone through since the beginning.  In "Dr. No", there is no action sequence before the opening credits... no gadgets... and Bond seems to have respect for those in charge.  The story generally stays in one place, Jamaica, as opposed to the globetrotting Bond.  Despite the fact "Dr. No" is 50 years old, it holds up.  Sure, there are several outdated aspects of the film due to fashion and technology (the green screen car chase is kind of funny and everyone seems to smoke).  And new Bond fans might complain about the lack of action sequences in the film.  The groundwork though is set... an evil genius trying to threaten the world.  Extra points for not revealing the villain until the final 30 minutes.  The genesis of Bond, the film version, is an interesting one and I'm sure the name Bond will appear a couple more times this year.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 10

Movie #11- "That Thing You Do!" (1996)

The title song is catchy... it has to be.  If it isn't, then it sinks this film from the start.  It is the kind of song that will get stuck in your head for a few days.  Hearing it throughout the movie also helps.  Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) has a great touch when it comes to writing a pop tune, and this song really captures an era.
This is Tom Hanks love letter to the pop bands of the 1960s.  The one-hit wonders... the thrill of hearing your current favorite song on the radio... the excitement of buying a 45 (kids, ask your parents or maybe grandparents).  It was an era when labels would send their bands out on a package tour to the screams of teenage girls.  It's a few years before my time, but I do remember of the joys of listening to the radio and purchasing my favorite vinyl.  It brought back some memories.  And while the music format has changed over the years, some things don't (personal commentary alert), like the industry finding the next big thing and exploiting it to the nth degree.
Hanks does a good job in nailing the look and feel of the era, but this is a love letter.  Just a few, slight glimpses into the dark underbelly of the music industry.  Also, the band's demise is telegraphed far too early in the film and handled far too conveniently.
Overall I enjoyed "That Thing You Do!".  Now if I can just get the song out of my head (I've been thinking of it this entire time).

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 9

Movie #10- "Rocky III" (1982)

I basically stopped watching the Rocky series after "Rocky II".  I did see "Rocky Balboa"... it was free.  I missed Rocky fighting Clubber Lang, robots, aliens, and zombie Apollo Creed (I'm guessing).   If I were to take a stab at the plots of the remaining films, it's probably Rocky overcoming the odds to beat an opponent who is a better fighter.  I doubt Rocky pummeling lesser fighters, senior citizens, and coma patients for 90 minutes would make an interesting movie (maybe 15 minutes... only so much blood lust a person can handle).  So I headed into "Rocky III" and "Eye of the Tiger", which was a song you couldn't get away from in 1982 and was required to be used in every sports montage.
I think what caught me most about this film was Mr. T.  This was before he became a punchline.  That's a shame because in watching him, he's scary in this film.  He displays some real anger.  I believe he wants to rip Rocky's head off, then use it as a punching bag.  And given Rocky's attitude, I'm kind of rooting for that to happen.  Does that make me a bad person?
Obviously we know the outcome given that "Rocky IV" appeared 3 years later.  A nice piece of nostalgia that doesn't really need a second viewing.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 8

Movie #9- "Road House" (1989)

Technically, I am not a "child of the 80's".  70's would be more accurate.  However, I did spend half the decade in college, a time in which my tastes in music, movies, and television were really honed.  So I revel in 80's pop culture.  I've seen my fair share of cheese from that decade, but this film had eluded me.  It showed up on a cable movie channel last month, and after watching about 20 minutes, I came to the conclusion that this had to be viewed in its entirety.
Gratuitous violence and nudity along with 80's fashion, "Road House" really screams the decade.  It's funny that they gave Swayze's character a degree in philosophy, not that he's quoting Nietzsche or Descartes while kicking ass.  I guess that makes him deep.  There was one odd quote in the movie that I'm not sure of the intention.  During a fight scene, a character battling Swayze says, "I used to f**k guys like you in prison."  Is that supposed to be threatening, or is the character letting Swayze know he's available if the romance with Kelly Lynch doesn't work? 
The rating is based more on comedic entertainment value than actual quality. 

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 7

Movie #8- "Stranger Than Paradise" (1984)

It's been over 20 years since I first watched this film and there were just a few things I remember:
1) I watched on basic cable... with commercial breaks.
2) Jim Jarmusch used blackouts between scenes, which I'm guessing make it easier to edit for television.
3) Screamin' Jay Hawkins "I Put A Spell On You" appears throughout the film.
4) The plot involves a young girl from a foreign country visiting her cousin.
I also remember it being very minimalistic, but not as vividly as I noticed with a second viewing.  Not much really happens in the film, with Jarmusch relying on the characters and his style/shot composition.  It's a suite in three movements; girl visits cousin in New York, cousin and friend visit girl in Cleveland, the trio travel to Florida with a taste of irony to finish.  One of the main features that struck me with "Stranger Than Paradise" was how Jarmusch manages to take the vibrancy out of the three locations.  If snow didn't factor into the Cleveland scenes, you could almost interchange all three locations and not know it (Florida is not glamorous here).  It's a fascinating piece of work from a guy who's filmography I know, yet haven't had the pleasure of watching.  Hoping this project will rectify that situation.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 6

Movie #7- "House at the End of the Street" (2012)

Congratulations Jennifer Lawrence.  You have now entered the pantheon of talented actors/actresses that have a horror movie in their resume.  Not only does this film star one Oscar-nominated actresses, but two (Elisabeth Shue plays her mother).  I'm guessing this movie was shot before "Hunger Games", then conveniently released after that movie became a hit.
I realize the appeal of PG-13 horror films to the studios since a younger audience can attend them.  Yet, they're never scary.  You can scare people minus gore, it just doesn't happen here.  In fact, the first hour plays more like an Afterschool Special.  Thankfully it was a free rental.

Rating: 3/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 6

Movie #6- "Django Unchained" (2012)

Cutting the trailer for a Tarantino film has to be a fun, yet difficult job.  Here's a director that stuffs his work with so many great lines, colorful characters, and wonderful shots.  I guess the violence and language does limit your choices (unless it's a red-banded trailer), upping the difficult factor.  The trailer did its job, priming me for the next Tarantino experience.
You may notice I had the opportunity to see a couple films in the theater over the weekend in an attempt to play catch-up from the holiday glut.  So many anticipated films, and I still have "The Hobbit" on the list.  In terms of "Django Unchained", Tarantino did not disappoint.  I'm sure the running time will scare a few people (165 minutes) as will the subject matter, but despite a couple slower moments, "Django" moves.  The violence is over-the-top (the blood really sprays) and it produced one of the biggest laughs I've had at a movie in a while.  I would love to see Tarantino during the creative process, beyond just the ideas.  His actors seem to have fun (especially Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio), and that vibe is infectious with the audience.  Can't wait to see where he goes next.

Rating: 9/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 5

Movie #5- "This Is 40" (2012)

Paul Rudd reminds me of John Cusack.  They both have that likable,  "everyman" quality.  The kind of guy that could steal your girl, and you'd still have a beer with him the following week.  While I realize that Cusack's career has gone in a different direction, someone should put the two of them in a comedy together as brothers.  And at times, Rudd appears to play the adult/older versions of characters Cusack played when he was younger.  Pete from "This Is 40" could easily be the future version of Rob from "High Fidelity".  Maybe a little angrier than Rob, but a logical step if Rob got married and had kids.
"This Is 40" is Judd Apatow's answer to the rom-com, an occasional messy look at marriage and family.  I think most couples will find a moment or two in which they can relate to the characters.  Our moment was an odd one, when they are discussing music in the car.  Pete is jamming to the Pixies while his wife would rather be listening to Lady Gaga.  A common occurrence in our car is for my wife to be asking "What are we listening to?" while I'm driving.  She got a Bruno Mars CD for Christmas while I'll be downloading the Graham Parker release they were promoting in the movie.  In fact, I kind of want his job (Pete owns a record label that produces artists he admired while probably in college).  Well, the job minus the debt.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 4

Movie #4- "Taxi Driver" (1976)

How the hell have I never seen this movie?  Seriously.  When putting a list together of some classic films I've never seen, this one easily makes the top five... maybe top three.  One of the reasons I wanted to do this project was to knock several of those classics off the list.  Several years ago, my wife and I had compiled a list of films that we felt the other person should see, but hadn't.  This was one of the big surprises on the list (I have knocked several off the list since).  I realize that I was maybe too young when "Taxi Driver" was originally released.  But given the myriad of film courses I took in college, one would figure this movie would appear on a viewing list.  Or maybe I somehow avoided it.
I think my biggest surprise in watching "Taxi Driver" was how little I actually knew about the film.  The "Are you talking to me?" scene is iconic and Jodie Foster playing a 12 1/2 year old prostitute was controversial.  Even the plot synopsis offers a bit of misdirection, playing this strictly as a vigilante movie with DeNiro's character violently lashing out against the decadence of New York.  Sure he does, but it's the groundwork leading to his actions that are the driving force of the film.  Scorsese really captures the seedy underbelly of New York City, making the city essentially one of the stars of the film.  Of course DeNiro is incredible, I just wasn't aware of the acting contributions of Cybill Shepard, Peter Boyle, or even Albert Brooks.
One final thing that stuck me was how well Travis Bickle would play in our current entertainment climate, especially with the direction television has taken.  With such characters as Walter White, Nucky Thompson, and Rick Grimes, we have a new batch of anti-heroes, who blur the line and venture into the grey area of good and evil.  Travis would fit comfortably beside these men.


Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 3

Movie #3- "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)

2012 was a very good year for the super hero movie.  The Avengers, Batman, and Spiderman all made appearances, cleaning up at the box office.  And I had the opportunity to see all of those movies.  2011 had its share of super hero movies, but none of them really inspired me like this past year.  Captain America, Thor, Green Lantern, and the Green Hornet just didn't offer the same appeal as the 2012 crop of action films.  But I decided to go back to watch "Captain America" because of "The Avengers".
And for that, I have to give Marvel credit.  They whetted our appetite for this film a few years ago and continued to build on that promise.  I'm not a comic book geek, but throwing Samuel L. Jackson in at the end of "Iron Man" caught my attention.  Who the hell is Nick Fury and why is he in this movie?  An excellent job of building anticipation even for those of us not in the know.  However, when "The Avengers" finally arrives, but haven't seen the other movies leading up to it, you have almost a sense of obligation to go back and watch them.
Unfortunately, working in that mode also brings a bit of disappointment.  As much as I enjoyed "The Avengers", "Captain America" was a bit of a let down.  I expected some of the cheese that would go with the character, but felt that they didn't fully deliver on a promising idea.  Tommy Lee Jones though, is someone I enjoy watching regardless of the movie.  Maybe "Thor" may pop up later this year.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 2

Movie #2- "Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold" (2011)

Okay, I admit this is an odd choice for the second movie in this project.  I've had several friends offer suggestions to some of the classic films that I've missed over the years.  Call this one the "Netflix effect."  Everyone has done it.  You rent a movie before the holidays, with the thought of watching it.  Then it sits on your desk for a few weeks, getting buried by mail, magazines, and various other items.  I pulled it out of the pile a couple days ago, and decided that this would be the day this disc would greet my DVD player.  Good choice.
I had a vague idea on the focus.  Morgan Spurlock would try to use product placement as a means to finance his film.  Product placement has become more prominent in our entertainment choices and the idea seemed to be latching on to this increasing trend.  However, watching Spurlock go through the process, and the pro and con commentary makes for an interesting watch.  But is it a documentary or a brazen piece of advertising?  Can it be both?  Should it be both?
I dig Spurlock, and not just his films, but also the television series "30 Days."  Since the film centers around his quest, your enjoyable depends on your tolerance of him.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 1

Movie #1- "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984)

When you enter my home, you are greeted by the movie poster for "This Is Spinal Tap."  My wife and I watched it on our first date.  I remember seeing it in a theater shortly after it opened.  I still own a copy of the soundtrack... on vinyl.  So I figured I would start this project in my comfort zone, a film I knew quite well.  It's been a few years since I last took in this classic, and in watching it today, it still generates many laughs.
Several scenes from "This Is Spinal Tap" will elicit a response from people regardless of the number of times they've seen it.  Amplifiers that go to eleven... dwarves dancing around Stonehenge... Harry Shearer unable to escape his pod... airport security and produce... the list could go on.  But once you get past the big laughs, you find a lot of subtle humor and tossed off lines that occasionally get lost in the quick pace of the film (it only runs 82 minutes).  One example is a scene featuring their manager Ian (Tony Hendra), complaining about the record company experimenting with new packaging material.  Derek (Shearer) wonders if monkeys are opening them (hey, it made me laugh).
In watching "This Is Spinal Tap", you realize that not a single performance in this film is wasted, especially the cameos.  Fred Willard, Bruno Kirby, and Paul Shaffer are hilarious in small roles, although one of my favorites is Ed Begley Jr.in a wordless appearance.
Spinal Tap's influence has spread through several movies, and it seems to be impossible to make a music-related film without the comparison.  Simply stated, it's a brilliant piece of comedy. 

Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 1
First time viewings: 0