April Recap

Holy crap, did I get behind.  The movie watching has continued, but the blogging hasn't kept pace.  Only 9 posts this month is not good considering that's a huge part of the project.  Still watching movies, as 119 days into the year, I'm at movie 107.  Looks like May and June will be a good time to play catch up.  Thanks to all who have checked in with the page to this point.

Movie #83- "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" (2013)

This is the kind of film I find frustrating.  You take an interesting premise, along with a group of talented, funny people, and still wind up with a project that goes off the tracks.  Las Vegas magicians may not be the current notion for satire material.  Funny can still elevate an outdated idea.  Funny however, is what this film is lacking.
Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi are a Vegas magician duo (Wonderstone and Marvelton), much in the grand style of Siegfried and Roy minus the cats.  Their act took Vegas by storm, but over the years, the pair continue to perform the same act and shtick, losing the hotel audience along the way.  Enter Jim Carrey as a Criss Angel/David Blaine hybrid, attracting an audience with his street side magic and over-the-top stunts.  Wonderstone and Marvelton feel threatened by his antics.  When the two attempt to level the playing field, the ensuing stunt breaks the duo apart.  And there not only lies the plot of the film, but when it heads in the wrong direction.
Carell makes Wonderstone a highly unlikeable character, which makes it hard to root for him when the team splits.  He's arrogant and abusive, which I realize those traits offer the character a chance to grow.  Even when he achieves that moment, he's still kind of a dick.  On the flip side, Buscemi.is grossly underused.  His journey following the split is less than inspired.  Carrey's Steve Ray has a couple hilarious stunts, through his character seems to have walked in from a different movie about magicians.  Alan Arkin brings some laughs in a small role while James Gandolfini adds little with his presence 
If you've seen the trailer, then you know most of the good jokes.  However, the final minutes surrounding their big, new illusion actually provides the best laughs of the film.  "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is one of those films you watch, then see it on cable one night, and you can't remember if you've seen it.
 
Rating: 5/10
Movies I've previously viewed: 6
First time viewings: 77

Movie #82- "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948)

Another suggestion from my co-worker, but this one didn't really resonate with me.  I've enjoyed several of  the screwball comedies from the 1930s and 40s, yet somehow, I found this one leaving a sour note.  I understand the difficulties in building a home.  I've talked with several people about the trials and tribulations of the process and even our recent home purchase wasn't exactly a walk in the park.  With "Mr. Blandings", you're left wondering how someone can be so successful in his job, and still lack any common sense.
My biggest complaint about the film is the relationship between the characters.  Cary Grant and Myrna Loy don't seem to be a loving, happy couple.  The barbs they take at each other appear more mean-spirited than charming (unlike Loy in "The Thin Man").  The film opens with Bill Cole (Melvyn Douglas) claiming to be Jim Blandings "best friend" (the quotes are his way of stating it), however, throughout the film, he treats him with contempt.  There's also an accusation of an affair between Mrs. Blandings and Bill, which is flatly denied.  However, the pair seem far more cozy together than she is with her husband.  It's almost creepy at times.  The couple have a pair of daughters that are whiny and shrill, providing nothing but annoyance.
"Mr. Blandings" does have its moments, including a well-planned tracking shot near the opening of the film.  It gives you a real sense of how cramped his world really is.  Money is really a big focus of the film, from Jim's salary to the amount that is thrown into the house project.  One simple solution could have resolved this film in one, swift moment... fire the maid and use the savings for a bigger apartment.

Rating: 5/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 76

Movie #81- "The Cable Guy" (1996)

Time and distance can play a factor in certain films.  Jim Carrey was a hot commodity in the mid-1990s, coming off "The Mask", "Dumb and Dumber", and an Ace Ventura sequel.  When "The Cable Guy" was released, expectations were high... really high.  Jim Carrey's $20 million paycheck didn't lessen the pressure.  So when "The Cable Guy" finally arrived at theaters and didn't deliver a broad, "stupid" comedy ... well, let the backlash begin.  And that's a shame. 
This isn't to say that the film doesn't contain those moments, but the audience was treated to a darker film.  I wouldn't put "The Cable Guy" on a list of underrated classics (it still has some clunky moments), I would call it a misunderstood film.  Director Ben Stiller lampoons our obsession with television and entertainment in general, going to absurd lengths in the process (especially with the interest in the Sweet court case).  It can also be seen as a parody of the "opposites attract" buddy movies, but with a train wreck of a conclusion for the relationship.
Jim Carrey was not the original choice for the role, but it's difficult to imagine anyone else filling those shoes.  Matthew Broderick provides the perfect, straight-laced foil in the film while the background is populated with a lot of familiar faces including the cast of The Ben Stiller Show (although they aren't given much to do).  The evening at the Medieval Times and the karaoke party stand as the highlights of the film.  Unfortunately the build up of insanity is difficult to maintain, thus leading to an unsatisfactory ending.
Kudos to the film for a couple of its predictions, including the fact that your internet, television and phone would someday come through cable and that we would have the ability to play video games online.
Because of the appearance on cable, I had seen "The Cable Guy" in bits and pieces, just not in its entirety.  Not necessarily a great film, but one worth going back to re-examine.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 75

Movie #80- "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop" (2011)

Jay Leno is the vanilla ice cream of comedy.  I can understand why some may enjoy his humor because he offers a safe, straight forward option.  I like my comedy with an edge... willing to bend or break some boundaries.  I was a David Letterman fan.  The early days of "Late Night" brought several classic moments to late night television, smashing through the fourth wall with crazy stunts, characters, and guests.  It was disappointing when Letterman didn't get "The Tonight Show", switching networks in the process.  Enter Conan O'Brien.
I remember Conan being an unknown.  He had been a writer for "The Simpsons" and "Saturday Night Live", with minimal performance experience.  The early reviews were brutal and for the first few years, he constantly appeared to be on the verge of cancellation.  I liked Conan and Andy because of the exuberant attitude they brought to "Late Night".  While Dave could be prickly at times, Conan and Andy had an anything goes vibe.  Conan finally achieved his dream of "The Tonight Show", only to have the rug pulled from under him.
A man without a show (or any ability to appear on television for six months), Conan took Andy and the band on the road for a 40-plus show tour.  If you're expecting to see the stage show in "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop", you'll be disappointed.  Glimpses of what happened on stage appear throughout the movie, but the main focus is the construction of the show and Conan's need to perform.  It's not a hidden fact, as Conan admits to it repeatedly.  He has captured the desire to perform and simply can't stop.
You see the writers coming up with ideas for the show, which is a combination of music and comedy.  Conan is shown as a devoted father, trying to explain his absence to his kids due to the tour.  But not all is smiles.  The tour takes a toll on him.  Unscheduled appearances and meet-and-greets make him less than agreeable.  His drive for an audience overcomes his exhaustion.  I'm close in age to Conan and I can easily see how a tour in that manner would make you insane.
I wish more of the stage show was used in the film, and maybe a little less of the fandom.  It is an interesting look into a comedy tour, with a side of narcasissm.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previous seen: 6
First time viewings: 74

Movie #79- "The Evil Dead" (1981)

I have seen half of the "The Evil Dead" series.  I say that realizing there are three films.  I happened to be flipping through cable one night when I came across the scene of Bruce Campbell chasing his hand with a shotgun.  That was my introduction to "The Evil Dead 2", yet I never went back to watch the entire film.  Flash forward a few years, when a co-worker lent me a copy of "Army of Darkness."  That one, I've watched a few times (the short running time helps).  So with the remake of "Evil Dead" coming to theaters, I figured it was time to go back to the original.
I know I have just a few horror films on the list this year.  I'm not a big fan of the genre for reasons I'll explain in the future.  After watching "The Evil Dead", my primary question was, "What the hell did I just watch?"  I don't mean that in a derogatory fashion, it's just that this film is insane... the kind of insane I like.  There's not much plot.  Five kids in a cabin, a tape recording of ancient incantations, then evil is unleashed.  As basic as the plot is, it's the style in which "The Evil Dead" is presented that delivers the fun.  Sam Raimi works hard with crazy camera angles, a shoe-string special effects budget, and a scene involving a tree that has to be seen to be believed.  It helps that the film doesn't take itself seriously and you can't forget the presence of the one and only Bruce Campbell.  He hadn't quite discovered the Bruce Campbell persona, although you can watch it grow as the film progresses.
I understand why this film is lovingly referenced.  It is gonzo action almost start to finish.  I don't know if the remake can retain the charm of the original and I know I won't be in a hurry to find out.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 73

Movie #78- "Cedar Rapids" (2011)

One of the downsides of living in a smallish community is the lack of independent films that hit our theater.  A few years back, a 14-screen multiplex opened in town, promising the opportunity at a wider variety of movies.  Unfortunately, it just meant more screens for the bigger movies with the occasional small film playing ("Safety Not Guaranteed" actually run for a couple weeks here).
I mention this issue because I wanted to see "Cedar Rapids" when it opened, checking the movie listings each Friday, only to be disappointed.  Life took a few unexpected turns that year, and soon, the film was filed to the back of my memory.  While recently looking up another film, I stumbled across the title again.
"Cedar Rapids" really offered few surprises and delivered what I expected.  For me, part of the appeal of this film is also part of it's downfall.  The premise centers around an insurance convention taking place in Cedar Rapids.  Simple idea that many people can relate to.  Most conventions don't have the luxury of occurring in New York or Las Vegas, as most films of this nature would use as a location.  I'm sure a majority of people don't know where Cedar Rapids is located. 
But the location can also be problematic.  A fair portion of the film occurs during the convention and within the confines of the hotel.  When it moves outside its boundaries for a big party scene, it seems out of place.  The ending offers a false sense of vindication for the main character.
However, Ed Helms really has the naive character traits down cold.  He delivers a somewhat funny and occasional sad performance as Tim Lippe (could someone really be that lost in reality?).  John C. Reilly is the hero of the film, as the loose cannon of the crew, which in this case, only requires a little alcohol.  I was hoping for a film that would score an "8", but at least it was close.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 72

Movie #77- "High Noon" (1952)

"High Noon" is a film that understands tension.  Slowly building to an inevitable moment, and still revealing a few surprises along the way.
Gary Cooper is stoic lawman Marshall Will Kane.  He's taken a small, frontier town, and turned it into a respectable place, safe for the women and children.  But you can tell in his face, the years of being a lawman have taken its toll.  Kane is ready to step aside and move into a new phase of his life.  He has found a young Quaker woman to marry, and thus, retire his guns.  As the wedding ceremony comes to a conclusion, news arrives that Frank Miller coming back to town for revenge on Marshall Kane.  From here, the film soars.
Revisionist westerns often like to paint their heroes with a shade of gray.  "High Noon" takes it in a different direction.  Kane is a servant of the law and wants to do right by his community.  While it's no longer his obligation, because of his moral standard, he feels he still owes the town.  You watch as Kane weighs the dilemma in his head.  Instead, the film casts the shadow of gray on the townspeople and his friends.  These are the very people that should be standing by his side.  Instead, he gets a varying response.  One man is willing to help the cause, then backs down when no one else wants to fight.  Others simply hide, while some are brazen enough to root against Kane.  And as noon approaches, Kane finds himself alone, facing a battle on the main street of town.
John Wayne referred to this film as un-American.  I would have to disagree.  Strong-willed individuals are indeed hard to find, and cowardly behavior is more the norm.  If put in that situation and given a chance to ponder the consequences, which path would most people take?
Cooper won the Oscar, but he's surrounded by a strong supporting cast which includes Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges, and  Katy Jurado.  The final scene of the film is brilliant because it is punctuated only by a look instead of words.  Westerns really don't get much better than "High Noon".

Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 71

Movie #76- "J. Edgar" (2011)

Another edition of MCR (Movie Channel Roulette), this one with mixed results.  I would say that "J. Edgar" was a good film, just not exactly a memorable one.
Most of the heavy lifting is left to Leonardo DiCaprio and overall, I think he pulls it off (at times, the make up is distracting).  The film follows the older Hoover as he shares his story with a biographer.  The early days of the FBI are told in flashback.  Naturally, the events are told from Hoover's point of view, and as revealed later, some embellishment takes place.  No surprise that Hoover is presented as very complex individual.  Fear of communism and radicals drove him to build the reputation of the FBI, while the Lindbergh kidnapping and an attempt to end organized crime provided an opportunity to gain acceptance in the public eye.  He didn't mind stepping on the toes of others as well as collecting secrets on public figures to use as leverage to maintain power.  Of course, Hoover had his own secrets, which he worked to keep hidden.
Clint Eastwood directs with an occasionally halting pace.  The story doesn't seem to flow as well as other Eastwood endeavors.  Armie Hammer provides a quality performance as Clyde Tolson, Hoover's Assistant Director and constant companion.  You can sense the tension between the two men, although a sexual relationship is briefly explored.  Naomi Watts plays Helen Gandy, Hoover's secretary, but her character gets pushed to the background.  She's a name actress in a nondescript role.
While elements of the story make you more inquisitive about Hoover's life, something is lacking in "J. Edgar" to make it an upper tier biopic.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 70

Movie #75- "Spartacus" (1960)

"Spartacus" is epic film making and proudly announces that from the start.  How?  It opens with an overture, followed by an extended credits sequence.  "Spartacus" makes you wait with anticipation for almost eight minutes before anything actually happens.  When it does, a spectacle unfolds before you.
"Spartacus" is also one of those movies that deserves a lot of commentary.  For some reason, I've been at a loss of words when describing it.  I can tell you that I was fortunate enough to watch a restored version.  When you compare it to some of the extras, you can see the marvelous care that took place. 
The film is over three hours long (even when you subtract the overture and credits), yet it wastes very little time in telling the story (true, there are plenty of expansive crowd shots to remind you it's an epic).  Stanley Kubrick directed "Spartacus", but since he stepped in at the last moment, this is more the baby of Kirk Douglas.  Good performances by Douglas, Tony Curtis, and Laurence Olivier, although I tip my hat to Peter Ustinov as the weaselly Batiatus.  And of course, it all builds to the "I am Spartacus!" scene.
Not much insight into the film, but another classic I can cross off the list.


Rating: 9/10
Movies I've previously seen:6
First time viewings: 69