Having grown up in the eighties, I was really looking forward to the nostalgia promised by the trailers for Adventureland. In this respect, the previews didn’t lie. Everything regarding the time period feels right. The film doesn’t simply appear to be recreating the stereotypes of the decade, but genuinely feels as if it is from that time. However, the trailers also billed the film as a comedy, and in this respect they were completely off the mark.
For those who don’t know, Adventureland is the name of the mediocre theme park where James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) is forced to take a summer job. Once there, he meets the expected crew of misfits, jocks, hot girls, and of course Em, the requisite love interest (Kristen Stewart). Everybody working at Adventureland seems to want more out of life, and have dejectedly resigned themselves to their fate. They all feel trapped, even the park mechanic (Ryan Reynolds) who is cheating on his wife with Em.
As should be pretty apparent, there aren’t a lot of laughs in this movie. All of the characters are pretty miserable, and their only escape is through constant partying, drinking, and drug use. In fact, the only real humor of the movie comes from the managers of the park, played by the always hilarious Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Coming from SNL, they don’t really fit into the film thematically. Their characters are much broader and way more over-the-top. However, I found myself far more entertained whenever they were on screen.
Despite their presence, this is a subtle movie filled with realistic characters and authentic performances. However, it’s not all that entertaining. I loved the look and the feel of the film, but I didn’t find myself caring about any of the characters. Maybe I just couldn’t identify with their angst, but I really was expecting something more.
In watching the extras on the Blu-Ray, it feels as if there was a point where this was going to be a more straightforward comedy. Featuring fake commercials, an orientation video, etc. there seems to be a higher degree of satire than made it into the film. One of the many reasons the film feels so natural in depicting the eighties is the terrific soundtrack from the time. In putting the Blu-Ray together, they included a feature where you can select any of the songs from the film, and go directly to the scene where that song is featured. There is also a commentary with writer/director Greg Mottola (Superbad).
However, the most interesting feature for me was the brief making-of video where they showcase the real theme park where they filmed the movie. It was shot in a park called Kennywood and they didn’t have to change anything in terms of location. This is a real park that barely evolved visually since the eighties, and it is really neat to see that places like this exist in today’s modern, high-tech world.
Overall, I find it really hard to recommend this movie. I can appreciate the subtlety they were going for, but as a whole it just doesn’t work. I get why they had to market the film as they did, and I just wish that the finished product was more like what the advertising promised. Adventureland might make a decent rental for the eighties nostalgia, but beyond that, it’s just not worth it.
Post Grad is exactly what is expected from the trailer.We are dealing with a typical ‘romantic dramedy’ with a thousand subplots, subpar comedy, and one predictable outcome.Animated film director Vicky Jensen’s (SHREK) debut live-action film hits on nothing new except for the main subject matter.The execution however turned the movie into just another romantic comedy and lost all its originality from the dramedy that it was supposed to be. The superb all-star cast is the only thing saving this movie from disaster.Post Grad was definitely watchable, and I’ll even say cute, but by no means original or heartfelt.This story is based upon the writer Kelly Fremon’s own post graduation experience when she herself had to move back home with the parents and look for any job, but yet still was unable to be hired.That much I understand.It’s when the movie takes a dramatic turn toward other plots that I realized this was made for a mass, disposable income audience with no real care for why the movie was written in the first place. Ryden Malby, played by the lovely Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”), has been on path toward success all her life.She has always had straight A’s and been very involved with her school.Ryden has now graduated college with an English degree overconfident that her dream job is inevitable.College graduates however are entering the toughest job market in the last 30 years and Ryden is now up against a great amount of candidates that all want her dream job too.Of course she is quickly thrown out to wolves better known as the real world.Now faced with the dilemma of finding a job in the crowded City of Angels, she must also come face to face with her over passionate job hunt against the people she should actually be passionate for. Yep, there’s the guy of the story.Zach Gilford (“Friday Night Lights”) is not exactly the love interest.He is rather the guy Ryden never saw that was always in front of her eyes who actually was in love with her.She knows it’s there, but was never sure.Strangely enough the production notes for the film don’t even mention this love story, which is odd because of how prevalent it is in the film.Hell, it’s what the climax of the movie is really all about where as the actual subject matter of the film is quickly solved and runs for… ok I guess I can’t give too much away, even though I’m sure anyone who is someone will predict this unromantic, under dramatic finish.If this is going to turn into a romantic comedy, let’s get some better written and memorable lines. Another major predicament Ryden comes to face with is her extremely loving yet eccentric family.Every member of this family is wonderful.Not only are the actor’s great, but their character as well.Michael Keaton stars as Ryden’s crazy idea entrepreneur of a father who is never concerned about the destination of his daughter.He knows that she has something special about her that will get her where she needs to be even if it might not be what she had planned. Other family members include her mother Carmella, played by the hilarious laugh-out-loud comedic Jane Lynch (“Glee”, 40 Year-Old Virgin), and the chain-smoking grandmother Maureen (Carol Burnett).Both get into some amusing physical humor and the grandmother delivers some classic old lady lines.Okay, I admit I laughed a bit. My main concern is that I felt that Post Grad was all over the place and never knew what it wanted to be.Most will find the situations very relatable too allowing the film to be quite enjoyable.The potential for the film was huge and I have no doubt some indie will come and take this subject for all it is worth.I only wish they could have done it with the first attempt.I guess our lesson from Post Grad is to keep trying.
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie return for more outrageous adventures when “The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season arrives on DVD August 18th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The longest running animated series in television history, the latest DVD collection features all 21 classic episodes from the 2000-01 season including Bart’s boy band odyssey in “New Kids on the Blecch” featuring pop sensations N’Sync and a hilarious less-than-ordinary day for Homer, Bart and Lisa in “Trilogy of Error.” The season also boasts an impressive line-up of talented guest stars including Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Justin Timberlake, Stephen King, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Daltry and many more.
“The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season is loaded with special features including an introduction from Matt Groening; audio commentaries on every episode with Groening and “The Simpsons” Executive Producers, Writers, Actors and Directors; deleted scenes; animation showcases; original sketches; special language feature; featurettes and more. As an added bonus, the set comes in collectible packaging modeled after the overweight and over opinionated retailer Comic Book Guy.
While every season has its ups and downs, there has never been an episode that made me want to give up on it. THE SIMPSONS is a show that you really can’t judge an episode until you have seen it 10 times or so, know all the dialogue and jokes. In that way, it is sort of like a great song. The more you watch it, the more you get out of it.
“The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season Special Features: All episodes are compiled on four discs (full frame, aspect ratio 1.33:1). Each episode is presented with English 5.1 Dolby Surround, Spanish and French Stereo and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The following is a breakdown of each disc:
Disc One: o Treehouse of Horror XI o A Tale of Two Springfields o Insane Clown Poppy o Lisa the Tree Hugger o Homer vs. Dignity o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Illustrated Commentary: Lisa the Tree Hugger • Animation Showcase: Treehouse of Horror XI • Deleted Scenes • Special Language Feature: Homer Vs. Dignity
Disc Two: o The Computer Wore Menace Shoes o The Great Money Caper o Skinner’s Sense of Snow o HOMR o Pokey Mom o Worst Episode Ever o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Deleted Scenes • Comic Book Guy: Best. Moments. Ever. featurette • Illustrated Commentary: HOMR
Disc Three: o Tennis the Menace o Day of the Jackanapes o New Kids on the Blecch o Hungry, Hungry Homer o Bye Bye Nerdie o Simpsons Safari o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Deleted Scenes • Animation Showcase: Day of the Jackanapes
Disc Four: o Trilogy of Error o I’m Goin’ to Praiseland o Children of a Lesser Clod o Simpson Tall Tales o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Executive Producer Mike Scully • Global Fanfest • Sketch Gallery • Illustrated Commentary: I’m Goin’ to Praiseland • The Commercials
Teen superstar Miley Cyrus brings her wildly popular Disney Channel alter ego down home when Hannah Montana The Movie comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD on August 18, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. The first-ever full-length Hannah Montana theatrical movie is available for a limited time only in a Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack that includes the film in both Blu-ray and DVD formats, as well as Two-Disc and Single-Disc DVD editions. Both the Blu-ray Combo Pack and Two-Disc DVD include DisneyFile, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic devices.
In an industry first for Blu-ray technology, Walt Disney Studios’ Hannah Montana The Movie Blu-ray Disc release will feature an interactive experience that allows viewers to create a wish list of items displayed in the film and move desired items onto the internet via BD-Live capabilities. Through “Hannah’s Country Store” viewers will be able to click on the products in the movie, obtain information about the product, and purchase the merchandise. Also available is BD Radio Disney where fans can stream live Radio Disney audio through their home entertainment system, complete with artist and song information and lyrics! Users can also quickly link to site offering their favorite songs for purchase.
Being a superstar as well as a normal teenager is getting even more complicated for Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus). Her crazy double life as pop sensation Hannah Montana is taking its toll on the teen and her family. So Miley’s dad, Robby Ray Stewart (Miley’s real-life father, Billy Ray Cyrus) decides a visit to the family farm in Tennessee to celebrate Grandma Ruby’s (Margo Martindale) birthday will bring his little girl back down to earth. Far away from the bright lights and the big city, Miley reconnects with childhood friend Travis (Lucas Till).
Their budding romance, along with the love of her family and friends, gives Miley some much- needed perspective on life. But when her pushy publicist (Vanessa Williams) comes calling and a smarmy reporter (Peter Gunn) tries to dig up the dirt on Hannah, Miley is forced to make the hardest decision of her life.
Hannah Montana The Movie stars Miley Cyrus as everyday high school girl Miley Stewart and her rock star alter ego Hannah Montana. Cyrus is joined in the film by her stellar cast mates from the hit Disney Channel series including Emily Osment, Moises Arias, Mitchel Musso, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jason Earles. In addition, fans will enjoy special appearances by Lucas Till (Walk the Line), Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”), Tyra Banks (“America’s Next Top Model”), Barry Bostwick (“Nancy Drew”), Melora Hardin (17 Again), and hit recording artists Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts.
Check-out the trailer:
ROCKIN’ BONUS FEATURES
The Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack includes these exclusive bonus features: • The HoeDown ThrowDown Home Experience – everyone in the movie has to learn to do it, and now you can too. Famed choreographer Jamal Sims and some of our cast members will show us all step by step how to do the dance everyone is talking about. • The Hannah Montana Store – an interactive experience that allows viewers to create a wish list of items displayed in the film and move desired items onto the internet via BD-Live capabilities. Through “Hannah’s Country Store” viewers will be able to click on the products in the movie, obtain information about the product, and purchase the merchandise. • 7 Music Videos • Find Your Way Back Home – Miley, Emily, Billy Ray, and other cast members share with us “THEIR” hometowns: the people, places & things that make ‘em special. We’ll go to a pottery class with Miley & her sister, visit their favorite ice cream shop, and other haunts around the Franklin Tennessee Town Square. Billy Ray saddles up his iron horse to show us home viewers a firsthand account of the beauty a country town like Thompson’s Station Tennessee has to offer. But not everyone is from a small country town. Emily will show us what it’s like to grow up in the entertainment Mecca we like to call Hollywood. Perhaps it will inspire us all to find a little reason to brag of our own hailing?
• Production 101: Jackson Style – Jason Earles is more than Miley’s big brother on TV. He is quite the accomplished actor. Here he will put his talents to use by interviewing cast & crew and giving us a true behind the scenes look at how this movie was made. He’ll cover the fashion, the music, the stars, lights, camera…action! • Bloopers • Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary • BD Radio Disney – Fans can stream live Radio Disney audio through their home entertainment system, complete with artist and song information and lyrics! Users can also quickly link to site offering their favorite songs for purchase.
Both the Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack and Two-Disc DVD include the following bonus features: • New Music Video • Find Your Way Back Home • Production 101: Jackson Style • Bloopers • Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary
All in all, the Hannah Montana The Movie is a fun DVD for fans of the pop phenomenon. It should give kids and adults alike ample entertainment.
Pete’s Dragon is an uplifting musical adventure about a spunky young orphan that blends live action and stellar Disney animation. With his only friend Elliot, a tubby, 12-foot tall dragon who can make himself invisible, Pete (Sean Marshall) takes refuge from his abusive adoptive family in the seaside town of Passamaquoddy, Maine. After Elliot’s invisible antics wreak havoc with the residents and Pete gets the blame, Nora (Helen Reedy) is touched by the youngster’s plight and takes him to live with her and her tippling father Lampie (Mickey Rooney) in the Passamaquoddy Point lighthouse. Lampie’s tipsy tales of the boy and his dragon amuse the disbelieving townsfolk, until the local quack, Dr. Terminus, discovers that Elliot is real and hatches a scheme to capture the dragon. An exciting and inspiring story with unforgettable music, including the Academy Award nominated “Candle on the Water,” “There’s Room for Everyone” and “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition will be a perennial favorite with children and parents.
Animation and live-action combine to bring the magical friendship between a young orphan and his unusual best friend to life in Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition, on DVD August 18, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. A classic feel-good Disney tale for the entire family, Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition is packed with adventure, comedy and soaring musical numbers that have charmed children and adults since its 1977 debut. Now available in this special edition DVD, Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition comes with nearly an hour of brand-new bonus features, including a look at Disney’s live action/animation legacy, alternate versions of some of the film’s most beloved songs and much more.
Pete’s Dragon was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Score). The film boasts an extraordinary cast that includes Sean Marshall (“To Race the Wind”), Helen Reddy (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band), Mickey Rooney (Night at the Museum), Jeff Conaway (Grease), Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure), Jim Dale (“Pushing Daisies”) and Red Buttons (“ER”), with Charlie Callas as the voice of Elliot the Dragon.
Check-out a Clip from the DVD:
Bonus Features
• Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Disney’s Movie Magic – An entertaining new look at Disney’s pioneering work in the magical mix of live-action and animation, narrated by the star of Pete’s Dragon, Sean Marshall.
• Deleted Storyboard Sequence: “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliot” – A rare demo dialog track and storyboard sketches.
• Original Song Concept: “Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)” – The first demo recording for one of the film’s unforgettable musical sequences with story sketches for an early concept of the song Pete sings to Elliot.
• Original Demo Recordings (Audio Only) – A special audio-only feature that includes early demo versions of “Brazzle Dazzle Day” and “Every Little Piece” before they evolved into the songs heard in the movie. Also includes “The Greatest Star of All,” a song originally intended to be sung by Ferdinand, a character later deleted from the film.
Promotional Record (Audio Only) – Pop versions of “It’s Not Easy,” “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” “There’s Room For Everyone” and Academy Award nominee for Best Song, “Candle On The Water,” originally released together on a 7” record to promote the film’s music.
“Where’s Elliot?” – The Disappearing Dragon Game
Pete’s Dragon Art Galleries
Publicity
Trailers
About Pete’s Dragon
Disney Family Album
The Plausible Impossible
Lighthouse Keeping
Pete’s Dragon is a favorite from my childhood, creating fond and happy memories. The songs and relationship between Pete and Elliott still make it a relevant film today. It is also a sweet and innocent tale that includes no gross or inappropriate humor, perfect for children of all ages.
For more than 45 years, the Disneyland Resort has hosted Cast Member Canoe Races that take place every summer around the Rivers of America. This tradition allows participants to experience teamwork, stay healthy and have fun all at the same time.
The Canoe Races are an annual six-week competition that gives Cast Members a unique opportunity to race around the Rivers of America before the park opens to guests. The event began in 1964 when Cast Members working at Disneyland challenged each other to a race. Since then, the Canoe Races have grown into a worldwide Disney Cast Member tradition, with versions of the event held at Disney parks around the globe.
Working at a place as unique as the Disneyland Resort allows for Cast Members to participate in fun and exceptional activities that not only promote team work, but focus on individual health and wellness. In addition to canoe races, Cast Members can often be found early in the morning practicing yoga or competing in a variety of sports leagues.
I vigorously tried to enjoy this animation style.I really did.Unfortunately, it never captured my heart.Its simplistic design and blotchy backgrounds did nothing for me.There are some astonishing action sequences that the animators did a fantastic job with though.By no means was this film an easy feat, but it just doesn’t have much beauty other then in its vibrant colors.I realize that this is Hayao Miyazaki’s style and is very well received in Japan.I, however, am just not a fan and have no other reasoning except for I feel like I’m watching a Saturday morning cartoon on the big screen.Of course there are many other pieces that make up the film, but Ponyo still falls flat.Literally!
Ponyo is a cute innocent story based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”.Writer and director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) brings a new adaptation beginning with a magical goldfish that has a strong desire to become human.The story begins with Sosuke (Frankie Jonas), a kind-hearted 5-year-old boy finding a strange little fish at the shore.He decides to keep the fish and take care of her himself.
The odd style from Miyazaki becomes apparent quickly.As Sosuke takes the fish, the sea begins to break apart into separate living creatures and grows eyes.Making a very odd noise, they go after Sosuke to take the fish back.It turns out that these sea creatures are brought to life by magical potions created by the fish’s dad, Fujimoto (Liam Neeson).
Liam Neeson’s character is similar to King Triton in The Little Mermaid.He is an over protector of his children with a lot of heart.His character is like an environmentalist that doesn’t like how the humans are trashing the ocean.My problem is that he was also supposed to be the antagonist.Fujimoto just wasn’t evil enough to be a bad guy.His actions were clear from the beginning and I never really saw much of a change if he was supposed to have a learning experience to change him for the better.If anything, the character should have tried to do something actually evil and realize what they were doing was wrong.There is a little bit of this, but not enough to justify him being the only bad guy.
The themes Fujimoto expresses about being environmentally conscious along with his warmth and care he had for his daughter were all to obvious.In fact, the arrival of Ponyo’s mom, Gran Mamare (Cate Blanchett), was so short and to the point that I feel his obstacle to overcome was too rushed.This is a shame because Gran Mamare is by far the neatest and prettiest character throughout. For awhile these themes are so strong and forced down our throats that I felt as if I was watching an extended version of “Captain Planet” only with an added epic soundtrack.
The soundtrack was definitely grand and ultimately beautiful.It added a great deal of emotion and impressive large scenes to the film.Although, without the majestic orchestrated music I feel the movie would have felt empty.There are times of awkward silence between dialogue and then other times where the voice cast echoes of poor dialogue.Many of the scenes have moments where I felt like Miyazaki depended on dialogue too much using it when the pictures on the screen should have done the job on its own.Sometimes the film did show what was happening, but the characters would talk to themselves in order to get across what was happening and give too much sense of what was forthcoming.For instance, near the beginning Ponyo’s father talks to himself claiming his secret area with a bad door would get into the hands of the wrong being that something terrible would ensue.Guess what happened just a few moments after.
I understand that the translation from Japanese causes unnatural and odd sentence structure, but John Lasseter stated that they were avid about translating the dialogue to sound more natural as well as have it sync with the opening of the characters mouths.This was said, but I don’t feel delivered.There were even some areas that just didn’t translate well.The name ‘Ponyo’ alone means chubby but without the negative connotation.There is no word for this in English and I believe there were other instances that they actually had other circumstances like this in the film.
Of course with bad dialogue comes even worse voice acting.Some of the voice acting was good, however at other times sounded as if the actor was just reading off a paper.Liam Neeson even sounded unprofessional, but I blame this more on the unnatural dialogue.Ponyo does feature an excellent cast of voices including Cate Blanchett, Cloris Leachman, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Lily Tomlin and Betty White.Ponyo was voiced by Noah Cyrus, yes, Miley’s sister, and actually did a great job.Frankie Jonas however felt like he was just reading rather than acting.
The story of Ponyo’s and Sosuke’s innocent love and morals that we should contain was cute, but I have issues with other little subplots of movie.One major instance was when Sosuke’s mother Lisa (Tina Fey) leaves to help the elderly where she works from a supernatural tsunami and her son never appears too worried while he searches for her.The same goes for Lisa and her husband out at sea.Even after the storm when it appears no ships have made it, she never shows to care enough.Perhaps this is caused by the film being more of a young children’s movie then anything.
Ponyo does have some breathtaking scenes and some cute moments between Ponyo and Sosuke along with the quite hilarious Betty White and Lily Tomlin, a cranky old woman.Other than that, I don’t see the draw.I know others have loved this movie and it did extremely well in at the box offices in Japan, but for me it’s not something that interest me.I respect the fact that this is ALL hand drawn animation though.Music composer Joe Hisaishi did a fabulous job helping the movie move along.I just can’t see what anyone I know will enjoy about it.Maybe I have poor taste if I keep hearing so many other positive reviews.
Its been 40 years since the Grim Grinning Ghosts first opened their doors and invited guests into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Take a look back to the beginning with Walt and the Imagineers who created the beloved attraction. From stretching rooms to hitch hiking ghosts the 999 Happy Haunts never disappoint and always invite guests to hurry back!
Its been 40 years since the Grim Grinning Ghosts first opened their doors and invited guests into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Take a look back to the beginning with Walt and the Imagineers …
Having played the role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof over 2,500 times, Topol’s Farewell Tour, running August 11-23 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is a must-see for Fiddler fans. It is an iconic performance, one which won him an Oscar nomination in the 1971 film production, and one that has not diminished at all over the years. It’s fascinating to watch a performer that is so in command of such a difficult role, capable of exuding a combination of humor and intense rage within moments of each other. There is a passion in everything Tevye does, all rooted in a fundamental belief in the tradition of his people. While the entire production takes place in the tiny Jewish village of Anatevka, Russia, the story feels huge. And Topol makes it feel real. The story is told from Tevye’s perspective, but the other performances are equally as strong. As an entire village has to be represented, there is a pretty large ensemble. The parts are all played very well, and are very memorable. As the play progresses, we learn that Tevye has five daughters, three of whom play very imporant roles. One of the traditions of their village is that of the matchmaker The women do not choose their husbands, but rather, are assigned to one, based in large part on the financial stability of the suitor. Beginning with the oldest, Tzeitel, things begin to go wrong. She wants to marry her childhood best friend, which goes against everything their traditions dictate. However, Tevye accepts this, which leads to the next daughter wanting to marry an activist who will be leaving the village. He reluctantly agrees, but when the next daughter wants to marry somebody who isn’t even Jewish, he has to draw the line. Through his daughters, we see the world evolving, leaving Tevye behind.
While the story does get intense, Topol always portrays an undercurrent of humor. Muttering sarcastic asides to himself, as well as to God, he always keeps the audience entertained while remaining completely believable. Even more impressive is that he can remain so compelling even during the big musical numbers, of which there are many. The music is all fantastic, both in terms of the original source material as well these particular performances. It’s a very emotional story and the music covers the highs and the lows in spectacular fashion. At times the music is on a small scale, providing intimate insight into the inner thoughts of the characters. And at other times, they are big, lavish productions; the kind usually associated with larger-scale musical theatre. Highlights include the hilarious “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” performed by Tevye’s daughters, “Sunrise, Sunset,” a beautiful depiction of a mother and father’s elation and sorrow on their child’s wedding day, and “If I Were a Rich Man,” Tevye’s wishful thinking during one of many conversations he has with God. It should also be mentioned that the orchestra sounds terrific as well. On top of the great acting and music, the production design is phenomenal across the board. The imaginative set design really conveys a sense of what it would be like to live in this simple village. These sets, along with the terrific lighting, provide an atmosphere that always matches the emotional tone of what is happening at the time. One of my favorite visual moments takes place during the musical number “Sabbath Prayer.” As the song begins, we see Tevye’s family beginning their prayer in darkness, only to have the sets and lighting evolve to reveal the entire village giving the same prayer at the same time. It’s a chilling visual, and while it’s a small moment, it strongly reinforces the theme of tradition that everybody in this village shares. While being billed as “Topol’s Farewell Tour,” he himself says that “he’s not really certain that he’s done with the role.” He has dedicated such a monumental portion of his life to this performance, it must be really hard to consider giving up the character. But on the off-chance that he is calling it quits, this is absolutely a production worth seeing. I saw the movie many years ago, but it’s a completely different experience seeing it live. I can’t recommend this enough.
Tickets are available at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office or by calling (714) 556-2787.
Despite being one of the most contrived and convoluted “high-concept” chick flicks in recent memory, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days somehow ends up a mildly entertaining diversion that should appeal to most fans of the genre. I have to admit that I am not one of these fans. I find the formulaic nature of these films almost always off-putting and often condescending. My wife loves them however, and watching this film with her I couldn’t help but notice just how successful director Donald Petrie (Miss Congeniality) was at presenting the formula in an endearing way.
The title of the film comes from an article being written by Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), a columnist for a Cosmo-like magazine called Composure. In an attempt to prove her journalistic prowess, she decides to find a guy at random, date him, and follow all the cliches that girls supposedly do wrong in order to get the guy to dump her within a designated 10 days. Personally, I don’t see the appeal for an article like that, but what do I know? I’m a guy. Her boss, however, seems to think it’s brilliant.
At the same time, ad agency employee Benjamin Barry (Matthew McCounaughey) is promised a high-profile client if he is able to get a girl to fall in love with him within (you guessed it) 10 days. I don’t know a lot about marketing, but this whole scenario seems like a bit of a stretch. Anyway, they of course choose each other for their respective challenges and, as mentioned above, contrived and convoluted hi-jinks ensue.
Through this whole endeavor it’s easy to visualize the screenwriters struggling to make all the pieces fall into place. No sane guy would stay with a girl treating him like she does, but because of his bet, he’s guaranteed to stay. And when the inevitable realization of her deception comes, she is able to be just as mad at him because of his bet. Even though both characters are doing horrible things they balance each other out, enabling the audience to get the anticipated feel-good happy ending.
Despite the mechanics of the script, the film is entertaining. McConaughey and Hudson have a believable chemistry, and it’s easy to root for things to work out. Some of the ways that she tortures him are moderately funny, as are his reactions, and there is a lightness to the material which I kind of enjoyed. After awhile I was able to accept the ridiculous premise and just go along with it. One of the extras on the Blu-Ray features an interview with Lynda Obst, a producer on the film, who explained the necessity of the audience wanting the two leads to get together even more than the characters do. In watching the movie with my wife, I was able to see this in action. She completely bought into this world and would have been devastated if things didn’t work out. I suppose it is this attachment to the characters that draw women to films like this.
The Blu-Ray itself is pretty standard-issue. There is a commentary with the director, as well as a feature entitled “How to Make a Movie in 2 years.” This feature focuses on the origins of the project, going all the way back to the writing of the book on which the film was based. They interview the authors, the producers, etc. and attempt to detail the process of getting to production. Mostly serving as a self-congratulatory feeding of their own egos, everybody involved seems very passionate about this project, attributing a level of importance to the film that it doesn’t really deserve.
Other features include a brief but annoying segment entitled “Why the Sexes Battle.” Interviewing various specialists in the field, they attempt to provide some sort of analysis on the differences between men and women. There is also an extended interview with the authors of the original book, a music video, and some deleted scenes.
Overall, the movie isn’t bad. I definitely don’t have the desire to see it again anytime soon, but if you’re into this sort of thing, then you will enjoy it. Extremely predictable yet convoluted, the film is fun and forgettable. And my wife absolutely loved it.
I Love You, Man should not be entertaining as it is. The plot is as formulaic as they come, and there is nothing here that we haven’t seen a billion times before. And yet, somehow this cast manages to make things feel fresh. Even as I was rolling my eyes at the predictability, I was having a great time watching the “bromance” that drives the film. The movie is as successful as it is entirely because of the ensemble, and their interactions drive the emotion and humor of the story.
The film follows the standard formula found in all romantic comedies, and yet it feels fresh because of the unique angle the story is told from. Instead of focusing on the guy trying to get the girl and then having all sorts of comic misadventures, I Love You, Man opens with the guy already having the girl. In fact, the very first scene is the proposal that usually serves as the finale in most films of this type. Peter Klaven, as played by Paul Rudd, is seemingly the perfect guy. He’s successful, funny, considerate, etc. His only flaw is that he has no real guy friends. He has lots of acquaintances, but nobody worth calling on the night of his engagement, and definitely nobody to serve as best man. It is this realization that sets the film in motion as Klaven sets out on his quest to find a male friend.
Still tweaking the formula, we are presented with a series of “dates gone wrong,” as Klaven attempts to find a suitable friend/best man. Taking the romance out of the situation provides a unique comedic perspective, and one I found endearing. Eventually, he meets Sydney Fife (played by the always entertaining Jason Segal) at an open house he’s holding for Lou Ferrigno (the Incredible Hulk), who hilariously cameos as himself. They strike up a friendship, and the rest of the film focuses on the formulaic and yet hilarious bond that develops between these two polar opposites. Eventually, as formula dictates, their friendship begins to compromise Klaven’s relationship with his fiance Zooey, as played by Rashida Jones.
All of this plot is relatively inconsequential, however. The humor derives from the dialogue and the performances. Rudd’s portrayal of Klaven is hilarious. He’s a really nice guy who is trying way too hard to impress his new friend. His attempts to be cool consistantly fail, but are always funny. The film also features hilarious performances from Andy Sandberg, J.K. Simmons, Jaime Pressly, and even Jon Favreau. Favreau especially stands out as the husband to one of Zooey’s friends who inexplicably can’t stand Klaven. It’s a very funny performance.
Brand new on Blu-Ray, I Love You, Man has some pretty entertaining extras. The cast has a strong background in improvisation, and as such, a lot of dialogue was made up as they went along. One of the features on this set is a series of alternate takes where they show the same set-up with multiple punchlines improvised in succession. This provides an interesting insight into the technique of improvisation in film, and while not every line works, the process is fascinating to watch. There are also deleted and extended scenes, a making of documentary, commentary tracks, etc. The making of documentary is, as usual, pretty generic, but it is kind of interesting seeing the special effects work utilized for a very funny vomit gag towards the beginning of the film. Other than that, there is nothing too special in this section of the extras.
Overall, this is a very funny movie. The premise provides an interesting twist on some old ideas, and it’s basically just a lot of fun to watch. It definitely won’t make you think, but you will be entertained.
Writer and Director Neill Blomkamp’s first feature film is not only unique and unlike anything else you will see this summer, but also absolutely brilliant.District 9 has created a believable alternate history through the use of many different shooting techniques.All have been done before, but the ways used in District 9 are far more successful then past attempts.Blomkamp has mimicked 24-hour news feeds and documentaries with a combination of raw footage and creative standard film techniques to craft a totally different film then we have ever seen before.The difference between fiction and reality is hard to notice once you become fully immersed into Blomkamp’s alternate world.
Yes, I am talking about Blomkamp here and not Peter Jackson.Many people do not realize Peter Jackson was the producer on this film, not the writer or director.Therefore, I will focus more on Blomkamp even though I am sure Jackson had a huge hand in production and creative design.
District 9 takes places in Johannesburg, South Africa where an alien spacecraft has been hovering dormant for the past 20 years. The over one million aliens aboard were helpless and starved.Once they were captured by the government they were brought down to Earth to a shantytown much like men and women in poverty live in today.The South African government does not know what to do with these creatures and the people’s patience has run out.
A private company only interested in money and weaponry, Multi-National United (MNU), has been out-sourced to take care of the alien situation and move them to a new area.In order to do so however there are many laws and regulations that MNU must abide by.Eviction notices must be directly handed and signed by the aliens 24 hours before they are moved seemingly making it appear that the aliens do have some rights and are practically citizens of the country.
The star of the movie, I mean documentary, is Wikus van der Merwe played by Sharlto Copley, a MNU field operative who has recently been promoted and is in charge of much of the relocating operation.Wikus and his MNU field agents enter the gated District 9 with a great amount of back-up.However, tensions between the aliens and the MNU begin to rise when they are given their eviction notices.
Many of these aliens are considered criminals as some of their shacks contain hidden areas with weapons and other lawbreaking items.The weapons are what the MNU are really after, but they are still studying how they work due to them being inoperative without alien DNA.
When Wikus inspects one aliens home, he comes across what appears to be an alien chemistry experiment.While gathering evidence he finds a small container that ends up spraying him with a black substance.This quickly makes him sick and begins to change his DNA.It’s only several hours later when the government and the MNU are after him.With nowhere safe for Wikus to go, he winds up back in District 9.
South Africa was a terrific choice of location for this film as it’s so different than expected for a movie like this.We have seen aliens arrive in major metropolitan cities in many films, but rather here the filmmakers decided to see what would happen if the aliens landed at a place not of the norm with a poor government.This creates a far different storyline and a sense of reality.Who is to say the aliens have to arrive at one of our planets landmarks?This immediately delivers a new perspective that has not been considered before.
As with all places with a lack of control surrounded by a bad area, District 9 is much like a ghetto.Hoodlums and evil thugs have ransacked the shantytown and have been able to live there themselves making money by selling the aliens food and other common items they may want.There are also other humans that are there to secretly buy alien technology for themselves, but without alien DNA they are still useless.These people are insane and desperately want to have the power the aliens have causing them to eat dead aliens.
The film has a great cast of characters from the gangsters to the deceitful MNU agents.However, I’m sure you mostly care about the alien creatures.These aliens as you may have seen in the trailers are a resemblance of an insect with mixture of a crab or crawfish.They are mostly all CGI due to the small waists and odd limbs, but beyond anything, they are just disgusting.The first half of the movie will have much of the audience cringing or looking to the side.Not only will these slimy creatures creep you out, but much of the violence may gross you out as well.I’m talking about blood and guts flying all over the place including landing on the camera several times.
Even with the insect-like design of the aliens, they are still much like a human.Blomkamp was able to somehow capture a great deal of emotion out of these creatures.By the end of this film I found myself actually caring for these creatures.The stand out character of the film however was not any of the humans, but rather an alien kid named “Little C.J.”He was absolutely adorable and really showed the closeness between alien and human.
This film is not your average summer popcorn blockbuster.Instead we have received an incredibly original take on classic old sci-fi movies.District 9 is a realistic take on what if aliens came to our planet and were stuck here with the control of humans.Many questions are asked on what we as society would do in this circumstance.For instance, would we let them leave if they could?Do they deserve common rights that humans receive?How would civilization feel about their presence on Earth?Is this how we are treating illegal immigrants in our own countries?Most importantly, are we really just the same from one another?
As you can see, this film goes a little deeper than just your average alien encounter action-suspense film.District 9 asks all these questions and then some.Many believe the location used was a direct metaphor for the problems South Africa has come to face with in past years including their problems with illegal aliens from neighboring countries.You may still be wondering why I stated the difference between fiction and reality is hidden in this film. Well, if you put the film into context to the current situations our world is facing, you can just replace the aliens with illegal immigrants or different races our cultures dislike and the film will work the same.
The interviews shown in the short film the movie was based from, Alive in Jo’burg, were actually derived by the citizens of Johannesburg being asked how they felt toward the influx of illegal aliens.Regarding the short, Blomkamp says, “I was just trying to get the most completely real and genuine answers.In essence, there is no difference except that in my film we had a group of intergalactic aliens as opposed to illegal aliens.”
Much of District 9 is shot like a documentary and may surprise some that this is no typical action flick.However, there is some great action in this movie.I really appreciated the fact that nothing was done too big or unbelievable.Instead, much of the action is seen through a handheld or security camera which also brings realism to the film.None of the action was done just for action sake, unlike much of blockbusters we have seen lately.AKA Transformers 2.
I didn’t care much for the lead actor, but it was mostly just because his character was a little annoying.His character was deeply layered though as Wikus appeared to be intelligent and caring in front of the “documentary cameras” but was entirely different when he knew cameras weren’t on him.He obviously did not care for the welfare of the aliens or their rights.Imbedded in the subplot was a small love story between Wikus and his wife who had become scared once Wikus began his transformation.It really served no purpose except to show that Wikus’s character was actually caring and had some good hidden within him.
The beginning of the movie was a little slow, but it does a magnificent job setting the tone and false history of the last 20 years.For the most part, this is how I feel an alien contact like this would occur in real life except I’m sure there would be more people involved then just the South African government.The film in its entirety has a great pace and it’s not all about special effects and action.When the action does start up, it’s pretty exciting.
This however won’t be a film for everyone.For starters District 9 is horrendously grotesque.I got used to it quick, but everyone in the theater was constantly trying to hide from the images on screen.Nothing is held back when it comes to showing blood and guts.Also, I believe many moviegoers will not care for the “mockumentary” style of shooting even though I feel this was the correct way to tell this story.Overall, District 9 is very satisfying and delivers a unique film moviegoers may not be used to.
This is storytelling at its finest.I hope District 9 doesn’t become forgotten with the vast collection of quality movies this year.It’s definitely worthy of a visit to the theaters unless you’re squeamish.I’m seriously considering seeing this again on opening day.
