A Classic That Is More Than Good Enough

A few months ago, I had the pleasure and the privilege of watching The Goonies for the first time.  I must say that I had heard so much about how great this movie is that I was a little worried that it was being overhyped.  I have never been more wrong about a movie in my life.

The beauty of this movie is that both children and adults can enjoy it.  The Goonies really captures the sense of wonder and the need for adventure that children have.  This movie also communicates to the child in all of us.  When I was watching this movie, I was reminded of the house in Montgomery, Ohio where I grew up.  There was a creek in the backyard, and every day I would walk down the creek further and further, wondering what I discover.  I did not have many fond memories in that house, but that was one of the few.

Richard Donner is the brilliant director of The Goonies.  Yes, this is the same Richard Donner who gave us Superman and all four Lethal Weapon movies.  I am such a huge fan of Richard Donner.  He is another director who clearly has range with his work, although I think these days he is not appreciated enough.

The child actors in this movie certainly do not act like children.  They have a certain chemistry together that makes them so unique and special, everyone from Corey Feldman to Sean Astin.  You really feel that these kids have known each other their whole lives.

I wish I had seen The Goonies when I was a kid.  I feel like I would love it even more than I do now.
However, even though I was late to the party I still had a blast the first time I watched it.  I love this movie so much, and now I understand why it is such a special film.

A Rockumentary For All Time

A couple of months ago, I watched This is Spinal Tap for the first time.  Naturally, I had heard how funny this movie is from friends of mine who had seen it, but I must admit I was not entirely prepared for what I was about to see.  Watching this movie was very memorable to me just for the simple fact that I was laughing so uncontrollably and unexpectedly.

The great thing about the writing in the movie is that it clearly makes fun of all the rock bands who take themselves entirely too seriously.  You know, the bands who release DVDs that show them writing songs for all their albums and what the songs mean.  This movie also pokes fun at bands that suffer from drama within them, which is one of the most hilarious things about the movie.

Rob Reiner, while he is the actual director of the movie, also plays the stereotypical director at the beginning of the movie, and he does it in such a profoundly hilarious way.  While the movie is poking fun at bands who take themselves too seriously, Rob Reiner pokes fun at directors during the introduction of This is Spinal Tap.  He is great at the "Let me take you on a journey" type of director.

Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer are brilliant together.  I would not be surprised if this movie was more improvised than actually written.  Their comedic timing in the movie is superb.

When I think of comedies, I usually think of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell.  Parodies and spoofs do not come to mind.  However, it is always refreshing to watch one, especially one I have not seen.  This is Spinal Tap was indeed that for me.  It was, and is, hilarious in so many unexpected ways.

Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 2

I was thirteen years old when Batman and Robin was released in theaters in 1997.  At that age, I did not have the love and appreciation for movies that I do today.  I was more concerned with the fact that I was seeing my first Batman movie in theaters.  Seventeen years ago, I thought the movie was awesome.  Today, I appreciate it for the glorious toilet bug that it is.

The lack of ingenuity of the writing in this movie astounds me.  Akiva Goldsman must have thought he was writing a cartoon because Mr.  Freeze says 27 "ice puns" in the entire movie.  This is the same writer who, four years later, would win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for A Beautiful Mind, which is a far superior movie to say the least.  The sad thing is that the exposition, when it is there, is very good.  The banter between George Clooney is exceptional.  Also, the scenes that George Clooney and Michael Gough are very good. Unfortunately, all these scenes are just put in the wrong places and there's not enough of it.

I'm as much an Arnold Schwarzenegger as any other man who grew up in the 80's and 90's.  However, he is hugely miscast in the role of Mr. Freeze.  Why would you cast a former bodybuilder as an elderly frail scientist?!

I will actually defend George Clooney in this movie as far as being Bruce Wayne.  He did a decent job considering what he had to work with.  As far as being Batman goes, you didn't even alter your voice in any way?  Come on!

I do believe Chris O'Donnell is the best cast person in this movie.  He brings a certain attitude to the character of Dick Grayson/Robin that plays well against George Clooney.  Although it is a shame that we never get to officially see Nightwing in these movies, there are some nice nods to it in Chris O'Donnell's costume in this movie.

Alicia Silverstone is also horribly miscast in the role of Batgirl.  Please note: In the comics,  Batgirl's real name is Barbara Gordon not Barbara Wilson.  In the comics, Batgirl is a computer genius.  However in this movie all she does is come off as a valley girl who attempts to be a badass.  How does being the lead in Clueless make you a prime candidate for Batgirl?!

I actually like Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, dialogue aside.  In the comics, Poison Ivy is a very gorgeous woman, and Uma Thurman personifies that perfectly.  It's just too bad she says out loud all her exposition so we already know what she is going to do.

I honestly do not think that Joel Schumacher should take all of the blame for this movie.  There are a couple of action sequences that are particularly well done, and as I said the exposition is good.  I have seen The Number 23 directed by Joel Schumacher and I think it is very good.  I do not think Joel Schumacher is a bad director.  I just think he should stay away from movies that are based on comic books.

When I think of bad movies, Batman and Robin is near the top of the list.  Many people bash this movie, and rightfully so.  However without the pile of garbage that is Batman and Robin, there would be no Batman Begins.  Thank Odin for Christopher Nolan.

An Unlikely Paradise

I recently watched a movie called My Blue Heaven.  It stars Steve Martin and Rick Moranis, and is directed by Herbert Ross.  I had never heard of it before I watched it, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise.


Steve Martin plays an Italian mob informant named Vinnie Antonelli.  He is in the Witness Protection Program.  He has to bring in the other gangsters so he can go free.  His character is a parody of a character you would find in gangster movies and film noir movies.  Steve Martin's accent is so laughably terrible in this movie.  It does not even come close to Italian, but because this is a comedy I think that was the point.  I have always been a big fan of Steve Martin.  He takes comedy very seriously, and I respect him very much for that.  He always brings something fresh to every film he is in.


Rick Moranis plays Federal Agent Barney Coopersmith.  I really enjoyed his character arc in the movie.  He goes from being a nerd who has his own system for the way eats pancakes to being a very likable guy who can actually have a relationship with a woman.  I had never seen Rick Moranis play a character like this.  I was so used to seeing him play a nerd like he did in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.  Seeing him play someone who is generally a good guy who has an actual story arc was very refreshing.


Director Herbert Ross brings a very genuine feel to this movie.  The comedy is over the top at times, but it never gets completely ridiculous.  This is a very heartwarming movie to watch.


I really enjoyed this movie the first time I watched it, and I have watched it again and again since then.  It's always a pleasure to watch two comedic geniuses like Steve Martin and Rick Moranis do what they do best.  If you're feeling like staying in on a Saturday night, then grab some popcorn and pick up a copy of My Blue Heaven.

The Ultimate Fairy Tale

I had heard about The Princess Bride many times from my friends.  I had heard how good it is, and how I will love it.  However, it was only a couple of months ago that I actually sat down and watched it for the first time.  I can now state for the record that everything I had heard about this movie is ABSOLUTELY TRUE.

The beauty of The Princess Bride is that it is a fairy tale that a grandfather is telling to his grandson, which in my opinion makes the story more real.  This movie is a romantic comedy, a fairy tale, and an adventure flick all rolled into one.  That's one of the reasons this movie works.

If you look at the list of movies Rob Reiner has directed, he has incredible range.  The Princess Bride was only his fourth movie, and if you look at the movies he has directed since then (When Harry Met Sally, Misery, A Few Good Men), you can truly see that he can do it all.  There is something very admirable and respectable about that.

The Princess Bride is one of the rare films that has a stellar ensemble cast, with not one weak spot.  Everyone down to Andre the Giant and Wallace Shawn are spectacular.  Mandy Patinkin is wonderful as Inigo Montoya,  the son seeking revenge for the death of his father.  

I've been a fan of Cary Elwes since the early 1990's.  He has got incredible range, everything from Days of Thunder to Liar Liar to Robin Hood Men in Tights.  He is an incredible talent, and every movie he is in benefits from the fact that he is in it.

While I'm not the biggest Robin Wright fan, I do know that she is a great actress.  This was her first big role, and she is spectacular in the movie.  The chemistry that her and Cary Elwes have is top-notch, particularly in the Fire Swamp scene.

I am shocked that it took me this long to see this film.  It is wonderful film filled with adventure and excitement, and is just an all-around great movie.  I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Daddy's Little Girl Doesn't Know Squat

Whether you like the movie Clueless or not, the movie has achieved cult classic status.  It is by no means a great movie, but it has a very loyal following of fans.  I'm proud to say that I have seen, and own, Clueless.  I'm also proud to say that I laugh every time I watch it because of how stupid it is.

Clueless is a movie that knows exactly what it is.  This is a movie that makes fun of the dumb blonde who is daddy's little girl, and she gets everything she wants no questions asked.  She doesn't have a clue what is going on in the real world; she just knows it revolves around her.  Ironically enough, that is the genius of the movie.

The thing I love about this movie is that it is a time capsule movie.  Anybody that grew up in the 90's knows what a special time it was.  All the fashion, language, and fads of that time are in this movie, and it is nostalgic to see.

Personally, the bright spot for me in this movie is Brittany Murphy.  There is a scene in the movie where the group of girls are at a dance, and we see Brittany Murphy dancing by herself.  I was watching this movie with my girlfriend Katie, and during that scene I turned to her and said, "I want one."  She is so adorable in this movie, and it is a shame she left us so soon in her career.  She went before her time.

Alicia Silverstone is almost too good in the main role.  In my opinion she has never been a great actress, but for some reason she gives a very genuine performance in this movie.  Even her whining is...well to be honest it's unbearable.

If you understand what this movie is, and what it is doing, you will definitely enjoy it.  It is a very special movie for some good reasons, and some bad reasons.  Ultimately, if you just want to laugh stupidly for 90 minutes, Clueless is the movie for you.

A Mystery Come to Life

In 1985, director Jonathan Lynn brought a movie version of the board game CLUE to the big screen.  This not only was Lynn's directorial debut, but it was the first movie to be based off of a board game.  Despite not performing well at the box office, this movie has gained a cult following among fans.

I like that they added humor to the movie instead of making it a straight-up murder mystery.  If you're going to make a movie based on a board game, you don't want to take it too seriously.  I think that if they had not put humor in the movie, it would have possibly turned people off from playing the game.

Jonathan Lynn brings a very B-movie style feel to this movie.  You don't feel like you are watching a movie.  You feel like you're watching a play and being part of an experience.  However, this movie is serious when it needs to be, and it succeeds at doing so.

The star of this movie is clearly Tim Curry.  I first saw him in The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the age of ten.  He scared the bejezzus out of me.  Ever since then, I have been both delighted and frightened at seeing him in a movie.  I have to admit he is brilliant in the movie, especially at the end.  Only an actor like Tim Curry could do what he does so well in this movie.

Clue is an example of game-turned-movie done right.  This a very entertaining movie and I highly recommend it....especially on a rainy night.  I mean, it's better than Battleship right?

Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 1

Let me begin this blog by saying that I am huge fan of comic books.  My knowledge of them runs deep, and I thoroughly enjoy when a movie based on a comic book is released.  So it is only fitting that my fourth blog be about...the Fantastic Four movie.

I really enjoy the writing in this movie.  The writers take the time to introduce the characters for those people who are not well versed in the comics.  The characteristics of the characters are fleshed out very well, and you really get the sense that this is the first family of comic books.  Reed Richards is the scientist who is married to his job.  Johnny Storm is the smart-ass who gets girls.  Sue Storm is the mother figure of the group, and Ben Grimm is the "bodyguard" of the group.

One of the reasons I enjoy this movie is because it is an ensemble piece.  All members of the group work together to defeat the enemy.  There is conflict between them every now and then, but it all gets resolved at the end of the movie.

This movie doesn't take itself too seriously, nor should it.  This is clearly a "popcorn flick", a movie where you just sit back and have fun.  There are some cheesy moments as well.  For example, when Victor Von Doom utters, "Call me Doom."  That line is worse than the line from Batman and Robin, "Hi Freeze.  I'm Batman."

Personally, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis make this movie watchable for me.  Chris Evans, while being the great Captain America that he is, just oozes confidence and arrogance as the Human Torch.  Michael Chiklis, with the personality he has, really brings the "tough guy" persona to the movie.  Of course, with a name like Victor Von Doom, a handsome man like Julian McMahon is playing the part.  I mean, aren't all arch-nemeses devilishly handsome?  Ioan Gruffudd brings the perfect personality to his character.  Mr. Fantastic is one of the smartest superheroes in the Marvel Universe, and Mr. Gruffudd projects that with confidence.

There's a very touching moment in this movie after Ben Grimm turns into the Thing.  There is an action scene on a bridge, after which the newly-crowned Fantastic Four are praised for their work.  At the end of this scene, Ben Grimm's wife is shown approaching the crowd.  Unable to cope with what her husband has turned into, she takes off her wedding ring, and leaves it on the ground.  The most heartbreaking thing about this, however, is that because of his transformation, Ben can't even pick the ring up off the ground.  Mr. Fantastic walks over, picks it up, and hands it to him.

Director Tim Story sets a good tone for the film, despite a couple continuity errors.  There are a number of shots in the movie that I really enjoy.  When Johnny Storm and the nurse are skiing, there are a number of great aerial shots.  Also, when Johnny is being tracked by the missile, there is a tracking shot of Johnny flying through the city that lasts a few seconds that I absolutely love.  There are a couple of great shots of the Thing coming in contact with the semi truck during the bridge scene.  Also, towards the end of the movie, Reed Richards is falling from the top of a building.  There is a shot that looks straight down the building that really shows off Mr. Fantastic's stretching capabilities.

The visual effects for this movie aren't great, but they aren't terrible either.  Truthfully, they feel a little dated.  However, it is clear that most of the budget for the visual effects went towards the Human Torch.  He looks absolutely amazing.  The Thing's makeup looks great as well, particularly in the facial features.  The way he is able to articulate his expressions is very impressive.

Fantastic Four is not a great comic-book movie, but it is far from being the worst.  If you're looking to stay in on a Friday night and order pizza, Fantastic Four is a great movie to watch.  Director Tim Story knows how to make fun and enjoyable, and that is exactly what he does here.

One Fantasy Tale To Rule Them All

The first chapter in The Lord of the Rings tale, titled The Fellowship of the Ring, introduces you to nine characters in their quest to destroy the Ring of Power.  I myself have read the first two books, and I am in the process of finishing the third book right now.  Even though I have not finished all three books, I have talked to people that have.  My personal opinion, and the opinion of others that I have spoken too, is that The Lord of the Rings movies follow the books very well.  There are a few arguments that could be made about certain things that are/are not included, but other than that there are very few complaints.

Anyone who has read The Lord of the Rings knows that eventually the fellowship is broken and the other characters break off and start their own journeys.  When you take a book like The Lord of the Rings and turn it into a movie, you have to condense it down to the central story, while at the same time serving justice to the stories of the other characters. This is done extremely well, giving each character their due.

Before The Lord of the Rings movies, director Peter Jackson was known for doing horror movies.  This kind of background definitely shows during the battle scenes.   However, the intimate dialogue scenes are handled with extreme care as well.  As The Fellowship of the Ring is the start of the journey, naturally there are many shots of the group walking to different destinations.  These shots are very dynamic, and you really get a sense of how arduous their journey is, and will be.  

I thoroughly enjoy fantasy writing.  Obviously for these movies, they did not just take the book and turn it into a script verbatim.  However, you do get the sense that they wanted to do J.R.R. Tolkien justice in the script, and they do so immensely well.  My personal favorite exchange of dialogue is in The Fellowship of the Ring.  In the mines of Moria, Boromir inquires, "What is this new devilry?", and Gandalf replies, "A Balrog.  A demon of the ancient world."  That is fantasy writing at its finest.  

The entire cast does an excellent job of capturing their characters.  For me in particular, there are two performances that stick out.  First is Ian McKellen as Gandalf.  In my opinion, this performance is the greatest of his career and it certainly carries the movie.  Second is Elijah Wood as Frodo.  I was never a big Elijah Wood fan, however it never ceases to amaze me how good he is in this movie.

I absolutely love when movies combine practical and digital effects, and this movie does that superbly.  The Moria sequence is particularly breathtaking.  When you read the books, you wonder how they are going to bring this world to life.  Then, you see the movie and it is exactly how you imagined it.

Years ago, I personally do not think you would have associated a name like Peter Jackson with The Lord of the Rings.  However, he has proven to be one of the few directors who is able to do a sweeping epic film.  He cares about the story first and foremost, and that is what makes him special.  

This House Doesn't Want Your Sorrows

A few weeks ago,  I watched the movie Animal House for the first time.  I have to say I loved it.  It is one of the funniest movies I've seen, and I immediately saw why it is the timeless classic that it is.

Of course, you cannot mention Animal House without mentioning John Belushi.  I personally believe that were he alive today, he would be among such greats as Jim Carrey and Steve Carell.  Some might say that his legend far surpasses them.  I certainly would not make an argument against that.

The other name we cannot forget is Harold Ramis.  Sadly, Harold Ramis passed away recently.  His contributions to the cinema world, and to the craft of comedy, will surely never be forgotten.  His involvement in such films as Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and of course Animal House was truly a testament to the success of those movies, and he will never be forgotten.

All of the actors truly inhabit their characters.  You feel for Flounder because he can't fit in.  You idolize Eric Stratton for sleeping with the Dean's wife.  You want to be Schoenstein because he is
the leader of the group.

Director John Landis really captured the essence of the college experience.  This film looks and feels like someone went to an actual frat party and started filming.  Animal House truly is the definitive college movie, and rightfully so.

After Nearly 40 Years...You Should Still Stay Out of the Water

      Let me preface this blog by saying that Steven Spielberg is my personal hero.  He is one of the sole reasons why I am attending film school, and if I am ever able to emulate him in my films while at the same time having my own voice, then I will have accomplished more than I could ever  hope to do.  Therefore, my opinion about his films might be a little biased.

      That being said, Jaws is a landmark masterpiece of a movie.  To this day, I still hear stories from people who saw it when it was released back in 1975.  They tell me how the movie made them jump three seats down the aisle, and how they haven't been swimming since then.

      Jaws tells the story of a Great White killer shark that is attacking Amity Island and eating swimmers.  After two deaths, three men decide that enough is enough and hunt him down and kill him.  Their names are Brody, Quint, and Hooper and they are played by Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss respectively.  It is very graphic, and in my opinion, had there been three deaths in the film it would have gotten an R rating.  Throughout his career, Spielberg has covered every genre imaginable.  Jaws is certainly a thriller, but I would even go so far as to say it is a horror movie just because of its nature.

      The writing in this movie is top-notch.  When you are writing a movie like this, you have to take it seriously and not make it silly.  In the wrong hands, Jaws could have easily been a silly movie.  Because of the dialogue, you really feel for the three main actors, and you feel for the city that is deathly afraid of going in the water.  There is a scene in the movie with the Mayor and Chief Brody.  The Mayor says, "You yell 'Barracuda!', everybody says 'Huh? What?'.  You yell 'Shark!', we've got a panic on our hands on the Fourth of July."  That piece of dialogue rings true for the entire movie.

      If anyone has watched Richard Dreyfuss in interviews for his movies, you know that he has a great sense of humor which comes across easily in the movie.  When he tells Chief Brody, " 'Scuse me.  You know those eight guys in the fantail launch out there?  Well, none of 'em are going to get out of the harbor alive.", you see him smile afterwards because it's not gonna be his fault if they don't listen to him and they die out there.  Watching Robert Shaw in this movie is a great pleasure.  Because of the kind of actor he was, you really believed that he was the experienced, older fisherman who knew what he was doing.  If you listen to Quint, you'll come home with a butt-load of fish.  Roy Scheider is an actor who has always remained close to my heart.  I grew up watching him on a show called Seaquest D.S.V.  It wasn't received very well, and it only lasted three seasons.  I always like to think of the show as Star Trek underwater.  Despite all of this, I really enjoyed the show.  I remember when he died back in 2008, and it really was heartbreaking.  Someone I had watched on television was no longer going to be there.  Thank Odin for DVDs.  When Quint smashes the radio, Roy Scheider's Brody turns into this grumpy old man who isn't getting his way, and now there's nothing they can do.  Those are the kind of memories I have of watching Roy Scheider.
 
      Spielberg was in his late 20's when he directed Jaws.  Even though Steven Spielberg was not the bankable name back then that he is today, as a director he hasn't changed at all.  You can watch Jaws and then watch Catch Me if You Can and you can tell he is exactly the same director.

      John Williams is the most iconic and celebrated movie music composer of all time, and rightfully so.  In my opinion, he is the greatest ever.  He won his first Oscar for Original Score for this movie, and it was well-deserved.
 
      The great miracle of this movie is that the mechanical shark never worked.  Had it worked properly, the movie would have lost all meaning.  Spielberg definitely knew what he was doing even at the young age of 27.  He cranked out an iconic movie, and to this day he is one of the most influential directors of all time.