I think that Dis still has that last Elton concert, too. Been meaning to check that out.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
John Mulaney: Baby J on Netflix.
Brilliant.
I think that Dis still has that last Elton concert, too. Been meaning to check that out.
It popped up as a suggestion because I watched the U2 film and is on my watchlist along with the Summer Of Soul, which was was also recommended. I remember seeing the preview for Summer of Soul a couple years ago but I don't get Hulu and didn't realize it is now on Disney+. I love Soul music so this is in my wheelhouse.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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The Summer Of Soul is excellent.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
A Man Called Otto (Netflix streaming):
Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.
Tom Hanks stars as the non-racist Clint Eastwood from "Gran Torino." 😉 For real, though, Hanks is the perfect amount of grumpiness, that one neighbor that thinks everyone is an idiot, and he's the only one that follows the rules correctly, his way or the highway. Very touching ending, I will say.
The movie peels back the layers of backstory in the form of flashbacks, which aren't overly sentimental, but may tug at the heart strings a bit.
Not related to the story itself, before the movie they issue a warning about "graphic suicidal scenes," but yet it's PG-13. Yay MPAA *rollseyes* You can show that stuff with a warning, but can't say the F word more than once, or you get slapped with an R rating.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I made it halfway through Otto and shut it off. The over-the-top grumpiness of Hanks' character was cartoonish and absurd. I couldn't do it any more.
I know cantankerous grumps. My grandpa lost his wife at age 36 and spent the next 50 years as a widowed, grumpy, chain-smoking shut-in in a 1-bedroom basement apartment. Even he was nowhere near the character in this movie.
I'm Thinking Of Ending Things (Netflix streaming):
Full of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents' secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.
First half of the movie, ok, this is really awkward, what's going on? This is oddly interesting, I'd like to know what the end is going to be. Then one has some theories about it (obviously won't spoil it with what I thought) and then it goes full pretentious beret-wearing "film community" director's vision/artiste mode, and you're thinking "WTF is WITH this sh**?!"
If you want to be baited, and then just get disgusted by something really disappointing, this is up your alley.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
So, burning through my disc queue as fast as they'll mail them to me. This one is part of a 3 disc Mae West collection, looks like each disc as 2 movies on it (2nd movie is below).
Night After Night (Netflix disc):
A successful ex-boxer opens a high-class speakeasy in what once was the childhood home of a formerly rich society girl.
She doesn't play a huge part in this one, just enough to affect the storyline. The boxer becomes infatuated with the rich girl, but a couple of his flings interfere with his pursuit, to varying degrees. Came out in 1932, and how different acting was then, and how you could portray...certain things were definitely different. It was okay, a good start to really delve in West's career (the only movie I have seen with her beforehand was "She Done Him Wrong" which is a CLASSIC.
I'm No Angel:
Circus performer Tira seeks a better life pursuing the company of wealthy New York men with improbable comic complications along the way.
Definitely the main character in this one, with Cary Grant as a co-star of sorts. She really is coming into her own here as a leading lady, delivering some of her classic lines that are still repeated today. I would dare say this is a movie that showcased how women can have the same power of men in those times (this one came out in 1933), although still limited compared to what we see today. I thought it was much more entertaining than "Night" and am looking forward to the other discs.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Mae West was an extraordinary woman who now doesn’t get enough credit for her career. She wrote almost all her own dialogue in her films, even the early ones. Her Broadway stage career really showcased the power of words and she took that ability to Hollywood. She abhorred censorship. One of her quotes in regular life was “I love censorship, I’ve made a fortune off of it”. She went to jail because of her bawdy acting and apparently had the time of her life ?.
One fun fact: she was extremely short and had out of proportion stumpy legs. She developed her distinctive walk because she wore ridiculously high platform shoes, about 6-7 inches. Not heels, platforms. And she was often filmed standing on a box. Her film costumes were almost always long fishtail gowns because they covered the shoes and/or the box.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Goin' to Town (Netflix disc 2 of the West collection):
Former dance hall queen Cleo Borden, newly rich, falls for and pursues an upper-crust Englishman.
Standard Mae role, although the end was a bit of a twist, if you ask me. Definitely thought it would go another way, given the character. It was okay, still say "I'm No Angel" and "She Done Him Wrong" are her two best that I've seen. Still, it's worth a watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I love this actor: Jorma Tomilla. He was in one of my favorite strange films, Rare Exports.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Go West Young Man (disc 3, and the last disc of the Mae West collection, Netflix disc).
A movie star, stranded in the country, trifles with a young man's affections.
I would've preferred a different way for the ending to happen, but Mae's image needed to stay intact, I get it. You can tell her character has utter contempt for the "maroons" as she referred to them in the movie, however, it is her public. It was okay. Not too many great lines, though.
My Little Chickadee:
After a scandal runs a gold-digger out of town, she meets a con artist and becomes embroiled in a string of petty deceits.
This was a money-grab, IMO. Mae is being Mae, and WC Fields is being WC, nothing more and nothing less. No depth of character of any sort. Reminded me of Nic Cage playing Nic and John Travolta playing John in Face/Off (although that had a much better story behind it). Take it or leave it, IMO.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
When I was a young lad, in the late 60's - early 70's, there was a program on WCCO 4 on Friday nights at 11:00 PM or so called "Comedy for Big Kids". They'd show the Marx Brothers, WC Fields, Laurel & Hardy, Mae West, etc. Anyway, the first time I saw that "My Little Chickadee" was going to be aired I was pretty excited...and my reaction was the same as yours. No real chemistry, the two stars just taking turns doing their bits, almost as if the other wasn't there. They didn't like each other much...and it shows.My Little Chickadee:
After a scandal runs a gold-digger out of town, she meets a con artist and becomes embroiled in a string of petty deceits.
This was a money-grab, IMO. Mae is being Mae, and WC Fields is being WC, nothing more and nothing less. No depth of character of any sort. Reminded me of Nic Cage playing Nic and John Travolta playing John in Face/Off (although that had a much better story behind it). Take it or leave it, IMO.
He was rigidly controlling of his screen time and lines. But his films made money. Mae West despised him. I’m not surprised they had no chemistry, but the studio forced them to be in My Little Chickadee together. She later wrote about working with him and it was not pretty. He hated any perceived competition and she WAS competition.When I was a young lad, in the late 60's - early 70's, there was a program on WCCO 4 on Friday nights at 11:00 PM or so called "Comedy for Big Kids". They'd show the Marx Brothers, WC Fields, Laurel & Hardy, Mae West, etc. Anyway, the first time I saw that "My Little Chickadee" was going to be aired I was pretty excited...and my reaction was the same as yours. No real chemistry, the two stars just taking turns doing their bits, almost as if the other wasn't there. They didn't like each other much...and it shows.My Little Chickadee:
After a scandal runs a gold-digger out of town, she meets a con artist and becomes embroiled in a string of petty deceits.
This was a money-grab, IMO. Mae is being Mae, and WC Fields is being WC, nothing more and nothing less. No depth of character of any sort. Reminded me of Nic Cage playing Nic and John Travolta playing John in Face/Off (although that had a much better story behind it). Take it or leave it, IMO.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
I'm really looking forward to "Oppenheimer", Christopher Nolan's biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, "The Father of the Atomic Bomb", opening on July 21. The trailers have looked terrific. I'm currently re-reading "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer", upon which the movie is based.
I'm really looking forward to "Oppenheimer", Christopher Nolan's biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, "The Father of the Atomic Bomb", opening on July 21. The trailers have looked terrific. I'm currently re-reading "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer", upon which the movie is based.
So far Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon and Barbie are topping my watch list.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Over the past several days I watched Come and See (1985), Quest for Fire (1981), Andrei Rublev (1966) and Ran (Kurosawa, 1985). Very pleased with all of them for very different reasons, but they're definitely not popcorn flicks if that's what you want.
Over the past several days I watched Come and See (1985), Quest for Fire (1981), Andrei Rublev (1966) and Ran (Kurosawa, 1985). Very pleased with all of them for very different reasons, but they're definitely not popcorn flicks if that's what you want.
I briefly got all excited because I thought you meant Reign of Fire ?. A really bad film that’s fun.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Over the past several days I watched Come and See (1985), Quest for Fire (1981), Andrei Rublev (1966) and Ran (Kurosawa, 1985). Very pleased with all of them for very different reasons, but they're definitely not popcorn flicks if that's what you want.
I briefly got all excited because I thought you meant Reign of Fire ?. A really bad film that’s fun.
Story of my life. ?
I was told today to watch "Battleship" to which I groaned, but then my bastige friends said Liam Neeson was in it, now I almost kind of have to watch it. They swear there's an actual story to the action, but I am not so sure. To me, it looked like a Michael Bay explosion-fest, and nothing more, hence not seeing it in the first place.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I love Reign of Fire. McConaughey and Bale in a good old fashioned America v UK dick-swinging contest with DRAGONS! Oh and Izabella Scorupco! Pretty great turn your brain off and enjoy the ride material.
Battleship sucks but I’ll totally watch it again and be smiling for most of it.
Battleship sucks but I’ll totally watch it again and be smiling for most of it.
Believe it or not, that is valuable info, since I've known you for years, and know your tastes and opinions on things trivial.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I've watched a couple movies over the last several days.
1. Everything, Everywhere, All At Once - Maybe it was because I was watching it on small screen (iPad) on a plane (some distractions) but I just didn't get it. I think I needed to watch it on a bigger screen at home with less distractions. A LOT going on in this movie. Michelle Yeoh basically experiences a multi verse. I thought all of the actors did a really good job especially when transitioning in and out of the multiverse. Their emotions changed so quickly and they had to reflect it in their facial expressions and mannerisms. But, overall I was just confused.
2. Plane - Gerard Butler plays a pilot of plane that crash lands on an island inhabited by separatists. He and a passenger (a criminal facing transport) join up to try to save the passengers.
This was basically a tv caliber script with R rated violence. I kept waiting for some sort of twist or turn and it just never came. It was just too simple to be entertaining.
I've watched a couple movies over the last several days.
1. Everything, Everywhere, All At Once - Maybe it was because I was watching it on small screen (iPad) on a plane (some distractions) but I just didn't get it. I think I needed to watch it on a bigger screen at home with less distractions. A LOT going on in this movie. Michelle Yeoh basically experiences a multi verse. I thought all of the actors did a really good job especially when transitioning in and out of the multiverse. Their emotions changed so quickly and they had to reflect it in their facial expressions and mannerisms. But, overall I was just confused.
I bought this b/c it was that good, but also that messed up. Have seen it 3 times, and you know what's going on, but still don't know what's going on, and that's the beauty of it. And good luck trying to explain the basic plot to someone. It's all over the place. It's one of those movies where you'll find something new each time, with the nuances.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse (animated) was really really good.
Extraction 2 (Netflix streaming). WOW! What a movie! Chris Hemsworth returns as a mercenary hired to retrieve a family out of a Georgian (the country) prison. There's and incredible scene that is about 25 minutes long that appears to have been done in one shot. It was amazing to watch and I'd love to see a behind the scenes feature about it.
Simply amazing action throughout. Movie was very entertaining and highly recommend.
Unleashed (Netflix streaming)
A man enslaved by the mob since childhood and raised into behaving like a human attack dog escapes his captors and attempts to start a new life.
Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Hoskins (the detective in Roger Rabbit 😀 ) star in this. Jet Li has a tremendous performance of someone who is truly tamed, yet somewhat educated. Incredibly inept at social interaction, understandably. Love the action, especially the very-closed-spaces scenes. Creativity is off the charts.
Watching the movie, one can't help at noticing and understanding the transformation/mental state that Li's character is going through. The performance is that good. That being said, overall, it's an action movie, better than par, but definitely worth watching.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
To Leslie (Netflix streaming):
A West Texas single mother wins the lottery and squanders it just as fast, leaving behind a world of heartbreak. Years later, with her charm running out and nowhere to go, she fights to rebuild her life and find redemption.
Good raw drama, a very honest look at alcoholism and the problems it causes. Sometimes it's in your face, sometimes it's very subtle. All the actors did well here, the characters felt REAL, like you knew/know someone like them at some point in time in your own life. I do recommend this one.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Tag (Hulu streaming):
A small group of former classmates organize an elaborate, annual game of tag that requires some to travel all over the country.
Based on a true story (and there is real footage as part of the end credits). I figured this to be a low-quality on the Adam Sandler type scale, and it was actually quite entertaining, and the ending was quite good. I think the highlight of the movie shows how competitive some groups of friends are (I know I'm part of that mentality with sports/games/etc). It really demonstrates the level you have to get to, when you're among like-minded people. Give it a go, you might be surprised.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
You posting this immediately reminded me of this
From the movie, and the reading of the backstory, and the real footage, not far from truth. 😀
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Had the last 5 days off so have some movie thoughts from that time.
1. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It was fine. I would rate it the fourth best. Original, Last Crusade, Temple of Doom, Dial and then Crystal Skull (Easily the worst of the 5). I saw something on Twitter that summed it up pretty well but I can't remember exactly how they phrased so I will paraphrase; It had all of the ingredients of an Indiana Jones movie but just didn't feel or look like an Indiana Jones movie. I'm glad I saw it but don't need to see it again.
2. Ticket to Paradise (free Amazon Prime. Originally aired on Netflix). George Clooney and Julia Roberts play ex-spouses. Their daughter graduates college and heads to Bali for the summer before becoming a big city lawyer. Of course she falls in love with a local and they decide to get married and stay in Bali. George and Julia are against the wedding and decide to try to put their differences aside and break up the marriage.
In real life George and Julia are good friends so I'm sure they had fun playing a bickering couple but the CONSTANT bickering just got to be too much. We get it...you don't get along. Eventually they bicker a little less and the movie becomes more tolerable. All in all I barely recommend it but would not have recommended it had I had to pay for it in a theater or rental.
3. Fly on the Wall Podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade (Alec Baldwin episode). They interview a lot of celebrities that have some sort of connection to SNL whether they were cast members, writers, or hosts. The Alec Baldwin episode (second most recent) was my favorite one they have done so far and I've like a lot of them. Putting his legal issues and public persona aside, I think he is incredibly talented. In this episode he tells a lot of great Hollywood stories about big stars and the different things he's done in movies, tv, theater, etc. Really enjoyed it.
Promising Young Woman (Netflix streaming). The movie is one long tease and all I can say is wow for all the right reasons.
Promising Young Woman (Netflix streaming). The movie is one long tease and all I can say is wow for all the right reasons.
How old am I? What are my hobbies? What’s my name?
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Wham! (Netflix streaming)
Documentary on the band.
No narration, just interviews and such. I really liked it. Given the age I was at the time, I thought "that other guy" was just riding George Michael's coat-tails, and that is far from the case. In hindsight, they were very mature for seeing and achieving their career arcs. Definitely recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Fences (Netflix disc)
A working-class African-American father tries to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life.
Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, so yes, please. Raw movie, pulling no punches on what life was like and the opinions of an African-American family back then. Denzel's character is a true piece of work, making you decide if he's an a-hole, a hard-working man wanting to raise his family with correct values, or a bit of both. Viola playing the independent, but also subservient, wife does wonders in her role, and she walks that thin line with so much balance it's sick.
I do recommend it, for sure.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Just got back from the Barbie movie. All I’m gonna say is you HAVE to see it. I won’t ruin it. Also the credits said John Cena was in it but I didn’t see him.
Just got back from the Barbie movie. All I’m gonna say is you HAVE to see it. I won’t ruin it. Also the credits said John Cena was in it but I didn’t see him.
John Cena was Merman Ken! He had long blond hair lol.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Saw Oppenheimer last night, and really enjoyed it. Without giving away much the Trinity test scene was phenomenal. Additionally I hardly recognized Gary Oldman as President Truman and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
The Deepest Breath (Netflix streaming) - Hmm. Equal parts amazing, exhilarating, maddening, frightening, frustrating and outright heartbreaking. I can only imagine what the competitors go through during their diving endeavors.
Also while watching the Bourdain documentary many of the same feelings came to the surface. From the very first time I discovered who he was his ability to write in ways I've never elsewhere experienced drew me to him immeasurably. He was brilliant, arrogant yet unassuming at the same time, prophetic, thought-provoking and in the end entertaining yet truly flawed. And he never shied from it. His suicide angered me before I watched this doc and after it my anger was not lessened. I really miss his gift for the written/spoken word.
The Deepest Breath (Netflix streaming) - Hmm. Equal parts amazing, exhilarating, maddening, frightening, frustrating and outright heartbreaking. I can only imagine what the competitors go through during their diving endeavors.
Also while watching the Bourdain documentary many of the same feelings came to the surface. From the very first time I discovered who he was his ability to write in ways I've never elsewhere experienced drew me to him immeasurably. He was brilliant, arrogant yet unassuming at the same time, prophetic, thought-provoking and in the end entertaining yet truly flawed. And he never shied from it. His suicide angered me before I watched this doc and after it my anger was not lessened. I really miss his gift for the written/spoken word.
The Bourdain doc is absolutely amazing. A complex individual, someone I wish I had the privilege to have a drink/dinner with, just to have a conversation about anything.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Deepest Breath (Netflix streaming) - Hmm. Equal parts amazing, exhilarating, maddening, frightening, frustrating and outright heartbreaking. I can only imagine what the competitors go through during their diving endeavors.
Also while watching the Bourdain documentary many of the same feelings came to the surface. From the very first time I discovered who he was his ability to write in ways I've never elsewhere experienced drew me to him immeasurably. He was brilliant, arrogant yet unassuming at the same time, prophetic, thought-provoking and in the end entertaining yet truly flawed. And he never shied from it. His suicide angered me before I watched this doc and after it my anger was not lessened. I really miss his gift for the written/spoken word.
The Bourdain doc is absolutely amazing. A complex individual, someone I wish I had the privilege to have a drink/dinner with, just to have a conversation about anything.
I will have to give the Bourdain documentary a try. I was a big fan of the No Reservations show. My wife and I went to see him and Andrew Zimmern talk at the State Theater years ago. They both shared a lot of personal stories (Zimmern probably got more personal than Bourdain though) about their demons they've battled.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
John Wick 4 (Netflix disc)
Finally saw this. The story itself was prob the 2nd best plot in the series after the 1st one, but (nitpick) the action scenes were a bit redonkulous and drawn out, even for a movie such as this one. They could have trimmed 20 minutes off the run-time, easily. I did LOVE LOVE LOVE the homage to a certain cult classic for the last 1/3 of this movie, though. That. Was. Awesome. For those that don't know the cult classic, look it up, it's one of my favorites.
And finally, that dog was awesome. 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The only killer as slow as The Blob.