Quote of the Day

The Muppets

Lew: We all agreed: a celebrity is not a people!

Trailer Tuesday: Gravity

Welcome to “Trailer Tuesday” where I talk about trailers for upcoming movies.

When my wife and I see a new movie trailer, either in the theater or at home, we almost always look at each other afterwards to get an sense of each other’s quick reaction to the trailer.  Usually they’re in sync, as we typically like the same sorts of films.  “Stupid” comedies get an eye roll, horror films usually get a sarcastic yes followed by a determined no, big, loud action movies typically get an indulgent smile and a shake of the head, while many others get a noncommittal shrug or head bob indicating that we need to see more before deciding.  Even when we don’t agree, we usually know what reaction the other one will have before we look, so I wasn’t surprised to see her emphatic no following the first trailer we saw for Gravity.  Take a look at the latest one below, and read on for my comments:

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Review/Analysis: In a World…

Review

In a World… is funny, random, charmingly sweet, a little romantic and an impressive feature length writing, producing and directing debut by star Lake Bell.  It’s also strongly feminist, but in a way that feels realistic while still sending a clear message.  The film, which was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of Carol Solomon, a struggling vocal coach whose father, Sam Soto, is one of the famous kings of the movie trailer voice-over industry.  You would think with a father who is a legend in the industry that Carol would have an easy way into the business, too, but her father not only is uninterested in giving her handouts (which his therapist tells him is just enabling Carol) but also doesn’t think women have any place in the industry.  It’s a boy’s only club, with Sam spending his time and energy promoting sleazeball Guztav Warner as the next generation of voice over powerhouse instead of his own daughter.  Sam makes his opinions clear to Carol before kicking her out of the house so that Sam’s groupie girlfriend can move in instead (nevermind the fact that she’s a year younger than his daughter.)

So Carol moves in with her sister and brother-in-law, Continue reading

Friday Favorites: Favorite Character – Babe

Welcome to “Friday Favorites” which highlight some of my favorite movie-related things.

Babe is one of my favorite movies.  And while I love all of the things that everyone else praises, the story of an “unprejudiced heart” who challenges preconceptions, the fantastic music (which will be a post of its own one day soon) and the Oscar-winning effects, my favorite part of the movie is one that is often overlooked: Arthur Hoggett.  Though James Cromwell was nominated for an Oscar for the role, losing to Kevin Spacey for his deserving role in The Usual Suspects, his performance in this Best Picture nominee has been mostly ignored in the 18 years since Babe’s release.  So today, I’d like to highlight one of my favorite characters/performances, who turns out to be deeper than he might seem on one viewing.

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Quote of the Day

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Captain Hammer: I hate the homeless– [switches card] –ness problem that plagues this city.

Trailer Tuesday: Carrie

Welcome to “Trailer Tuesday” where I talk about trailers for upcoming movies.

This is the trailer I intended to share and discuss last week while on vacation, until I encountered problems posting it on my phone.  Take a look at the trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Carrie, and read on for a few thoughts below:

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Quote of the Day

The Muppets

Rowlf: How come you didn’t use me in the montage? I thought my story was pretty interesting.

[cut to Rowlf snoring in a hammock on his porch surrounded by other Muppets]

Kermit the Frog: Rowlf?

Rowlf: Huh?

Kermit the Frog: You wanna get back together?

Rowlf: Okay.

[cut back to the car]

Rowlf: Classic.

Quote of the Day

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Captain Hammer: You see, little Penny’s giving it up, she’s giving it up hard. ‘Cause she’s with Captain Hammer. [holds up his fists] And these are not the hammer. [walks away from Billy, but then returns] The hammer is my penis.

Quote of the Day

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Billy: Hey, this is weird. I ordered one frozen yogurt and they gave me two. You don’t happen to like frozen yogurt, do you?

Penny: I love it!

Billy: You’re kidding? What a crazy random happenstance!

Quote of the Day

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Jack Sparrow: You know, these clothes do not flatter you at all, it should be a dress or nothing. I happen to have no dress in my cabin.