Monday, August 28, 2023
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
New Release Tuesdays
Asteroid City- Following a writer on his world-famous fictional play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to small rural Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever. I saw Bottle Rocket at the theater opening weekend with my best friend and two other guys in the audience. When the movie was over and we were getting up and seeing the other two guys I mentioned to my friend those look like the guys in the movie (Luke and Owen Wilson). Flash forward a few years later at the Oscars and the Wilson brothers are presenting for best short film and mentioned how Bottle Rocket started as a short film and then they made a theatrical version. The local Dallas bros were so excited they went to see the film again at their local theater and mentioned there were only two other guys in the theater with them. I always like that shout out. This is among the top of the Wes Anderson catalog. Quirky, funny, a great cast, and exceptional camera work. Highly recommended.
Wrath of Becky- Two years after escaping a violent attack, a teenage girl must defend herself against a terrorist cell. As a father of a daughter I love young women kicking ass in the movies.
The Machine- Bert's drunken past catches up with him 20 years down the road when he and his father are kidnapped by those Bert wronged 20 years ago while drunk on a college semester abroad in Russia. Yeah, I got nothing on this one. It’s a slow week.
Confidential Informant- A police detective suffering from cancer makes a deal with an informant to get killed in the line of duty, so his family can receive the hefty death benefits from the department. Mel Gibson is taking all of Brice Willi's' work now? So, I guess Lethal Weapon 5 is off?
Coma- When a young female doctor notices an unnatural amount of comas occurring in her hospital she uncovers a horrible conspiracy. A great thriller that is making its blu ray debut. Thanks Kino Lorber!
Monday, August 21, 2023
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Triple Shot Tuesday
On Tuesdays I like to kick back and watch some movies. Here is what was watched last night:
This movie is tradition in August because my daughter is headed back to school soon and it is her favorite movie. If you're not first, you're last. Did you know that Christopher Nolan is a big fan? https://www.darkhorizons.com/chris-nolan-is-a-big-talladega-nights-fan/
The great William Friedkin passed away last week I thought it was time to honor the man by doing a double. Friedkin as well as Gene Hackman won Oscars for this gritty crime classic that features one of the best if not the best car chases on film. It was guerilla filmmaking at its finest because they did a lot of it without permits.
I remember this movie was at the dollar theater on my Christmas break in 1985 and I do not remember how many times I snuck into see this excellent Friedkin action movie about a secret service agent after a counterfeiter. Friedkin tried to one up himself here with a car chase that ranks up there among the best on film too. A young Willem Dafoe is perfectly cast as the villain.
Monday, August 14, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
New Release Tuesday
Swamp Thing- After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster. I have not seen this since it was on HBO back in the day and I own a copy of the Shout Factory release that is collecting dust. I need to open this and give it a spin sometime.
Enter the Dragon- A Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord - who is also a former monk from his temple - under the guise of attending a fighting tournament. Wow, this movie is 50. When I think of this movie I first think if what could have been with Bruce Lee. We all missed out on something very special. Warner Brothers has not been putting much love into their physical releases lately so I think I will stick with my Criterion release box set from a few years ago. This is a classic and highly recommended.
1923- The Duttons face a new set of challenges in the early 20th century, including the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. There is some great story telling here as this story not only takes place in the West but Africa too. Taylor Sheridan lines up some great established actors and introduces us to some new ones that play these characters great. Bring on season 2. And because of the strikes that’s gonna be awhile.
Fast X- Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes. Oh, I missed this one at the theater because the series is still missing something. Oh yeah, The Rock. The guy that made this a billion-dollar franchise. I read this movie fixes that issue as he shows up in a cameo at the end that basically announces he is back in the Fast fold. Bring it!
Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars- The July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. I have been diving into Bowie’s music and films over the last few years and have much more appreciation for them. Also be sure to check out Criterion’s Moonage Daydream.
Monday, August 7, 2023
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