Day 28: "Pearl Jam Twenty" or "PJ20"

I love music. Movies and music. I have worked in Suncoast, Sam Goodie, FYE, and used movie and music places. My best friend from middle school on was a sony Diskman that opened my world to real music. The first time I heard Metallica was at study hall, a stoner barrowed my cd player and forgot to take out the disk. It blew my mind. I lost my musical verginity at that moment. He then let me barrow Pearl Jam's "10" album.

I may not have been their first fan, or their biggest, but I am a fan. To be honest I didnt know too much about them. So in my quest for movie nerd-dom, I came across this film. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Jerry McGuire, Almost Famous, We Baught A Zoo).

One of the reasons I wanted to see this is that over the summer Pearl Jam had their 20th anniversery concert at Alpine Valley here in Wisconsin. 2 days in summer in wisconsin. Livivng less than a hour away I wanted to see some of that concert, and was hoping it had a little in this film. It did not.

It also did not disapoint! I want to give it 5 stars, but I just cannot. I'm giving it 4. The sound on this is amazing and this will be my first recomendation that if you can, get the bluray from netflix if you have a good sound system. The streaming sound was great but 7.1 will melt my sox off.

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Day 27: "Half Nelson"

Oh, Ryan Gossling. Ok, maybe I have a man crush on him. I'm not gay, but if we were prison cell mates, I wouldn't complain. I'm just saying. So maybe i'm a little one sided with his movies.

I think he is an amazing actor. I want to see every movie he was in. So I picked "Half Nelson". A movie about a drug addicted inner city school teacher played by Ryan.

So another drug addiction movie. Not "Sid & Nancy" or "The Fighter" but you really feel the frustration of trying to clean your life up, but one struggle and you fall on that crutch that will make it all better.

Now my wife is an inner city teacher and I know the struggles and hurdles that she has to deal with each day. In inner city schools, alot of people dont realize that for some kids, school is their only regular thing in their life. The only thing they can count on. And when they can have a solid role model like a teacher, they really put all their emotional eggs in one basket. Teachers know that (well the good ones) and when they see their kids loose faith in them, it is devistating. Try and handle that on the down slide of a haroine binge.

Not one of Gossling's finest, but worth your time. 3 Stars.

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Day 26: "Dylan Dog"

This is Brandon Roth's 3rd comic book series movie. 1st was "Superman Returns", then it was "Scott Pilgrim", and now "Dylan Dog"

The tagline of the movie is "No pulse. No Problem". Dylan is a privet investigator for the paranormal. Crazy murder? He'll find the vampire or warewolf responsible.

Now, the suck heads and flea bags live amung us, without us knowing. But Dylan knows this a little too well. No he isn't one himself, but he knows that underworld damn well. Oh and his partner is a zombie. A very comical zombie.

I dont know if it is because I saw "Breaking Dawn" this weekend with my wife (i was dragged to that but we snuck into Muppets after. Totally worth it then.) but tgis movie was super fun. I really have no clue if my reader will like this movie, or not, but I did.

I give this movie a solid 2 stars with the potential for 3 stars.

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Day 25: "See No Evil, Hear No Evil"

And I shal speak no evil in this review. This is a classic comedy film from 1989. The era of no shame comedies like "Plains, trains, and automobiles", "Tootsie", and "Airplain 2".

I can hear the board room pitch meeting. "Ok, a blind guy and a deaf guy are framed in a murder, and they have to clear their name." "Will there be jokes about being blind and deaf?" "Most definately. Infact we can make the blind one black, so he doesnt know he's black." "Make the movie!"

This is a solid 3 star movie. I liked it and I reccomend it to you. And if you havent seen it, WATCH IT!

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Day 24: "Red State"

Weed, dick jokes, star wars refrences. Three staples of a Kevin Smith film, suprisingly, not found in "Red State".

Horney teenage boys find a sex site for horney housewives and go out to get laid. Once they get to the lonely housewife she ends up druging them.

They wake up in a church, facing exicution, for their "wicked ways".

The church is a strong hold like Wakeo texas. And just like the wacko in Wakeo, the ATF shows up and shit hits the fan.

John Goodman is simply amazing and highly reccomend this film. 4 Stars.

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Day 23: "Midnight Cowboy" Another Dusty

Before HBO's "Hung" the original hustler was Joe Buck. A blond hair cowboy from Texas. He moves to New York city to sleep with wich women for money.

If it was as easy as he thaught it was to become a male whore, all men would try this line of work. But his clientel is not who he wants.

As he tried to be a ladies man he meets Rico Salvatore Rizzo played by Dustin Hoffman.

This movie is made 10 years after "Madagan's Millions" and he needed those 10 years to hone his craft. From crap to oscar worthy proformance.

I really liked this and I do recomend this. 3 stars.

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Day 22: "Take Me Home Tonight"

"Dad, I'm just working at Suncoast 'til I figure out what I want to do." A line from the movie and a quote that has haunted me for 10+ years.

This is a typical 80's "one crazy party and i'll prove to the girl of my dreams we are right for each other" movie. It is very predictable but I still really liked it.

Stars Topher Grace (That 70's show) and Anna Farris (House Bunny) and Dan Fogle (Fan Boys, Balls of Fury) and some chick who looks like Kristen Stewart.

The movie is predictable, the soundtrack is amazing and somehow I had a good time watching it. I do recomend this film.

3 stars

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Day 21: "Winnebago Man"

If you have never seen the clip on youtube, do yourself a favor and watch this 60 year old man sware and have a fit, while filming the sales video for a high end Winnebago.

On day 1 of this shoot, the crew noticed that the "star" of this sales video would go off on a chain of swares and rants between takes. So they just kept filming. The outtakes reel ended up on a VHS tape (this is 1989) and was the first viral video.

25 years later a film maker decided to find this old man and see if he was still alive. They were suprised that he was.

This documentary is fantastic. but if you have a mean old grandpa that hates everything and everyone, you might get bored with it sooner. I dont have one so I liked it. I do reccomend it for your viewing pleasure.

3 stars.

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Up to date.... Finally

So I got back friday from vegas and took today (saturday) to catch up on my posts. Sorry about the lateness. Even thou I watch a movie a day, I have a life.

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Day 20: "Chaos Theory"

This is a Ryan Renolds movie I had no idea was even out there. And to be honest, is a fun movie.

His wife puts the clock 10 min behind and his whole life gets flip-turned upside down.

One of the most amazing things was seeing Elliot from "Scrubs" in a slinky bra and panties. Besides that I will say it was a really fun movie and I do recomend this hidden jem.

3 solid stars

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Day 19: "The Captains"

Have you ever seen "Shatner's Raw Nerve" or any of William Shatner's interview shows. This is basically a 90 min interview of all the Captains of Star Trek.

Now I am a Treker. I love Star Trek. From TOS to Enterprise (DS9 is my fave). And this, I will say, was boring. It was a waste of time.

Trekers, Treckies, and any sci-fi lovers. Pass this one over.

1 star.

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Day 18: "I Love You Phillip Morris"

Have you ever been in love? No, like crazy love. That now you look back and think "wow, I was nuts."

Well you are not alone. Everyone has that one person you would do anything for.  Even if you are not with them now, at one point you would have stolen, lied, even possibly put your own health in trouble just to make them happy.

This is a tale about toxic love. A love between Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, not a movie about the tobacco giant. Jim Carrey plays a man with everything but he wants more. He wants Ewan McGregor, and doesnt care what he has to do to to get him.

This movie was awesome and really recomend this for you and others. I give it 4 stars.

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Day 17: "13 Assassins"

This movie is simply amazing. Written and directed by Takihashi Miike. He is famously known for some gory action movies. From Japan.

It is subtitled and is a samurai movie. If you dont like those 2 things, stop reading now. If you do like those 2 things, stop reading amd f'n watch this imediately.

This is a disturbing revenge movie with blood, gore, nudity, amd graphic violence. So in short, it is simply amazing.

Like I said, it is a revenge movie. Some ones son and daughter was killed by a crazy clan leader, another clan leader orders his death. Start the tornado of death.

If u are a samuari fan, 5 fuckin stars. If not, 1 star.

Day 16: "Madigan's Millions" Another "Dusty" Movie

In my Que there is so many Dustin Hoffman movies, I decided to watch 1 every tuesday. This week it is his first feature film. There is a reason you have never heard of this one.

Maddigan is a gangster who stole millions and fled the USA to Italy. Tje movie opens with Madagan dieing.

Have you ever seen "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" movie? Paul Rubins (Pee Wee Herman) has the longest "death" in cinima. Hell it still is going on after the credits. Madigan's death is almost that long.

Dustin Hoffman plays an accountant for the FBI or something. He is a bumbling fool that is stupid but a smart cookie.

This movie was obviouly written for Jerry Lewis but he passed it over and some no names decided to grab a 8mm camera and make it.

This movie is HORRIBLE. It just drags, the comedy has horrible timing and you wonder how Dustin Hoffman ever recovered from this P.O.S.

1 star, bitches.

Day 15: "SHERLOCK: The Great Game"

This is part 3 of the mini series and damned if I am not waiting for the next one. It was a great "end" to the series. Why do I say it's not the end? Because there is a damn cliff hanger.

In this part, Sherlock finally meets Moriarty. The mastermind behind the past 2 episodes.

If you are a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories or movies, this is a MUST SEE!

I give this episode and the whole series a 3 of 5 stars. I liked it and recomend it for you.

**UPDATE**

Ok. I'm still watching my movies. But will update for the week on friday. Why? I'm in Vegas! The hotel i'm syaying at has no signal for my cell and no wifi. Ok maybe it does but its $15 a day. I would rather spend that on a all you can eat prime rib buffet. See you friday.

Day 14: "SHERLOCK: The Blind Banker"

Sherlock and Watson versus Ninjas. Yeah it's cool. It advances the story with new characters and love interest for Watson.

This is part two of the mini series. (See day 12 for part 1) As per my rules (see "first post") this mini series is NOT disappointing. Really loving this updated Sherlock Holmes. Now i do love the Robert Downey Jr.'s rendition but this NEEDS to be a regular series.

I am going to say 3 stars but I'm waiting for Part 3 for a final Score.

Day 13: "You Again"

I grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Subburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Went to school at St. Mary's and St. Joe's. A cathlic school, mainly rich white kids. I was a fat middle class white kid. So, I was teased and made fun of most of my accademic life.

The first girl I ever liked was named Katie. Oh how I thaught she was so cute. Then I met Caitlin. Being an okward fat youth, with no sence of swavé, girls didnt come flockimg to me. So the first gitl I asked out was this totally cool, hippie parents, chick named Stephanie. (Other two girls were more popular, and I knew my place in the world) I told a friend that I left a note in her locker, not saying who the girl was.

The race was off. Girls went racing to their locker to see if they won the Mike sweepstakes. But to them, if they got it, they were not a winner. A girl Toni freaked out because she found a letter in her locker. It was from the teacher. The look of releaf on her face was heart breaking. I was a joke. No girl wanted that letter. I was made fun of for 3 more years. (This was 7th grade)

You again is a movie about a girl tormented in high school, makes something of herself, comes home from for her brothers wedding, and finds out the bitch who tormented her in high school, is going to be her new sister.

Now don't let my sad, shitty story ruin your day. This movie is hella funny. Great cast with Sagorny Weaver, Kristen Bell, and Betty White (with guest appearance by Cloris Leachman) really brings out the revenge comedy is spades.

Good girl gets revenge then learns a lesson. A little predictable, but still one funny movie. My wife gave it 4 stars, I'm giving it only 3. I liked it and I recomend it for you.

Oh, I did eventually work up the courage to ask out both Katie and Caitlin, and they both said no. Good thing too. I might have never met my wife.

Day 12: "SHERLOCK: A Study in Pink"

This is the first in 3 of the Sherlock miniseries that aired in the BBC.  As per my rules each episode is 90 minuts each.

This is a new modern day re-imagining of the classis stories. Takes place modern day. Sherlock is a medical examiner and Watson is a Iraq vet with post tramadic stress syndrome.

The episode start with 4 suisides that are not connected but Sherlock thinks it's murder.

This new series is really well sone and cant wait to watch parts 2&3 (sat. & sun.) And see where Steven Moffit (Dir./ ex. Producer) takes this. Steven Moffit is the current mind behind Dr. Who.

If you like Dr Who, this series will not disapoint!
3 solid stars!

Day 11: "Exit Through The Gift Shop"

Art or vandalism. What is it. This documentary says it is art. Street art to be more precise.

This film is recorded by a Frenchman who is infatuated in recording EVERYTHING he does. One night, while visiting family he finds his cousin making small tile squares, in the shape of the aliens from Space Invaders. His cousin takes him out late at night as Spaceinvader placed these tiles all over the city. He meets more and more late night vandals placing art all throughout Paris. As he returns back in Los Angeles he seeks out LA's Street artists.

He comes across Banksy. (the director of this film) He is an amazing artist and a great visionary.

You have to see this. Amazing artists and great story of this crazy Frenchman. It is a MUST SEE! Tell your friends.

You'll love it. 4 stars.

Day 10: "All Good Things"

Ryan Gosling. Ok, now sigh like a love struck teenage girl. You too guys. Who doesn't just love him? But he doesn't steal the show, Kirsten Dunst does. She was amazing as a girl who falls in love with a New York Real estate tycoon.

Ryan Plays a man tormented by his mothers suicide, that he witnessed, and the over bearing father who shows no affection, and too much criticism.

Really was a good suspense thriller. Right from the gate to the final credits, this movie had me waiting to see who done it and how.

Note to all guys in love with Kirsten Dunst. Topless. Yep. Cross that one off the list. And it was useless. No reason to be in the movie. So it was perfect. (I know, male pig)

But seriously. Watch this. A Must see. Two great actors. Drugs, murder, and bad age makeup.

4 awesome Stars

I really, really tried.

I tried. I tried to watch this movie. With 355 left I try and either stick through it, or not waste my time.

I came across a movie called "Run! Bitch Run!" I got 6min28sec into it before I had to just jump ship.

First, the title doest make a lick of sence. So, run. And is it a place or road called "Bitch run"? Shouldnt it be "Run, Bitch! Run" ? More less telling the bitch to run?

The 6 minuits I watched had 3 separate topless women with 3 diffrent guys. All in the same house or something. Then one of the (for sake of argument) bitches freaks out after her john calls her a whore. So she stabs the tubby bastard, and her pimp (more like a kid rock wanna be) runs to dispose of the body.

Thats as far as I could take it. I have seen "Gigli" followed by "From Justin to Kelly", and I ware that as a badge of shame. And I couldnt get through "Run! Bitch Run!"

Day 9: "Lenny" Experiment in Dusty

Lenny Bruce was the first smart, edgy comic. From working as an MC in burlesque shows to top bill at some of the best clubs in america to  being a pioneer for the first amendment.

Now, as all good burlesque MC's, drugs and easy women were the norm. Having both in his life did not make his journey easy. From a drug addicted wife to booting heroin before a show.

Dustin Hoffman plays Lenny, damn near perfect. I have been a fan of Lenny for the past 10 years. I LOVED Dustin's performance.

The movie is directed by Bob Fosse, director of "All that Jazz" and "Cabaret". He knew what he was doing when he made "Lenny". It starts slow and a little like a soft core porn (there a lot of boobs and sex) and Dustin's performance really pulls you in. Half way in you are hooked.

With my Ratings system I Liked this movie and I recommend it, although it is not for everyone.
3 stars of 5.

An Experiment in Dusty

So as I look at my Netflix que and noticed that Dustin Hoffman was in about 6 of the movies. I know he was amazing as Captain Hook and the funniest as a Focker. Scared the shit out of me in Straw Dogs. But most of his "classics" I have never seen. So every Tuesday, for the rest of 2011, I will Dig up a Dustin Hoffman classic.

Ratings System and You

Hey there, Billy. You know when you are watching the picture movie with your favorite stars and you have that "funny feeling" inside you? Don't worry, that feeling is totally natural. Most boys your age start to feel it, too. It is commonly known as a "rating your movies" moment.

Like, as you watch Clark Gable and you want to tell your friends about is keen new roll, you would use this ratings system to inform them if it is a good movie, or total crap.

1- Bad movie. Stay away. Only recomend this movie to people you dont like.
2- Good movie. You liked it and was worth tour time. Some people might not like it, but you did.
3- Great movie. Recomend this to your friends. Liked it and you think they will too.
4- Amazing movie. Knocked your socks off good. You think about it for days after. It is a must watch for your friends.
5- Simply, enfuego. You will hound your friends till they watch it. You will watch it multiple times. Best of the best.

So, Billy. I hope this cleared up any confusion. Next time i'll tell you why theolder boys cut holes in the bottoms of their popcorn buckets.

Day 8: "When You're Strange"

Being a Doors fan, I wanted to see this. Narrated by Johnny Depp, this intimate look into the mystery that was Jim Morrison and The Doors.

We all knew drugs and booze were the 5th and 6th members of the band, but these eliments along with the warped artistic mind of The lizard king was one of the late 60's greatest musical groups.

Plain and simple, this is my very first 5 star review. Even on a good sound system this movie was phenominal.

Some people think Jim was a poet, who's soul was trapped between heaven and hell. Others think he was just another rock star that burned out. The fact is, anything that burns out, has to be on fire.

5 Stars. Perfect.

Day 7: "The Thing"

John Carpenter's classic horror tale of living in Antartica. The cold, the isolation, and no women. Norwegans comming on your land shooting at you. Oh yeah, and aliean pleague.

Now I have never seen this movie. I know the plot, know who's in it, and know it is considered a horror movie classic. Was it good, yes. Will I see the new one, yes. Will I keep answering my own questions? Yes.

If you havent seen it, watch it. It is a must.

It was a damn good movie. I give it 2 our of 5 stars.

Day 6: "Bottle Shock"

This movie is about the amazing story of how California wines became respected by their french counterparts.

This movie stars Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Freddy Rodriguez. It is a very well told story, great visuals of the Nappa Vally vineries, and northern California. I'm not so much a wine drinker, more of a beer drinker, but still a great story.

I really liked this film, and highly reccomend it to anyone who likes a little vino now and again.

This was a great film, 4 out of 5 stars.

Day 5: "Conan O'Brian Can't Stop"

When Jay Leno decided he wanted the Tonight Show back, NBC bought out Conan O'Brian's contract and in the stipulations of the buyout Conan could not be on TV or Radio for 6 months.

For a man who needs to be in front of people performing, this was damn near impossible for him. So he decided to make a tour and perform.

The "Legally Obligated Not to Be on TV Tour" was formed.

This shows the behind the sceans of this tour and show how much Conan loves his fans. No normal person could have this amount of energy, and Coco is 48.

Just simply an Amazing Documentary. If I could give it 4 and a half i would, but I can't.

Once again, an amazing movie. 4 of 5 Stars

Day 4: "Tom Horn"

This is a cool movie. It automatically gets a star just because Steve McQueen is the main character.

This movie is the true end of life story of Tom Horn. A man who was one of Roosevelt's Rough Riders, and the man who apprehended Geronimo. An american legend Framed for murder.

While watching this you'll notice that it is McQueen's 2nd to last film. He died 2 years later with mesothelioma, and will be forever missed.

Cool western and highly recommend this film.

Great Movie I give it 3 of 5 Stars

Day 3: "Convoy"

In 1978 the tale of a trucker leading a convoy to mexico had to be told. And with Kris Kristofferson, Ali McGraw, and Ernest Borgenine as the Sheriff out to stop this rag tag group of truckers.

This movie was directed by Sam Peckinpah, director of such amazing movies as Straw Dogs, The Wild Bunch, and The Getaway. Those movies were cinema gold. This movie is not.

This movie shows the problem with late 70's movie making. Mainly most of the movie budget going to cocaine.

This movie is horrible. Only watch it if you are drunk, high, or on a dare.

This movie is Bad. 1 of 5 Stars.

Day 2: "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest"

This is part 3 of the "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" Series. This will not be a really good review because I don't want to spoil anything.

The American remake is coming out, directed by David Fincher, and not that he isn't an amazing director, but i beg of you blog-o-sphere, WATCH THESE MOVIES! Great murder/conspearacy story and totally worth your 7 and a half hours of viewing. Yes, it's long, but damn it's good.

This one has the high impact of action and suspense but a slight fizzle at the end. I still loved it. So if you have the time and like a good suspense movie, that is in English subtitles with the original Swedish, then here's your movie.

This movie was Great! 3 of 5 Stars

Day 1: "Following"

This is Christopher Nolan's First feature film. He is known for Memento, Inception, and the newer Batman Movies. It is a good Movie. Solid good. Not great but good. Being a fan of his, I can tell how far he has come in this writing and storytelling, and you can tell this is his freshman work. A little Sloppy but he gets you to the story.

"Following" is filmed in all black and white and has a no name cast. In fact, Christopher Nolan's Father has a bit part in it. The story jumps around a bit and a little confusing, but if you are a smart person, you can follow along.

The story is about an out of work writer who follows people around, on the streets. Then he gets caught. Befriends a burglar and gets caught up in a organized crime plot.

Like I said, this movie is Good. If you like his stuff, watch it. It's worth your time.

So I give it : 2 of 5 Stars

The Rules

So one of my favorite actors Mark Duplass (The League) posted on Twitter that he was going to watch 365 Netflix movies, one a day for a whole year. Being a movie nerd, I jumped up and said "I will do this too!!" OK. Myabe didnt jump up, but i love a good challenge and i love a good movie, and some bad ones too.

In the past few months, all I have heard is that there is nothing good on Netflix Instant. I disagree. So this is my way of saying that there are good movies, just have to try something once in a while.

Rules:

1) I cannot watch any movie that I have seen before.

2) Must watch it in full.

3) Documentaries count as long as they are over 85 min long.

4) Mini series count as 1 movie per part as long as that part is close to 90 min long. Must have at least 3 parts to be considered. (exsample: Tin Man, 3 parts each over 90 min, counts as 3 days worth of movies)

I have a wide range of tastes, so the selection is a little all over the place. Korean Action, Documentaries, comedy, drama, animated. and everything else. Some movies you might think i have seen before (big titles everyone has seen) but I am going to be 100% honest about my reviews, my movies, and my opinions.

When I started this blog, I am 6 days into my experiment. So the first 6 movies will be all posted at once, then 1 every day till October 30th, 2012.

Thanks,

Mike