Movie Reviews

JFK – Really late watching this release, but it was worth the 3-hour investment. Oliver Stone, I’m convinced. There was at least one more shooter.

Seabiscuit – No complaints here. Solid. Almost makes me want to watch some horse races. Almost.

Total Recall – Really, really late watching this release, but it wasn’t worth the 2-hour investment. This one was a downer.

16 Blocks – Although Mos Def’s voice got to me, this was a pretty decent flick. Exceeded all expectations.

Gone Baby Gone – Best movie I’ve seen this year, and on the short list for the last couple years. Casey Affleck is a stud, and Ben needs to stay in the directors chair.

The Last Mimzy – Thought Tanner would like it, and he did. But I thought it was a little slow, and the ending could have been much better. Felt like a contemporary E.T.

Juno – Holy cow this was a fun movie. Ellen Page was crazy good, and Jason Bateman was a bad, bad man. I’ll be owning this movie soon.

Unforgiven – It was OK. 1992 must have sucked for movies. IMHO Clint Eastwood is so much better as a director, but he does still get it done as an actor.

Darjeeling Limited – This one might have to marinate for a few more days, but I just liked it alot. I didn’t love it. Bottle Rocket and Rushmore are still my favorite Wes Anderson films.

Next in the Que: Talk To Me, No Country For Old Men, Dan In Real Life.

Filed under: Casey Affleck, Clint Eastwood, Culture, Ellen Page, Horse Racing, JFK, Movies, Oliver Stone, Reviews, Wes Anderson

Quick Hits

Better Off Dead – While I was watching this one I kept thinking how cheesy it was. It was pure eighties, but cheesy. But I’m a big Cusack fan and now I keep laughing when I think about it—and who wouldn’t like those Asian brothers who liked to race. I was taken back with how much I liked that Camaro. Apparently I’m not the only one. They have the original trailer on YouTube. And for those that have seen the movie, here’s a funny spoof trailer.

Ratatouille – I really liked this movie. Tanner and I went to see this one Friday night. I didn’t come out of it saying it was a must own, and Tanner kept asking when it would be over, but it had a good story-line and the animation was great.

The Godfather III – Although Jason said I’d hate this one, I actually enjoyed this finale. Again there were tons of plot-lines to keep up with, but the struggle to get legit, and the involvement with the Vatican were done well.

The Royal Tenenbaums – Best movie of the five here. Wes Anderson and his loyal cast did a great job once again. The thing that kept hitting me in the face with this movie was how quickly we want to forgive people if they’re truly contrite. I felt myself rooting for Royal to gain favor with his family. Great story. Can’t wait for the new Wes Anderson coming out soon.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail – Yeah. Completely lost on me. The flesh wound, the killer rabbit, the knights who say nee. Not getting it done for me. I’d honestly rather have a heart to heart with my brother on the merits of Ann Coulter than watch this again. Perhaps this is what Tanner will be saying about Napoleon Dynamite in 20 years. I did enjoy the ending however.

Filed under: 80's, Culture, John Cusack, Monty Python, Pixar, The Godfather, Wes Anderson

Good Times

It always amazes me how much inspiration can result from a 3-day getaway. Brandon knows me well enough that he actually mentioned that some of the things planned were to further my goal of living and not existing. Those plans consisted of biking through the suburbs, taking a train to the city, then biking around downtown. Hitting such spots as The Grassy Knoll and the Dallas World Aquarium. Later we would hit up a Mute Math concert that was even better than the last one I attended. Again, you have got to check out The Cinematics! (Click on image above to see video of the concert).

And that was just Friday. I also met some really cool people. I could easily jump right in with that crowd. It sort of reminded me of my days at Harding.

A great thing to do when you’re on vacation is to check out different places to eat. This trip did not fail me whatsoever in that regard. While not a complete list, here are the shining stars from the weekend:

The Cadillac Bar — I recommend the Fish Taco’s.
(Blackened, grilled or fried fish in soft corn tortillas, topped with roasted chile mayo, jicama, cilantro, red cabbage and tomatoes.)

Texadelphia — I recommend the Founders Favorite Cheesesteak.
(A Black Angus cheesesteak with grilled onions, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and jalapenos. Topped with our famous Mustard Blend.)

Pappasito’s Cantina — I recommend the Fajita Famosas.
(Sizzling chicken, beef or shrimp, fresh flour tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo & guacamole.)

Wrapping up the new experiences was sitting down to a back-to-back showing of some Wes Anderson films. Having already seen and loved Bottle Rocket, I finally had a chance to check out Rushmore and Life Aquatic. Both were fun, but I think I liked Rushmore the best. I still have to check out The Royal Tenenbaums soon.

I already miss Texas, but man am I happy to be home with my family! My thanks to the DeLoach family for putting me up for a few days. You were the perfect hosts.

Filed under: Dallas, Mute Math, Restaurants, The Cinematics, Wes Anderson