"What Love Is" Review

This was the poster for the film when I was supposed to see it last March in Boston:
This is the DVD Cover for the film, when I finally got to see it on Friday:
"What Love Is" is the third film from Mars Callahan, who I began to admire when Zach and I went to Chicago to see his film "Poolhall Junkies" in February of 2002.

"What Love Is" is basically the epitome of a Guy's Break Up Movie. The entire film occurs in one night, and it just happens to be Valentine's Day. Tom - Cuba Gooding, Jr. finally in a good film - plays the main character, who comes home to find out that his girlfriend of 3 years has packed her bags and is moving out. She leaves him a letter, and the conveniently calls him after he reads it. She tells him that she's on her way to pick up her last bags. The bad news for Tom is that he's invited all of his friends over to hang out and celebrate Valentine's Day with them.

This begins a parade of characters entering Tom's townhouse - where the majority of the film takes place. It begins with one of my favorite actors, Matthew Lillard from "Scream" fame. Lillard plays Sal, who is a womanizing-fast-talking idealist, who has stern beliefs on a number of topics, and later in the film when he goes on an anti-gay tirade, it's some of the best handled dialogue I've ever heard. At first, I couldn't believe that GLAAD allowed this kind of dialogue, however throughout the scene, I think they allowed it because of the amazing retort by the gay friend, Wayne. Lillard does an amazing job, and I really like his charisma throughout the film. He's got an ego and an attitude, and he does a pretty amazing job with both of them.

Next up is the man himself: Mars Callahan who plays Ken, the married man, who sneaks out at night (he lives above Tom) to hang out with his friends. I kid you not: The dialogue between Sal and Ken is almost verbatim dialogue that Jason and I have had together. I believe that their dialogue is much more anger-filled than any time Jason and I have ever had it - but it is a very serious discussing about how truly successful married men will always pick their wives over their friends, and how they don't see that as a burden, but as an blessing. Seriously, my jaw dropped during the scene, thinking that Callahan had somehow been hiding in the back seat of Jason's car a year ago when I remember having the conversation while driving back to Boston from New York City. Ken is a really good character, who often plays devil's advocate to Sal's outrageously wild philosophies.

As I mentioned before, there is a gay character named Wayne, who came over to announce to everyone that he is running off to Hawaii with his new man to get married - and he wants Tom to come be his best man. Wayne is a very strong character, and doesn't allow Sal's belittling to effect him, instead he attacks Sal's lifestyle right back, and has some wonderful dialogue himself.

The final male character is played by Sean Astin, who really just serves as another voice to interject more opinions and points of view on various topics.

About halfway through the film, it shifts to a woman's perspective as a group of women, that Sal met at the bar, show up to party with the guys. The film temporarily shifts into the bathroom, as the women "freshen up". Honestly, I'm going to say that the dialogue is written as what men THINK women say in the bathroom. I'd like to believe that they act this way, and talk this way, and maybe some do, but I don't think the female dialogue is the most realistic. I have to believe its just a stereotypical male writing of females talking. The dialogue is quirky and interesting, and well delivered by the actresses, but I don't know if I can completely consider it realistic.

Then, the two group merge and play out the rest of film, as various men and women interact and openly discuss a variety of relationship and sexual topics.

I enjoyed the film, because it's written in a way that you know is not real. NO ONE talks the way these characters do. We all WISH we talked this way, we all WISHED we had these amazingly well-thought out discussions with our friends, when we don't. With the ranting and playful argumentative nature of the dialogue, we all wish we talked this way. It's the same thing with "Clerks", "Mallrats", "Chasing Amy", etc... NO ONE talks like the characters in a Kevin Smith movie, but we all wish that we did.

I don't think there's a middle ground to this film. Either you're going to love it, or you're going to hate it. I believe it's an acquired taste, much like many independently financed and produced films, and much like "Poolhall Junkies". If you don't care about pool, you're more than likely not going to be interested in a film about a fast-talking pool hustler., no matter how good the dialogue and story are: you're not going to care. I believe many of my friends would enjoy the flick, and those are the people I care about the most. Because those are the people that I associate with the film, and the people that I believe I talk to like the characters in the film.

I originally got the film via NetFlix, just in case it sucked. But, after I watched it - I went out and bought it the same day. I thought it was that enjoyable.

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Review

I saw the flick on Thursday night, and meant to write a review before now - but I didn't make the time this weekend. Then, I went and saw the flick again last night, so I decided that it did deserve my time to finally write the review.

First up, after watching the film - I do not understand the marketing campaign for the flick. "You Suck Sarah Marshall" and "I Hate You Sarah Marshall" just DO NOT go well with the film. While they do make for a funny marketing campaign, at no point in the film does the main character have this kind of attitude at all. Instead, Jason Segel as Peter spends the majority of the movie lamenting over his break-up, not reacting with anger towards Sarah Marshall. Before the film, the marketing campaign built my expectations up in one direction, while the film went in almost the polar opposite of where I thought it was going to go.

Just like last summer's "Superbad", this Apatow-produced film, written and starring Jason Segal of "Freaks and Geeks" does a great job of bringing REAL life attitudes and emotions to the screen. Much like previous Apatow-produced comedies "40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up", it's a romantic comedy from the male perspective - which is probably the exact reason who I enjoy it so much. Things don't have to turn out perfectly and every scene isn't a woman complaining about men, and our habits. Instead, it shows how we address emotions and relationships, and how we react. Granted, this is a much more comedic-than-reality kind of way, but that's what makes the films so enjoyable.

Now, you've got to be honest with yourself when you see this movie: It would NEVER happen this way. First, the completely random chance that these two characters would end up at the same resort in Hawaii after breaking up: Not likely. Second, the way Peter ends up acquiring his hotel room - wouldn't ever happen. Finally, the fact that one of the two of them wouldn't move to a different resort...? Come on. But, once you suspend the reality of the situations, which are required for the continuation of the plot - it's a pretty enjoyable film. It's a film about discovering who you are, once your heart has been shattered into a million pieces. It's about really people, making (mostly) real decisions, observing other people's relationships, and doing their best to move on in life. It's also about re-discovering yourself, after you've spent so much time in a relationship.

The flick has plenty of Laugh-Out-Loud moments. The dialogue is witty and smart. The story was well constructed, and from some of the articles I've read - Jason Segel used a number of real-life experiences to construct the storyline for this film. If you've liked the previously aforementioned films, I don't see any way you won't enjoy this one too.

And like a typical Apatow-produced flick, it features a number of "regulars". Starting with the star Segel, it also includes Jonah Hill ("Superbad"/"Knocked Up"), Bill Hader ("Superbad"/"Knocked Up"), and Paul Rudd ("Knocked Up"). Just another reason (as I've previously blogged about) that I really enjoy all of these films. Friends making movies with friends - it ROCKS!

"Summer of Fear" Review

It's been #1 in my NetFlix queue for about three weeks - with the message "Very Long Wait". But finally, on Friday, the film "Summer of Fear" showed up in the mailbox.

In 7th Grade English, we read the book "Summer of Fear" by Lois Duncan. She's the same author who is responsible for "I Know What You Did Last Summer" - although the film is NOTHING like the book. That's not true with "Summer of Fear". The film is a REALLY good adaptation of the book. Oddly, I didn't even know this film existed until about 3 years ago. I was perusing the DVD Section of Borders around Halloween, and they had a larger number of Horror films available, and I noticed the title. So, I picked up the DVD and looked more closely and saw that it was directed by Wes Craven. I wanted it, but for whatever reason, I didn't purchase it that day. Over these past three years, I gradually noticed the DVD more and more often, I think Best Buy in Castleton carries the flick now. But, I never purchased it. And on one level, I'm glad I never did.

The flick showed up Friday around 1pm, and I instantly popped it into the DVD Player, so I could watch it before I had to go to work. As I previously stated, the flick was a REALLY good adaptation of the book. Even after I read it for school, I probably read the book another 4 or 5 times, because I really liked it. My brother eventually read it and enjoyed it also. Sadly, the film just feels long, slow, and drawn out. Now, I attempt to take into account that the film was made in 1978, and that it was Made For Television. But, I still think they could have done more with the film. Honestly, while I was watching it - I was thinking that I wish this film would get re-made. I know I'm usually anti-remakes, but I think this one could be done a little bit better. Lee Purcell, who plays the cousin who loses her parents in a car accident, just looks too old for her character. I'm pretty sure that in the book the two main female leads were both teenagers. In this film, they have Julia (the cousin) looking and acting like she's in her early 20s, and not a high schooler. But, perhaps that's the way teenagers behaved in the late 70s, but I don't think so, since it's nothing like the teenagers in "Halloween". Again, just another reason why I believe this film could be re-made and actually improved on. The tension and drama were done pretty well, and the characters were well written to build the tension between the characters as the story advanced.

I don't know if its the genre that's changed, or if it's Wes Craven's directing style, but I'm learning that I'm not a huge fan of the directing in his early works. I really like "Last House on the Left" for its story and for its shocking ending, but the last time I watched the film, I really realized that it's not that good "looking" of a film. It's a little boring and a little simple in its artistic style. The same goes for "The Serpent and the Rainbow" a film that I hunted down the VHS tape in 1999 to watch - and was very disappointed in how much anti-climactic drama there was in the film.

I'm glad that I've seen the film. But, I'm more glad that I waited to get it via NetFlix, and not paid for the DVD, that I probably would only consider watching around Halloween every year, and only if I was hanging out with someone else who was interested in watching it. I think it's worth one viewing just because it is a pretty interesting story. But, rent it - don't buy it!

"This Film is Not Yet Rated" Review

Phenomenal. This documentary is so well done, and is very interesting to watch. It kept my attention the entire time.

There are really two different levels to this film.
1. Is the exposure of the MPAA and their hypocritical and often questioned motives for rating various films. It interviews a number of directors, and they explain what they were told (at various stages of their careers) that needed to be done, in order to lower their rating to an "R" from an "NC-17".

2. The film is also an investigative piece, where it hires a private investigator to help them uncover the identities of those people who actually watch and rate the films. During this investigation, it unearths various lies and deceits that the MPAA gives the general public and filmmakers, in regards to the members of the reviewing board. Through their investigative efforts, the filmmakers track down and identify the reviewers, and flat-out shows how they DO NOT fit the guidelines for reviewers that are told to the public/filmmakers.

Then, once the filmmaker has exposed all of these aspects - he submits his film to the MPAA to be reviewed. What follows, in the third act, is the stonewall of attempts to appeal the "NC-17" that his film received. It's really eye-opening and seriously shows what a "secret society" is all about.

The only thing that I wanted more, were more stories from filmmakers about their second submissions and their appeals. It touches on some some of these aspects, but not some of the more famous ones that I was previously aware of. It interviews Kevin Smith, but focuses on "Jersey Girl" and not the issues they faced with the original "Clerks". It does do a good job of covering "Team America" and what Matt Stone did to the MPAA on that film.

I think this is an amazing documentary, and really does a wonderful job of keeping the story interesting, and making it enjoyable to watch. The interviews are pretty good, and the facts that they give are interesting. It's definitely something that I recommend to anyone who is interested in filmmaking, or anyone who just enjoys documentaries.

"Smart People" Review

Sadly, the preview for "Smart People" was a lot better than the film turned out to be.

The worst thing in indie films is when there is no real character development. And, to make it even worse is when there is a small, tiny amount of character development that comes at the very end of film and it is forced. The character doesn't really learn anything about themselves, instead they just force themselves to "evolve" into a different person, without any real motivation.

I thought I was going to like the film. I laughed a number of times in the preview. And those times were when I laughed in the film. There's hardly any family development, or explanation as to why certain events happened. The do elude to a number of circumstances surrounding the events that have made Dennis Quaid act the was he does in the film. He's a very eccentric and aggravating character, who seems to live in his own world, and doesn't connect well to anyone, even those who are attempting to help him, after a seizure.

Thomas Haden Church is amazing. I really enjoyed his acting, despite how much I didn't really care for his wayward laxidazical attitude. His interactions with Ellen Page (yeah, she's shown up like 4 times in my life in the past week...?) are odd and caused me some serious discomfort while watching.

Page's character did provide a number of numerous wit, although it was almost all delivered in the same tone as she did in "Juno". Which comes out tomorrow on DVD - Yippy! What a good flick!

Sadly, I can't really say I enjoyed the film, for the simple fact that nothing significant happens, and like I previously stated: The only character development that happens in the entire film comes in the last five minutes and it forced. And that sucks. The entire time I was watching, I was waiting for the moment when something would happen, but it never did.

"Hard Candy" Review

I actually watched "Hard Candy" last Thursday, I just haven't found the time, until now, to type up my review of the flick.

Much like "Funny Games", this film is a slow and psychological film. It has a very small cast, and is very dialogue heavy. There is some occasional violence, however it is usually quick and brief.

See, I'm afraid to type too much. The trailer is so perfectly cut together that it truly doesn't reveal too much of the film, and I don't want to give away too much.

I do recommend the film, I do think it's something interesting to watch and it has some very serious character development that is actually relevant and eludes to many of the overall themes that are addressed by the end of the film. And it does a pretty good job of keeping you guessing about what is really going on.

And, it's fairly short, however due to the large amount of dialogue, it does sometimes seem sluggish at first, however the second half of the film does a pretty good job of keeping the pace moving at a fairly quick speed.

It's a pretty smart thriller that doesn't treat the audience like a bunch of idiots. I enjoyed it, despite the scenes that disturbed me. Ellen Page does an amazing job, and as some seriously freaky moments in the film.

Boston Recap with Pictures

So, my Boston Trip is over. Sadly, it was short, but still a lot of fun.

Jason picked me up at the airport, and we hit Fire + Ice for lunch. We played some video games at Dave & Buster's, before heading back to Quincy. We hung out with Kaylee and played with her outside. We also played a bunch of Wii Sports Tennis. Dave, Sam, and Drew showed up at Jason and Letha's place and we headed over to meet Jen at Chili's. We had a good dinner, and it was fun to hang out with Dave's Family.

Wednesday, Jason and I hung out. We took Kaylee to the Dog Park. We played some more Wii Sports Tennis, and got Jason up to a Pro. We picked up Erin, Jason's former roommate. We headed into Boston and picked up Letha and then headed to Fire + Ice for dinner. Yep, twice in one trip! But, the food is amazing, so I didn't care! I wish they would build one here closer to Indy. Then, it was off to The Garden.

TD Banknorth Garden, from the outside.

Flip Murray carries the ball across half-court.

There are A LOT of Celtics Banners hanging in The Garden.

There's a few Boston Bruins Banners hanging too.

Jason and Letha, at The Garden.

Me (not looking happy) at The Garden.

Letha bought me this AWESOME Charlie Brown that fits inside of an egg, for Easter!!! Another piece to add to my collection - THANK YOU LETHA!

Finally, when I got home from Boston - my NikeID Shox were waiting for me!!! I LOVE THEM!

The trip was awesome. Despite being short, it's always fun hanging out with Jason and Letha. After we got home from the game last night, we just hung out in the living room and talked a lot. It was a really good conversation, one of those 'put your life into perspective' conversations. I also got to look through an awesome book of pictures from their wedding - that Letha had made at Kodak.com. It was really cool. We tried to watch some "How I Met Your Mother" off of my iPod, but Apple obviously didn't want you to be able to watch anything - without THEIR CABLE, which I had sadly left at home. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I am happy for the time I had there. I'm happy I have friends who are willing to let me crash on their couch, and require their time and attention. I look forward to seeing them in May, when they are in town.

I decided to lay low tonight, and just chill at home. I grabbed Quizno's on the way way home from the airport, and then watched five episodes of "Freaks and Geeks". Then I turned on the L.A. Galaxy/San Jose Earthquakes soccer game, while I've been surfing the internet, editing my blog a little, and making this post.

I'm working quite a bit this weekend, before I head to Chicago on Sunday, for my brother's birthday. I'm going to get to see a number of other family members that day, so it should be a lot of fun.

At the Garden

At the TD Banknorth Garden, watching the Pacers play the Celtics.
Let's pray for a miracle win.

It has been VERY interesting being "the enemy". Lots of talking by
their fans... I don't remember them talking like this last year.