Feature Presenation--A Boxer, A Fish & A Dog all walk into Mel's Drive-In

Resurrecting the Champ

http://imdb.to/qynKmO

Saw a preview for this movie and decided to pick up because of the story. Basically, a young reporter has a chance to “make it” but at a price. I'll leave it there.

Thought Samuel L. Jackson put in a solid performance. Hartnett was great when he got sucked into the lures of success but still not convinced as the morally confused reporter or dutiful dad.

After watching the film, did a little research on the story it was based on. If you want a spoiler, then read this article: http://lat.ms/oGH47c

You've seen this movie before, probably better. Pass.

A Fish Called Wanda

http://imdb.to/nK5tKR

I saw this movie years ago and really enjoyed it. Picked it up at the library, put it in the player and had to take a break after 30 minutes. I eventually finished it but it was a struggle. There is a great cast and decent performances, but too many sidebars. Could have been tighter, which would have given the movie more punch.

Some things are best left back in the 80's.

Best in Show

http://imdb.to/n4JAJa

Funny every time you see it. This film has an amazing cast that brings the unique characters to life. Who thought a story about the seedy behind the scenes of a dog show could be so rich? Fred Willard steals the show as his character embarrases the hell out of his English co-host.

Great comedy. See it.

American Graffiti

http://imdb.to/odJwDR

Think I heard about this movie on the Tony Kornheiser Show. As luck would have it, I was scanning recently returned movies at the library and there it was, on VHS. Thank goodness we kept the VCR.

The film is about the angst and hope and awkwardness of leaving high school and home. Taking place on the night before two of the main characters head to college in 1962, it encapsulates everything about being a teenager: status, chasing after girls, doing nothing, looking for a beer, contemplating the future.

Many things race through my brain as I watched: how this was a precursor to Dazed and Confused, which was set about 15 years later; how great the music was (link to sound track info from Wikipedia: http://bit.ly/oRTa47); and how the movie was a Hollywood snapshot of parents' teenage years.

A fun, melodramatic, and timeless tale. Worth seeing.

Feature Presentation--Snowbound and Sick

Thanks to a sick day and a snow day, I was able to catch up on some shows and movies. Hooray for illness and a foot of snow!!

Social Network

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/

So I finally saw what all the hubbub was about. Is this the Best Picture of the year? I don’t think so (not having seen most of them). It was a fine movie, Sorkin creating a fascinating story about something that happened in the recent past, but it wasn’t mind blowing. As for the story itself, read The Facebook Effect for a counter point to this movie.

See it.

For Your Consideration

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470765/

I found this walking around the library. While it’s not as good as Best in Show, it does have some funny moments. The movie does a great job at poking fun at the Hollywood celebrity shows, the hype surrounding the Oscars, and the meddling of the studios. Gervais’ cameo is priceless.

Take it or leave it.

Thank You For Smoking

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/

This movie has been in my list forever, and I finally got around to seeing it. Loved it. Great dialogue/narration, despicable characters, and cutting satire. Eckhart nailed the role and Katie Holmes was surprisingly good as the ethically impaired reporter. Remember, if you argue well enough, you’re always right.

Must See.

Justified Season 1

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489428/

Great show so far. Felt that the set up was a little contrived, but it led to so many interesting stories, that feeling quickly faded. I didn’t know anything about Olyphant (because I am one of the five people who has not seen Deadwood) and was interested to see what Goggins would do after The Shield. They created a synergy that evolved and built towards the finale. The second season starts soon and I would give it a try. Not sure if the show can continue as is, but the opening salvo was quite good.

See it.

Arrested Development Season 2

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/

An oldie but a goodie. What can you say about this show? Perfection. Sarcastic, well acted, tight, gloriously self-effacing. I don’t care if they make a movie or not. Don’t see how it can be as good as the three seasons that came before it. This is a must have on a deserted island for me.

Buy, borrow, or steal tonight.