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Tropic Thunder (2008)
Was routing for this movie too bad it did not deliver.
I don't know if this comedy was just a blend of too many comedians and stars or if the feel of a large production hampered it! The actors not known for comedy also delivered but ya know, it might have been a touch too much to add on. Where there too many egos involved too? (I suppose there is irony if that was the case - given the plot's constant ribbing of insecure actors). I do appreciate what Stiller is trying to do and I think it will be perfected by the next few movies he produces. I just hope that he doesn't find it too exhausting and draining. Keep going you are on the right track. BTW: I'm really impressed with the buff Ben - wow! Overall, good and a couple of strong giggles and laughs, but it just doesn't completely deliver like... like... Something About Mary (there you go - good example). Great rental and use subtitles - it is impossible to hear Robert Downey's dialog!
Groundhog Day (1993)
One of the few movies I can watch more than once!
Bill Murray is brilliant. Even does some slapstick (not a comedy style I appreciate) and I actually laughed! There are a few flaws:It gets a little sappy at points (don't like the co-star- yuck, but at least she's believable and plays the happy go lucky saint type to a T) and a couple of race & crash car scenes are not memorable. Gotta love a guy who has some French poetry & some rocky road ready to go... But the plot does provoke some serious reflection - what exactly would you do??? Each reaction and gradient of his character's personality are explored and each potential outcome. These lines still make me giggle just remembering them: "No fudge, no white chocolate." "I like to say a prayer for world peace."
National Geographic Video: Inside the Vatican (2001)
Even a cynical 39 year old can learn a thing or two...
I had a chance to watch television after 2 or 3 weeks off due to travel and dealing with the day to day reality of my 2 little boys. I was not extremely excited that the only thing I could find to watch was this documentary that I had rented some time ago. Or rather my better more educated self had rented... my lazy self wanted some TV trash. I'm thrilled that I took the high road and learned a thing or two. I grew up in a household not particularly found of Catholic rituals... but due to my viewing of this documentary I now appreciate the history that is being preserved by the Vatican. I admire the staff and clergy for their resolve to carry on the traditions that have been established and found the exposure of the day to day at the Vatican really interesting. The film dragged a bit during the section on declaring Saints I would have like to see the politics behind the decisions versus so many details of the folks who were rooting for their guy.
Surfwise (2007)
Surfing for Zion, family and everything in between. *Spoiler Inside*
THIS is what documentaries are designed to do, teach, inspire, and shift perspectives. Definitely Surfwise compellingly did all of the above. I irrationally and foolishly simply wanted to go out and have more children after my viewing (I've *only*got 2 boys). Thank GOD I cannot have more, but I have to admit I would love to live like the Paskowitz family for a year or two. Here's the reality, only for a few (insert moderate time frame here), would this be the lifestyle for me. But only if there is a safety net of a hot shower and a more spacious end in sight.
The lack of education for the children definitely did not sit well with me, this was incredibly selfish. But I did take some personal resolutions taken away from this film: eat healthier, hit the beach and camp with the boys more often, taking actions to fight genocide (there are about five going on right now in 2008 with many escalating in intensity) and anything that I feel strongly about however wacky - if it ain't hurting anybody go for it! Quotes are also memorable - Having to fight to stay hungry truly is our modern day curse.
The Weather Underground (2002)
SDS Baby!
Okay, couldn't really focus in on the documentary. Let's just say I watched it this weekend while taking care of 2 kids which equals numerous interruptions. Overall, pretty balanced. I'm really glad that they explored the destructive side of member's decisions and behavior, and the price their family and friends paid. I do however, appreciate their passion for trying to stop the war at all personal costs. They were a little delusional and smug in their youth and 70's styling and "dig this so you can dug it later" vernacular (it's laughable today). PLUS, I found the Weathermen/women so condecending towards anyone not in their socioeconomical situation. Apparently upper hierarchy within did practice elitist behavior (sorry not being pretentious, just realizing I don't know how to spell it in American English - super-screwed without spell check as you can tell). It did FINALLY click with me why the university I attended took bomb scares seriously, even in the late 80s!