A Late Quartet... And A Couple Other Good Ones... And A Couple Not So Good Ones

We'll start with the worst and work our way to the better ones....



#6. The Dish & The Spoon
I seem to have bad luck when I choose a random movie on Netflix. This was picked by my "leaving it to fate" process of closing my eyes and scrolling through the choices. I had an somewhat optimistic attitude when I started it, and half way through, it was gone. It took a lot for me to get to the end. Something about Greta Gerwig... sometimes I like her, sometimes she's too much, tries to hard. I'm not sure if I know anyone that would truly like this one... pass on it. But if you feel absolutely led to watch this, it's on Netflix Streaming...




#5. Safe
Since Jason Statham went somewhat mainstream 10'ish years ago with The Transporter, he has stared in 25-some action flicks. Some were crazy/insane movies (Crank and Crank 2: High Voltage) and just some normal shoot 'em up movies like Safe. Safe was just OK... I've seen a good amount of his movies and this is just an average one for him. I don't think Statham is to where these guys were popularity wise, but is he the now equivalent of Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Norris, or (I don't want to put this one) Willis?






#4. Pain & Gain

I was a bit surprised by this one. In a lot of ways it had the "Michael Bay'isms" you would expect, but it also had some aspects that were new from a Bay film. I usually can't stand The Rock, but in this, it was manageable to watch him (even a few funny parts on his end). Anthony Mackie wasn't anything special... which made me even more skeptical/nervous knowing that he will be joining the world of Marvel movies as The Falcon in the upcoming Captain America 2 movie... and probably then in Avengers 2. Now for Mark E. Mark... HILARIOUS!! For this role, I can't imagine anyone but Wahlberg doing this... it was perfect for him. This one isn't for everyone, and probably not theater worthy... rent it. 

#3. Mud
Mud is a movie by Jeff Nichols (writer/director of this and Take Shelter and Shotgun Stories). I have not seen his first two, but have read up on them... nothing but good things. The two younger characters come across Matthew McConaughey, living on an island in the middle of a river somewhere in Arkansas. At first you think Mud might just be a vagrant... oh, but the plot thickens. This is one that I would highly recommend, so I'm not going to get into details. One review I read said this is as close of a modern retelling of Huckleberry Finn as possible... I see that. It's definitely an Oscar hopeful for me. Here is the trailer:

There was a two way tie this week (ok, one and half'ish weeks)... since they're both TOTALLY different genres, I couldn't settle on the best one... so its a tie. 


#1 - Tie. A Late Quartet
I'm not sure what movie I last cried at... but this one ousted it from it's place for "Last Movie To Make Me Cry". A Late Quartet is about a world renowned string quartet (Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, and some Russian) that has been together for 25 years. Here is the Rotten Tomatoes plot description:

When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life changing diagnosis, the group's future suddenly hangs in the balance: suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, quite possibly their last, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Inspired by and structured around Beethoven's Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, A LATE QUARTET pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York.

 

I appreciate classical music, but I couldn't tell you one composers music from another... for the most part. The main piece they perform is actually the only completed classical music I have on my iPod. When it was being played, it was a bonus that I recognized it and love it. Like Quartet (from one of my April entries for those of you following along at home) the music during all the scenes is very pleasant at the least. 

Hoffman (or is it Seymour Hoffman) and Walken (especially Walken) had great performances. A lot of us are used to seeing Walken playing someone crazy person... well, someone like Walken. In this movie, he plays a normal person... and he does it perfectly. This is a must see!!!


#1 - Tie. Star Trek Into Darkness - (Double Feature)
So, obviously this is quite different from A Late Quartet... now you can see how it's hard to compare these two.

So I grew up not a Trekkie, never got into it... tried, but no go. I am a huge fan of Sci-Fi, and thinking back, it is weird I never liked Star Trek... must have been too loyal to Star Wars or something. So when the 2009 version came out, I was surprised that I was excited when watching the previews. So it came out, and I loved it. I knew enough to understand some of the jokes and knew the characters. I became a self defined "new-trekkie"... a Trekkie only interested in the J.J. Abram films and on. So of course, I was pumped leading up to Into Darkness. To do it right, I went to the double feature, the 2009 Star Trek at 9PM followed by the new one. After doing that, it occured to me it would have been stupid not to do it that way.

Into Darkness did not disappoint. It was great, very entertaining... a lot less fake lens flare, so that's a bonus. It seemed to be written a lot more to the overall strengths of the characters (taking in consideration the new and old versions of Trek) versus trying to build up this new alternate reality Star Trek universe. It had a bit more comic relief than the first, but it wasn't over the top. I guess my only grip of this was Benedict Cumberbatch... he's a good actor and all, but I really wanted him to tone it down just a level or two. Over acted in this non-critic's opinion... although, it wasn't bad enough though to ruin the movie for me.

I don't think a trailer or Netflix/Rotten Tomato thing is necessary, do you?...

Instead, you tell me (if you're a Star Trek fan), who's your favorite character/cast member from the new Star Trek line up? I'm torn between "Bones" and Scotty... however, Alice Eve made a considerable jump in the standings (ok, not really... but the transporter scene?! I rest my case).


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I think I'll do another "Movie Trailer" edition soon... but also, I think I might put some movie news/article links/photos in there too with my simple take on them. I'll try to avoid spoilers when I can... maybe put a disclaimer at the beginning... well, bye.

Coming Soon Part Deux... The Blockbusters

I love the independent, art house, foreign flicks, and the like... but I am NOT a film snob. I love to watch the huge blockbusters as much as the next... I can't imagine a film snob sitting through a 10 hours of a Iron Man marathon. Last time were some under-the-radar movies... here are the "headliners" I will be seeing soon... or not seeing. 

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1. I will NOT be seeing The Great Gatsby (especially in 3D). 

I get seeing The Avengers or Wreck-It Ralph in 3D, adds to the experience. I remember seeing the first preview last summer for this with the text "IN 3D" and thought, "Huh?". Why would you need this movie to be 1. made, and 2. to be made in 3D. Not a Leo fan... this started back  in 1991, didn't like he took the spotlight away from the original cast members of Growing Pains. Also not a fan of Carey Mulligan... I can't explain this one, just something about her. I will be waiting to see this on BluRay. NEXT....

2. I WILL be seeing Star Trek Into Darkness... (May 17)

I never grew up on Trek, I was a Wars fan. I maybe saw a couple of episodes of Next Generation, but nothing ever clicked there. When the previews and such for the reboot (is this the word for the new ones?) started coming out, I thought it looked pretty sweet. Like most people, I knew enough of the characters and culture of Star Trek... like I could appreciate when Simon Pegg gave the "I've given her all she's got captain!" moment. After seeing it, I knew I would be down for any new Star Trek movies coming out. I maybe got over zealous right after seeing it and went back and watched the original movies... yup overzealous... they were crap. I will be seeing this as a double feature... Star Trek at 9P leading up the the midnight'ish premiere of Into Darkness... of course I will be seeing this at the Alamo Drafthouse.

3. I will NOT be seeing Fast & Furious 6

Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and The Rock... enough said. Actually, I could have just left it at Walker. 

4. I WILL be seeing The Hangover Part III... just not right away. (May 23)

I follow the box office numbers like my brothers follow the English Premier League. It blew me away that Part II put up the numbers it did... it was horrible. No, it was very horrible. Since the VERY HORRIBLE sequel came out, I will not be added to the opening weekend numbers (and probably week 2) for this new one. Hopefully they don't just carbon copy every joke from the first movie, like they did with the second. I will say this is an awesome side-by-side poster.

5. I WILL OF COURSE be seeing The Internship (June 7)

 

Pretty Simple: Reunion of the Wedding Crashers... who won't be seeing this?! This one deserves a preview right at your finger tips.

6. I am NOT SURE about After Earth and Now You See Me (Both on May 31)

 

After Earth... I just don't know. Will Smith's kid? Since he ruined my memories of Karate Kid with his crappy remake, I'm just not sure I can forgive him. Plus this is directed by M. Night Shyamalan...   Michael Bay apologized for Armeggedon when he shouldn't have, when is M. Night going to apologize for The Last Airbender and The Happening?

Now You See Me... seeing the preview, I want to like this movie for a few reasons. But there are a few reasons not to... Franco's brother, a good possibility of cheesy lines/plot, and Jesse Eisenberg. Eisenberg is the wild card here. Sometimes I like him, sometimes his narcotic/wannabe-Woody-Allen acting bothers me to no ends.

My internal jury is still out for these two. I will probably end up seeing these, just not excited for them.

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So that's the major releases up to the first weekend in June. Are you seeing any of these? Of course you will.

PS... An "oh crap" after thought... friends are coming down Memorial Day weekend and I wanted to take them to the Drafthouse... Hangover III might be the only option they will all agree on. I don't think they would be up for a Master Pancake show of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan".

Coming Soon: These will be watched

Here are a few, somewhat under the radar (well, at least not huge blockbusters), previews for movies coming out this summer. These are all going to be for-sure views when they come out.

4. The Kings Of Summer - Nick Offerman coming out May 31, 2013. Just looks like a fun movie.

3. Prince Avalanche - Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch coming out August 9, 2013. I'm a huge Paul Rudd fan... I think everyone is. He's like that funny friend that everyone had in high school and/or college. The only reason I have this at #3 and not #2 or #1 is Emile Hirsch... basically, I'm not a fan. Not to say I don't like any of the movies that he has been in, but him specifically... I could do without.

2. Odd Thomas - Anton Yelchin and Willem Dafoe coming out September 17, 2013. I read most of these books a few months ago. The first book is definately my favorite, so I'm exited to see it come to live on the screen. Anton Yelchin (Chekov from the new Star Trek) is Odd and to me, he seems like he fits the part. I would suggest reading this book before seeing the movie later this year.

1.  The Way Way Back - Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Nat Faxon coming out July 5, 2013. Out of these previews, this is the one I am most excited for. I'm a huge fan of Sam Rockwell and think he is probably one of the most unappreciated actors right now... I'll watch and (at the least) like anything he does. And there's Maya Rudolph... oh Maya. Ever since Away We Go I have had this crush on her... I can't explain it. Watching this preview, it has a Adventureland vibe to it... but I'm sure this will be better since Kristen Stewart isn't in this one.

Anyone who gets this far... anything you excited for?

Maybe later this week... Upcoming Blockbusters

Just a couple this week... But good ones

Front of the drink special menu from the Iron Man Marathon

        It made for a short week from being home in Toledo, getting back into the swing of things here, an ongoing Weeds marathon, an Iron Man marathon and other stuff. I only got in 4 new movies under my belt. This may seem like a lot for someone that may only go to the movies once a month and occasionally rents movies. But looking at my numbers... below average. Luckily the 4 movies I saw were pretty good (well, the jury's still out on one of them). Here we go:

1.     Disconnect -

        This is currently out in limited release. Saw this at my new 2nd favorite movie theater (move over Violet Crown Cinema!) at the Regal Arbor 8 in central Austin. This movie has a Crash-type-setup of multiple seemingly unconnected story lines. Where Crash deals with more "racial and social issues" this deals with issues arising from people's interactions with technology. QUICK POINTS: 1) Jason Bateman is one of the main characters and it was really different to see him in a serious role like this... he did well, and I could see him doing more of this, 2) I don't watch True Blood, so I don't get the Alexander Karsgard thing... don't like him (remember Battleship?!), 3) Not on the same level as Crash, but still good (I'm a Crash fan). 4) The reporter is the red head from Oblivion... took me a second to realize it was the same girl. Love those redheads (ok, maybe too personal). 5) Slow-mo scene, very cool

        Over all I would suggest seeing it when it comes around to you.

2.     The Sessions - 2012
        A guy who lives in an Iron Lung goes to a sex surrogate. If this didn't get a lot of buzz last year, doubt I would have put this high on the list to watch. Glad I watched this. Made it even more interesting that it was based off true events (I thought this was an original story). John Hawkes and Helen Hunt both did a great job, but my favorite was William H. Macy as the priest. Macy will always be one of the best-but-slightly-overlooked actors. Even in his small roles, he is great.I haven't started Shameless yet, but a few people told me he is phenomenal in it. If an Oscar nomination goes his way again, I'll be rooting for him no matter what.  Last thought: Helen Hunt was up for Best Supporting Actress last year... Should she have been nominated? Sure. Did she get snubbed for not winning? Not at all.
         I would definitely suggest this; however, there is a lot of nudity in it (remember the "sex surrogate" thing), so if that might not be you're thing, pass on this.


3.     Primer - 2005
        Quite by accident, an engineer builds a machine that can transport the user back in time. But his discovery comes with an ominous caveat: At the heart of this puzzling device, nothing is as it seems on the surface. - Netflix description
         I like my time travel movies and I'm pretty good at understanding the whole time continuum thingy... but this was weird and confusing. I might have to watch this another one or two times to figure it out. It was good, but not sure if it was good enough to watch another one or two times... I might just have to stay confused on this one. If you don't like time travel movies, totally avoid this one.

4.     Iron Man 3 - 2013
      

Backside of menu

        Leading up to seeing this, I went to an Iron Man marathon at the Slaughter Lane Alamo Drafthouse. Started with Iron Man 1 and 2 in 2D, then The Avengers in 3D with the premiere of Iron Man 3 3D. This is the second time I have done a marathon event at the Drafthouse, the first was the Harry Potter movies, start to finish... that was a long day. These marathons are great, you're watching with 200 some people who all are pumped to be there for 10'ish hours. Everyone is cheering and clapping at all the great times. They have drink and food specials that are themed around the movies (I wish I could find the Harry Potter menu but I do remember Butter Beer and Bangers & Mash).

         Here is the backside of the drink special menu from the marathon (the front side is up top). I got a couple of the flights of Scotch, when in Rome. I never knew I would like Scotch (except the Laphroaig 10YR). The Glenfiddich and Dewars's were great. The Iron Man's Armor was basically a mimosa with grapefruit instead of orange... good drink, but not at 6PM during Iron Man 2. The Demon In A Bottle was probably the best. Kind of reminded me of a chilled SoCo and Lime with more of a clear rum taste.

        Some spoilers/context clues... As far as the movie overall, great. My first impression is it's neck and neck for the #1 spot in the Iron Man trilogy (the other is not Iron Man 2). It was a little bit different than what I thought it would be. A lot more story line which was great. Movie markers are understanding more and more that  the comic book story is as important, if not more, than the comic book action. There were surprises with the story line that I didn't totally like, but definitely didn't hate. The villain angle... not sure. Need to Not sure how I feel about how they left everything. There's a lot of talk of not continuing on the Iron Man series (only Iron Man in Avenger Movies). It's somewhat crazy to me this is the case seeing that this will put some MASSIVE numbers... not quite Avengers, but close. Also, like all movies tied to The Avengers, wait to the end of the credits for a little extra. This one is more funny than dealing with "what's next".

The Final Thought

        So after the last week or so of watching movies, best moment was being back at home watching Merida with her biggest fan, Logan. That boy loves his Merida.