Close Please enter your Username and Password
Reset Password
If you've forgotten your password, you can enter your email address below. An email will then be sent with a link to set up a new password.
Cancel
Reset Link Sent
Password reset link sent to
Check your email and enter the confirmation code:
Don't see the email?
  • Resend Confirmation Link
  • Start Over
Close
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service

HetFlex_K 51M
160 posts
12/28/2014 10:37 pm
3 in a row

Last week, instead of enjoying a few episodes of South Park or Family Guy, I decided to try watching some movies I haven’t seen in a very long time. The simple fact is, my living situation is not conducive to long periods without disruption or interruption, so trying to take something in that lasts 90minutes is not always easy. Even attempts to watch something late at night, or in the wee hours of the morning doesn’t always work out. It’s rough when around you are businesses that run all hours of the day and night.

Anyways, I had the opportunity to watch some movies recently, and felt so lucky to see three excellent ones in a row that I thought I’d at least mention them here, so others can share my joy. Or, you can write and tell me I have really poor taste in movies if you want. I am not going to describe them, or give anything away, except my recommendation that you watch them.



“Donnie Darko” was the first film I had the pleasure of seeing. It is a dark, brooding mystery with just a hint of science fiction thrown in for good measure. The story is not always easy to follow or anticipate, which I find refreshing, and not paying attention means you might actually miss a thing or two of importance. It is a film that seems more interested in keeping you a little bit on edge, instead of leading you along a well-worn path like a grade schooler, and I greatly appreciated that. If you like spending the majority of a movie uncertain of just exactly what is happening, “Donnie Darko” is for you.



“Choke” is a perverse comedy written by local (Portland, OR) author Chuck Palahniuk, and I think the story translates very well to the screen. It is quite a twisted bit of cinema - nothing too outrageous to some of us I suppose, but to others, it’s probably a bit too much to accept as entertainment. This is one of those rare occasions when I think the movie is actually better than the book, and a great deal of that has to do with the lead actor, Sam Rockwell. He is extremely talented, I enjoy watching him in just about everything he does, and wish he’d do more.



“God Bless America” is one of those movies (much like “Idiocracy”) that I believe should be required viewing these days. It was written by Bobcat Goldthwait, a comedian who most people might know as the loud guy from some of the Police Academy movies. Most don’t realize he does stand-up comedy, has been doing so for years, and is extremely intelligent despite his loud, annoying persona. “God Bless America” is smart, offensive, and a whole lot of fun, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone out there who is fed up with people, America, popular culture, and so on. If you are easily shocked or offended, I suggest you avoid this movie like the plague. Seriously.

The more movies I see coming out that rely on CGI, or have their origins in a comic book, the more I am determined to just keep going back and watching what I already know is good. Flicks that have intelligence, depth, smart dialogue, and a minimal number of special effects are at the top of my list. I am no longer awed by spectacle, and I think a large part of that must have to do with the fact that I don’t go to the actual theaters anymore. Space ships and explosions don’t look incredible on an average-sized screen, but superb acting does, no matter the size. I am old enough now that no amount of action can really make up for lack of a decent story line, or subpar acting. Some actors are so good they say with their facial expressions what most idiots can’t express in a few minutes of dialogue, and those are the actors I will continually allow the chance to disappoint me. I respect and support that, and won’t spend a dime on spectacle alone.

One last recommendation, while I’m at it, and I’ve said great things about this flick before: look for something called “Pontypool” and please, for the love of #$% do NOT watch the trailer. Just start the movie and let things unfold - you will thank me if you do.



Become a member to comment on this blog