Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Tropic Thunder

Date Seen: Tue Aug 5, 2008
Theatre: Loews Boston Common - Boston, MA
** PRESS PREVIEW **

Lets first put the controversy aside. Yes, there is Downey, Jr. in essentially black face the entire movie. Yes, there is Black losing his "medicinal jellybeans" early on. Yes, there are many references to the mentally challenged.

OK, this movie is SO FUNNY!! Tom Cruise's character, even with Stiller, Black, and Downey, Jr. in top form, absolutely steals this movie. Fine, there is the stereotypical first scene referenced in the last scene, there is a touch of Zoolander in Stiller's performance and the kung fu leaves much to be desired. Again, this movie is SO FUNNY you will forget all of that. Do not bring the kids to this one, ever. Be sure to arrive on time to see all the trailers, especially Booty Sweat.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Date Seen: Sat Aug 2, 2008
Theatre: Capitol Theatre - Arlington, MA

I should have known what I was getting into and should have just suspended my beliefs to just sit back and enjoy this classic of a summer movie. This would have worked except for the continued blatant disregard to laws of physics and plot line. I thought I could even excuse it in my very wet condition from the pouring rain that day.

Unfortunately, none can excuse the following plot mishaps:

- Rock that will not hold a 12 year old will hold up under a T-Rex.
- A carnivorous T-Rex living by itself miles under the Earth all these eons
- People falling miles down a hole to be cushioned on their landing by gracefully hitting the water below.
- Getting out of said water and pulling out a exceptional dry book to read.
- A mountain guide who has nearly 5 miles of rope in her bag.

Did I forget to mention the sentient glowing guide bird?

American Teen

Date Seen: Tue Jul 29, 2008
Theatre: Loews Boston Common - Boston, MA
** PRESS PREVIEW **

I was skeptic as to whether I was watching a scripted mocumentary or a true documentary throughout the film as I had only seen a quick trailer previous to this screening and had not read anything about it. When the credits rolled and I discovered each teen played themselves, the wave of realism of the movie struck me. The decision to give up one's virginity to only be broken up with by text message the next night is a huge punch to the gut and heart. The geek to gold plot vein could not have been better if written. The trailer gave me great interest in this movie and the seniors of Warsaw Community High School hit this one out of the park. Be sure to stay through the credits.

X-Files:I Want to Believe

Date Seen: Mon Jul 28, 2008
Theatre: Embassy Cinemas - Waltham, MA

I was quite the avid fan of the TV show in its hay-day (and decline) and even enjoyed the first X-Files movie despite the killer bees theme. This said, a fan-fiction written and produced series of webisodes on YouTube would have been better then this attempted series reboot. Mulder's living in what seems like a forced FWB relationship in Scully's house, the religious overtones and lead supporting actor Xzibit should give some idea to the level this non-sequel has achieved in greatness. Pass - even free on TBS Sat afternoon with ads.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Batman: The Dark Knight


Date Seen: Mon Jul 21, 2008
Theatre: Verizon IMAX 3D Theater - Reading, MA

Well, this is the movie I had been waiting for all summer for...And it did not disappoint one bit!! Two-Face origin + storyline - Perfect. The Joker - lip-smacking Perfect. Visuals dark, story dark - Perfect. Just when you thought it was over, another scene - Perfect. Verdict: #3 on my all time list behind Traffic and American Beauty - nothing has come close to the top 5 in quite a few years.

Mission Statement

The purpose of this blog is to review movies, movie theatres, and the occasional non-movie related event attended and the goal is to post entries before the next movie or event occurs.
The group was formed as an after work activity for Museum of Science, Boston staff and has since grown to include other friends and family. While a majority of us no longer work for the organization, we use the group now to keep in touch.
I am not a founding member of the group but have grown over the years into the caretaker and Fall / Spring scheduler. We see "blockbusters" in the summer and November through December, try to inject some indie flicks in us during the late fall, and usually take some time off from Labor Day to Columbus Day as many of us are too busy with school, jobs, projects, etc.
Reviews will be written from my point of view, however both reading + posting comments for a possibly differing opinion is strongly encouraged by all.