Hesher on DVD

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Devin Brochu, Natalie
Portman, Rainn Wilson. Directed by Spencer Susser.

I've been dying to see it since first I saw the trailer. Again, no cable in my house, however, I saw the trailer on a couple of DVD's. It looked like a black comedy, a sarcastic in-your-face type of movie that wouldn't take itself seriously. Well, surprisingly, I was wrong. It was a serious movie. It's plot is moving, it's soft, it touching. I admit it made me cry, but most anything can accomplish that. I am an emotional woman! But, I believe the writer wanted to be honest, and portray honest characters, so Hesher (above all characters) remains true to his roots. He behaves badly, he speaks poorly, but you are drawn into his message.
Despite all the inappropriate behavior and language, you understand Hesher and the necessity of this character. It is a wonderful story and a beautiful movie, which is totally a weird way to describe the movie. Watch it, and you'll understand.

Everything Must Go DVD

I watched this movie last night and was blown away by Will Ferrel's performance. It was like watching Jim Carrey or Robin Williams playing it straight; you keep expecting them to break into their comedic self at any one moment. It was refreshing to see Mr. Ferrel in this role. My husbands biggest disappointment was that they billed this movie as "funny". In fact, I think the DVD box had that on the front. Now, even though it had it's funny moments, I would only say this is more of a dark comedy. Even then, I was never rolling on the floor. It was a great character study, and Will Ferrel did an excellent job playing his role. I really believed him.

**** What the hell? Did I take the summer off from writing? What a lazy bones!!! ;)

The Kids Are Alright DVD

Loved this movie.
It didn't have to be specifically about a lesbian couple with kids. It could have been about ANY couple, that made their family by adoption, or use of a surrogate. Having a absentee parental unit that comes into the picture of the family is the only necessary common denominator. However, the casting and this specific storyline of a lesbian couple that used a sperm donor for their children is superb. It was believable, and fascinating to watch. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore were awesome as the balanced happy lesbian parents. Mark Ruffalo was way cool as the sperm donor cruising through a life without any bumps. When these two roads collide, that's were the story begins. Enjoy. 

Fair Game DVD

Based on a true story, this movie will anger and upset you. Well, it did upset me. I know that we could argue and point the finger at the causes or validation of war. I know that this story could be completely factual and still be biased. But, the fact remains that had the United States not gone to war in Iraq my brother-in-law would still be alive. To watch a movie unfold a tale of factual events leading up to a bogus excuse to go to war just makes me insanely raw.
Great movie. Sean Penn and Naomi Watts are fabulous and have great screen chemistry.

TRON Legacy DVD

DUDE. My husband just got the new surround sound hooked up, and so it made this movie so freakin' awesome. I need to go rent the original. I know it won't be as good as I remember because I was like 4 when I saw it the first time. This sequel was RAD. The effects were awesome.
I must say, however just for conversation, that there a couple interesting parallels to Star Wars. Clue (basically Kevin Flynn's alter-ego) is so Darth Vader-like. All he needed to do was have the breathing thing going on. He is creating an army of programs, and his big weapon program is TRON. In Star Wars, Jango Fett (who served as the genetic template for Boba Fett the bounty hunter hired by Vader), and for all troops in the Clone Army and ultimately for the Imperial Stormtroopers. There are also some scenes with strong Skywalker Obi-Wan chemistry, too.
I will say it again, this movie was RAD.

Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue DVD

I thought this was a sequel but I was wrong. First, there was Tinkerbell The Movie, then, Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, and then, this movie. I guess, I missed the second one. Whoops. Moving on. I rented this for my 5 year old daughter, but we all know that I love me some Disney movies and use my children as an excuse to rent cartoons. I loved this movie. I'm pretty sure my daughter loved it, too. As soon as the credits began to roll she said, "let's watch it again, Mom."
It has a wonderful message to parents to take some time out to listen and play with your child. Sometimes we are too preoccupied with dinner, dishes, laundry, work, clean, and maybe we need to add "play" to the to-do list.

Little Fockers DVD

Cute movie. Usually the third movie can be super cheesy and dumb, but this one was quite enjoyable. Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller are really great together.

How Do You Know DVD

So what's the answer? Does the movie tell us? How do you know when you are in love? Well, ask any one person who is in a secure loving awesome relationship how they knew and the quote, "talking about music is like dancing about architecture," comes to mind. There is no one great answer except the one no single wants to hear. You just know. Or as my favorite When Harry Met Sally quote goes: "I knew the way you know about a good melon."
So, now let's get to it. The movie is slowly paced. It reminds me of a play. It's seemed over directed because of the steady slow timing. I really wanted to like it, and it wasn't all bad. There were a few scene here and there I actually even got teary-eyed. I think it's the same brand of vanilla that has been coming out lately. It's a brand fitting to the baby-boomer generation. (No offense Mom, and you generally have better taste than the masses anyway. Your welcome.) It wasn't horrible. It was better than City Island but same genre. 
Paul Rudd, I still love you. And yes, Reece Witherspoon you are always awesome.

The Uninvited (2008) DVD

This is the 2008 IFC movie, not the 2009 big budget flick of the same name released in the theaters. That said, expect a low budget film. Low. My husband hated it. I wasn't thrilled about it either because as I hate to admit, he is always right. The storyline is lacking, but if it had had a bigger budget with better effects and make-up it could have been so much better. It's almost Hitchcock thrills keep you on the edge of your seat, if you are like me. You see my husband makes fun of me because I get scared over the unknown. This is our movie experiece:
Me: Babe, come sit next to me, I'm scared.
Husband: Stop being such a pussy. It's clearly fake.
Me: But she's scared to turn around. I'm scared. Sit next to me.
Husband: You are such a chicken. You can totally tell it's fake. It's so bad, I'm gonna turn it off.
Me: But (husband throws a pillow in my face) STOP! Just come sit next to me! Or turn it off.
Husband: Go to sleep then, or are you too scared to go in the other room?
Me: Yes, stop laughing!
So, if you don't mind the occasional B movie, and you like Hitchcock horror, then, you'll like this movie well enough.

City Island DVD

This movie sucked. The only enjoyable and believable part of the movie was when Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies argued, which was most of the movie. Oh, and Ezra Miller as the smartass youngest son, he was pretty funny. But, other than that it was stupid. However, I'm so positive that this movie will get massive play on movie channels like other movies that shall remain nameless that suck yet seem to get put in heavy rotation on TV. They are like the Putting on the Ritz song. SO BAD and yet I hear it on the radio every month. Why God? WHY?

Paper Man DVD

Jeff Daniels is so excellent as a writer who stays in a rented house to complete a novel while his doctor wife (Lisa Kudrow) works all week. Daniels is perfectly neurotic and the best part, wait for it... his imaginary friend (Ryan Reynolds) who is a superhero complete with a superman type outfit, tights and all. Now that's HOT! Then, Daniels (who is playing this almost Dumb and Dumber type character that got married and grew up just a little) rides his child-bike to town and meets Emma Stone. This all happens so quickly and you think you know where it's going. You think this is going to be either Poison Ivy or just Wack and Wackier. It's turns out to be such a beautifully told story about loss, life, and friendship. A greatly unique story. And, it makes you laugh, cry, and appreciate the journey of life. I really enjoyed it.
Emma Stone is really turning out to be a favorite actress of mine.

Inside Job DVD

I just watched this movie narrated by Matt Damon about the corruption in the banking industry and the US government. ARG!! It makes me so mad. So mad! It's so wrong for those people who know better to being committing such acts against their human race. Shame on them. It's like Lord of Flies, they all do it because "everyone else is doing it" and no one is getting in trouble. Their isn't even any finger pointing! They are clearly breaking laws and committing these crimes without any fear of being criminally charged. AND, Obama did nothing but appoint the WORST OF THE WORST to join his "team" of "change". Shameful. SHAME FULL.

The Fighter DVD

This movie fucking rocked. It wasn't a dude movie, but it wasn't a chick flick either. It was a great story. I totally understand why Melissa Leo and Christian Bale won their Academy Awards. I think because their characters were so outrageous and believable that's why they out shined the rest of the cast. That is not to say that the rest of the cast does not hold their own.

Hereafter DVD

This movie sucked. Though, I waited it out until the end and I really wanted to like it. There were parts, scenes that I caught myself being moved by, and brought to tears. But, like my husband said, "all that? For nothing!"

Morning Glory DVD and a rant

I love Rachel McAdams and the rest of the cast, Jeff Goldblum, Diane Keaton, and Harrison Ford. It's a cute movie. Though I don't think it would have been a great date movie, it was very entertaining. Other than that I don't really having anything interesting to say about the movie.
How do people do that? Really? I mean, find something critical to say over every movie they watch? Now, I understand why some of those reviews are full of shit. I remember reading Rolling Stone and saying to my husband that a critic had panned a movie I really liked over retarded reasons. That they were picking at it because they couldn't think of anything else to say. I totally get that now. If I had a deadline and HAD to write about every movie, well, let's just say, I'd be out of a job

Oxford Murders DVD

I don't watch Family Guy but I know that voice of the teenage son is voiced by Seth Green. I hear them play sound bites on the radio to promote a station I listen to regularly. Elijah Wood and that character have very similar voices, in my opinion. It drives me insane. Therefore, as I really wanted to like this movie, I couldn't. It was written well, filmed fine, cool plot, but I just can't get around Elijah Wood's character. He's so whiny as a person it repulses me. I'm sorry dude, really I am. I liked Elijah in Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, and LOTR, but he just annoyed the heck out of me in this one. If I was a hot nurse with a big rack, I would not be taking you back to my apartment. (That nurse was HOT.)

Winter's Bone DVD

This movie is so good for so many reasons. Since I don't have cable I had no idea about the plot and that doesn't always workout for the best. This time however paid off. I don't want to say anymore. It is a great movie and completely deserved the Oscar nods.

Love and Other Drugs DVD

I love a good romantic dra-medy. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you want to hug it out. As long as my husband isn't watching with me ridiculing the plot and asking me why I'm crying like he's Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own, I actually do enjoy myself. In Love and Other Drugs, Jake Gyllenhaal is enticing <wipes drool from mouth> and Anne Hathaway is her charming self. Hank Azaria and Oliver Platt are always good support cast, always. So it does a good job. All that aside, the film has a message.
Normally, when a film has a message I run away. Unless the purpose of the film is to educate or exploit, keep your message to yourself. But, every once in awhile a movie slips a little agenda that is not in your face, or rude to catch the audience. Or, as I like to call it, justified use of mass media message. This movie does a cute quick job that doesn't upset the money making pharmaceutical companies, or regular Joe Schmo.
Set in the late 90's, this flick puts pharmaceutical companies true agenda on the table. The focus is money, duh. They are fixing old dude boners not Anne Hathaway's Parkinsons. For shame! Jake is an evil rep focused on making money, and then, finds his penguin and changes his bad ways. Nice little bow, the end.
"Are you crying? There's no crying in baseball!?!"
Shut up, dude, and pass me a tissue.

Faster DVD

Let's begin with the title: Faster. "Faster" than what? Pray tell.
Moving on to the random titles that were a complete waste of time and budget. Your audience is not that lame. We have 5 people total on the hit list, one guy doing the hits, another hired gun, and two cops. The first title we see is "Driver". I look at my husband and say, "wait, I thought the name of the movie was Faster?" The next title, "Faster". Ok, the actual title. Then, we get "Cop" and "Killer". That's it. What do these title have to do with the movie? I think I can tell that the cop is a cop. Also, the killer is clearly a killer. So, really, I could have done with out the titles. If you are going to put those little titles in then every character worth mentioning should have had one. Here are some suggestions: Doorman, Cameraman, Knifeguy, Brother-killer, Ex-girlfriend. I just don't think those 3 specific titles were necessary.
Now, you must think that I thought the movie sucked, and I did. It does. But, it is worth watching for two reasons. The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson. I am always so pleasantly surprised that he is an excellent actor. I feel bad saying that, but he is so genuine. He has such depth in his character. He doesn't say much in the movie but you understand him. The other reason to watch is the bathroom scene with the Rock and Lester Speight.
I guess it wasn't horrible. I mean, it didn't have Val Kilmer or Cuba Gooding Jr. in it, so it had that going for it.
Speaking of those formerly good actors gone wrong, what happened to them? Billy Bob beware. You are going the same path. But, seriously, Faster? Bad title dude.  

WEEDS Season 4 DVD

I was in the midst of watching Season 4 and during the potty breaks I find myself thinking about the value of HBO versus Showtime. I used to be all about HBO. Then, they went and cancelled Deadwood, Sopranos went off the air, and WHAT HAPPENED??? I don't know. But, here came Showtime like a kitten to pounce. Dexter, WEEDS, L-Word, United States of Tara. Hello? HBO...are you there? That's just my opinion and since I haven't had cable in 3 years, I could be completely off base.
Back to the show, I was prepared to check out of WEEDS. It's the 4th season, how could they possible top the past seasons? I asked myself, what's the worst thing that could happen to Nancy-pants? She can get out of everything, so how much fun could it possibly be to watch that?
Answer: ton's of fun, I tell you. Nancy-pants and the rest of the crazy family are so hilarious. Even the times that I yelled at the tv, "Nancy, you are so dumb!! Don't do it!!" I was still laughing.
WEEDS Season 4, still crazy after all these years. (Oh and though Season 6 has recently started and I have no clue what's gone on in Season 5, please don't kill off Uncle Andy. I <3 him.)  

Get Low DVD

Not much sparkle to the title. It wouldn't inspire me to watch or rent if I wasn't a DVD renting junkie. Note: THAT should have been the title of my blog, but "junkie" isn't really a word you want paired with "mom". Jenny-ways, (yes, that's what I said) this super awesome cast actually work magic into this beautifully filmed unique story. Bobby D aka Robert Duvall is superb, duh. Bill Murry is perfectly cast and shines in his role. Sissy Spacek is delightful, of course. Lucas Black gets some credibility for the drama (cuz Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, is not a big boy movie.) Together they play scene to scene with a mixture of well-contained confusion, sorrow, joy, and awe. The movie is visually stunning and altogether beautiful.

Paranormal Activity 2 DVD

Scary movies strike fear in me cuz I get really into them. In my ever so humble opinion that's the whole point of movies. To allow yourself to be taken into a world created by someone else and follow their rules. Rules like, it's completely normal for characters to break into song, or vampires really do exist. It's our sub-conscience in the backseat driver position that causes us to experience the emotion. So, yeah, scary movie equals me terrified.
When I see a baby in a scary movie, I always say, "if they do anything to the baby, I'm turning off the movie." My husband thinks I'm ridiculous. Well, he sleeps like an angel meanwhile I'm laying there in a panic that something horrible is about to happen to my kids down the hall. Yeah, I know, I'm ridiculous. (Don't tell my husband he's right.) So, when Paranormal Activity 2 opens with newborn's homecoming, I looked and my husband, and he knew what I was thinking. Right off the bat I was hooked.
I begged him to sit next to me as we searched each screen for movement. Hours turned into days, turned into weeks, and we watched as NOTHING HAPPENED. I feel so duped now looking back. As my husband always says, he could have made that movie. And, yet, I liked it. When the scary stuff does start to happen, it's thrilling. It's like watching pranks on youtube, and if you've never done that DUDE, you should totally watch some of those.

Tangled (DVD Momma goes to the actual movie theater)

It had been years since I went to a movie theater. When I lived in California (oh sunny, warm California) I went to the movies atleast once a month. Then, I considered that I didn't get out enough. So, now that I have children, no near relation to babysit, and moved to Smalltown, USA, my theater going life has basically vanished. NO LONGER, I DECLARE. Since my oldest has turned 5 years old, I bravely attempted to take her to the local old skool 40 seat movie theater in town to see Tangled.
I love Disney movies. I watch Beauty and the Beast on VHS as many times as my 5 year old and husband can stand it. I really need to get it on DVD before my VHS player dies. I was raised with having ultimate respect of musicals and cartoons so it is one of my all time favs. That said, Tangled ranks a good second to my fav. I will definitely purchase the DVD... for my kids. And, I'm sure they will love to watch it with me fifty bazillion times.

Justified Season 1 DVD

I might be biased because I adore Timothy Olyphant, but I love this show. I know that Tarantino admires Elmore Leonard. But, regular people don't know who Leonard is, and that's their problem. So, for the people who just know Tarantino's style, think a modern Tarantino western for tv. Yes, I'm well aware that it's not a western, and no, I'm not saying it's because he wears a cowboy hat. It's a western in how it is shot/filmed and the dialouge. It's really slow and deliberate, not campy. I hope that the next season will keep that same quality. And, thanks for keeping Boyd.

DEXTER Season 4 DVD

I can't believe they killed her off. If you don't want to know, don't read any further. I'll say it again, I can't believe they killed her off! I pride myself on being able to see all the foreshadowing and seeing what's going to happen next in a plot line. My husband and I will discuss what we think will happen next and I'm usually right. Not that I enjoy an easily deciphered plot. No, I love being wrong. I enjoy the suspense as much as anybody. I get tingly when I'm right. I get just as tingly when I'm wrong. If I can blatantly see the punch that's the only time I get pissed... or so I thought.
This season of Dexter had me sitting on the edge of my seat most of the time gripping the little pillows on my couch begging my husband to sit next to me. I'm totally terrified of John Lithgow due to a series of nightmares after watching him in Raising Cain as a kid. Later he would win me back with his character in 3rd Rock From the Sun. Still, I know what he is capable of so, I was prepared. And, terrified. He is so excellent.
The relationship status of Deb is something I can see coming. She is damaged goods, as she says. So, I knew her happy days were numbered. Enter Lundy. Exit Lundy. One character down.
I will skip over all the rest, because the show is great, the actors are great. I don't care to waste time telling you other plotlines. Watch the show. I will only make quick mention the addition of Quinn, and his charater arc being wonderful.
Now, back to my original rant. I can't believe they killed her. My heart breaks everytime I think of it. Dexter ties up all the loose ends and comes home to pack only to find that he didn't kill Trinity soon enough. Trinity killed Rita in the bath. I wasn't sure even when the phone rang, even when I saw the pool of blood, it didn't occur to me that it was really happening. Ah! My heart dropped, I was instantly choking a sob, and I was so surprised. SO SURPRISED. Hats off to the writers. I tried to think of every which way that Rita's death might have been avoided and I should have seen that coming. Ah! So awful. I am so sad. Farewell lovely Rita.