Non-spoilery Movie Reviews
I feel badly because, between that project that shall remain nameless, writing, and real life pursuits, I know I’ve been a really shitty LJ friend for… well, awhile now. Time to rectify that. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything really interesting to say atm, so I’m going to offer up some DVD reviews in lieu of actual communication, just to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully more entertaining topics will come to mind soon. In the meantime, if you’ve seen any of these movies, let me know what you thought of them and/or my review(s).
Wonderland - Someone on my flist (forgive me, but I’m not sure… lissie_pissie, maybe?) recommended this movie on her blog a long time ago. I wish I could recall whom to thank for recc’ing this based-on-real-events whodunnit, because director James Cox created a grisley modern work of art. Val Kilmer was so outstanding in his portrayal of drug-addled, former dick king of porn John Holmes, I can almost forgive him for being the world’s worst Batman… almost. The amazing supporting cast included Kate Bosworth, Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”) and Eric Bogosian (Talk Radio, “L&O:SVU”). Final Grade: A -
Wadd: The Life and Times of John C. Holmes - This documentary about John Holmes’s life was included in the Wonderland DVD package I received from Netflix. I almost didn’t watch it, but I’m really glad I did. Once you get over your initial revulsion to all the skeeve, listening to the people who really knew Holmes talk about what a sociopath he was is really fascinating. (Among other gems of misanthropy, he kept on making porn after he’d been diagnosed with AIDS, intentionally endangering the lives of potentially hundreds of people.) It just goes to show, money and a huge member can’t buy happiness. Or even a sense of humanity. Final Grade: A -
Zack and Miri Make a Porno - (I swear, I did not notice the pattern until just now. Huh. Anyway…) I should start out by saying that writer/director Kevin Smith can do no wrong with me, though Chasing Amy did come real close. Still, I knew he was going to have to work awfully hard to make the thought of Seth Rogan doing porn enjoyable. Luckily for all concerned, he succeeded. Funny, funny movie, and the DVD extras are almost as good. Final Grade: B+
Candy - I watched this love story of two heroin addicts (Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish) a few weeks before the Oscars, and it really impressed upon me just what a talent we’ve lost. The film is beautiful and heartbreaking and makes you wish for opportunities never to come. The talented Geoffrey Rush also stars. Final Grade: A
Fortysomething - ayalanetzer fed my Hugh Laurie crush by recommending this two disc set, a short-lived series comedy starring and occasionally directed by the handsome Englishman. This story of a family man, his midlife crisis and the incredibly complicated sex lives of his children added yet another favorite to my list of Hugh’s characters, but Peter Capaldi as the hilariously slimy “Pilfrey” nearly stole the show. (Side note… when “House” shaved his scruff this week, I took one look at the television and said to my husband, “Check it out! Paul Slippery has joined the staff!") Final Grade: B+
Wonderland - Someone on my flist (forgive me, but I’m not sure… lissie_pissie, maybe?) recommended this movie on her blog a long time ago. I wish I could recall whom to thank for recc’ing this based-on-real-events whodunnit, because director James Cox created a grisley modern work of art. Val Kilmer was so outstanding in his portrayal of drug-addled, former dick king of porn John Holmes, I can almost forgive him for being the world’s worst Batman… almost. The amazing supporting cast included Kate Bosworth, Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”) and Eric Bogosian (Talk Radio, “L&O:SVU”). Final Grade: A -
Wadd: The Life and Times of John C. Holmes - This documentary about John Holmes’s life was included in the Wonderland DVD package I received from Netflix. I almost didn’t watch it, but I’m really glad I did. Once you get over your initial revulsion to all the skeeve, listening to the people who really knew Holmes talk about what a sociopath he was is really fascinating. (Among other gems of misanthropy, he kept on making porn after he’d been diagnosed with AIDS, intentionally endangering the lives of potentially hundreds of people.) It just goes to show, money and a huge member can’t buy happiness. Or even a sense of humanity. Final Grade: A -
Zack and Miri Make a Porno - (I swear, I did not notice the pattern until just now. Huh. Anyway…) I should start out by saying that writer/director Kevin Smith can do no wrong with me, though Chasing Amy did come real close. Still, I knew he was going to have to work awfully hard to make the thought of Seth Rogan doing porn enjoyable. Luckily for all concerned, he succeeded. Funny, funny movie, and the DVD extras are almost as good. Final Grade: B+
Candy - I watched this love story of two heroin addicts (Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish) a few weeks before the Oscars, and it really impressed upon me just what a talent we’ve lost. The film is beautiful and heartbreaking and makes you wish for opportunities never to come. The talented Geoffrey Rush also stars. Final Grade: A
Fortysomething - ayalanetzer fed my Hugh Laurie crush by recommending this two disc set, a short-lived series comedy starring and occasionally directed by the handsome Englishman. This story of a family man, his midlife crisis and the incredibly complicated sex lives of his children added yet another favorite to my list of Hugh’s characters, but Peter Capaldi as the hilariously slimy “Pilfrey” nearly stole the show. (Side note… when “House” shaved his scruff this week, I took one look at the television and said to my husband, “Check it out! Paul Slippery has joined the staff!") Final Grade: B+