Death Wish 3

I posted last night how I watched Death Wish 3 on AMC. I mentioned how it was a special movie to me because I originally watched it with my Great Uncle.

Many, if not most, of you have probably not seen it. So, I figured I would highlight it tonight.

Death Wish 3 was released in 1985. It was written by Brian Garfield and Don Jakoby. It was directed by Michael Winner. The lead actor was Charles Bronson.

As you can tell by the title there were 2 other Death Wish that preceded Death Wish 3. All three movies have basically the same precept. Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) is a vigilante who is tired of street gangs terrorizing good people and ruining once proud neighborhoods. Paul knows that if he can bring some justice to the streets that the good people in the neighborhood will jump on board and rid their streets of the criminals and the gangs. Of course in the process good people close to both Paul and the neighbors that help Paul are hurt/killed in retaliation to Paul's efforts of fighting the gangs. After enough back and forth where Paul hurts the gangs and the gangs hurt Paul or his friends all hell breaks lose. This usually involves ridiculous guns and all out warfare on the streets. Paul and his friends win and the streets are rid of the criminals. The neighborhood returns to peace and respectability. Paul moves on to the next friend/neighborhood who needs his type of vigilante justice.

So if you watch Death Wish 1 or Death Wish 3 it is the same with minor tweaks. What is so cool about the movie is that Charles Bronson plays the best anti-hero I have ever seen on film. It's also cool in a very macho guy kind of way because he takes justice into his own hands and does what any of us wishes we could do in the situations portrayed in the movies. He does it in such a cool, calm way. And the guns he uses...WOW! In Death Wish 3 he has a .457 magnum (not just a .357) and at one point runs through the streets gunning bad guys down with a 30 mm machine gun. And, let's not forget the anti-personnel grenade launcher that he orders through the mail from an Army base (I kid you not...it was semi-plausible because it was before 9/11 haha).

I am not going to recommend this movie unless you're into that type of thing. I just felt like featuring it for those of you who say last night's post and didn't know about the movie.

A Quick One

Well, it's late and I'm tired and I want to go to bed. So tonight's post is going to be short.

I watched two old movies today on AMC. The first was Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood. The second was Death Wish 3 with Charles Bronson. They are both good and stupid movies. Who doesn't like the anti-hero in Eastwood and Bronson. However, Escape from Alcatraz tries wayyyyyy too hard and is sooooooooo slow moving. Death Wish 3 is totally unrealistic and we are supposed to forget about that because of all the guns and explosions.

On a nostalgic note. I used to spend summers at my Grandma's house. She lived next door to her twin sister. Her sister's husband is my great uncle. My great uncle was a career Marine and when he retired he bought himself a ranch and ranched cattle. He was a tough, mean guy. I loved him dearly though. He had all three Death Wishes on video cassette. So, as a 10-14 year old (I am not sure which year) I watched all three Death Wishes with my great uncle. He shared the same sense of vigilante justice as Charles Bronson's character. It was soooooo much fun watching those movies with him. Of course, they were a lot less ridiculous back then because it was a lot closer to when the movie was originally made. The Death Wish movies will always have a special place in my heart because I originally watched them with my great uncle who I admired and looked up to. And boy did he love those movies as an ex-marine.

IT'S BED TIME!!!!!!! Goodnight all!

Inside Man

Tonight's feature film is Inside Man.

Inside Man was written by Russell Gewirtz and directed by Spike Lee. The cast includes Denzel Washington, Willem Dafoe, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, and Christopher Plummer.

My synopsis of Inside Man will be very simple because it is a The Usual Suspects type of movie and you can't give too much away because it will ruin the movie. So, here it goes. Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) is the owner of a New York bank. Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) is a bank robber mastermind. Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is a detective with the NYPD's hostage negotiation team. Miss White (Jodie Foster) is a woman who gets problems resolved for her very exclusive and rich clientele. Arthur Case has a security deposit box in one of the branches at his bank. His security deposit box holds some incredibly valuable and unique items. Dalton Russell has found out about the items in the safety deposit box and forms a team of 5 people to rob Arthur Case's bank. Dalton Russell takes hostages as he robs the bank. Due to the hostage situation Detective Keith Frazier is called in to negotiate the release of the hostages. Arthur Case calls Miss White to ensure that nobody (robbers or cops) gets to his safety deposit box and discover the contents of the safety deposit box. That is the basic premise. The rest I don't want to divulge because it is worth seeing unfold first hand just like in The Usual Suspects.

This is a clever story. I think that Spike Lee did an awesome job directing. He has an amazing talent that few other directors can match. Since it is a "Spike Lee Joint" you have several other themes running along the main storyline. Themes such as racism, sexism, civil rights of Arabs in today's U.S., violence in games, corruption in government and corporations, etc. It is just a smart story told in a compelling way. I also thought that Christopher Plummer did an amazing job in the role of Arthur Case. I don't like to pick favorites but Denzel Washington is one of my top 5 actors. So, the movie automatically becomes a must see with his involvement in the project.

I recommend this movie. I think you will find it clever and smart. I think you will appreciate Spike Lee's unique flavor and touches to the film. I think you will find the back story (that I couldn't give away in the synopsis) unbelievable. You can't get better acting than you do from Denzel, Clive, Jodie, and Christopher. This is a must see and I 100% recommend it to anyone. I will point out that the movie uses the F word a lot. I mean a lot. So, if you or a viewing buddy is offended by that, you might want to reconsider. If not, then full steam ahead.

Other information:
It looks like there is going to be an Inside Man 2. It will include the original writer and director and much of the original cast. I am interested already!
Spike Lee is currently filming a documentary on NBA legend Michael Jordan. I would push baby's out of the way to see this documentary when it's released. Please don't be a let down!
Denzel Washington is starring in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 alongside John Travolta. The film is being released on June 12th.

Mosquitos

Mosquito, oh how I hate thee!

I went for a bike ride this evening down by the lake. My father and I thought it would be marvelous to bike around the lake with the sun setting. The only problem is that the water is stagnant right now due to excess water.

You know what stagnant lake water attracts? MOSQUITOS!

It was insane. We had our bikes on a bike carrier. We jumped out of the car and started to remove the bikes. Almost instantly, like a freakin hurricane, we were swarmed by mosquitos. I had been bit by 4 or 5 of them before I could even get the first bike off the carrier. At one point I just wiped my hand over the skin of my arm in a downward motion and killed several mosquitos and rubbed my own blood down the length of my arm.

When we started riding it was all good because you are moving at a fairly good pace and they can't latch on to you. But standing still, close to the water, you better have some mosquito spray or you're in trouble.

Besides the mosquitos (I counted 9 bites on my arms, hands, and legs) the ride was fantastic. The sun was setting. The river (that feeds the lake) was perfect. The people on the trails were courteous. The exercise was great. It was just a swell time.

I am not going to recommend it though, because I hate mosquitos and wouldn't wish them even on my worst enemy. Also, the other bugs are out in force so you get mouthfuls as you breath heavier and heavier (due to the exercise you sickos). It was a good time, but not something I think I will repeat soon. There are so many other trails without those problems, you know?

Well, it's bed time for sure. Good night cyberland!

NBA Finals

I feel like bad luck.

Let's look at the times I supported during the NBA Finals this year and then examine how they fared.

I started off supporting the Jazz (I don't really feel connected to the Jazz, but as the only major sports team in Utah I feel like I need to support them). They were swept in the first round.

Second, I supported the Mavericks (my favorite basketball team in reality). They put up a valiant fight against the Nuggets but ultimately lost.

Third, I supported the Rockets (because I support my sister, who is obsessed with them. Also, because it is another Texas team). They put up a hell of a fight against the Lakers but lost.

Fourth, I am supporting the Cavaliers. They haven't been beat by the Magic yet but they are trailing in the series 3 games to 1. Teams have come back from that kind of a deficit but I am not seeing that happen in this series.

Fifth, if Cleveland loses to the Magic, I will support the Magic against the Lakers (who haven't won their series yet but are more than likely going to). However, honestly, the Magic don't have a chance against the Lakers.

Ultimately, every team I have supported, am supporting, or will support has or will likely lose. Maybe it is me and not the teams. I could be the bad luck charm taking them down one by one. If I could enthusiastically support the team, that in reality I wanted to lose, I would.

I am not going to say that I haven't enjoyed the finals because I have. There have been some amazingly awesome games this year. It has been a pleasure to watch (except for maybe the Jazz, that was just painful). So go NBA whoever wins the championship.

If you haven't been watching of late the Eastern and Western Conference champions will be determined in the next couple of games (at most) and then it is just the finals. So, if you are one of those that only wants to see the actual finals we are close. Be sure to TiVo it!

Exercise

I have been able to enjoy a more active life style because of the exercise program I follow.

Any "expert" will tell you that you need to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. Lose weight and you will feel more energetic. Feel more energetic and exercise will become easier and easier. The more you exercise the better quality of life you will enjoy. Sounds easy, right? Well, in reality it is easy. It's the getting started part that is the killer. Once you get started it seems crazy that you used to dread diet and exercise.

However, there is one more important component in my opinion to losing weight and maintaining an active lifestyle. Change. You need to change things up. If you don't two big problems can occur. Your body will get used to the routine and therefore become more efficient. This sounds like a good thing, but it isn't in a way. The more efficient you become with your exercise and diet, the less calories your body will burn. So, you need to change things up from time to time to ensure continued weight loss. Once you have reached your desired weight, it's a whole different story. The second problem is that your routine can get boring and therefore discouraging.

If you are out there trying to lose weight; first, get started. Second, develop a routine that works for you (both exercise and diet). Third, change that routine up from time to time.

As odd as it sounds, rest is important too. Your body does funny things if there is not enough rest time between work outs or programs you may employ to help your cause. For example, a weight lifter who lifts weights everyday for the same muscle set won't get much bigger. The reason why is that your muscles need some rest periodically in order to "heal" or "grow bigger". To continue with the example it is suggested that you work your upper body out every other day and your lower body out every other day with the 7th day off. This gives your muscles time to build after work outs. I think weight loss is the same. I think you can work out 6 of the 7 days a week. But, you need an off day.

I guess the fourth step to be added to the paragraph two above this one is; fourth, rest periodically according to your specific routine.

Lately, I have been hitting the treadmill in the morning for an hour and then either biking or hiking for an hour in the afternoon. Trust me it took me 3 months to get from my lethargic state to exercising two hours a day.

I also keep a calorie diary. It's not so much to control my diet as it is to give me an idea of my calorie consumption. This isn't the best as calories are not the only component to a good or bad diet. But, it does help me control what I am eating. If I was purely dieting I would have to do more. However, with diet and exercise I find that if I keep my calories in check in accordance with my workout routines I lose the weight each and every week.

I feel better now than I have in years. It's funny what some control to your food consumption and an active lifestyle through exercise can do. I even joke now that I am used to the "sore" feeling that you get with exercise. It's almost like even that "sore" feeling feels good.

I am not going to lie. Getting started was difficult. I had an excellent friend nudge me down the path at the beginning and helped motivate me through that ever so difficult beginning stage. Without that friend I would still weigh 285 lbs and wonder why I was so tired and achy all the time. Thanks friend, you're the best. You really did me a solid on this one.

If you're feeling bad and you think diet and exercise will help, just get started. After you are doing at least something there are a million ideas on the Internet to get you focused and headed in the right direction. Just be careful of all the scams and crazy cheats out there. It's like my dad (a total health nut with the results to back him up) always says, "if it promises to be fast or easy they are lying or it isn't healthy. Weight loss takes time and effort." I think that is true. I'm weary of the bills or the medical procedures. Someone even told me that they are now using growth hormones to try and help people lose weight. You just have to be very careful. They may be totally legit, but you need to do your homework and consult with your doctor. Which you should do for any weight loss program, not just the pills, etc.

Anyway, enough is enough. Get out there and be healthy! If you can and if you dare!! :-)

Memorial Day

I do want to take a moment and thank all the veterans out there who served our country during wartime. I also want to thank those left behind by soldiers who were killed in action and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I know it seems like a cliche, but it is because of our men and women in uniform that we have the freedoms and luxuries we enjoy every day. Thanks a million.

It is my sincere desire that our country always remembers your service and does a better job of taking care of war veterans when they return home. We do many things, but there is much more that could be done.

My last comment for the day is that I hope less war is waged and more peace is enjoyed.

Thank you service men and women who have fought for this country and for it's people, including me.

Happy memorial day to everyone!

Star Trek

I went and saw the new Star Trek movie today. I have to admit that it was pretty good. I especially loved Simon Pegg as Montgomery Scott.

J. J. Abrams (director) wanted this Star Trek to be a Star Trek for everybody and not just trekkies. I think he did a phenomenal job in accomplishing that goal. This Star Trek really was for everyone. It had science, technology, action, new ideas, sexy, comedy, drama, stunning special effects, old school cast members, etc.

I grew up a trekkie and still really appreciated the new approach J. J. Abrams took to the movie.

If you haven't seen it, I 100% recommend it. There were some flaws (greatest of which I would attribute to some decisions by the casting director), but it is still well worth watching. If nothing else you will learn a little about Star Trek and you will enjoy the movie.

Friday Night

Well, it's Friday night!

I am extremely tired. My sister bought my dad a good book. When he was done with it he said I had to read it. He said it was very interesting. Very interesting was an understatement. I read the whole book (340 pages) within 24 hours. The problem is that I was up until 3:00 AM last night to do it.

The book is called The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. The books author is Michael Lewis. The book is the story of Michael Oher. Michael Oher is a left tackle who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of this years draft. He was the best offensive lineman anyone had seen when he was in high school and college. Many people believe he will be the best offensive lineman to EVER play in the NFL.

The book doesn't just focus on Michael Oher's life (it is the central theme of the book) but also on how the passing game evolved into what it is today and how important the left tackle position is to the passing game. Statistically the highest paid player on a football team is the quarterback. The second highest player is the left tackle (because the left tackle protects the quarterback's blind side and therefore can be the difference in keeping a star quarterback playing or injured and out for the season). Naturally, the second highest paid guy is the guy who is the most responsible for protecting the highest paid guy. Believe it or not on some teams the left tackle makes even more money the quarterback.

So, with the importance of the left tackle position it is truly amazing to have the possible best guy ever to play the left tackle position entering the NFL right now. What is even more amazing is the rags to riches story that is the life of Michael Oher. I don't want to ruin the book, but he overcame amazing odds to even have a chance to play on a high school team to be recognized by college football scouts. When he overcame all odds and made it to high school, he performed another miracle and was able to become academically eligible to play in the NCAA. No small feat seeing as how his GPA halfway through the 10th grade was a 0.6. And let me tell you the high school he attended didn't just give him A's because of his athletic and physical blessings. He went to a private Christian school where you had to earn your grades. It also tells the story of the amazing family who took pity on this poor black kid from one of the poorest zip codes in the U.S. who was going nowhere and created an environment and system in which he could succeed.

Anyway, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game is an amazing story. It makes you feel good about yourself and other people. It reminds you that there are good people trying to do right by other people. It reminds you that an economically disadvantaged kid can succeed in a positive and healthy environment of love, academic support, and stability.

As no one has seen Michael Oher play a NFL game (as he was just drafted) he may or may not amount to anything. However, his past record has surpassed any one's wildest dreams and the good bet is that Michael Oher does turn into the best lineman to have ever played the game at any level. It will be fun to watch the Baltimore Ravens and big old number 74 this year.

I don't know if you are into the NFL and football or not. If you are keep an eye open. If you don't read the book. When you fall in love with this story as I did, it might be worth watching a game or two of the Baltimore Ravens to see what happens.

Have a good weekend!

Good Bye Lenin!

Tonight's feature film will be Good Bye Lenin! This is an amazing film and one I WHOLE HEARTEDLY recommend to everyone.

Good Bye Lenin! is a German foreign film. The film is in German with English subtitles. It was directed by Wolfgang Becker. The film stars Daniel Bruhl, Katrin Sass, Chulpan Khamatova, and Maria Simon. I know you probably haven't heard of any of these actors (with the possible exception of Daniel Bruhl) but they all did a remarkable job acting in this film.

Before I get to the synopsis I want to explain why I so THOROUGHLY enjoyed this film. Their is a level of commitment in this film that I have rarely seen so exceptionally demonstrated on or off film. The central family in the movie makes several mistakes, yet have a commitment to one another that is perfect. I think this film really demonstrates the need for openness, acceptance, and communication in families to ensure that a perfect commitment between family members is not misplaced or ultimately detrimental. You have to be very careful. You can know internally that what you are doing is out of pure love and dedication and yet have it lost on the people you are trying to show that love and dedication to. Actions do speak louder than words, but words are sometimes necessary to explain our actions to those around us who may not understand. And incredible actions performed with no understanding from the beneficiaries are simply lost actions. They can make a great story and yet leave behind the individuals who were supposed to most benefit from the actions. So, the moral of the story is, do great things for those you love, but make sure they understand why you do those things (and it doesn't have to be a perfect understanding, but it should be some basis for understanding) for them. Otherwise your efforts may only make a good story for others (which is not completely wasted, but certainly not ideal).

Now for the synopsis. East Germany and West Germany. Capitalism versus Socialism. The Kerners live in East Germany. Mr. Kerner escapes to West Germany to be with his mistress and leaves his family behind in East Germany never to be heard from again. This act drives Mrs. Kerner to insanity and she has to be admitted to a hospital. It takes 6 months for her to recuperate but she returns home to raise her two children, Alex and Ariane, by herself. Father is never mentioned again. Mrs. Kerner replaces her husband and the father of her children with the Fatherland. She devotes herself completely to her country. She becomes the ideal citizen in East Germany. As time progresses so does the battle between Capitalism and Socialism. Capitalism is winning and many East Germans, included Alex Kerner, thinks its for the best. Alex participates in a free speech protest where he is arrested. As he is being arrested Alex's mother, Mrs. Kerner, comes around a corner from shopping and sees him being hauled off by the police. She has a heart attack from the shock of learning that her son is one of the protesters and is being arrested. It takes a while because of the commotion for someone to administer CPR to Mrs. Kerner and she ends up in the hospital alive but in a coma. Alex is released from prison and rushes to his mother's side. She is in a coma for 8 months. In that time the Berlin Wall comes down and the West is victorious over the East. When Mrs. Kerner comes to, the doctors warn her children that any stress or surprise could give her another heart attack and kill her. Alex realizes that the simple fall of East Germany alone could be the surprise that kills his mother. He decides to put on an elaborate farce to trick his mother into thinking everything is still the same and that East Germany is strong and vibrant. The lie becomes increasing difficult to keep up. Alex and his sister argue about whether they should just tell their mother the truth. Ariane thinks they should but Alex doesn't. Alex wins out and just keeps making the lie larger and larger to cover up all the changes happening in the world outside. One weekend Mrs. Kerner wants to go to the family cabin in the countryside. The children take her. Mrs. Kerner reveals that she lied to the children about what actually happened with their father. He wasn't a party member and they made his life miserable. He escaped to the West during a conference for Doctor's (he was a doctor) and made arrangements for his wife and children to follow two days later. Mrs. Kerner was scared that if she attempted to leave East Germany that her children would be taken from her. She decided to sacrifice her husband for her children. Mr. Kerner wrote for several years and Mrs. Kerner kept the letters hidden from the children. The children use the letters to discover their father's address. After telling the children of her lie, Mrs. Kerner has another heart attack. The doctors give her only days to live. Her last request is for Alex to find Mr. Kerner and bring him to the hospital so Mrs. Kerner can see him one last time. Alex finds his father and brings him to the hospital. While at the hospital Mrs. Kerner discovers the truth about what has been happening and that Alex was lying to protect her. With the reunification of the two Germanys happening in a few days, Alex has to produce one last grand lie to explain it to his mother. His mother participates in the lie knowing it is a lie but is grateful to her son for his efforts. Two days after the reunification ceremonies Mrs. Kerner dies.

Seriously, I haven't done justice to the movie. EVERYONE, JUST GO OUT AND RENT IT!!!! I promise it will be well worth it. I 100% recommend this movie to anyone. It is AMAZING!

Some Kind of Wonderful

You guys are in for a real treat tonight. Some Kind of Wonderful is probably the only romantic comedy I will ever post on this blog with ENTHUSIASM.

I've said that it would be impossible for me to create a top 5 or top 10 movie list. However, if I was ever forced to, Some Kind of Wonderful would make either list. For those of you who know me personally that is making quite a statement.

This movie is great because it has it all. It's a drama, it's a comedy, it's got romance, it's got high school high jinx, the good guy wins in the end, the right boy finds the right girl, etc. If you've been through high school you will appreciate this movie. Of course, the movie was produced by John Hughes, the king of teenager movies (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, etc.). Also, if you lived through the 80's you will love the throw back. The cars, the clothes, the speech of high schoolers, everything.

Keith (Eric Stoltz) is an unpopular nobody at his high school. His best friend, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), is a tom boy. Keith is in love the "hottest" girl in school, Amanda, (Lea Thompson) who happens to date the richest jock in school. Keith wants a shot at her and gets his opportunity when Amanda and her boyfriend break up because he is kissing other girls. Keith asks Amanda out and she agrees. So now the unpopular nobody is dating the hottest girl in school. This obviously creates some drama and some comedy. Meanwhile, Keith's best friend Watts is secretly in love with Kieth. She is hurt that he doesn't recognize it and wants to go out with the superficial Amanda. Amanda's ex-boyfriend can't leave it alone even though he was the one cheating. So, he devises a plan to have a party at his house where he is going to invite Amanda and Keith so that he can beat Keith up. Keith discovers this before his date with Amanda, but agrees to take her to the party anyway because he is tired of being pushed around and of being a nobody. Keith works as a part time mechanic to save up for college (his father's dream and not his own). Keith is also tired of being viewed as a poor nobody who has to work when everyone else doesn't. So, against his father's wishes he withdraws all of his money so that he can show Amanda (and the rest of the world) that he is just as good as everyone else. In the process he recruits Watts' reluctant help to plan the best date ever for Amanda so that he can accomplish his goal. In preparation Watts suggests that he practice a "killer" kiss with her. Sparks fly but Keith is so obsessed with Amanda that he still just doesn't get what Watts is trying to tell him. Because of his extraordinary feat of getting Amanda Jones to go on a date with him, the other outsiders at school (the bullies and detention kids) start to rally behind Keith and support him as well. Keith takes Amanda on an amazing date where she is confused as to why he is being so nice and generous towards her. They have an epiphany as to why both of them are really on the date with the other person. Then arrives the moment of truth where Keith is to take Amanda to her ex-boyfriend's party. Both Amanda and Watts (who is acting as chauffeur and driving Keith and Amanda from place to place on their date) try to convince him one more time not to go because he'll get beat up. He defies both of them and takes Amanda to the party. Keith had an ace up his sleeve though and got the outsiders to show up at the same time to humiliate the ex-boyfriend, keep Keith out of trouble, and wreck the party. Amanda can't believe it and really starts to admire Keith. However, as Keith and Amanda leave the party and Keith sees Watts outside he suddenly has a flash to their kiss and he finally realizes how much he loves Watts and Watts loves him. Amanda realizes the chemistry too. Watts takes off real quick and leaves the car for Keith to take Amanda home. Amanda tells Keith she can get a ride and to chase after Watts. Keith does and they embrace and kiss under a street light.

Like I said the movie has everything. Unless you were the spoiled jerk rich jock kid in your high school you are going to find things to cheer about in this movie. It is the ultimate feel good, good guy wins story. Plus the 80s, YOU JUST CAN'T GO WRONG. And, personally, I think Mary Stuart Masterson is exceptionally cute in this movie. So, good looking girls, awesome story, and the 80s. The ultimate trifecta for the perfect movie...Haha!

Some Kind of Wonderful was directed by Howard Deutch. It was written and produced by John Hughes. The cast included Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Lea Thompson.

Other information:
John Hughes latest writing credit was Drillbit Taylor.
Lea Thompson is slated to star in several independent comedies being released this year.
Mary Stuart Masterson's most famous role was in Fried Green Tomatoes.
Eric Stoltz will star in a couple of independent dramas that are being released this year.

*Editor's Note - Sorry about the hiatus. I will make a sincere effort to re-take this blog and post much more frequently.

Adaptation

Adaptation is a movie that I believe everybody should see once. It is from the makers of Being John Malkovich. It is a smart movie that delves into the nature of humans and some of there most basic emotions. It is interesting how important our basic emotions are. However, in today's increasingly complicated and sophisticated world we skip over our basic emotions as if there is a higher, more worthy set of emotions to pursue. That may be true if your basic emotions are satisfied. If your basic emotions aren't satisfied, see how happy you are. For that purpose I recommend this movie. It is very intelligent and insightful.

Adaptation is based on a Susan Orlean book entitled The Orchid Thief. It was written into a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman. It is a Spike Jonze movie. The movie stars Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep (what a performance she has in this movie), Chris Cooper, and Tilda Swinton. Adaptation is a drama with some comedy built in.

Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage) is asked to adapt a non-fiction book into a screenplay (sound familiar...very clever). Even though he has experienced some previous success he is having a hard time writing the screenplay. Charlie has a twin brother who lives with him named Donald (also Nicolas Cage). Donald is the opposite of Charlie. Where Charlie struggles with everything Donald seems to have much more ease. However, Donald is reckless and relies on his brother because he has had no real success in life, just ease. As Charlie struggles to write the screenplay he seeks out the author of the book he is adapting, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep). However, even this quest turns out to be too hard for him. With the help of Donald he does it but ends up in a world of trouble as Charlie and Donald discover the "real" story behind Susan Orlean and the subject of her book. The subject of The Orchid Thief is of course the actual Orchid Thief, John Laroche (Chris Cooper). John Laroche is not your average man. He has total disregard for the law, he is too smart for his own good, he falls in love too easily, and he carries the guilt of a car accident that killed his wife. That guilt drives him nearly mad and certainly beyond the confines of society's customs and laws that most citizens obey. Of course, all of that makes him a great character to write about. So, Susan Orlean does. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in his world, which consequentially gets Charlie and Donald in trouble.

The four different personalities of the main characters and the drama, weaknesses, and strengths of each, is what makes this film so amazing. You may or may not enjoy the movie. But like I said earlier everyone should see it at least once. So, go check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Other information:
Spike Jonze is currently working on a film adaptation of the popular children's book, Where the Wild Things Are.
Tilda Swinton is going to be in the Crime Thriller The Limits of Control that is being released this month. Gael Gacia Bernal is also in this one...so I am definitely going to check it out.

Superbad

I watched Superbad this week. Since it is the most awesome movie ever I figured I would feature it.

Superbad was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It was directed by Greg Mottola. The movie stars Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, and Bill Hader. And if that alone wasn't enough to convince you about the awesomeness of this movie. allow me to break out the big guns. Superbad was produced by Judd Apatow. You can't go wrong with a Judd Apatow comedy.

Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) are seniors in high school and best friends. They are looking to get in to a graduation party and to hopefully get laid. The problem is that they aren't very popular and haven't been invited to a party. A fellow friend named Fogle (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) has arranged to get a fake ID. When Seth hears about it he talks to a girl in his class about it. She mentions that she is having a party and would love if he could buy some booze with the fake ID. Seth agrees and it is his opportunity to go to a graduation party. He recruits the help of Evan and Fogle and set out to get booze for the greatest graduation party ever. However, all sorts of problems occur in their journey to buy the booze and get to the party. As Fogle is trying to buy booze a robber punches him in the face and steals the liquor store money. The cops show up (Seth Rogen and Bill Hader) and offer to take Fogle to his destination. On the way problems arise and Fogle has to accompany these two crooked cops. After all the problems (hilarious problems) Seth, Evan, and Fogle end up at the party with the booze. However, both Seth and Evan screw up their prospects with the girls they like at the party. It ends up ok the next day as they work things out. As you can imagine the problems and situations that the characters find themselves in are hilarious.

This movie had me laughing from beginning to end. I couldn't believe some of the things they came up with. It is a little vulgar so be warned. But, if you're cool with vulgar you won't find a funnier movie. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera were priceless. Seth Rogen and Bill Hader as crooked cops were unbelievably funny. And Christopher Mintz-Plasse is a special actor. No one else could have pulled off what he pulled off. I didn't want to give away to much of the humor in the synopsis, so if the synopsis seemed a bit dull, that is why. Trust me though you won't laugh harder at a movie. I FULLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO YOU HUMOR SEEKERS OUT THERE!

Other information:
Greg Mottola will be directing a movie named Paul that will star Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz), Bill Hader, and Nick Frost.
Seth Rogen's next movie is Funny People. I've already talked about it in some previous posts. It looks great and I can't wait for it to come out.
Bill Hader's most current project is the 2nd Night at the Museum which is coming out May 22nd.
Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are going to be in Year One alongside Jack Black and David Cross. Year One is coming out in June. Michael Cera is also going to be in a movie titled Paper Hearts with Charlyne Yi and Seth Rogen that is coming out in August.