DVDs, Books, Games, and more

21 - Theater (Phoenix)

2008-05-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: **

I really wanted to like this film (it's a good idea about MIT students going to Vegas with their professor to count cards and win big bucks), but there were many problems:

The lead actor was unable to carry the film
The lead actor couldn't do an accurate Boston accent
No chemistry between the lead actor and the female lead
Too many cliches, poor screenwriting
Melodrama (black and white scenes -- no nuance)
Kevin Spacey isn't enough to save a bad script

Vantage Point - Theater

2008-03-31T20:33:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * *

Metacritic score: 40/100

This is either the kind of movie you like or not, which is why the reviews are all over the map for this. I, for one, had a great time.

There were three things worth noting about Vantage Point:

This was the first digitally-projected film I've seen at Pacific Place in Seattle. I was impressed with the sharp images and thunderous sound. I understood immediately how digital projection could replace traditional celluloid projectors in the near future.
The film is a modern take on Kurosowa's classic film Rashomon, which tells the same story from different points of view--hence the title vantage point. With each different pass through the same events, we learn more details about an attempted assassination of the President of the United States in Spain. As you'd expect, things are not always what they seem.
There are no less than two Oscar-winning actors, William Hurt (as the President) and Forest Whitaker (Howard Lewis) in this film, as well as Dennis Quaid and Sigourney Weaver.

Horton Hears a Who - Theater

2008-03-31T20:10:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * *

A nice kids' movie based on the Dr. Seuss classic that explores conformity and standing up for what you believe in -- no matter what the cost.

Jumper - Theater

2008-02-24T23:55:00.001-08:00

Andyo review: * * *

"Jumper" is one of the more interesting Sci-Fi films I've seen in a while. It's fun to see Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson working together in another movie. It makes you realize how bad George Lucas's direction must have been.

The Lake House - HD-DVD

2008-02-24T23:44:00.001-08:00

AndyO review: * * 1/2

Rescue Dawn - DVD

2008-02-24T23:39:00.001-08:00

AndyO review - * * * 1/2

This is the harrowing true story of Dieter Dengler, a pilot who is shot down over Vietnam and ends up in a prison camp. Werner Herzog brings his usual gritty, realistic direction to the film.

There Will Be Blood - Theater

2008-02-17T01:51:00.001-08:00

AndyO review: * * * 1/2

Metacritic score: There Will Be Blood (2007) 92/100

Mini-Review: "There Will Be Blood" is a dark epic about a sociopathic oil man and his quest for money and power. Daniel Day Lewis, as Daniel Plainview, gives one of the best performances of the year -- almost a shoe-in for the Best Actor Oscar. However, for this filmgoer, the film unravels in the last act losing almost all the momentum and purpose of the previous two hours.

I Am Legend - Theater

2008-01-18T19:05:00.001-08:00

AndyO review: * * *

I saw I Am Legend over the holidays, and really enjoyed it. A friend of mine, TinyDog, did not like it. Here is our debate in e-mail:

--------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tiny Dog
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:54 PM
To: Andy O
Subject: Re: The next Tiny dog zombie movie? I Am Legend: TERRIBLE!

On 12/16/07 10:56 PM, "Andy O" wrote:

I saw it, too. But, as usual, I respectfully disagree. I actually thought it was pretty good.

From: TinyDog
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 8:00 AM
To: AndyO

Dude--the zombies were awful! Bad CGI, inexplicably acrobatic, totally not scary. The screenplay was based on a vampire book and they didn't even bother to change the details to make the plot logical. Why exactly would people with a virus crave blood? That makes NO sense. And the ending? That lady who shows up with the perfect outfit and hair? The conveniently located grenades and semiautomatics lying around in every drawer and umbrella stand? The cheesy Bob Marley and Shrek stuff??!!
The worst.

From: AndyO

I had a feeling the digi-zombies were at the heart of all this. I have to admit, they were pretty bad. And digi-dogs, too (what was with their chests?). The white Zombie guys screaming like lions was also kind of weird, as was the acrobatics.
But what I liked was the idea of this lone guy trying to survive in NY. All of that kept my interest. All of the conveniently located weapons were a reflection of Smith's character. He was a top-level Army guy, and I thought they showed how organized he was all the way through the movie. He was prepared for all contingencies. If they hadn't foreshadowed that earlier, I wouldn't have bought it--but I think they did.
I didn't mind the Bob Marley and Shrek stuff. IMHO: Bob Marley music was how he was keeping his sanity. The Shrek stuff was about how he had lived alone for so long he didn't know how to interact with people. I'll admit that they should have shown him sitting around mimicking the movie by himself before he did it in front of the kid.
I don't think the movie was perfect, but I'd give it three stars out of four. The missing one star is due to the stuff you mentioned (bad zombies, etc.). But did I care about this guy? Yes. Was it a movie that kept my interest and stirred up my imagination? Yes. Was it better than "Twelve Monkeys," a movie with a similar story? Yes.
But I can understand how those details you mentioned would have destroyed the movie for you. I guess it depends on how much you can suspend your disbelief, and I'm one of those people who can just go along with it. My friend Brian is more like you. He'll shred a movie for just copying a famous Hitchcock camera shot. But somehow I've always been able to just experience a movie without analyzing it too much. That happens later when I watch it on my super 40-inch Hi-Def TV. :-)
Andy

Blade Runner - HD-DVD

2008-01-06T16:50:00.001-08:00

AndyO review: * * * 1/2

Amazon.com: Blade Runner (Five-Disc Complete Collector's Edition) [HD DVD]: DVD: Harrison Ford,Sean Young,Rutger Hauer,Ridley Scott

I've had a long and strange relationship with Blade Runner that goes back to its beginning, 25 years ago. That was when my Dad brought me to see Blade Runner at the theater. My expectations were high. I thought I was seeing another Star Wars, but what I saw was nothing like my favorite film. I left the theater a little confused and let down.

A few years later on a family vacation, we rented a VHS player along with Blade Runner, which was the European version. This version didn't make the film any better for me, although it was more violent (which my brother and I thought was cool).

Fast forward to college. My roommate and friend, Brian, a filmmaker, would wax poetic about Blade Runner for hours. He'd show me the artistry in each frame, and, while I appreciated director Ridley Scott's work, the story was never quite exciting or satisfying enough for me.

Then, sometime in the mid-1990's, I heard about the "Director's Cut" of Blade Runner. I dragged my wife to the Cinerama theater in downtown Seattle, and we watched a version of the film that was closer to Ridley Scott's original vision. Without the voice overs from Deckard (played by Harrison Ford), the film took on a more existential, poetic quality. Just that one alteration changed the story from noirish gumshoe detective tale to a futuristic meditation on life and death.

A few months ago, Brian, the same roommate from college, sent me a link to Blade Runner - The Final Cut. I remember thinking, what else could they do to this film? What was the Director's Cut supposed to be? A few years back, Ridley Scott finally came out and said Deckard was a Replicant himself, sending a shockwave through the Sci-Fi community. Would the Final Cut include more about this?

A few days ago on New Years Eve, I watched the HD DVD Final Cut version of Blade Runner. On my Sony 40" Bravia LCD TV in high-definition, the film leaped off the screen. The soundtrack--effects and music--were flawless. I sat in awe of practically every frame, seeing it the way my friend Brian had probably always seen it.

Expecting to see all kinds of different scenes and changes, I was surprised to see that this version was actually pretty close to the Director's Cut. I would learn later that the reason Ridley Scott did this version of the film was that the Director's Cut was rushed, and he wasn't as involved (although he did approve it). This time, Ridley supervised the process of cleaning up the film, re-editing, adding scenes, etc. In the George Lucas universe of re-editing films, we've come to expect completely revised special effects and scenes. I actually had to go to this Wikipedia article to understand all the differences, and many of them are subtle.

What's great about this HD DVD package is that you get 5 versions of the film (there are actually 7 versions of this film), including:

The final cut
The director's cut
The international release
The original release
The workprint

There's also an in-depth, feature-length documentary about the making of Blade Runner called Dangerous Days (the original title of the film).

One might ask, is this really the final cut of Blade Runner? It's hard to tell in this world of recuts, mashups, alternate versions, and the like. But this definitive cut of Ridley Scott's groundbreaking film is the best I've seen yet.

Rush: Different Stages

2007-11-07T09:48:00.001-08:00

I started off this morning listening to Rush's "Caress of Steel," but then remembered that there was a version of "Bastille Day" on the "Different Stages" bonus disc that I really liked. So I changed my Zune over to that album.

Different Stages, recorded during the Counterparts and Test for Echo tours, always reminds me of that dark time after the deaths of Neil Peart's daughter and wife, and how we didn't know if the Rush would ever record and tour again. Another interesting note about this album is that Rush recorded every single show on the Test for Echo tour to see if they could get the perfect concert on tape. Interestingly, most of the tracks on this album come from the Chicago show.

Even though Geddy Lee said this was the last live Rush album, since he didn't think they could make one that sounded any better, Rush has subsequently released Rush in Rio and R30, and has recorded material during the "Snakes & Arrows" tour for another possible DVD and live CD. Rush fans just can't get enough.

Superman: The Movie - Soundtrack

2007-11-06T16:27:00.001-08:00

I might go as far as to say that this is probably John Williams' second-best soundtrack--next to "Star Wars."

I've been watching this film with my two sons recently, and they seem as affected by the music as I was when I was a kid. The main title is probably the best superhero theme ever written. (And when you add those flying credits in the movie, it's even more incredible.) Now I can see why Brian Singer wanted to keep John Williams' theme for "Superman Returns" -- as it's permanently connected to the character of Superman.

Robert Plant - Principles of Moment

2007-11-06T16:16:00.001-08:00

I hadn't listened to this album in a while, so I was surprised at how relevant (and creative) it sounded. There are moments of "80s keyboards" and some backup arrangements that show this album's age, but Plant sounds as good as he did with Led Zep. It's also interesting to note that Phil Collins played drums on this album, and most of it is extremely tasteful.

I also liked how this version of the album (2006 remastered) included live tracks of "In the Mood," and a few others, as well as a previously unissued studio version of "Turnaround."

The Game Plan - Theater

2007-09-30T00:14:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * 1/2

A cute family film about an egotistical football star who discovers he has a daughter. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson shows that he can carry a family comedy with his charisma, physical comedy, singing, ballet, and more. Kyra Sedgwick has the thankless role of being his overbearing agent.

Little Children - DVD

2007-09-14T00:47:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * * *

Mini-review: A haunting portrait of suburbia that will stay with you long after you're done watching it.

Doomsday Gun - DVD

2007-08-27T20:44:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * *

The true story of Gerald Bull, who wanted to build the biggest gun in history -- capable of delivering a projectile 1000 miles away. After the U.S. put him in jail for violating arms export laws, he decided he'd build his "supergun" for the highest bidder. This bidder turned out to be Iraq.

Frank Langella has an uncanny ability to play characters who are on (or just over) the edge of moral bankruptcy. Kevin Spacey plays a cynical CIA agent trying to stay sane in an otherwise insane world.

Wikipedia article about Gerald Bull

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again - Book

2007-08-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com: You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again: Books: Julia Phillips

I bought this book a while ago, and the other day I started reading the section about the author, the late Julia Phillips, producing "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," one of my favorite movies.

I was really taken by her warts-and-all portrait of herself and other people (although Spielberg doesn't seem to get any warts in what I read). When you read about her manic journey into movie producing, with all the crazy characters, you wonder how a movie ever gets made -- and how it could ever turn out as good as "Close Encounters" or "Taxi Driver" (another film she produced).

I know the Hollywood of the Seventies is long gone, as is Julia Phillips, but this books serves as one person's document about how some of the best movies got made.

My favorite quote: "Of all the dead people I know Francois Traffaut wins the prick award hands down." (Traffaut, the famous French director of films "Day for Night" and "The 400 Blows," played Claude Lacombe, the French Project Director in "Close Encounters.")

She goes on to talk about how Traffaut fakes the deafness in one ear so that he can pull power plays on people, making them repeat themselves all the time. She sets up a bet with Spielberg that if she whispers "Francois" at a dinner that Traffaut will look up. She whispers it, and he does look up. Then Spielberg welches on the bet! Funny stuff.

Another historical note about Phillips is she was the first woman to win the Oscar as producer for "The Sting."

Underdog - Theater

2007-08-12T17:58:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * 1/2

Metacritic score: 37 (out of 100)

The reason this movie gets one-and-a-half stars instead of one is that my son loved it. So his opinion, you could say, influenced the addition of one-half star.

I love kids' movies. I think the Pixar films are some of the best movies ever. The Shrek films are also very good. But if the writers get lazy, then they're going to lose points. There's a fine line between homage and stealing, and this movie blatantly steals. It's almost as if the filmmakers thought "Hey, a bunch of little kids are seeing this movie -- they won't know." Here are some scenes that they stole and perhaps what the filmmakers were thinking:

Lady and the Tramp:

The famous eating scene with the spaghetti and meatballs ("Oh, Disney is distributing this movie, we can steal from all those films!")

Superman in general:

Flying man, flying dog. ("Who will guess where we got this one!?")
A superhero outfit complete with cape and "U" instead of an "S." ("It's a totally different letter!")
A way of taking away the dog's power -- like Kryptonite ("It's a pill, not an element. That's not the same at all!")
The dog has a secret identity ("It's not like we named him Clark Dog... his name's Shoeshine!).
The dog's love interest is in love with his superhero alter-ego. ("It's not like we named her Lois Dog.)

Superman: The Movie

When Superman takes Lois flying over Metropolis: "Can you read my mind?" ("Hey, we didn't use the song--and we didn't have the dog start singing those words... there's no similarity here!")
When Superman goes underground to repair the San Andreas Fault. ("No, our dog takes a stick of high explosives deep into the earth... he's not trying to repair anything!")
When Superman stops the cat burglar. ("Oh, this will be even better because a dog is saying it!")
When Superman rescues a cat. ("Can you imagine the laughs? A dog rescuing a cat!")

Superman Returns:

The scene where Superman flies into space and then enters the earth's atmosphere. ("Hey, this is a pretty new reference. Plus, this happened in 'Apollo 13.' Plus it's pretty cool watching the dog burning through the atmosphere. Get it! He's a Hot Dog!")

OK, so I think you see what I'm talking about. If there's anything I dislike more in a movie, it's lazy screenwriting. I don't care if it's for a kids' movie or not. It's as if the screenwriters had a bunch of 3x5 cards with all the Superman references, and they pulled out what they wanted.

Of course, the screenwriters might have had a really great script that the director ruined with all these cliches; but we'll never know.

So, what did I like about the film? Jim Belushi and the dog talking effects.

H is for Hellgate - CD

2007-08-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

I played a gig with this band a few months ago in Seattle, and I liked them. They have a unique indie/progressive style. My brother bought me the CD, and I finally got around to listening to it. You can check them out here:

http://www.myspace.com/hisforhellgate

Ocean's 13 - Theater

2007-07-29T17:08:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * *

A worthy follow-up to "Ocean's 11" and "Oceans 12," "Ocean's 13" wisely returns Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang to Las Vegas, where all this fun started. Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin are a nice addition with their amazing chemistry (which they showed long ago in "Sea of Love"). Gone is Julia Roberts.

And, personally, I liked the Oprah jokes.

Amazon.com: Ocean's Thirteen: Movie Showtimes: George Clooney,Brad Pitt,Matt Damon,Michael Mantell,Elliott Gould,Ray Xifo,Al Pacino,Adam Lazarre-White,Eddie Jemison,Don Cheadle,Shaobo Qin,Casey Affleck,Scott Caan,Bernie Mac,Carl Reiner,Eddie Izzard,Maggie Rowe,Ellen Barkin,Kris Kane (II),Soledad St. Hilaire,Steven Soderbergh

Transformers - Theater

2007-07-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * * 1/2

A brilliant, summer popcorn movie that both kids and their parents will enjoy. This is also something of a milestone, as Michael Bay, the director who is known for making slick, dumb action films, has finally made his masterpiece.

Amazon.com: Transformers: Movie Showtimes: Shia LaBeouf,Megan Fox,Tyrese Gibson,Jon Voight,Bernie Mac,Michael Bay

Letters from Iwo Jima - DVD

2007-07-29T16:51:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * * *

After seeing "Flags of Our Fathers," I wondered how good Clint Eastwood's "Letters from Iwo Jima" could be. The former was a melodramatic, poorly-acted film that was actually difficult to sit through. But "Letters" is a poetic, beautifully acted film that examines the end of the war through Japanese eyes. We empathize with these soldiers who are in a no-win situation, and they change from enemies to fellow human beings.

One of the best war films I've ever seen.

Amazon.com: Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition): DVD: Ken Watanabe,Kazunari Ninomiya,Tsuyoshi Ihara,Ryo Kase,Shido Nakamura,Hiroshi Watanabe (IV),Takumi Bando,Yuki Matsuzaki,Takashi Yamaguchi (II),Eijiro Ozaki,Nae,Akiko Shima (II),Nobumasa Sakagami,Lucas Elliott,Sonny Saito,Steve Santa Sekiyoshi,Hiro Abe,Toshiya Agata,Yoshi Ishii,Toshi Toda,Clint Eastwood

E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

2007-07-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

I was actually reading parts of this book to my seven-year-old the other day to show him why math is important. I love the simplicity and structure of this book. Highly recommended for those interested in history, science, or biographies.

Amazon.com: E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation: Books: David Bodanis

ISBN: 0425181642
ISBN-13: 9780425181645

Rush - Snakes & Arrows - DVD

2007-07-03T19:26:00.001-07:00

The DVD/MVI release of "Snakes & Arrows" is what all albums should be. First, there are two versions of the album: a "high-definition" stereo version and a 5.1 mix. Second, there's a 40-minute documentary about the making of the album. For a band like Rush, who has never allowed any cameras into their creative workspace, this is a rare treat indeed. And finally there are all the extras like .mp3 versions of the songs for your portable player, ringtones, screensavers, and more.

Snakes & Arrows DVD

Blades of Glory (DVD)

2007-07-03T18:23:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: *

Am I the only one who is growing tired of these Will Ferrell vehicles? Even John Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) can't save this one.

Wild Hogs (DVD)

2007-07-03T18:13:00.001-07:00

AndyO review: * * *

A fun movie about a bunch of men who are trying to grow up by riding motorcycles on the weekend. It was especially nice to see Ray Liotta playing a violent leader of a gang.