The first thing I have to say is.... WOW did the 24 season premiere look good in HD. This season will be the first I've watched in HD, and I'm incredibly excited. Before I watched the series I thought it was an interesting premise that couldn't go on for longer than 1 or 2 seasons. Man was I wrong. Year after year the producers put out a show that is incredibly intense and exciting every single week. I still remember getting season 2 on dvd and watching the entire season in one sitting (yeah it was that good....or maybe I'm just that crazy).
I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn't already seen it (I'll wait a few days for that), but the 2 hour premiere lived up to the standards I have come to expect from the show. If you're not watching this show I would suggest hitting up netflix (best way to watch a complete series IMO), clear your schedule for a few weeks, and enjoy. I'm sure I'll ramble on more about the show in the coming days, I just wanted to get this message up to say WATCH 24!!! You won't be disappointed.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
How to Get the Movies and TV Show You Want NOW!!
If you are still going to the video store only to find they don't have what you wanted, you're living in the past. In the On Demand world there is no reason to drive to the store, and definitely no reason to settle for anything else than exactly what you want to watch. There are two major resources that will solve all your viewing problems. I use them both and I am never lacking something good to watch.
MovieTheater
MovieTheater allows you access to over 15 billion files including: movies, TV shows, music, and games. After signing up you get instant access to their database. Over 4 million people are already connected, and you are provided with the free download software to get started right away. The also provide you with great software to help you burn your movies, shows, and music to disc. This is an amazing resource for both the casual viewer and the avid movie aficionado.
Click here to learn more or to get started instantly
Netflix
They were the first to bring DVDs straight to your home, and are still the best. I have been a loyal subscriber from day one, and I have got much much much more than my money's worth. Netflix offers more than 70,000 movie and TV titles for delivery. All you have to do is pick out what you want to watch, and in one day the movies will be in your mail box. You can keep them as long as you wish, never having to deal with late fees. Once you are finished watching just send them back in the prepaid envelope, and they will send you the next movie on your list. This is the perfect alternative to the video store, and they always have the movies you want. They also offer a two week free trial, so you can check out how amazing the service is risk free.
Start your Netflix 2 week free trial now!
There is no reason such a hard working person like you should waste your valuable free time driving from store to store looking for movies. Using one, or both, of these services will let you relax and take full advantage of what little personal time you do have.
Enjoy!
MovieTheater
MovieTheater allows you access to over 15 billion files including: movies, TV shows, music, and games. After signing up you get instant access to their database. Over 4 million people are already connected, and you are provided with the free download software to get started right away. The also provide you with great software to help you burn your movies, shows, and music to disc. This is an amazing resource for both the casual viewer and the avid movie aficionado.
Click here to learn more or to get started instantly
Netflix
They were the first to bring DVDs straight to your home, and are still the best. I have been a loyal subscriber from day one, and I have got much much much more than my money's worth. Netflix offers more than 70,000 movie and TV titles for delivery. All you have to do is pick out what you want to watch, and in one day the movies will be in your mail box. You can keep them as long as you wish, never having to deal with late fees. Once you are finished watching just send them back in the prepaid envelope, and they will send you the next movie on your list. This is the perfect alternative to the video store, and they always have the movies you want. They also offer a two week free trial, so you can check out how amazing the service is risk free.
Start your Netflix 2 week free trial now!
There is no reason such a hard working person like you should waste your valuable free time driving from store to store looking for movies. Using one, or both, of these services will let you relax and take full advantage of what little personal time you do have.
Enjoy!
Lady In The Water
I finally got my first Blu-Ray from Netflix, and was very excited to see how it looked. Let’s just say, it’s pretty awesome.
I had a very hard time starting this Lady in the Water review. With Lady in the Water M. Night Shyamalan may have created a masterpiece that nobody will see. The problem is it takes awhile for the genius of the movie to sink in. I always enjoy going to M Night’s films because I know I’m going to be seeing something unique and interesting, even if it’s not a spectacular movie.
It’s important to note that this is not a scary or thriller type movie, it’s not meant to be. I’m sure many people came out of the theater disappointed because this wasn’t another sixth sense. Instead of being a scary movie with a huge twist “Lady in The Water” is more of a bedtime story brought to life.
The simple plot begins when superintendent of The Cover, a Philadelphia apartment complex, Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) discovers a Narf (pretty much a mermaid with legs) in his swimming pool, and must learn the secrets of a bedtime story to help save her. The residents of The Cove have been magically drawn together, as they all have an important role to play.
Like any fairy tale this film has a moral. Everyone has a purpose, and we are all meant to do something important. This purpose might not always be obvious, but it will have an impact on humanity sometime down the line. It also makes the point even if you think your purpose is obvious, it probably isn’t.
If you are a parent don’t be afraid to watch this film with your children. The humor is all clean, and the beast shouldn’t give them nightmares. It’s a good chance to show them a movie that has a great message, and help them appreciate a great piece of cinema.
Paul Giamatti is once again brilliant and M Night himself played a big roll in his own movie. Some might find it a bit narcissistic to star in your own movie, but he did an awesome job and fit the character perfectly. The rest of the supporting cast did a great job of keeping the film light and entertaining.
On of the most interesting aspects of “Lady in The Water” was its cinematography. M Night uses a bunch of different camera angles that give the viewer an interesting perspective on the film.
Hopefully this movie will receive the accolades it deserves, but I have a sinking feeling it won’t. It made an obvious point to shun the norms of Hollywood. Instead of being rewarded for it’s uniqueness it will be punished. It’s so sad that so many people will listen to the “big critics” and miss out on this gem.
I had a very hard time starting this Lady in the Water review. With Lady in the Water M. Night Shyamalan may have created a masterpiece that nobody will see. The problem is it takes awhile for the genius of the movie to sink in. I always enjoy going to M Night’s films because I know I’m going to be seeing something unique and interesting, even if it’s not a spectacular movie.
It’s important to note that this is not a scary or thriller type movie, it’s not meant to be. I’m sure many people came out of the theater disappointed because this wasn’t another sixth sense. Instead of being a scary movie with a huge twist “Lady in The Water” is more of a bedtime story brought to life.
The simple plot begins when superintendent of The Cover, a Philadelphia apartment complex, Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) discovers a Narf (pretty much a mermaid with legs) in his swimming pool, and must learn the secrets of a bedtime story to help save her. The residents of The Cove have been magically drawn together, as they all have an important role to play.
Like any fairy tale this film has a moral. Everyone has a purpose, and we are all meant to do something important. This purpose might not always be obvious, but it will have an impact on humanity sometime down the line. It also makes the point even if you think your purpose is obvious, it probably isn’t.
If you are a parent don’t be afraid to watch this film with your children. The humor is all clean, and the beast shouldn’t give them nightmares. It’s a good chance to show them a movie that has a great message, and help them appreciate a great piece of cinema.
Paul Giamatti is once again brilliant and M Night himself played a big roll in his own movie. Some might find it a bit narcissistic to star in your own movie, but he did an awesome job and fit the character perfectly. The rest of the supporting cast did a great job of keeping the film light and entertaining.
On of the most interesting aspects of “Lady in The Water” was its cinematography. M Night uses a bunch of different camera angles that give the viewer an interesting perspective on the film.
Hopefully this movie will receive the accolades it deserves, but I have a sinking feeling it won’t. It made an obvious point to shun the norms of Hollywood. Instead of being rewarded for it’s uniqueness it will be punished. It’s so sad that so many people will listen to the “big critics” and miss out on this gem.
The Da Vinci Code
There are many who say that the movie is never as good as the book, sadly, they are probably right. The movie had all the makings to become an enormous success. Tom Hanks as the leading man, an Oscar winning director, and based on an incredibly popular best selling book. The creators of this film must have taken that for granted as they forgot to make this a good movie.
The story is disjointed and none of the mystery and puzzle solving the book was famous for transferred onto the big screen. The screenplay is weighed down by pointless exposition, never giving the audience any character development. Details that where small in the book were made huge in the movie, and very important sections of the book were either fast forwarded through or left out all together.
Critical plot points are “included” via flashback scenes that I have no idea how someone who has never read the books is possibly supposed to understand. The character development of the albino monk was on of the most fascinating storylines in the book. Besides one or two unexplained flashbacks this was completely ignored in the film.
When a new clue or riddle presents itself there is no explanation to how the character solves it, it is almost like they are struck by divine intervention when figuring it out. The book was a RIDDLE MYSTERY. The movie doesn’t even come close to having that feel. I want to feel the suspense and anxiety the characters go through when facing a seemingly unsolvable mystery. Instead we had people standing around until the cartoon light bulb appeared over their head, so the story could continue.
The biggest testament to how poorly the script was written was the awkwardness of Tom Hank’s character. I have never seen Hanks give a poor performance, but even he seem baffled at the directions this movie took. It takes a great deal of work to make Tom Hanks look bad, but “The Da Vinci Code” tried very hard. Instead of being able to focus on the story, I was left feeling sorry for Hanks for having to put up with such a piece of garbage.
While the movie was pretty to watch, it lacked any substance or intrigue. The people behind the scenes must have become incredibly lazy to make such a bad translation. With the book being such a huge success there was obviously room for a huge letdown, but this film crashed straight through even that floor. If you have never read the book there is a chance you will be entertained, but if you have, expect a huge disappointment.
The story is disjointed and none of the mystery and puzzle solving the book was famous for transferred onto the big screen. The screenplay is weighed down by pointless exposition, never giving the audience any character development. Details that where small in the book were made huge in the movie, and very important sections of the book were either fast forwarded through or left out all together.
Critical plot points are “included” via flashback scenes that I have no idea how someone who has never read the books is possibly supposed to understand. The character development of the albino monk was on of the most fascinating storylines in the book. Besides one or two unexplained flashbacks this was completely ignored in the film.
When a new clue or riddle presents itself there is no explanation to how the character solves it, it is almost like they are struck by divine intervention when figuring it out. The book was a RIDDLE MYSTERY. The movie doesn’t even come close to having that feel. I want to feel the suspense and anxiety the characters go through when facing a seemingly unsolvable mystery. Instead we had people standing around until the cartoon light bulb appeared over their head, so the story could continue.
The biggest testament to how poorly the script was written was the awkwardness of Tom Hank’s character. I have never seen Hanks give a poor performance, but even he seem baffled at the directions this movie took. It takes a great deal of work to make Tom Hanks look bad, but “The Da Vinci Code” tried very hard. Instead of being able to focus on the story, I was left feeling sorry for Hanks for having to put up with such a piece of garbage.
While the movie was pretty to watch, it lacked any substance or intrigue. The people behind the scenes must have become incredibly lazy to make such a bad translation. With the book being such a huge success there was obviously room for a huge letdown, but this film crashed straight through even that floor. If you have never read the book there is a chance you will be entertained, but if you have, expect a huge disappointment.
Friday, January 12, 2007
The Departed
The Departed is likely to go down as Martin Scorsese’s greatest masterpiece. While based on the Hong Kong film, Internal Affairs, The Departed is certainly a unique work. The storytelling was completely engrossing with never a dull moment in the entirety of the film. With such a star studded cast the opportunity for a let down was huge, but The Departed blew away any expectations I had.
I have never seen a movie where so many star actors give the best performance of their career. Matt Damon has been brilliant in many of his previous roles, but took it to a whole new level in this film. It seemed as if Nicholson’s escalated his performance as to not be outdone by his fellow cast mates. Even DiCaprio haters will be wonderfully surprised by his character. I think DiCaprio plays up to the level of the material he is given, as he was able to do some wonderful things in this movie.
Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin, who would normally be headliners, lifted the film even higher with their supporting roles. Wahlberg provides some incredibly funny comic relief, and is surprisingly one of the most likable characters in the movie. These actors may have had limited screen time, but they were able to take that time and give our incredibly memorable performances. It’s rare to see a film where a supporting cast is able to make such a lasting impression on the viewers.
The Departed focuses on the thin line between good guys and bad guys, and from the law and the criminal. You get to look inside each character’s head and try to figure out exactly what their motives really are. Just when you think you have everything figured out Scorsese throws in a twist that has you questioning every thing you’ve seen so far.
I judge a films greatness by its ability to evoke emotions in me. After viewing The Departed I had to sit in my seat for 10 minutes just to catch my breath. The plot builds so perfectly that when it finally ends it hits you like a ton of bricks. This film may have been the closest I have seen to perfection. It provided more laughs than most comedies, and made me feel strong emotions for all the characters. I can’t wait for this movie to win best picture, as it has been a long time since a truly deserving movie has won.
I have never seen a movie where so many star actors give the best performance of their career. Matt Damon has been brilliant in many of his previous roles, but took it to a whole new level in this film. It seemed as if Nicholson’s escalated his performance as to not be outdone by his fellow cast mates. Even DiCaprio haters will be wonderfully surprised by his character. I think DiCaprio plays up to the level of the material he is given, as he was able to do some wonderful things in this movie.
Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin, who would normally be headliners, lifted the film even higher with their supporting roles. Wahlberg provides some incredibly funny comic relief, and is surprisingly one of the most likable characters in the movie. These actors may have had limited screen time, but they were able to take that time and give our incredibly memorable performances. It’s rare to see a film where a supporting cast is able to make such a lasting impression on the viewers.
The Departed focuses on the thin line between good guys and bad guys, and from the law and the criminal. You get to look inside each character’s head and try to figure out exactly what their motives really are. Just when you think you have everything figured out Scorsese throws in a twist that has you questioning every thing you’ve seen so far.
I judge a films greatness by its ability to evoke emotions in me. After viewing The Departed I had to sit in my seat for 10 minutes just to catch my breath. The plot builds so perfectly that when it finally ends it hits you like a ton of bricks. This film may have been the closest I have seen to perfection. It provided more laughs than most comedies, and made me feel strong emotions for all the characters. I can’t wait for this movie to win best picture, as it has been a long time since a truly deserving movie has won.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Top 5 Movies of 2006
2006 was a great year for movies. I’m not sure who is going to win the academy award for best picture, but here are my personal favorites of the year.
5) The Pursuit of Happyness
I’m usually not a huge fan of the “inspirational” movie genre. This one however seemed more genuine and honest than most. Both Will Smith and his son, Jaden, were excellent. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner an incredibly intelligent medical supply salesmen who has fallen on hard times in both his career and marriage. In an attempt to live up to his full potential Chris tries to get a very exclusive job at a brokerage firm, even though it means he and his son must live on the streets. The real father/son chemistry between Will and Jaden adds a ton of realism to the film. While the uphill struggle is inspiring I was left wondering how someone as intelligent as Chris Gardner was forced into such a bad situation. It really makes you think about the struggles economically challenged families have, and how many more Chris Gardners are out there who don’t make it.
4) Thank you for smoking
Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, a tobacco industry spokesman. Naylor is very good at his impossibly difficult job. In a wonderfully done satire the movie takes shots at both the anti smoking lobby and big tobacco. It doesn’t take sides with either party, pointing out how absurd people can be when they aren’t flexible in their arguments. Most people see the Naylor as having no morals; I see it as him having such a desire to do what he’s good at that the challenge of representing a tobacco company out ways any evil they might do. I was very worried that his relationship with his son would cause him to “reexamine his life” in a cliché way, but Naylor kept true to himself in such a way that still taught his son a valuable lesson. Even if you could care less about the tobacco war this movie is a must see.
3) V For Vendetta
“V for Vendetta” is the story of Evey Hammond who plays an unlikely role in bringing down an oppressive government after meeting a masked revolutionary terrorist who calls himself V. Based on Allan Moore’s graphic novel this movie offers a incredibly complex and visually stunning portrayal of one man’s quest to bring the power back to the people. While the action scenes are amazing they don’t feel forced or cheesy as the story is the main focus of the film. Natalie Portman gives her best performance to date, and the chemistry between her character and V is amazing. There are so many nuances to this excellent film that I had to go see it multiple times to grasp it all.
2) Borat
Anyone who has seen the Ali-G show knows how amazing a character actor Sacha Baron Cohen is. His ability to stay in character in the most ridiculous situations leaves the audience gasping for air. This big screen adaptation of his Borat character may be the funniest movie ever made. The movie follows Borat as he journeys across America filming a documentary for Kazakh TV. I won’t ruin any of the surprises, as that is what makes the movie so funny, but when viewing prepare yourself to laugh harder than you ever have before. I literally have never seen an audience laugh so hard at the movies. It got to the point where you had trouble hearing the movie because the crowd was laughing so loud. If laughter truly is the best medicine this movie will definitely cure what ails you.
1)The Departed
I have not heard one person who has seen this movie not say it was the best film they have seen in years. This movie had it all; amazing acting, great direction, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Not only is the cast packed full of huge names, but each give one of the best performances of their career. The characters and story suck you in that by the time the 151 minute long film is over you are asking yourself “Is it over already?” DiCaprio haters will be silenced after seeing The Departed, and Nicholson plays Frank Costello who you will love to hate. In most years movies nominated for best picture seem forced, as if they were made solely to win the award. This movie should run away with the award, and it will be a breath of fresh air to see such a brilliant and enjoyable movie win.
Netflix is your personal movie service – No late fees – 2 weeks free
5) The Pursuit of Happyness
I’m usually not a huge fan of the “inspirational” movie genre. This one however seemed more genuine and honest than most. Both Will Smith and his son, Jaden, were excellent. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner an incredibly intelligent medical supply salesmen who has fallen on hard times in both his career and marriage. In an attempt to live up to his full potential Chris tries to get a very exclusive job at a brokerage firm, even though it means he and his son must live on the streets. The real father/son chemistry between Will and Jaden adds a ton of realism to the film. While the uphill struggle is inspiring I was left wondering how someone as intelligent as Chris Gardner was forced into such a bad situation. It really makes you think about the struggles economically challenged families have, and how many more Chris Gardners are out there who don’t make it.
4) Thank you for smoking
Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, a tobacco industry spokesman. Naylor is very good at his impossibly difficult job. In a wonderfully done satire the movie takes shots at both the anti smoking lobby and big tobacco. It doesn’t take sides with either party, pointing out how absurd people can be when they aren’t flexible in their arguments. Most people see the Naylor as having no morals; I see it as him having such a desire to do what he’s good at that the challenge of representing a tobacco company out ways any evil they might do. I was very worried that his relationship with his son would cause him to “reexamine his life” in a cliché way, but Naylor kept true to himself in such a way that still taught his son a valuable lesson. Even if you could care less about the tobacco war this movie is a must see.
3) V For Vendetta
“V for Vendetta” is the story of Evey Hammond who plays an unlikely role in bringing down an oppressive government after meeting a masked revolutionary terrorist who calls himself V. Based on Allan Moore’s graphic novel this movie offers a incredibly complex and visually stunning portrayal of one man’s quest to bring the power back to the people. While the action scenes are amazing they don’t feel forced or cheesy as the story is the main focus of the film. Natalie Portman gives her best performance to date, and the chemistry between her character and V is amazing. There are so many nuances to this excellent film that I had to go see it multiple times to grasp it all.
2) Borat
Anyone who has seen the Ali-G show knows how amazing a character actor Sacha Baron Cohen is. His ability to stay in character in the most ridiculous situations leaves the audience gasping for air. This big screen adaptation of his Borat character may be the funniest movie ever made. The movie follows Borat as he journeys across America filming a documentary for Kazakh TV. I won’t ruin any of the surprises, as that is what makes the movie so funny, but when viewing prepare yourself to laugh harder than you ever have before. I literally have never seen an audience laugh so hard at the movies. It got to the point where you had trouble hearing the movie because the crowd was laughing so loud. If laughter truly is the best medicine this movie will definitely cure what ails you.
1)The Departed
I have not heard one person who has seen this movie not say it was the best film they have seen in years. This movie had it all; amazing acting, great direction, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Not only is the cast packed full of huge names, but each give one of the best performances of their career. The characters and story suck you in that by the time the 151 minute long film is over you are asking yourself “Is it over already?” DiCaprio haters will be silenced after seeing The Departed, and Nicholson plays Frank Costello who you will love to hate. In most years movies nominated for best picture seem forced, as if they were made solely to win the award. This movie should run away with the award, and it will be a breath of fresh air to see such a brilliant and enjoyable movie win.
Netflix is your personal movie service – No late fees – 2 weeks free
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