2007, Adrienne Shelly

Jenna(Keri Russell) is unhappily married to the biggest jerk in town, and she just found out she’s pregnant. Not only does she not want to be pregnant, much less with her husband’s child, it’s going to completely interfere with her plans to escape her husband and start a new life. When she goes for her first appointment she meet Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion), the new doctor in a very small town. He becomes immediately smitten with her, but it takes a while before she reciprocates, and who wouldn’t? The doctor is everything her husband isn’t. Of course he, like she, is also married. As her pregnancy, and her relationship with the doctor, progresses, Jenna finds herself less and less likely to escape the marriage from hell she’s in, and more and more resentful of the baby she’s carrying. But like all mothers, that’s going to change.
Well, when I first heard about this movie I thought, “Wow, both immoral and unethical.” But being a big fan of Fillion’s, and hearing all the great reviews, I gave it a try. Was I happy I did. The thing I liked most about the way Shelly wrote the movie is that it is truly all about Jenna, you never find out why the doctor is cheating on his wife, you don’t get an intimate look into why her husband is such a jerk. It’s all about Jenna and how these people in her life give her the support to keep going. And, not to spoil the ending, my favorite part is how one look at her child gives her all the strength she needs to move on. Ultimately, it’s a happy ending and everyone does what’s right and that’s why I love this movie. Also stars: Adrienne Shelly, Cheryl Hines, Jeremy Sisto, Lew Temple, Eddie Jemison, and the amazing Andy Griffith.

2004, Martin Scorsese

Chronicling the early life of millionaire eccentric Howard Hughes(Leonardo DiCaprio). His dreams of making epic movies, the best planes, and the biggest companies are over shadowed by his hypochondria, paranoia, and schizophrenia. From his love of Hollywood greats, like Ava Gardner(Kate Beckinsale) and Katherine Hepburn(Cate Blanchett), to his classic stand against Washington politics, this movie highlights his highest highs and his lowest lows. For a man who’s life was anything but ordinary, this film brings to the fore the complicated life of one of America’s biggest historical names.
The movie is as epic as Hughes himself. It does a wonderful job of relating his psychosis as well as his genius. The supporting cast in this movie is beyond epic. Both Beckinsale and Blanchett do an amazing job recreating the famous women they portray, a well deserved Oscar for Blanchett. Kudos also to John C. Riley, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, and Alan Alda for fabulous supporting roles. But the star of the film literally is DiCaprio, who brings out the best in Hughes even at his worst of moments. The only thing I would have to say negative about the film is that it doesn’t end, it just stops. It’s a bit annoying that you can go through that much with the character and then not even get a small bio or anything at the end. It makes you want to run to the computer and pull up Wikipedia. Also stars: Ian Holm, Gwen Stefani, Adam Scott, Matt Ross, and Kelli Garner.

1955, Delbert Mann

Marty(Ernest Borgnine) is an average looking, average bachelor in his 30’s who lives with his mother, resigned to the fact that he’s just not what women are looking for, he’s built his life around his job, his family, and his friends. One night he goes to a dance hall with a friend and meets a sweet girl whom he falls for all most instantly, she’s also average looking, average spinster in her 30’s who lives with her parents. But Marty is torn between the girl he thinks he loves and can build a life with, his mother who is afraid she’ll be left out of his life, and his friends who can’t figure out why he wants to go out with someone who isn’t good looking.
This is the sweetest story about two people who thought they were never going to find someone and then stumble across each other one night. Borgnine is so great, he’s the guy all mothers hope their daughters meet one day; a sweet, family oriented, gentleman. It’s also an interesting testament to widows and the plight of growing old alone. Just a lovely movie everyone should see. Also stars: Betsy Blair, Esther Minciotti, Augusta Ciolli, and Joe Mantell.

1994, Michael Lehmann

A rock and roll band desperate to get their song heard takes over a radio station.
Boy, I wish there was more to this movie than that, but that’s about it. The entire premise of the movie is completely bogus, but that’s what makes it kinda fun. The cast is the real reason to watch this movie, they give a really stupid plot and lame dialoged life. Stars: Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, Judd Nelson, Joe Mantgena, Michael McKean, Ernie Hudson, Chris Farley, David Arquette, and Michael Richards. Now tell me that’s a line up you can miss.

1989, James Cameron
When a US submarine is lost, in an apparent accident, hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface, a crew from an underwater drilling company is enlisted to help with the rescue operation. But what caused the accident? An unknown intelligent species living thousands of feet underwater in the abyss tries to make contact while the political unrest on land is threatening to escalate to WWIII. (Depending on which version of the movie you watch).
The theatrical release of this movie left out all the political unrest, so the entities making contact were just doing it because we got close enough for them to. All very sweet and benign. The Special Addition, had them as more of a “behave or we’ll spank you” attitude. It’s a great movie either way. Cutting edge special effects of the time, which, even today, doesn’t look hokey, speaks to the talent of the CGI crew. The acting is what makes this movie for me though. Ed Harris is at the top of his game as a good old boy crew leader who just wants to get the job done, I love everything Ed Harris does, I just wished he had done more roles like this. Michael Biehn is incredible. He has this bizarre trait I can’t figure out. When he’s a good guy he has blonde hair and his eyes are big brown and soulful, when he’s a bad guy he has dark hair and his eyes become small black and beady….how does he do that? Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is fabulous, as always, as the hard as nails engineer always trying to prove one point or another. The supporting cast in this is amazing, Chris Elliott even has a serious part for a change. Great film! Also stars; Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, John Bedford Lloyd, and Kimberly Scott.

2007, Patrick Lussier
A man walks into a dinner and shoots Abe Dale’s(Nathan Fillion) wife and son in front of him. He tries to cope with their loss, but eventually gives up and tries to commit suicide. He has a near death experience before the ER team manages to save his life, and now he has the ability to know when people are about to die. He goes out of his way to save some people, but what happens when you interfere with the natural order of things?
A movie that straddles intellectual paranormal, horror, and Biblical Theology, and misses something along the way. Problem is, you just can’t figure out what it’s missing. It’s not scary, not very intense, but it is a cool movie with an interesting premise. The acting is wonderful, but I have a hard time criticizing my favorite actors, and Nathan is at the top of my list. Definitely a oncer, if you’re into that kind of movie, but I liked it enough to buy it. Also stars Katee Sackoff, Craig Fairbrass, Adrian Holmes, and William MacDonald.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

1994, Tom Shadyac
It’s superbowl time and the Miami Dolphins are in it, and in Miami too (suspension of disbelief engaged). The mascot, a dolphin named Snowfake, has been kidnapped. In order to keep the morale of the team in high gear for the game the manager hires Ace (Jim Carrey) to find the dolphin….quickly. Ace, between jobs, out of cash, and in need to up keep the hidden menagerie in his apartment, takes the job that will not only lead him to Snowflake but takes him down a road of old vendettas, secret identities, and police officers jealous of his superior talents.
Well, it’s Jim Carrey, so right off the top you know it’s crazy funny, well…that’s really all it is…crazy funny. Carrey has two comedic sides, the funny man and the clown on steroids, this would showcase the clown. I love this movie, but if you don’t like clown Carrey you should see Liar Liar. Also stars: Courteney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, and (can you believe it?) Dan Marino.

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

1995, Steve Oedekerek

Ace (Carrey) has been asked to go to Africa to investigate the disappearance of a sacred animal in order to prevent a war between two tribes. But it seems there is more to this war than first meets the eye when Ace starts to compile his list of suspects.
Clown Carrey again, but again a very funny film. The bonuses for me in this film are his co-stars, have I ever mentioned there should be a special award for people who can hold a straight face while people like Carrey are performing? It should be an Oscar! Also stars: Ian McNeice, Tommy Davidson, and Simon Callow.

OK, another attempt to do multiple similar movies in one post. The 300 Spartans, 300, and Meet the Spartans. So hang on.

The 300 Spartans

1962, Rudolph Mate’
An account of one of the most improbable battles in the history of the world. King Leonidas (Richard Egan) promises the Spartan army to the Greek council to defend all of Greece from and invasion by the Persian Army. However, when he returns to Sparta, that council argues that there is a religious festival coming up that must be attended and the area Leonidas has promised to march the army to is too far from Sparta for them to concern themselves with. Leonidas takes his personal bodyguard, 300 Spartans, to hold off the whole of the Persian army while the rest of the Army celebrates the festival and is supposed to join them when it is concluded. Leonidas is informed, however, that the rest of the army will not be joining them, the council of Sparta feeling it more prudent to keep them closer to home. Leonidas, refusing to leave the area he has sworn to hold, dies with the rest of the his Spartans while the rest of Greece braces for war.
Now, we know how leery I am about learning history from movies, but in this case there really isn’t any well documented details. There were apparently really 300 Spartans, but the size of the Persian Army is under much scrutiny, I’ve heard reports from 1200 to over a million. Still, even if it was only 1200, it’s still impressive that only 300 warriors held them off for days. The movie is epic’ish for it’s day, not having the use of the ‘Ridley Scott button’ when it comes to battle scenes, the really had hundreds of people. Not a very flashy film, but a solid one I think. Defiantly worth the view. Also stars: Ralph Richardson, Diane Baker, Barry Coe, David Farrar, Donald Houston, and Anna Synodinou.

300

2006, Zack Snyder
Slight variation, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) having been refused the Spartan Army to defend Greece from the Persians, goes to a narrow pass with only 300 volunteers, to hold off the Persian army until they admit defeat and go home.
Admittedly, not the best plan in the world, but better than nothing. Here’s a little actual history for you. Frank Miller sees the movie “The 300 Spartans” which inspires him to write a graphic novel (comic books for the layman), Zach Snyder is a huge fan of the novel and is inspired to do a film….based on the novel. This film can be described in one word….AWSOME, FABULOUS, ROCKING, OUT AND OUT COOL! Did I mention that I just LOVED this film. Being a huge fan of ultra out there cinematography, I geeked out through most of the movie, but the hurricane scene I nearly needed to be sedated for. The acting is marvelous, the work those guys had to do to get into that shape I can only imagine. Liberal use of the ‘Ridley Scott button’ for this one, in fact most of the movie was shot on a sound stage….if you can believe it. I was first in line to buy the DVD when it came out. Also stars: David Wenham, Lena Headey, Dominic West, and Rodigo Santoro. Really any movie where you can see David Wenham nearly naked for two hours is ok in my book. Warning, high ick factor here, but in a cool way.

Meet the Spartans

2007, Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer
Persian hoard….yadda, yadda, yadda. King Leonidas (Sean Maguire) takes 12 of his hottest guys, and one fat guy with great man boobs, to fight off all of the CGI Persian Army.
The movie is crazy funny, if you keep up with pop culture. If you don’t know what “Stomp the Yard” is, or you never watch “American Idol”, you’re not going to get a lot of the jokes. Like all of the spoof movies today, it seems like they go out of the way to add things that aren’t prudent to the movie, Spiderman?, just to get the laugh. But, somehow, it all works, well …. most of it works. Anyway, defiantly worth the watch, I’m going to buy it….did I mention Kevin Sorbo’s in it? He was great! Also stars: Carmen Electra, Diedrich Bader, Ken Davitian and Method Man.

1980, Colin Higgins
Let’s go back to the time when sexual harassment wasn’t illegal, in fact, it was the norm. Enter Franklin Hart (Dabney Colman), a boss who is more interested in using his job to screen prospective mistresses than anything else. Of course he has to have a few people who know what they’re doing to keep his division running smoothly, enter Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) who is his girl Friday…and she hates it. Add a voluptuous secretary (Dolly Parton) and the housewife who’s never had a job (Jane Fonda) and things are bound to get interesting. It all comes to a head when the boss tells Violet to get him some coffee and she accidentally puts rat poison in the cup.
OK, it’s hokey, it’s silly, and in some places embarrassingly stupid, but somehow it all works….kind of. I like this movie for one reason only, I love Dabney Colman. He really shines in the dream sequences when the girls are plotting his demise. Good for brainless veg time in front of the TV, and hey, it’s a catchy tune.

1996, Peter Jackson
Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) is just your average every day psychic detective, who’s short on clients but not on cases. It seems there have been a rash of unexplained killings in his small town, but he’s too busy trying to hustle people with his friends the ghosts to notice. When the husband of one of his clients ends up as the next victim, she goes to Frank for help. Little does she know, her husband has too. In the mean time, a less than reputable FBI agent has come on the scene convinced that Frank is psychically killing everyone starting with his own wife years before. Frank tries to find the connection between the recent murders, his wife’s death, and a serial killers girlfriend who’s living as a recluse with her mother in a house in town.

Yeah I know, I didn’t know Peter Jackson did this movie either. And overall, it’s not a really great piece of work. The story line is lame, the special effects are average, in fact I’m hard pressed to find any reason to recommend this movie. I guess its kinda funny in some spots.