Eddie The Superhero

Eddie Izzard: Live From Wembley

I've seen all of Eddie Izzard's stand up DVD's as well as Believe (which I blogged about earlier) and 2 seasons of The Riches. So I would say that I'm a pretty big fan of Izzard's and I'm (obviously) familiar with his style of comedy. That being said, I felt that this was the weakest of his stand up DVD's. The show came across as way too polished and somewhat dumbed down. The usual ramblings of Izzard from previous shows were gone. He knew where he was in the routine and never once did his usual "what was I talking about". In the show there was no impressions (bad or otherwise) like in the past (however if you watch the bonus features there is a show from earlier in the tour where he does his James Mason & Sean Connery). It was the first time that I've felt some what gypped by Eddie Izzard. Luckily we have his past stuff to watch and smile at.

It's A Great Day For Some Pie

American Pie Presents: Beta House (2007) Rating: UR

Watching this movie I realized how old I'm getting. I remember being the guy just out of high school loving this type of movie. You know the type, shallow plot and lots of nudity. Well watching this movie today, I realized that it's just not for me any more. I'm not saying I don't enjoy nudity in my movies...but I prefer the nudity to have a purpose. The plot is your basic "frat house" plot...one frat trying to get rid of the other. Seen it a billion times. The only thing that was some what amusing about this one was the movie references that they throw in (i.e. a take on the Russian roulette scene in Deer Hunter...although not as horrific in this movie). I remember back in my day when the American Pie flicks used to be funny and original.

I'll Arrest Myself, I'll Wear A Shield

The Shield Around K: The Story Of K Records (1998) Rating: NR

A documentary on the "other" Washington State record label (the other being Sub Pop of course). I was a bit disappointed in this one in that it came across as more of a vehicle to promote Calvin Johnson (co-founder of K Records)'s Beat Happening band than an actual history of K Records. The highlights for me were the interview with Ian MacKaye of Fugazi fame and a brief clip of L7 from a K Fest gig. Imagine if Nirvana had signed to this label as Kurt Cobain had wanted. I wonder if history would be the same.

Live Fast, Die Young

James Dean: The TV Years (1954) Rating: NR

Being a fan of James Dean's movies, I was curious to see the "TV Years". About an hour long and two different TV shows Dean did "The Bells Of Cockaigne" and "I Am A Fool". The first story is about a guy (Dean) who needs money to move him, his wife and sick child to a warmer climate. Not much substance, but to see Dean it's always good. I won't give away more because well if I do, then you'll have no reason to search it out. The second episode is interesting in that it is "presented" by some guy named Ronald Reagan and the leading lady in the episode is James Dean's costar in Rebel Without A Cause...Ms. Natalie Wood. The story centers on a working class guy who impersonates a rich guy and meets a socialite and falls in love. Will he reveal to her who he really is before she has to get on the train and go back home? Who cares, it's James Dean.

Let Me Hear That Rock 'N' Roll Music

Time/Life The History Of Rock 'N' Roll (2004) Rating: NR

So I was really excited about this. A 5 disc set on the "history" of rock 'n' roll. How can you go wrong? Here's how...you have the people of Time/Life produce it. The first disc where they talk about Buddy Holly, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis etc. is really good. Good interviews with Little Richard & Carl Perkins to name a few of the people. So watching that I was excited to see what else they had in store. From there on, it went downhill. There was no continuity in any of the other discs, the bands they focused on for the most part were the cliched boring ones that I guess you'd expect to be on there. But here's the part that really turned me off. The only mention of 80's metal was Van Halen and GN'R. Apparently, according to the director or Time/Life, the 80's metal thing never happened. And then when they briefly touched upon the grunge thing they clumped it in with punk and made it sound like the only good bands to come out of that era was Nirvana (naturally) and Green Day. GREEN DAY? Really? As I always say, they were good...back when they were called The Ramones. If all that isn't already making you sick to your stomach....here's the worst part. So no 80's metal...but why not throw in almost a full disc on...wait for it...wait for it...RAP!!!!! Now the bands they discussed were bands I like, and bands I have no problem with (Run D.M.C. Public Enemy & N.W.A.), but to say it is Rock 'N' Roll? I want to know where was I when they decided to call rap "rock 'n' roll" Should I be blaming Limp Bizkit? Now the whole Run D.M.C. thing with Aerosmith...ok fine, call that rock if you want. But to see a documentary on the history of rock 'n' roll and have no mention of metal...and a full disc devoted to rap. I could rant about it all day, but I won't. You're welcome.

L.A. Woman

The Black Dahlia (2006) Rating: R

Ok, so anyone who knows me personally knows that I'm obsessed with the minds of killers. It's like a train wreck where you look and can't turn away and you're saying "What the fuck"? So when I put this one I was rather excited, since I didn't know much about the Black Dalhia murder. Well after 121 minutes of this movie I can now say...I don't know much about the Black Dahlia Murder. The plot of this movie (for the most part) is fictional, and hardly even touched Black Dahlia. What it was really was a detective flick about two detectives caught in a love triangle of sorts (with bits and pieces of the Black Dahlia Murder thrown in here and there...but nothing that people don't already know). There were too many characters thrown in and throughout most of it I was scratching my head going who are these people and why do I care? There was some nudity in it, but not enough to save the film. Now THIS...is a subject Joel Peter Witkin should do a movie on. Imagine that? Awesome.

Let Them Eat Cake!

The Cake Eaters (2007) Rating: R

So I got this movie because I thought it was directed by the chick from DePalma's Scarface...not Michelle Pfieffer, but the other chick (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Well it's not...it was directed by the chick from Benny & Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson). This film bothered me a lot. Basically all it was was A Walk To Remember without the sadness (I liked A Walk To Remember...it holds a dear place in my heart...but that's possibly a blog for another time). A story about a chick with "some kinda palsy" (to quote Peter Griffin) which she is dying from. So she meets this dude, and decides she wants to get laid before she dies. Now, sure that sounds like an AWESOME idea on paper. But when you add the other "family" crap in and the lovey dovey shit and no nudity what's the point? I want to see a movie where you have someone "deformed" or ill or all the above, nude and fucking. Is that too much for a guy to ask? Joel Peter Witkin needs to make movies...'sall I'm sayin. By the end of this film I was saying ok at what point does Freddie Krueger or some such person come out and kill all these people because I want them all dead. Sadly...NO ONE died in the whole movie. Crap movie all around. Not to mention the chick from Scarface had nothing to do with this movie.

Paper Or Plastic?

Cashback (2006) Rating: R

This was just a random type of movie I put on my Netflix queue that I decided to watch on a boring weekend day. I had no preconceptions as to what this movie would be about and I was pleasantly surprised with this one. A movie about a guy who had just broken up with his girlfriend. While he was dealing with the pain of the breakup he realizes he can "freeze time"...I could never understand if he actually freezes time or if it was just his imagination since dude ends up not sleeping for a few weeks. Being an artist he ends up painting the various women he sees while the time is frozen (usually in various states of undress.) He eventually meets another woman in the supermarket he is working at (oh did I mention it's an English flick?). The rest of the film deals with the shenanigans they get into while working at the supermarket and other such stuff which I won't get into because I don't want to give away the full plot. I will say I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I watched and thought, well I watched this entire movie and it ends like that? Luckily there was nudity to keep me from hating it. Did I mention nudity? Basically what I'm trying to say is that it was a good movie, but the best part of it really was the nudity. A movie I'm glad I seen, but I don't see myself ever returning to it.

I can't have a Cuban because of JFK

Thirteen Days (2000) Rating: PG-13

Going into this film, I never seen the big deal about JFK. Sure the man did good for race tensions, and the space program, but being white and disabled, none of that stuff effects me much. This movie alone changed my views on him. This film takes place during the thirteen days known in American history as The Cuban Missle Crisis. You know...the time period where we almost got blown to shit by the Russians. The film shows what Kennedy and his staff did to stop a possible nuclear war between Russia and the U.S. It reminded me why I should never been president. Where Kennedy was saying let's wait things out and see what happens, I naturally was thinking "blow those Commie bastards to hell". I will say that it is a 2 hour flick, very intense, and a lot of people to keep track of. So if you're looking for a laid back fun movie...this is NOT it. Be prepared for an intense tactical history lesson and a look into how cool headed JFK was. Now if only he had used the same cool headed tactics in Dallas and actually used a closed limo like was advised...history may have been a bit different...not saying...just saying.

Why would he bear arms?

Pineapple Express (2008) Rating: R

Well, I'm one of those types that try to stay away from "trendy" type of films because 9 out of 10 times I end up being really disappointed with the film and society for liking such shit. Well...this one was the one film that I actually agree with society on. It was a fun movie, with a great car chase (I know a couple of my readers are into that sorta thing), funny jokes and an interesting commentary on society. If you take it for face value, it's a "druggie" movie. But if you actually take the time to listen to what they're saying, in a sense it is neither pro nor anti drug. It really comments more on how drugs (especially marijuana) are different things to different people. What I liked about this film is that the jokes aren't your typical stoner jokes that only stoners would get. They are jokes that anyone who went to school (or were around stoners) in the past 20 or 30 years would understand. Plus they were intelligent jokes. That is something that has been lacking in "stoner" movies since Half Baked (not that that was a bad film...it was just very cliched). They also make a very funny (but short) commentary on the U.S.'s Right To Bare Arms. In the scene the character played by Seth Rogen is supposed to be having dinner with his girlfriend, but do to certain plot developments (which I won't give away), they are unable. The father, played really well, by Ed Bagley Jr., starts yelling about how Seth's carachter better get out of his house or he'll go get his shot gun. In all of the cofusion going on, Seth yells "Why woud he bear arms?". To me, an obvious middle finger to the gun toting Americans (which not to be rude...was probably lost on most of them). For some reason that bit struck me as really funny. To me the only weak link of the film was Rosie Perez, but that's more of a personal thing than anything. I've never been a fan. But over all it was a surprisingly good film.

Wanna Go To The Mall?

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) Rating: PG

Ok, I'll admit, the only reason I watched this film is because it stars Kevin James. I loved him on King Of Queens so I figured if nothing else it was a good way to go to bed. Well, it was actually a pretty funny flick. I found myself laughing all through this movie and was surprised to find that it was more than just a silly little popcorn movie that Adam Sandler seems to be doing now...you know the ones...the ones where you sit down to watch and you ask...what happened Adam...you used to be funny. Sorry...didn't mean to turn this into a Adam Sandler bashing blog. Where was I, oh yes, this had a really good story to it, plus (SPOILER ALERT) the overweight dorky guy gets the chick...I'm a sucker for those type of flicks...don't know why. Plus it has one of the best soundtracks I've heard in some time...plus the best use of Detroit Rock City I've seen since that one movie about the dudes with the knights and the kid...you know the one I'm talking about don't you? Ok this post doesn't do Paul Blart justice...it's just me ranting about God knows what and for that I apologize. It really is a pretty funny film though. Check it out...you might be surprised.

Forget It Jake...It's Chinatown

Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired (2008) Rating: NR

So with this one, I'm going to review the movie. I'm going to do my best to keep my personal feelings of Polanski out of it and let you, the potential viewer decide for yourself. This documentary is about the life of Roman Polanski, the famed director, widow of Sharon Tate & center of the controversial case where he was accused of raping a 13 year old girl. This documentary came across to me as a very fair, unbiased look into the rise and fall of Polanski and the thoughts, feelings etc. of those involved. It doesn't raise him up to be a hero, but at the same time it doesn't push him down into the pits of hell. It let's the viewer decide for themself. I know at times I personally was thinking "the man is scum" and then a few minutes later thinking "oh poor guy". This went on throughout the film for me. The only thing that was a bit disappointing for me is that it was released prior to him being recaptured. I would've liked to hear the thoughts of the key players on that. It was a good watch and really makes the viewer think.

So have you heard the one about the handicapped guy?

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007) Rating: NR

So like most people I'm aware of Don Rickles. He's the old guy who makes obscene jokes. You know...the kinda shit that makes me laugh and proud to be an American. So when I heard that this film was coming out I was curious to see it. Especially since there was so much praise for it etc. Well...the parts where they show him doing his stand up...is hilarious. The interviews, although at times were funny, to me came across as real dry and almost boring. Not Mr. warmth's fault I assure you. When he spoke he keeps the viewer entertained and laughing. It's the other interviews (from such folks as Clint Eastwood & Bob Newhart to name a couple) that had my mind wandering at times. I don't see what all the fuss over this movie was about. It came across as others trying to latch onto Rickles name...yes even Eastwood & Newhart. So if you're a fan of Don Rickles, sure check it out for him. But don't expect any amazing tidbits on him or any "cool" behind the scenes gossip. I guess I just prefer the documentary's where the subject(s) are either constantly O.D.'ing or fucking. From what I could gather he does neither (or at least he doesn't make it public).

Chain Keep Us Together

Fleetwood Mac: Unbroken Chain (2004) Rating: Not Rated

I've been a Fleetwood Mac fan for almost 15 years now (half my life) and being as "young" as I am I didn't know much about the early years of the band known as Fleetwood Mac. Sure I knew the name Peter Green, I knew the music and I knew they started out as a blues band. But other than that not much. I gathered up as much info on the band as I could via the internet, friends etc. But there was still so many questions. Then I came across this 48 minute documentary. It really surprised me to find out that they spent almost half of the documentary talking about the pre Nicks/Buckingham era. Not that I don't love Stevie & Lindsey. This documentary (although not approved by the band...from what I can tell) really gives out a lot of info from the beginnings of the band and how it was named after Mick Fleetwood and the second (yes I said second) bassist John McVie, as well as the breakdown of their original guitarist and "leader" Peter Green. And the various members that joined from that point till the "classic" lineup that everyone knows came to be. The only problem I had with this documentary was the fact that it skimmed over the time period where Lindsey left the band and then Stevie close by. It does mention that they reunited for the Dance Tour...and shows a brief glimpse of the Say You Will album, but no mention whatsoever about the Behind The Mask or the Time albums or the musicians who played on them. But for a 48 minute documentary it was surprisingly really good. Perhaps someone could recommend a better documentary on the band that covers the years missing?

Anyone for some Deep Throat?

Inside Deep Throat (2005) Rating: NC-17

In case you don't know what NC-17 that means GIGGITY!!! So I must admit I've never actually seen the movie Deep Throat, I'm not even sure if it's available any more (thank you Dick...Nixon). So when I found this on Netflix I figured I would check it out since it was the next best thing. What I thought would be a good ol' sex flick turned out to be that and more. The first half of the movie was about the director and how he assembled the cast and crew. The idea being to have a story centered around a whole lot of sex...leading up to the climax (pun intended). Unless you are underage (in which case you shouldn't even be reading this) you should have an idea as to what the "climax" of Deep Throat was. Apparently women back then didn't do *cough cough* that. Thanks to the star of the flick Linda Lovelace it has either become more common place or women who can do that tend to end up doing porn. I'll leave that to you to decide. Anyway...so...there was a good amount of nudity at the beginning. Funny stories of making Deep Throat all leading up to the release of the film (Deep Throat...not this one). Then they discuss the troubles they started having once the film was released and the eventual trial of the actor in the film Harry Reems and his eventual acquittal (the Democrats took over after Dick...Nixon). It then tells of how after the trial he tried to make it in "real" movies only to be rejected by the execs. in Hollywood...he was/is the guy from Deep Throat after all. It also tells of Linda Lovelace's denouncing of the movie years later, where she basically says her hubby "forced" her to do the movie. Later on in her life, she once again embraced the movie and the name Linda Lovelace. Oh and did I mention...it shows the climax scene in this documentary? If you're a sexual person you'll enjoy this documentary. If you believe in Freedom Of Speech, you'll enjoy this documentary. If you're a prude...stay away.

Come And Knock On Our Door...

Three's Company Season 2 (1977) Rating: NR

Watching this show as a kid, I didn't fully understand a lot of the innuendo going on in the show. Here I am at 30 going back to watch this show that for some reason struck a chord with me so many years ago. I haven't decided why it stuck with me but I have narrowed it down to two things...the good lookin blond Chrissy Snow (played by Suzanne Somers) or the classic physical comedy of Jacked Tripper (played by the legendary John Ritter). Season one, which I watched just prior to starting this blog, has a mere 6 episodes. That is nice to see in that it introduces us to the three roomates (Chrissy, Jack and Janet...played by Joyce DeWitt) and the sexually starved Mrs Roper and her husband Mr. Roper. It is not until the second season where all these characters fully develop. We find out Chrissy's full name (which I found very humorous) and see John Ritter's physical comedy really shine. I have always felt a bit sad for Janet/Joyce in that she was really good at her character...but her character is to be the support of the sexy blond and the clumsy horn dog...did I mention that Jack is really into women...I hope I didn't just spoil things for anyone. If I did I apologize, but we're onto the second season...catch up damn it!!! We also see the full introduction of Jack's friend and used car salesman Larry Dallas. It was also the second season where Three's Company had their first "PSA" type episode with the episode called "Days Of Beer & Weeds". A wacky episode that tackled issues such as riding a bicycle while intoxicated (illegal) and...marijuana. I won't give out any spoilers because I already did that earlier (again...I'm sorry). But once I was done with all the episodes in this set, I took a look at the bonus material (yes...I'm that guy). The bonus material alone is worth the price of admission. It has a 10 minute tribute to John Ritter hosted by Joyce DeWitt (aka Janet), A 20+ best of John Ritter reel. Plus about 20 minutes of Best Of material for the other main characters (Chrissy, Janet & The Ropers). If you're a John Ritter fan, I would check this set out. Very good set all around. Very enjoyable!