Paradise Now...For Who?

Paradise Now (2005) PG-13

This one could be considered "controversial" to some...you've been warned. This is a flick about two young Palastinians who are "picked" to be suicide bombers. It follows these two young men on the night before they are supposed to pull off the bombings and the various feelings they have being with their family, girlfriends, etc. The flick tries to humanize the bombers who are just a product of their upbringings. It was an interesting watch.I thought the end fizzled out a bit, but it did keep you wondering...what's going to happen next.

Huh Huh Huh...The Chinese Seamstress Said Balzac

Balzac And The Little Chinese Seamstress (2002) Rating: NR

A Chinese flick based on the director's autobiography, it takes place in a remote village where people were sent to be "re-educated" and cleansed of non Communist influences during the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China. A young man and his friend, meet the village's young seamstress and end up spending time together. At one point in the flick they come across "banned" books such as Balzac and other various non Communist authors. They go to a little area they dubbed the "book grotto" where they read the banned books and eventually teach the seamstress to read. And of course, what would a flick like this be without the love triangle...he loves her, she loves him, and he loves her too. Sadly there was no nudity though. Towards the end they show the boys now grown up, reuniting and we find out what happened to the other characters we meet throughout the flick...what happened to the seamstress? Well I guess you'll just have to watch for yourself won't you? I think it's worth seeing (despite the lack of nudity).

The Diary Of Goebbels

The Goebbels Experiment (2005) Rating: NR

So I may have mentioned before that I find WWII stuff fascinating. I want to make it clear that I don't approve of the Nazi's, hate, or anything of that nature. That being said, this was a documentary with Kenneth Branagh reading excerpts from the diaries of Joseph Goebbels the head of Nazi propaganda during WWII sprinkled in with various clips of him giving speeches and other WWII footage. It was an interesting watch, but to be honest, at times it got a bit dull. There is only so much one can do with reading a diary. From a historical view, of course, it was great. But entertainment value, not so much. So depending on your taste, I would recommend it if you're looking for a good historical documentary.

Pictures Of Petite Lili

La Petite Lili (2003) Rating: NR

I had high hopes for this flick for two reasons. First, it is directed by the guy who directed The Swimming Pool (yeah you remember that movie don't you...wink wink) and second, it starts with a good lookin' blond girl taking her dress off (complete with pubes...yeah you know you like that too). After that, there was no more nudity. The story itself is ok, but not enough to be great, or terrible. Just somewhere in the middle. The story is about a guy who lives in a small town in France. His dream is to direct films with "meaning"...you know the type...what do they call them...oh yeah...douche bags. After a screening of the flick (starring the naked blond) goes poorly, he becomes a moody douche bag and mopes around for the rest of the flick. The girl ends up talking with a famous director who happens to be there, with the douche bag's mother who is an actress. The young girl and director end up falling for each other and he promises to make her a star. That's pretty much all that really happens, other than the basic drama that comes with living in a small town in France. If you're into that sorta thing, check it out, otherwise you're not missing much if you choose to skip it.

He'll Never Be The Last In Line Again!!!!

So the final posting of this week isn't a review. It's in honor of one of the greatest singers of all time, who sadly passed away yesterday. What I say here can't even begin to describe what he meant to so many people, myself included. So instead of rambling on and doing the same thing a billion and some people have already done...I figured I would share this video with you all. So get your ass to the back of the line and STAND UP AND SHOUT!!!

Mmmm...French Chocolate!

Merci Pour Le Chocolat (2000) Rating: NR

A french film (bet you had no idea), about a young lady who finds out there was confusion the day she was born, and was almost given to the wrong family. She ends up going to meet the man who may, or may not, be her father who happens to be a famous pianist. She herself is a pianist, which makes her even more suspicious. When she meets the family she finds out that the pianist's first wife (and her possible mother) was killed in an accident years ago. He is now married to another woman who is the head of a chocolate factory. As time goes on and she spends more time with the family she comes to the conclusion that the mother is trying to poison their son (the child that the girl was confused with at the hospital). I won't give any more away, but it really becomes a suspenseful "what's going to happen" type of flick. I enjoyed it. Sadly though, there was no nudity.

This Isle Is Filled Of Asian's And Killing!

The Isle (2001) Rating: NR

So finally, my return to Asian cinema. After my last experience (Visitor Q), I was, to say the least, shaken up, and rather hesitant to watch this one. That being said, this was a pretty good flick about a dude who goes to a fishing resort ran by a woman (you know they have the little fishing huts scattered around). We soon find out that he is there not to fish, but to kill himself. But as time goes on, the guy and girl end up having a love/hate type of relationship. One moment they're fucking, the next moment they are yelling at each other. Oh yeah, there are moments of nudity. We also find out that because the area is so remote she kills various fishermen. I really enjoyed this one, and there was only one moment where I said WHAT THE FUCK, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? No, I won't say what it was that got that reaction, I'd rather you go see it and find out for yourself.

How About You...Think Of An Original Idea!!!

How About You (2007) Rating: NR

This is one of those light hearted, sappy movies that, dare I say, is geared toward "older" people. The story revolves around a young lady who comes to visit her sister who runs an old folks home. When the sister has to go away to deal with their mother, the visiting sister, ends up having to run the home during Christmas. But because it is Christmas only a half dozen of the residents are there. The "mean" "grumpy" residents. And of course over time, they all get to know one another and respect each other and blah blah blah. It was so sweet, I thought I was going to get diabetes. Not my cup of tea, and not something that hasn't been done a billion times before. For once, I would like to see a movie where the young person is totally mean to the old person, abuses them and then the old person ends up killing both the young person and then themselves. Ok maybe not, but at least it would throw people for a loop.

Whatever It Takes...To Get Through The First 3 Seasons Of Degrassi

Degrassi: The Next Generation Seasons 1-3 (2001-2003) Rating: Season 1: NR Season 2 & 3 TV PG-13

So, I had to do a marathon Degrassi viewing, because Netflix was supposed to be getting rid of seasons 2 & 3 (at the time of this writing they have yet to do so). I had seen this show on TV and between watching and hearing Kevin Smith talk about it, I decided to actually try a full season (it ended up as 3...and more than likely more to come when I'm not so Degrassied out). The show follows about half dozen Canadian high schoolers and all the "drama" that comes with being a teen. That being said, I must have lived a boring life. All the shit they get in there self into...talk about shitty parenting. I'm not talking bad about the show at all, it actually makes for an interesting watch. It was interesting to see the development of the characters from the first season, which played more like an After School Special, the most disturbing episode being one where Emma (played by Miriam McDonald) begins chatting to a guy on the internet, they decide to meet, and surprise surprise he is an older creepy guy, to the third season where it starts getting into more of its usual "90210" type style. Funny enough, as some of you may know, Shinae Grimes, who is now on 90210, got her start on Degrassi (in later seasons, but still). It tackles a lot of issues that are somewhat "taboo" from homosexuality in high school, to teen pregnancy and the like. I highly recommend it for parents to watch with their kids, or for single dudes like myself, who just like to watch teen dramas. That's not creepy...right?

This Boy Can Keep His Dog

A Boy And His Dog (1975) Rating: R

Well let me start off by saying, that I was promised lots of nudity and a colony FULL of women who wanted to have sex with Don Johnson. That being said...it failed on both accounts. There was maybe two scenes with nudity, and the colony...was actually a colony of both men and women and they don't want to have sex with him. They just want his sperm. What this piece of crap movie reminded me of was a cross between Mad Max & Benji...with Benji being the primary story. You remember Benji don't you? Little fuckin dog would go around getting into all kinds of crazy shenanigans? The only difference was in Benji there was no guns (that I remember), no end of the world type of scenarios....and no nudity....ok that part is similar. But when Don Johnson made it to the colony...it almost turned into a rip off of the Stepford Wives which funny enough, came out the same year. Apparently back in 1975 brainwashing was all the rage...yawn.

All Kira Needs Is Love

Kira's Reason: A Love Story (2001) Rating: NR

I had no idea what to expect from this Danish flick. I must say with the exception of the horrible edits throughout, this was actually a really good movie. It's about this woman who ends up having a nervous breakdown and ends up in a mental institution. Once she is released she comes back home to her husband and two kids. But as time goes on we find out she still isn't all there. And her world starts to crumble. As the movie goes on the explain what causes the breakdown (I won't give it away here), and what happened in her family while she was in the hospital. I was really surprised at how good this flick was. Totally recommend it.

Here Comes Revolution...If Aristide Gets His Way

Aristide And The Endless Revolution (2005) Rating: NR

I highly recommend everyone who has given to Haiti in the past few months after the earthquakes. It really opened up my eyes as to how shitty life in Haiti is...even before the earthquakes. That being said, it seems there is a lot of evidence that the U.S. isn't helping things. This film talks about Haiti's first and only elected president and the two times he has been ousted...and the help that the U.S. and other countries gave ousting Aristide. I'm not going to claim that I know all about the events surrounding all of this, but it seems as though the Haitian people...the people...love this man. It also talks about how during the first ousting, Bush Sr. was President of the U.S. The second time he was ousted...George Jr. Coinsidence? Watch this flick and decide for yourself!

This Movie Gave Me A Split Decision

Split Decision (2000) Rating: NR

A documentary about Mexican/American boxer Jesus "El Matador" Chavez and his deportment from the United States. I found this flick to be really interesting even though I knew nothing about Chavez. The filmmaker interviews Chavez, his family (who are still in the States...legally), trainers and U.S. marshals. We find out that the reason he was deported and hasn't been given clemency is because when he was 18 he held up a store. He is now the Mexican boxing champ, but because of his deportment, he can't come to the U.S. where the big fights are held (it's all about the $) and fight for the world championship. I'm not going to discuss my feelings about illegal aliens in the States, because well I don't want to take away from the flick and I think that each viewer should make up their own minds about if he should be allowed back or not. Over all though, I enjoyed this flick

The Edge Of Heaven's On Fire!

The Edge Of Heaven (2007) Rating: NR

This is a Turkish flick. Not something I would normally check out. This movie was actually really good...until the end. It starts off with an older man who asks a prostitute to live with him. For doing so, he would pay her the same as she would make at the brothel. She agrees and comes to live with him. Dude, has a son who comes to visit every once in awhile. Eventually, after she lives with him for a while, they end up fighting. He smacks her, and she falls, hitting her head and dying. Dude, gets thrown in prison. Dude's son, feels so bad after finding out that she has a daughter that so he uproots his whole life in Germany, moves to Istanbul, to try and find the daughter to help pay for her schooling. We then meet the daughter, and follow her while she does her hippie shit trying to "fight the man". Eventually she too is jailed for her activities, Oh and she's a lesbian. So her girlfriend and girlfriend's mom try to get her out. And all the while this is going on dude's son...you didn't forget about him did you?...is still trying to find the daughter. So then it just intertwines the three stories (the dude's son, daughter, and girlfriend/mom). Will she get out of prison? Will the dude's son ever find the daughter? If you're wondering check this flick out. I will tell you though....without giving anything away...you'll be disappointed by the end.

It's No Secret...This Movie Is A Bore

A Secret (2007) Rating: UR

This film is another foreign flick out of France. About a man who is learning about his family's history. He finds out he has a brother who died during the holocaust. Of course that sparks his interest even more, and eventually he uncovers all the "secrets" of his family and their past. I usually tend to enjoy WWII based movies, but this one really seemed to go nowhere. They build up and build up and build up the story only to drop the ball. Of course the majority of viewers are going to sympathize a bit for the brother, but after Schindler's List and countless other holocaust movies, this one just doesn't tug hard enough on the old heart strings. Plus they seemed to make a rather simple story much more complex than it needed to be. Overall I just didn't care for this movie much.

Beware Of The Alien Nation, Beware Of The Truth That They Seek!

Alien Nation (1988) Rating: R

This movie is not to be confused by the TV show based on this movie. Starring James Caan it's a movie about the world in "the future"...the future being the 90's...where aliens have landed on the earth and are living amongst us. For me this movie became too preachy, and was your typical 80's anti drug type of flick with its undertones. Caan is a police officer who is investigating the murder of his partner, who was killed by a "newcomer". Naturally he is then partnered by a newcomer to find out why his partner was murdered. We come to find out it is this big elaborate drug ring and his partner just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And of course Caan, ends up having a mutual respect for his new partner. Caan does give a great performance as the "I don't give a shit" type cop, but other than that the movie doesn't break any new ground, or isn't all that memorable.