Due to my creative escapades from work lately, I've somewhat caught up in my movie-watching th, be it at the cineplex or checking out videos at the library. So for all 2 or 3 of you who might care, here are my recommendations:
* Mega-egos of the Hollywood: At Wit's End ... er ... Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End -- If you've seen the first two movies, or if you even have a vague recollection of the first two flicks and what they were about, then you've basically seen Pirates 3. Ah, yes, my friends Connie and Chip will beg to differ and perhaps disown me as a friend. But really, if there has ever been a blockbuster Hollywood trilogy based on something as relatively trivial as a theme park ride and yet so relatively unforgettable, it's Pirates of the Caribbean. Fun, perhaps. Unintelligable, most definitely. Sure, it was a riot watching Johnny Deep "fear and loathe" his way through the incredulous trilogy. Sure, it was funny seeing Keith Richards show up as his non-sensical dad. Sure, it was surreal to watch the drug-worthy scenes that are his doppelgangers and the crabs carrying the Black Pearl out to sea. In the end, I'll forget about it tomorrow. Something I can't say for the epic likes of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. This is the end of Pirates, right Jerry Bruckheimer? Right? Hello?
* Hot Fuzz -- Yeah, this is a bit late of a review, but I'm here mainly to pour adoration upon the triumvirate that is/are Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The lads thus far can't do any wrong. As fantastically silly as "Spaced" was, as terrifically spot-on "Shaun of the Dead was, "Hot Fuzz" is an evolution in parody filmmaking. It doesn't so much count on sight gags (which there are plenty) or recollections of past buddy-cop movies. It's all about dialogue and compelling, funny characters. The result is a hilarious action/semi-gory comedy about destiny and doing what's right.
* Why We Fight -- Here's one video I caught recently. I had originally wanted to see it in theaters. But San Antonio film theaters, even the arthouses, are a sad bunch. Such serious pieces last in 1-week runs around here, perhaps two. The documentary basically is about - as Eisenhower warned in his farewell speech - the military-industrial complex and its influence upon American political decision-making, especially in a 9/11 world. It isn't the most stirring, objective documentary ever, but it's really more re-inforcement to current progressive thinking that military contractors - and our militaristic way of life - dominate American foreign policy more than we think.
* Dave Chappelle's Block Party - Another short film I had failed to see in theaters, but entertaining nonetheless. You know the story here. Dave just started making his killing at Comedy Central when he decided to have his own ideal block party of sorts - a cool hip-hop concert of the stars he wanted to see. Much of the film mixes his preparations for the Brooklyn event with his travels across the area, inviting various people from all walks of life. From senior citizens who've heard of his schtick, but couldn't care less to an endearing hippie-ish, aging couple of own this multi-story, ramshackle house on the same street where the concert is to be held. Plenty of cool acts appear, but perhaps not so nostalgically eyepopping as the brief reunion of The Fugees. All in all, a heartfelt, good showing from a cool cat who killed his own gravytrain show too early.
More movie reviews on the way. Although, really, if they're going to release "Transformers," they might as well come out with "G.I. Joe" and "Thundercats." Because they rocked dammit! A 10-year-old like me at the time didn't know any better LOL
One more thing: Memo to Paris Hilton -- You skanky waste of human hubris. You crossed the law and you lost. Suck it up! So what you have to endure a few days without people waiting on you hand and foot. So what you have to endure a few days without your Chihuahua, $10,000 purse, designer clothers and Hummer. So freakin' what. It's called the real world. Maybe your parental units dabbled in it a bit. Deal with jail. It might make you a better person. So stop your bitchin' and whining. Did the crime, do the time. M'kay?!
