Transporter 3

This Thanksgiving, I extended my holiday feast by attending “Transporter 3”. I enjoyed the first “Transporter” film and even though the second pic was just “OK”, I was looking forward to the third installment. And I was not disappointed. The overall story was decent enough, but what I enjoyed more was the extension of the Frank Martin (Jason Statham) character.

In both previous “Transporter” movies, Frank Martin is a driver for hire. He has a set of rules that he adheres to. Rule One: Never change the deal. Rule Two: No names – he doesn't want to know whom he's working for, or what he's transporting. Rule Three: Never look in the package.

But in this film he deviates from his credo and breaks all three rules. He changes the deal and drives off course. He finds out whom he is working for and what he is delivering. And he definitely opens the package! Valentina (newcomer Natayla Rudakova) is a girl after my own heart – she relates to their different destinations by the meals that she has eaten in each city. I loved the way she talked about food – it was an experience onto itself.

With Valentina’s help, Frank becomes a man that might actually consider a career change. And while I will miss him if there is no sequel, it was definitely worth the ride in “Transporter 3”.

You can view clips of the flick at the bottom of this page.

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No SAG Strike

This week I was going to write a review of "Transporter 3". However, I instead want to spread another message. If you are currently employed, I am sure that you are thankful, especially in these hard times. If you are unemployed or have ever been unemployed, you know the hardships this can bring.

My brother works in Hollywood and the writers' strike was very hard on tens of thousands of people that (not being a member of the WGA union) suffered four months of unemployment, did not receive back wages (like the WGA negotiated for) and lost their health insurance benefits.

Now the Screen Actors' Guild is on the brink of striking. Today's economy can't bear another strike - the trickle-down effect is huge (and not just in CA). Please help keep people employed this holiday season and beyond. Go to http://www.petitiononline.com/DealNow/petition.html and sign this petition against the strike. Thank you - Suzanne.

Twilight (2008)

Before I begin my review, I’d like to start by saying “Twilight” is not the next “Harry Potter”. Not even a close comparison.

So, with that, I think I’ll start with how disappointed I am with director Catherine Hardwicke. She’s made some incredibly well received films (“Thirteen” and “Lords of Dogtown”) and now apparently is churning out crap (“Nativity Story” and “Twilight”).

Now that I’ve got that off my chest, I’ll cut right to the chase with my review because I don’t want to waste any more time on this film than I have to. I’ll start out by saying, that while I had low expectations for this film, I wanted to like it. Particularly because I like Robert Pattinson and I find Kristen Stewart intriguing. I did laugh out loud a number of times, but I think that might have been because the dialogue was so poorly written. Overall, this movie gave me the creeps and it had nothing to do with vampires.

Basically, I think this movie sets a poor example for its primary target audience – young girls. I’m all for romance (I married my high school sweetheart whom I met at 17), but not obsessive “love”. Obsession is not love. Bella says to a friend early in the movie (before she is dating Edward). “You’re a strong independent woman – ask him out.” By the end of the movie, Bella is a blubbering idiot, crying uncontrollably to Edward “You can’t leave me” and “I’d rather die than stay away from you.” Please!?!?!?

And Edward, he follows Bella everywhere she goes (stalking, anyone?) and basically doesn’t allow her to have any other friends after they become a couple (cult mentality at its finest). He swoops in and practically growls at Jacob just for talking to Bella.

Finally, there has also been a lot of speculation about the subtle comparisons between the Cullen clan and the Mormon Church. I’ll leave this to your own research and to draw your own conclusions.

“New Moon” has already been green-lit given the fact that the $37k “Twilight” grossed over $70k in its first weekend. And, I will go to see the second film just to reiterate that while I did not like this movie and don’t agree with its content, I’d be willing to review the second film on its own merits. After all, I didn’t love the first Harry Potter flick either.

Quantum of Solace (2008)

**Spoiler Alert**Before you read any further – I’m breaking my own rules. This review contains spoiler alerts (clearly marked), so read at your own risk.

OK – before you begin bitchin’ how “Quantum of Solace” did not live up to your expectations, you need to revisit “Casino Royale”. If you do – you’ll find that “Quantum of Solace” is a perfect companion to “Casino Royale”.

The reboot of the Bond franchise asks the viewer to completely disregard any Bond movie that came before. When “Casino Royale” opens, Bond does not even have 007 status. The movie shows that Bond is just a man doing a job – he’s not invincible. He is ruthless – sure, but there is a vulnerability to him. In other words – he is human (and therefore – more relatable to the audience). While he exudes confidence and strength, his life is in danger, he does bleed and we discover – he can fall in love. Just as we begin to fall in love with this new Bond, he issues his resignation to M to spend his remaining days with Vesper.

However, “Casino Royale” ends (**spoiler alert**) with the death of the woman James loved. And his hurt is visible on his face when he says to M “The job’s done and the bitch is dead”. Her betrayal and her death have shaken him to his core.

“Quantum of Solace” begins where “Royale” ended. This movie delivers in both action and story. There are some skeptics that felt Marc Forster (“Monster’s Ball”, “Finding Neverland”, “The Kite Runner”) could deliver an action flick. However, the opening scenes of “Quantum” deliver a high-speed car chase (hot cars) and a high-flying, death defying gun fight (who needs gadgets when you’ve got brute strength and your wits).

It also delivers via story and it shows Bond’s growth as a man. At the start of the film, we have a spy so bent on revenge and this revenge will only be satiated by the death of the individuals that caused the demise of Vesper. Even when Bond is in the same room as M, she isn’t sure whether he is working for MI6 or if he has gone rouge.

In a moment when Bond has nowhere else to turn, he visits his friend Mathis. If you remember Mathis – he was in “Royale” and Bond thought that Mathis had betrayed him – now he turns to Mathis in his time of need. The two of them share a bond brought about by the lives they lead and when (**spoiler alert**) Mathis is killed, you can see something in James’ personality change. This supposedly coldhearted man weeps for the loss of his friend.

Between Mathis and his (platonic) relationship with Camille (who is also seeking revenge at the loss of loved ones), James realizes that karma might actually be the best revenge. And leaving his enemies alive to face what they’ve done is enough. Face-to-face with the man you was responsible for Vesper’s death, Bond leaves the man alive. His reasoning, “I don't think the dead care about vengeance”.

For those that want the Bond of yesteryear – watch the previous movies (20 prior to "Royale"). I want my Bond to be “Bourne”. I want a spy I can believe in and relate to. I want a man who can use his wits and his strength to defeat his enemies. I want to know that he actually might die – that his life is actually in danger. This makes my heart race when I’m watching these films.

“Quantum of Solace” did have fast cars, hot women and there were “gadgets” – note all the technology in MI6. And if one more person complains about the name of this flick – then he/she is not a Bond or Ian Fleming fan. “Quantum of Solace” is actually a Bond short story that can be found in the “For Your Eyes Only” anthology. So, quit your bitchin’.

L4yer Cake (2004)

To celebrate the return of Daniel Craig to the big screen in two weeks, I thought I’d feature another Daniel Craig movie that I loved – “Layer Cake”. Mr. Craig plays a character that is never identified by name throughout the entire movie. A successful cocaine dealer, he is handed his most challenging assignment on the same day he has planned his early retirement. He must find the missing daughter of his mobster boss’ old pal as well as negotiate a $2 million Ecstasy deal.

This assignment should be routine for our unnamed hero, but instead nothing goes according to plan and he soon learns it is not going to be as easy as he thought to retire (alive) and live happily ever after. This movie is a slick British crime thriller with lots of violence from director Matthew Vaughn (producer of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” - another great flick). Cleverly written by J.J. Connelly (based on his novel), I'm not going to say too much more about the plot - because the movie is so entertaining, I don't want to give anything away.

However, if you can make it through the violence and the sometimes difficult to understand British accents – you will get the best payoff. The film’s end is one of the best ever. I inappropriately laughed out loud; I was so shocked by the ending. In fact – I think I need to watch this movie again – now.

The film also stars Michael Gambon, Sienna Miller, Jason Flemyng and Colm Meaney.

Back in the Blogosphere

After 4 months in the real world, I'm back in the 'sphere. I've missed it. Hope you enjoy the new post. Please feel free to comment and come back often. Also - don't forget to check out my "tweets". You can view the latest posts on the right hand side of this blog or twitter.com.

Fall TV Preview - "Fringe"

With the Fall TV season underway after a painfully long writers strike, I thought I'd spend the next few entries reviewing some of the new shows of the season. The first on the list is "Fringe" which airs on FOX on Tuesday evenings. Ladies - I know what you are thinking - sci-fi, but give this one a chance.

This show is created by the genius J.J. Abrams who also brought us "Felicity", "Alias" and "Lost". And finally, a worthy successor to "The X Files."

Agent Olivia Dunham who has just lost a loved one to a very bizarre set of circumstances. From her grief comes the opportunity to investigate a series of incidents known only as "The Pattern". These incidents couldn't be more random and therefore, I'm not sure what "pattern" they fit - but I can't wait to find out. The story lines are very compelling - and you don't necessarily have to watch each week to pick up what is happening from week to week. I think this is a brillant move for those folks that couldn't (wouldn't) commit to "Lost" because of the level of involvement.

Rounding out the cast is bad boy Peter Bishop (played by "Dawson's Creek" Joshua Jackson - no longer baby-faced Pacey). Peter is extremely intelligent, but seems to get bored easily and therefore has had a few run-ins with law enforcement over the years. He's been brought in to babysit his father - Walter (Australian actor John Noble) who was recently in a mental institution. Walter's past is definitely suspect - he seems to know more about the incidents that make up "The Pattern" than anyone else - but after 17 years of being institutionalized, he has a bit of an issue when it comes to focusing.

And that is what gives this show its levity - Walter adds just the right amount of humor to the show to balance the phenomenon being investigated. This is nicely coupled with the rebuilding of his relationship with Peter. Father and son definitely do not see eye-to-eye, but they both need each other (even if Peter doesn't know it yet).

If you want to catch up, you can watch full episodes at FOX on Demand.

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Summer Movie Blockbusters, Part I

I've got four summer movie blockbusters under my belt thus far and thought I'd start a new article series "Summer Movie Blockbusters" and put my "But Should Be" series on hold until the Fall TV series begins.

Before I begin however with these reviews, I should let you know that I live for the summer movie season - so that definitely flaws my judgment in some people's eyes. I do not view summer movies in the same critical light that one might apply to, say, the Academy Season that begins in the Fall. Therefore, if you don't subscribe to the bombast of the Summer Blockbuster - move on - there is nothing here for you.

So, let the games begin (in order of viewing).

Iron Man: This movie received quite a bit of hype, especially as the vehicle that would revitalize Robert Downey Jr.'s career. And that hype was right on the money. Tony Stark is not your usual comic book hero - he's an arms dealer, he drinks too much, smokes and is a womanizer. Robert Downey himself has lived quite the life and this character was made to order for him. But while Mr. Downey looks every bit his age - he looks fantastic. Lean, fit, tan - what a combination.

The movie itself isn't bad either with a user rating from the IMDb of 8.2 (out of 10). Jon Favreau - whether acting or directing - has consistently been one of my favorites. And, while I felt the movie was a bit long (too much time spent at the beginning after Tony is kidnapped), I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the relationship between the characters and (of course) the special effects.

And, of course, I could not be more proud of the fact that my brother worked on this film. He did some of the camera crane work in the final showdown between Iron Man and Iron Monger.

Speed Racer: Yes - this movie was cheesy - hands down. But unlike every other critic on the planet - I didn't mind the cheese. If you did not enjoy the original 1967 "Speed Racer" cartoon on TV, you are not going to like this movie.

I, however, have very fond memories of this cartoon. I was sick in the second grade and spent quite a number of weeks at home, unable to leave the house. "Speed Racer" and "I Love Lucy" got me through many long afternoons. I believe that the Wachowski Brothers held true to the original premise of the series while bringing it into the 21st century. Once again, the technology created to enhance the sets was phenomenal. And the story line was actually a sly view of corporate greed set among all the bright colors, loud sounds, a kid and a chimp.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: In the tradition of "Indiana Jones", this movie delivers the goods. I watched the three previous films to get into the groove and found that this is a nice companion piece. It is great to see Harrison Ford (who I have not enjoyed watching in years) and Karen Allen rekindle their relationship. And to see Karen Allen at all was a thrill - the one major fault I had with this movie was the absence of some of the original characters. So, this was a nice addition. And, I've been a huge Shia LaBeouf fans since "Holes".

I'm not a *spoiler alert* type of person - so I won't write anything that could give away a major plot point. However, to view this movie - if you don't "believe" in certain phenomenon or can't suspend your disbelief, then this movie is also probably not for you. And while critics and fans alike first balked at the title when it was officially announced - this script has been kicking around for years in one form or another and actually has a basis in real history. (Check it out at Wikipedia).

My bro also worked on this little pic as well. Once again, I could not be more proud. He did some of the camera crane work in the cemetery scene with Indiana and Mutt.

Kung Fu Panda: Following close behind "Iron Man" in user reviews (with an 8.1 on the IMDb) is "Kung Fu Panda". Hands down better than the last animated feature I saw ("Horton Hears a Who!"). This movie was quickly-paced (which I believe is a must in animation) and not incredibly lengthy (also good when viewed in a theatre with lots of children).

What a great story about believing in yourself when the chips are down and protecting the people you love and care about. I'm not sure little kids will get that message -
but they will be entertained by the great moves of the animals featured.

The beginning story and end credits also have a different style of drawing which is quite lovely and the music was great. Check out the Gnarls Barkley video for "Kung Fu Fighting" at Nickelodeon. Oh - and stay 'til the very end for one final scene.

Next up for review "The Happening" (the new M. Night Shyamalan movie that opens this Friday, June 13). I've loved all of his movies (even "Lady in the Water") and can't wait to view his first "R" Rated film. Check out a preview of the movie at the bottom of this page.

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Rockstar!

So, my husband Thurston has been playing guitar on-and-off since he was in the third grade. In one of is "off" periods, he even sold his beloved red Ibanez guitar to my brother (and a few year later in an "on" period - bought it back).

Since about January '07 though (when Thurston bought himself an acoustic guitar on my birthday), Thurston has been in a complete "on" phase and we went from one '80s Ibanez to a passel of instruments.

When we were on vacation in North Carolina last November, even though he had never played one before, Thurston purchased a mandolin. The mando was manufactured at
Weber in Logan, MT. Yes that's right - we flew across the entire country for something made in our backyard. Thurston's latest purchase is a "vintage" Charvel guitar made famous by '80s band Journey's guitarist Neal Schon (we love the '80s!).

And now, Thurston is officially no longer a closet musician. After about three months of practice, on April 17, 2008 Thurston and a few of his co-workers performed live at the Montana Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation.

They had a five-song set that included one of my favorites "Brown-Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison. It was a great show (though Thurston strongly disagrees), but I had a blast. I thoroughly enjoyed my role as both groupie and roadie.

Stay tuned for more info on Thurston's next "gig".


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TV Actors You Are Not Watching (But Should Be)

The second article in my "But Should Be" series is a look at the character actors that toil away in TV shows with little recognition. While some of these actors have also starred on stage and the big screen, they currently reside on the small screen and hope you are watching.

Ray Wise:
Currently Mr. Wise can be found on "The Reaper" on CW playing none other than the Devil, himself. This performance is bitingly clever and very witty. I'm hoping the show makes it to a second season. It is currently on the bubble - and I'd miss Mr. Wise cracking wise if it is canceled. But Mr. Wise is not only known for playing the Devil and in fact has had a long career. The man has over 100 credits listed at the IMDb going back all the way to 1969.

While he recently had a stint on "24" in 2006 as Vice President Hal Gardner, arguably his best role in the past two decades was Leland Palmer on "Twin Peaks". As a man shocked by the sudden, violent death of his daughter, his hair turned white overnight, but Mr. Palmer held a lifetime of secrets. If you haven't seen "Twin Peaks" you can rent the entire series (two seasons) at netflix.com or buy it now at amazon.com.


Victor Garber:
Mr. Garber recently finished a stint on "Eli Stone" (which was a featured show in my previous blog - check it out). Eli Stone is also another show that has yet to get renewed for a second season, but I've got my fingers crossed. The man is has a career that I have long admired for its versatility. He is an accomplished stage actor and has appeared in a number of musicals on Broadway including "Sweeney Todd".

But my favorite role to date has been as Agent Jack Bristow on "Alias". The show (among others) is the brainchild of J.J. Abrams ("Lost") and helped launch Jennifer Garner's career. Victor Garber played a man that had spent so much of his life controlling his emotions, it was hard to tell what was going on inside this man - and yet, his voice and his actions would let you in to take a peek. I was riveted by this show for five seasons when it began in 2001. The story and characters were so complex. And yet, the show's writers never let down the viewing audience - the stories were always tight and tied together nicely. Sign-up for netflix.com to catch all five seasons or buy it now at amazon.com.

To view a musical number from "Eli Stone" featuring Victor Garber, please scroll to the bottom of my blog.

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TV Shows You Are Not Watching (But Should Be)

Now that the writer's strike is over and new TV episodes are about to start airing again, I thought I'd take a moment and write about a few TV shows that you are not watching - but should be. Some of these are off the air now (waiting to be renewed), some are airing now and some will be back on the air in a few weeks.

Eli Stone (Thursday on ABC):
This is show about a lawyer with a heart (and a brain aneurysm). The aneurysm causes Eli to have "visions" (some of which include '80s pop star George Michael singing in his living room) that direct him as to what cases he should take. Some folks think Eli is a prophet. I know from this description, it sounds like the show is a bit out there, but it definitely is a feel-good show that lifts the spirits and makes you laugh. It also has a great supporting cast including Victor Garber (previously from "Alias" - another good show that nobody watched). You can view full episodes of this show at ABC's website.

Pushing Daisies (Returning this Fall to ABC):
If you are interested in catching up with this series before it returns in the fall, you can view full episodes of the show at ABC's website. This is the story of a piemaker, his childhood sweetheart (whom he brought back from the dead - and can never touch again - without killing her), his dog (also can't touch him), the gal who loves him, and his greedy crime solving partner. Sound intriguing? Once again, the cast of this show shines with Lee Pace as the piemaker, Kristin Chenoweth as the gal who loves him and Chi McBride as his partner.

The stories all center around the piemaker's ability to bring people back from the dead with only one minute to tell him the facts surrounding their untimely demise. While all of this might sound a bit morbid, the show is set in a surreal world with bright colors, soft lighting & shading and unusually shaped-buildings. The sets look very similar to the world in which the movie "Babe" was set.

Battlestar Galactica (Begins April 4 on Sci Fi):
Before you tell me that you are not "into" science fiction, let me be clear about one thing. BSG is not your typical science fiction. In fact, I wouldn't call it science fiction at all - it is a political drama set in the future. The battle between good versus evil reigns supreme in this series through war, political figures with flawed morals, and everyday people trying to make a place for themselves in the universe. It definitely reflects our current times. Get caught up on the series by catching it on DVD (seasons 1-4).

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox):
While this series just went off the air for the season (and I'm not sure if there will be a Season 2), you can view episodes at Fox's website. This series begins after the second movie and renders the third installment null and void. For sci-fi fans, this is true sci-fi. A great back story is already in place for fans to reacquaint themselves with as well as refreshing new stories for fans and newcomers alike. The pieces of the puzzle are tied together very well. I'm sure if you've read this far, I really don't need to bring you up to speed re: what this series is about. Just know that it is one to watch.

Academy Award Winners

Shortly after my last blog (with my rant about the writers' strike), the strike ended. Therefore, I thought I'd quickly recap my thoughts on last Sunday's Academy Awards. I wholeheartedly agreed with "No Country for Old Men" taking the Best Picture award. This movie is absolutely fantastic with some great performances. I also believed that Daniel Day-Lewis deserved Best Actor. I was secretly excited to see Marion Cotillard win Best Actress for "La Vie en Rose".

However, the award I was most thrilled about was Best Song. "Falling Slowly" from the "Once" soundtrack won. And the acceptance speech from Marketa Irglova was the most inspiring speech of the evening.

Now that the strike is over and everyone is back to work, I am once again in love with movies. You can expect to hear a lot more from me in the coming months. I've got lots of movies I want to review!

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Writers Strike Near the End?

As the Academy Awards draw nearer, the rumor mill is working overtime that the Writers Strike might be coming to an end. I hope that this is true for all of those folks that are out of work and just waiting to get back to it.

I, however, won't celebrate until the ink is dry. I'm off to the movies today, but you won't see my review on this blog until the strike is over. This continues to be a real blow to the fans of entertainment and I (for one) am reaching the end of my rope. I'm very disappointed in the writers for constantly walking away from the table. If it wasn't for the return of "Lost" on TV and the new show "Eli Stone", I'd probably be more disappointed in the industry. However, I can't hold all of the folks that are not part of the studio system and the WGA responsible for this strike.

I hope it ends soon - for everyone's sake and we can all get back to work.

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"Comfort Food"

Just as people have "comfort food", I have "comfort movies". One of those is "10 Things I Hate About You". I own this movie and watch it at least 1/2 dozen times a year.

One of the reasons I watch this movie over and over (really - the only reason) is Heath Ledger and his great scene where he sings "I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You". It is my favorite scene and each time I watch the movie, I watch this scene 'bout five times.

Therefore, with heavy heart, I say goodbye to Heath Ledger. I wish him a safe passage to the other side. And my prayers are with his parents, sisters, Michelle and Matilda. People die everyday and those people touch lives. I didn't know Heath Ledger - but the reality is, celebrities do touch lives through their art.

This "accidental" death was a cry for help - no matter how the picture is painted by the media and his family. People don't accidentally mix drugs. I hope that people recognize this and look to the people they love to be sure that all their family is healthy and not suffering.

For a look at my favorite Heath Ledger flick, view the first two clips at the bottom of this page.

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