Crash Into Me

Movies, Movies, Movies

Well, I haven't posted about movies in a coon's age, so get ready for a long one. Honestly, I haven't seen much (a disturbing notion, now that I look at it), but I guess I can post about what I have seen, along with the virtual library of movies that I would like to see. Yikes, that was a boring intro.

Ok, first things first. Return of the King was very, very good. But I expected better. Once again, I think I'm a victim of my own expectations and hopes from the books (being a monstrous Tolkien fan). That, and every review I read was describing it as the movie of the century. It was certainly not that. Personally, I would say it was the movie of the year. But that's not saying much. I haven't seen a whole lot this year, and what I have seen wasn't all that great. But that's neither here nor there. Visually, the movie was a stunning achievement. Breathtaking and beautiful. Action-wise...wow. I will say as a side note though, that Peter Jackson and company have a bad idea of what six thousand riders looks like. Anyway, I was still disappointed with the changes from the book. I know, it's totally unfair, I shouldn't judge it by that, blah blah blah...but I have to. I hate what they did to Denethor and the Nazgul. I hate that the dead storm Mordor. But all you chattablog readers have heard better synopses of that stuff from others, so don't despair, I still liked the movie. I just wish that the spirit of Tolkien would come through a little more. I know this is wishful thinking, but I just can't help it. All in all though, I think it has been a massively successful trilogy, and I'm glad it came out. I have enjoyed immensely all the hours spent waiting in lines, watching teasers and trailers, checking websites for spoilers, buying the extended editions, arguing about the merits of the films, and the like. I wouldn't trade it for anything...except maybe versions of the films that were closer to the books in word and spirit:)

Another movie that I'm going to talk about that I finally saw is Bruce Almighty. Sure I could tell you that I saw Stuck on You, and that it was funny and enjoyable...but it was forgettable. And I could mention that The Last Samurai is getting a bum rap, and was actually quite cool and interesting, and the sword-fighting rocked...but again, forgettable. Bruce Almighty was not. I laughed so hard, tears were being forced out of my eyes. This is one of the funniest and most interesting movies I've seen in quite some time. I almost puked during the newscaster scene when Jim Carrey takes hold of his rival anchor (if you have seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about...if not, rent it). I went into this film not exactly knowing what to expect. It looked blasphemous, and I wasn't sure if I would be damned after I saw it. But it was directed by a Christian, and the message was wonderful. Modernly evangelical and cheesy? Yes. But quite good none the less. Anyway, the acting was good, the plot fun, the execution hilarious. The dialogue was witty, biting, and also quite thought-provoking. And Jim Carrey is one of those few actors that I can just look at and start cracking up. I know many of you probably think he's over the top, and prefer the dry humor of say, Bill Murray. Hey, I love Bill Murray. But Jim Carrey just makes me laugh...period. All in all, it is a movie I would consider buying and watching multiple times. Rent it.

As far as everything else goes, there are just way too many movies I want to see. From Big Fish and Paycheck, to House of Sand and Fog and Cold Mountain, there are tons of interesting movies out there. Unfortunately, a combination of having a fiancee, little money, and not much time will inhibit me from seeing most of them (also, Monroe SUCKS for bringing good movies in). Am I getting old? Do I not have the spirit of my youth to see every new release? Who knows. But I would gladly take any recommendations from y'all out there who have seen some of the new releases and can either warn me or push me in the right direction. Which are the two or three movies I need to see before school starts up again? I need answers!