Movie #134 - Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride
Warner Bros
2005 - Rated PG - 1 hr 17 min
Director: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Albert Finney, Richard E. Grant, Christopher Lee, Deep Roy

Tim Burton and his usual cast of characters are animated this time, yet still as eerie and dark as usual.  The premise is a strange one - nervous groom-to-be accidentally marries a dead girl when he recites his vows as practice in the woods.  You know, the kind of thing that happens every day.

As Mike and I discussed while watching this one, it's as bittersweet as Burton's other movies.  Even when the characters have it all resolved in the end, there's still this unaddressed sadness within them.  In this movie, our corpse bride is about as cheerful as Edward Scissorhands.  Really, there can be no happiness for her, only resolution.

This is another one of those animated movies for adults that kids might also like (because it has singing?).  It's not really kids movie subject matter, but it's presented in a way that's friendly for all ages.  Still, do you want your kid thinking he can accidentally marry dead people? That'll be a confusing conversation...  Enjoy.

Movie #133 - Corky Romano

Corky Romano
Touchstone Pictures
2001 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 26 min
Director: Rob Pritts
Starring: Chris Kattan, Peter Falk, Peter Berg, Chris Penn, Vinessa Shaw

Admittedly, this movie is kinda dumb. At one point in my life, I thought Chris Kattan was hillarious.  He's funny sometimes, but this movie is just lame joke after lame joke.  Why is it on the wall?  Thank the bargain bin at Blockbuster and my nostalgic funny bone.

It's not as horrible as, say, Glitter... but it hardly warrants a two-star rating.  The plot is predictable, the jokes cheap at times, and the mobsters are stereotypes.  Maybe that's exactly what they were going for, so in that case, it's working for them.  If not, oops.

Movie #132 - Coraline

Coraline
Focus Features
2009 - Rated PG - 1 hr 36 min
Director: Henry Selick
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders

Neil Gaiman's writing + Creepy-looking cartoon characters = Awesomeness.

Sure, this is a kids' movie based on a kids' book, but it has all the delicious flavor of a Neil Gaiman story for adults. Suspense, intrigue, deception, betrayal.  Come to think of it, this is kind of a dark kids' movie.  Maybe it's more of an adult animated film that kids' will also like.  Huh.

Anyway, in this house, the adults both like it and the child isn't quite sure what to make of it yet (granted, she is only 10 months old).  I love the story, the concept of the wicked Other Mother and all her trickery, and of course, the talking cat who swoops in to help Coraline save the day.  The movie is great and fairly true to the book (which you should read if you haven't yet), something I always enjoy.

Movie #131 - Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings
Walt Disney Pictures
1993 - Rated PG - 1 hr 38 min
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Starring: John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug

I barely remember Doug E. Doug for anything beyond this movie, particularly the scene where he's in the ice cream truck and he breaks one of his dredlocks in half. That still makes me laugh. And this movie is still fun to watch.

There's not much to say about this one.  It's a Disney family movie based on the true story of Jamaica's first bobsled team.  Right away, you're thinking, "Well, if that's not adversity, I don't know what is." And yes, they overcome the barriers and make it to the Olympics (Calgary '88). Not without their fair share of problems, though.

The cast is the best part about this movie and it's fun to watch these different personalities mesh into one speeding bobsled.  Plus John Candy, who was always great onscreen anyway.  Watch this movie and laugh or feel empowered or just flashback to the 80s.  It's good for all of the above.

Movie #130 - Constantine

Constantine
Warner Bros
2005 - Rated R - 2 hr 1 min
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LeBeouf, Djimon Hounson, Gavin Rossdale, Tilda Swinton

Here's a creepy movie for you!  Religious thrillers scare the bejeebers out of me, usually, but Keanu Reeves seems to neutralize the scary parts of this movie.  That's actually a good thing, not me making fun of him, because it allows me to really enjoy watching this from beginning to end.

What a twisted premise. What an interesting cast.  I don't know what it is that I like so much about Constantine, but I could watch this almost anytime.  Maybe it's Rachel Weisz. Maybe it's Tilda Swinton's amazing, androgynous Angel Gabriel. But this heaven vs. hell, with humans caught in the middle, movie is dark, dreary, and awesome.

Movie #129 - Conspiracy Theory

Conspiracy Theory
Warner Bros
1997 - Rated R - 2 hr 15 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart

Okay, so I'd never seen this movie before, but heard good things from Mike.  After watching this classic 90's "thriller" I have a few things to say:

1. Patrick Stewart as a bad guy isn't my cup of tea. Especially when he's getting his nose bitten off.
2. Mel Gibson is a wacko in this movie. Did he have any idea he was practicing for his own life, 12 years later?
3. Oh, Julia Roberts is in this? As a generic, lady-cop? Oh wow.
4. There's actually a conspiracy theory? And Mel Gibson's not really crazy, he's just been messed with by secret agent Patrick Stewart and friends? Bummer!

It's not a horrible movie, but it drags in the middle and bored me a bit. Ugh... I really wanted to love this as much as everyone said I would, but I couldn't take it seriously.  Maybe too much time has passed.

Movie #128 - Confidence

Confidence
Lions Gate Entertainment
2003 - Rated R - 1 hr 37 min
Director: James Foley
Starring: Edward Burns, Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia, Rachel Weisz, Paul Giamatti, Donal Logue, Luis Guzman

This movie has a great cast, which caught my attention right off the bat the first time we watched it.  And since we bought it soon thereafter, you can assume safely that the cast delivers as expected.  This has a great twist-twist ending, lots of mind games between con artists, and plenty of Rachel Weisz being coyly devious.  I kinda love it. And Ed Burns.

I don't want to reveal too much for those who haven't seen it, but this movie keeps you thinking. I always enjoy a good double-cross or triple-cross or who-the-heck-is-working-for-whom kind of movie.  Just watch it sometime and you'll see what I mean.

Movie #127 - Confetti

Confetti
Fox Searchlight
2006 - Rated R - 1 hr 40 min
Director: Debbie Isitt
Starring: Martin Freeman, Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan

If you've heard of this movie, I'm super impressed.  We found this one by accident and I love it.  It's a BBC Film (distributed in the US by Fox Searchlight) so many have probably never heard of it. If that's the case, pick it up because it's hysterical.

The basic premise is that a magazine (called Confetti) is running a wedding competition with the grand prize of a brand new house.  Three couples compete, each with a uniquely themed wedding which will all take place on the same day in front of a judging panel.  The couples get wedding planners and all the assistance they need, but of course, mayhem and hillarity ensues.  The three weddings are tennis-themed, Broadway musical-themed, and nudist. Yup, nudist.

Martin Freeman is probably the only one you'll recognize (he was in Love, Actually) and he's adorable in this movie.  It's a fun one and highly recommended.

Movie #126 - Con Air

Con Air
Touchstone Pictures
1997 - Rated R - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Simon West
Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Ving Rhames, Steve Buschemi, Colm Meaney, Dave Chappelle, Danny Trejo

If only he'd put the bunny back in the box...  Can't anyone just follow Nicolas Cage's instructions? I mean, he's the good guy undercover as the bad guy, helping the good guys on the ground, and all so he can face his wife and daughter with a clean conscience.  Is this what happens when you accidentally kill a man? Or only if you're Nic Cage?

So once you learn to ignore his lame-o Southern accent, this movie's not horrible.  I like it because in the 90's I thought it was awesome. Now as an adult, I'm pretty 'meh' about it, but John Cusack is my boy...so I'll watch it.  After all, I gotta wait till R to watch The Rock and get some good Nic Cage up in here, so this has to do for now.

Also, John Malkovich is a creepy bad guy... but something about him doesn't work for me.  Not sure if 'one note performance' is the term I'm looking for, but you  get the idea.  He's all "I'm Cyrus the Virus and so I'll eat your children" but I'm kinda like, "Man, really? That's your tough prison nickname? And you were safe in the shower?" But whatever. I've never been to prison, what do I know?

Onward...

Movie #125 - Collateral

Collateral
Paramount Pictures
2004 - Rated R - 2 hr
Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo

This movie is weird. Intense, but weird.  An unsuspecting cab driver gets in over his head when he gives a ride to white-haired Tom Cruise, who's a total bad-ass criminal.  Look out!  And he wants to kill Jada Pinkett Smith, who Jamie Foxx (the cabbie) is mad crushing on, so that's bad news.

The premise is wild and full of lots of car-chase scenes and thrilling moments.  It's a pretty straight forward crime/drama/Tom Cruise movie.  Not a favorite of mine, but I don't have any specific complaints.  Everyone is great, Cruise is pretty bad-ass, Foxx is pretty in-over-his-head and innocent-bystander-y.  And Jada Pinkett Smith is all lawyer-like.  It's not bad, but it's not my cup of tea.

So intense, weird, need to be in the right mood to watch, but well acted. That's the best I can do with this one right now.

Movie #124 - Clueless

Clueless
Paramount Pictures
1995 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer

I had to skip Clue because it's out on loan, so I'll add that one back in when it's returned.  For now, onto a movie that defined a generation of teenaged girls... myself included.

As if!

I love love love this movie, especially since it's a (loose) adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. How clever and relevant to the times, how touching to bring Austen into modern cinema under the radar.  For years, I didn't even know about that. Look at that - the subtle influence of classic literature on an unsuspecting generation of girls.  Brilliant.

Anyway, Alicia Silverstone's career was made on this film, as well as Brittany Murphy's (man, do I miss her!!) And Donald Faison (Turk from Scrubs) is in this too, which is weird for me now because I watch that show.  When I first started watching Scrubs, he was "that guy from Clueless" but now, watching the movie, he's become "that guy from Scrubs." Funny how that works.

As the most quotable movie ever - in my opinion - this one's hard to watch without reciting the lines.  Maybe guys don't love this as much as I do - okay, I know they don't - but I think this movie is completely awesome, probably because of how unobtrusive the wit is.  It's satire done well and even now, 15 years later, I can still appreciate that.

Man... 15 years? That's disgusting.

The Fourth Shelf

So we've finished another shelf (as well as some late additions to the A's and B's.)  Christmas has come and gone, new movies have found homes on the shelves, and I'm afraid to figure out how many I have left to watch.  We'll just go one shelf at a time.

The fourth shelf holds the following titles for my viewing pleasure:

1. Clueless
2. Collateral
3. Con Air
4. Confetti
5. Confidence
6. Conspiracy Theory
7. Constantine
8. Cool Runnings
9. Coraline
10. Corky Romano
11. Corpse Bride
12. The Count of Monte Cristo
13. Couples Retreat
14. Cradle 2 the Grave
15. Crazy Heart
16. The Crow
17. Cruel Intentions
18. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
19. The Cutting Edge
20. Daredevil
21. Dark City
22. The Dark Crystal
23. The Dark Knight
24. Darkman
25. Darkman II: The Return of Durant
26. Darkman III: Die Darkman Die
27. Date Night
28. The DaVinci Code
29. The Day After Tomorrow
30. Death at a Funeral
31. Death Becomes Her
32. Death to Smoochy
33. Definitely, Maybe
34. The Departed
35. Desperado
36. The Devil Wears Prada
37. Die Hard
38. Die Hard 2: Die Harder
39. Die Hard with a Vengeance
40. Dinosaur
41. District 9
42. District B-13
43. Dogma
44. Dodgeball
45. Don Juan DeMarco
46. Donnie Darko
47. Down With Love
48. Dracula: The Dark Prince
49. Dragnet
50. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Lots of different genres, a few trilogies, the follow up to Batman Begins, and an ecclectic selection for sure.  Moving from Donnie Darko to Down with Love should prove an interesting feat indeed.

Wish me luck!

Movie #123 - American Wedding

American Wedding
Universal Pictures
2003 - Rated R - 1 hr 36 min
Director: Jesse Dylan
Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, January Jones, Fred Willard

Oh yay, they're grown-ups now...at least that's what we're lead to believe by this very mature-looking movie poster.  And yet, in the first scene, where is Michelle?  Under the table 'servicing' Jim at a four-star restaurant.  And oh, who's come to give Jim a pep-talk on proposing to Michelle, but doesn't know she's under the table and can hear him?  Jim's dad.

Who writes these scenes? Does this person have a cringe filter? Is anyone else really uncomfortable watching this? I deal with it, but man... opening every movie with a Jim gimmick is tired by now.  Still, the actors manage the scene well and it becomes more funny than awkward after a bit, so it redeems itself.

In this movie, we get to see Stiffler truly ostracized, and then redeemed, so hooray for him. But where are Chris Klein and Mena Suvari? Are we even going to mention that one of Jim's best friend's has disappeared into the black abyss somewhere between freshman year and graduation? No? Okay then.

This one's not bad - it's a good blend of recycled jokes that stay true to the franchise and new material that will make you laugh, cringe, and laugh again.  That bachelor party? Dear God, people.  That Schadenfreude affect is still very much alive in this film.

And no, after this one, we don't own any other American Pie films... Stiffler's little brother doesn't get to have a spot on the Wall.

Movie #122 - American Pie 2

American Pie 2
Universal Pictures
2001 - Rated R - 1 hr 48 min
Director: J.B. Rogers
Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Eddie Kaye Thomas

As sequels go, this one isn't so bad... mostly because the entire cast came back to do it (unlike the third movie in this trilogy).  No desserts are harmed in the making of this, but Jim's awkward sex streak rages onward and even lands him in the hospital, glued to himself.  How charming.

I think someone wrote his character to make us all feel better about ourselves. Schadenfreude is a beautiful thing.  And it kept selling movie tickets, so here we are. 

The story lines progress in a believable way in this one, with all the couples split apart because of college-related circumstances.  It's interesting to see them all regroup and try to recapture their high school days a year into college.  They do a pretty good job of it, too.  Some of the jokes are reused a bit too much, and Stiffler's little brother is a pain in the ass, but it's watchable.  You'll laugh and definitely feel better about your own awkard sex-capades after this movie.

Movie #121 - American Pie

American Pie
Universal Pictures
1999 - Rated R - 1 hr 35 min
Director: Paul Weitz
Starring: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alyson Hannigan, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge

Iconic film of the 90s/00s? This is probably in the running.  It has hot girls, teen sex, comedy, fart jokes, and Stiffler.  So yeah... it's up there.  It also has one of the most notable lines in Gen-Y filmography: "No longer will our penises remain flaccid and unused!" As well as sparking a term that's still sticking with us - the MILF.

That aside, Jason Biggs is adorable, Eugene Levy is awkward in the way only he can manage, Mena Suvari is slightly less annoying than she was in American Beauty, and Tara Reid wasn't a crazy bitch yet.  Also, there's a LOT of young actors with three names in this movie... check out that cast list. Weird, huh?

So it is what it is.  There's pie humping, underage drinking, and jokes at a band geek's expense.  Also, there's now an irritatingly huge film franchise thanks to this little movie (honestly, why are they still making these? And why is Eugene Levy still in them?) But none of them are as clever and fun as the original.

Have your pie and eat it too!
(Sorry, I can't help myself sometimes...)

Movie #120 - The Bone Collector

The Bone Collector
Universal Pictures
1999 - Rated R - 1 hr 58 min
Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Luis Guzman, Ed O'Neill

Before we really knew anything about Angelina Jolie, she was in this movie with quadrapalegic Denzel Washington and a pre-weight loss Queen Latifah.  Back then, I wasn't distracted by her and I could just enjoy this crime thriller and all its gorey glory.  Now, I watch this movie and I go, "Oh hey! It's Angelina Jolie! I forgot she was in this movie..."  And I'm all distracted by how young and pre-Lara Croft she is.  It's weird.

Anyway, I got over that after a few minutes and let myself enjoy the gore-fest.  Honestly, not that I'm complaining, but this movie does have some gratuitous blood and guts.  It's all good, cuz it is indeed a murder flick, but wow.  Yuck.  And also, awesome.

This one has a good twist ending, but you'll only enjoy that the first time you see it.  After that, you watch it and think how stupid you were not to catch on to who the murderer is... and that's as distracting as Jolie's lips.

Movie #119 - Benny & Joon

Benny & Joon
MGM
1993 - Rated PG - 1 hr 38 min
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Starring: Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn, Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt, William H. Macy

A Johnny Depp movie I've never seen!  Admittedly, he's a bit weird in this movie, but I still love him.  He's got 'wacky but charming' down to a tee, it's true.  And even with her psychological problems, I'm kinda jealous of Mary Stuart Masterson. Huh.

So this movie's a bit off-beat, but I recommend it if you ever wanted to learn how to make grilled cheese with an iron.  Just a thought. 

I'm glad I finally saw this, and learned that Johnny Depp's character's name is not in fact Benny, even if it does seem a bit weird and dated now.  It's a fun one, thanks to my pal Johnny, but it's not as heart-rendering as it wants to be.  Meh.

Movie #118 - Club Dread

Club Dread
20th Century Fox
2004 - Rated R - 1 hr 44 min
Director: Jay Chandrasekhar
Starring: Bill Paxton, Kevin Heffernan, Jay Chandrasekhar, Brittany Daniel, Jordan Ladd, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske

Often called the weakest of the Broken Lizard films (Super Troopers, Beerfest, Slammin' Salmon), this mock horror movie is definitely not as strong as this five-man comedy team can typically deliver.  Still, it's funnier than most other mock horror films and it doesn't take itself too seriously....ever...and so I like it.  Other BL fans might not agree, but I still giggle when Juan talks.

That being said, the talents of this team are impressive.  When you go from this movie to their other movies, where they play completely different characters, their talents and character-acting ranges may surprise you.  As always, these guys are just fun to watch. Even if the premise is campy and the other actors are a bit weird. Except Bill Paxton, who is the best washed-up, has-been, un-Jimmy Buffet I've ever seen on screen.

Movie #117 - Cloverfield

Cloverfield
Paramount Pictures
2008 - Rated R - 1 hr 25 min
Director: Matt Reeves
Starring: Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan

Blair Witch Project, meet Independence Day. If you two haven't met before, we think you'll have fun in this crazy 'documentary' about the end of the world, or New York City, as we know it.  So go nuts, okay?

Honestly, though, Cloverfield is a great flick in its own right.  It's pretty short, but doesn't make you feel like it's rushed.  Well, okay so the characters are pretty rushed most of the time... wouldn't you be? But the plot moves at a good pace, follows a logical path, and features an exploding person.  Do you want anything more from your sci-fi thrillers?

Didn't think so.

Also, what makes this movie so cool, is that teeny tiny moment at the very end.... did you see the ship fall into the ocean?

Movie #116 - Closer

Closer
Sony Pictures
2004 - Rated R - 1 hr 44 min
Director: Mike Nichols
Starring: Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman

Want to watch Natalie Portman do a very raunchy strip tease? Borrow this DVD.

But seriously, this adapted-from-the-play movie is fantastic.  I'm not usually a big fan of movies that celebrate adultery (call me old-fashioned) but this script handles the taboo topic really well.  These four are so entwined in one another's lives that you get sucked right into their tangled mess and the only way out is to watch the whole movie to the end.  Who gets who? Why do you care? Do any of them deserve each other?

Actually, yeah. The only one who gets out of this mess is probably the best of all of them. 

I won't give anything away, but I'll say that this fantastic cast does more than justice to this film.  As virtually the only people in the movie, they can't phone it in either.  If you watch for the strip show, fine.... but pay attention to the message.  It's real, in your face, not afraid to get a little rude.  And best of all, the movie is true to the stage play (which is also amazing, if you've never seen it) so it's like seeing the original right in your own living room.  Enjoy, just promise me you'll give this hot, lustful mess some thought when it's over.

Movie #115 - Clerks II

Clerks II
Miramax
2006 - Rated R - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith

And they're back!  This movie revisits our angst-ridden heroes after the convenience store burns down and they start working at a fastfood restaurant, managed by Rosario Dawson... possibly the only female in the universe who is as deranged as they are. 

This time, Dante is supposed to be leaving... with his inexplicably hot fiancee. Of course, Randall has a problem with that and so, it turns out, does Dante. He just doesn't know it yet, in his classic wishy-washy, I'm-so-confused-by-my-life-I'm-going-to-whine-about-it way.  Brian O'Halloran does this so well, it makes me wonder if he's like this in real life.  Anyway, you want to punch Dante less often in this movie, but you still want to punch him.

Obviously, Jay and Silent Bob (out of rehab) are the best part about this movie.  If you need a reason to watch it, I cite Jay's dance scene as enough.

All in all, it's fun to revisit 'old friends' and see where they've ended up.  Kevin Smith does a great job bringing these characters' story to a somewhat satisfying conclusion.  If you're a fan of the original, this will make you laugh for sure. But don't expect it to replace Clerks in any way, shape or form.

Movie #114 - Clerks

Clerks
Miramax
1994 - Rated R - 1 hr 32 min
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith

Finally, some culture! Hahahaha

Not everyone is meant to like this movie, that's for sure, but Kevin Smith doesn't apologize for his crass dialogue, touchy subjects, and downright unlikeable characters.  Dante is probably supposed to be sympathetic, but you're going to want to punch him in the face by the time you get halfway through this movie.

And yet, every time I watch this one, I crack up.  I don't know what it is about this movie that makes it relatable or likeable, but it is.  Perhaps its how relevant it is to an entire generation and an entire era.  Oh, the Nineties.... how happy we are that you're over.  Still, this movie remains as one of the classics of that decade.  And of course, the pivotal 'break-out' film of Smith's career.

If you don't like it, it's okay. You don't have to.  I think Kevin Smith just wanted you to watch it and nothing more.

Movie #113 - Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans
Metro Goldwyn Meyer
1981 - Rated PG - 1 hr 58 min
Director: Desmond Davis
Starring: Laurence Olivier, Harry Hamlin, Claire Bloom, Maggie Smith

Oh man. Oh man.

Yes, this is the 1981 version, not that abomination released last year. Ugh.  I had to laugh watching this, though, because it reminded me of something a friend said after watching the remake: "The '81 version is loosely based on the myth, and the 2010 version is loosely based on the '81 version."  And while Harry Hamlin makes a handsome Perseus, I have to be a geek here and say this movie is horrendously inaccurate.

But if it's a myth, I guess it's not fact, so Hollywood is allowed to take certain liceneses....right?  Granted, but still. Come on. It's not as bad as adding Io to the 2010 movie (where the HELL did she come from?) but the whole Pegasus thing.  And the Cracken... that's not even from Greek mythology, guys.

Then you look at the cast and go, "Well, if Judi Dench could 'improve' Chronicles of Riddick, what can Laurence Olivier and Maggie Smith do for this movie?" About the same, my friends, about the same.  This one's fun to watch, but please don't take it as "fact".

God, I really have been hanging out with Mike too long.

Movie #112 - Cinderella

Cinderella
Walt Disney Pictures
1950 - Rated G - 1 hr 14 min
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton, James MacDonald

Another classic Disney movie that I got to share with my daughter.  I think she liked the mice in this one and, of course, all those happy little songs.  Watching this, I had that familiarity with the images combine with a new adult perspective.  This version is pretty bleak at times, especially the scene where Cinderella's evil sisters rip her dress to shreds and leave her alone, battered and abused, to cry in the garden.  How sad!  As a kid, I just thought, "Wow that's mean."  But now I'm thinking, "Yikes! This is a Disney movie?"  Anyway, there it is and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be able to release a movie with a scene like that now... they'd have to add a song or something to lighten the mood.

Also, the Prince is only in this movie for one scene.  One scene. But she totally loves him, right? Maybe things were different back then, when you lived in a magic kingdom and hung out with animals.  But I've met some "handsome princes" in my life who were complete assholes, so I'm worried about Cinderella now that I've watched this again.  Yeah, they look cute together... but will it last?

Is this how I know I'm an adult now?

Movie #111 - The Chronicles of Riddick

The Chronicles of Riddick
Universal Pictures
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 59 min
Director: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban

I don't really have that much to say about this movie.  It's kinda weird, not as epic as it thinks it is, and is really just an excuse for Vin Diesel to play Riddick again and kick some alien ass.  Necromongers? Really?

The fact that Judi Dench is in this movie gives it a certain amount of credibility, but I'll be honest, even she can make me a fan of this sci-fi borefest.  Mike really likes this one, but I think Pitch Black was far, far better.  We'll talk about that one when I get to the P's.