Movie #307 - Independence Day

Independence Day
1996 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 25 min
Director: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica A Fox, Harvey Fierstein, Adam Baldwin, Brent Spiner, James Duval, Lisa Jakub

I saw this in the movie theater way back when and loved it.  It's cheesy and very Roland Emmerich-esque, but it's just so much fun to watch that you can't help but enjoy it.  The cast is great - president Pullman, Smith as a marine, Goldblum as a failed scientist, Fierstein and his effortless dramatics.  And Brent Spiner as the weird, crazy-haired scientist in the alien lab - it's just too much.  I love it.

We all know how much Emmerich likes to destroy the world and, although some of his later attempts weren't so bad, this has got to be the best one.  The aliens are creepy in their calculated silence, the people featured at the center of the action are diverse and interesting, and there's just enough personal tragedy and sacrifice to make it seem "real."

Alright, so it's not very "real."  But it's a nice balance of victory and loss, a perfect Hollywood blend of comedy and tragedy.  And the effects aren't so bad either.

Movie #155 - Death to Smoochy

Death to Smoochy
2002 - Rated R - 1 hr 49 min
Director: Danny DeVito
Starring: Robin Williams, Edward Norton, Catherine Keener, Danny DeVito, Jon Stewart, Pam Ferris, Danny Woodburn, Harvey Fierstein

I saw this movie in the theater, loved it, and was promptly disappointed with its lack-luster reviews.  It's a dark comedy. It's an "expose" on the seedy underbelly of kids TV programs.  It's comedic genius, is what it is.

In my opinion, Williams and Norton and Keener give their best performances in this movie.  Rainbow Randolph is Williams's best character, by far.  Edward Norton is refreshing as a kids show host/purple rhino with a history of anger management problems and a penchant for organics.  And Keener's dry wit is perfectly timed.  For me, the cast is what makes this movie so good.  When all three are in the same scene, I'm laughing the whole time.

This might not make you feel great about what your kids are watching, but it will make you laugh. Highly recommended.