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“EMMY AWARDS – 2014 PICKS IN COMEDY/MINI-SERIES

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63RD PRIMETIME EMMY ® AWARDS: Logo.

As we all know Los Angeles is busy busy busy this weekend with Emmy parties galore.. With that in mind, and of course not being on the big invite list for any of these fabulous parties..*sigh*  – maybe one day – but in the meantime – here is the list of nominees and my picks to win or more so, who SHOULD win.. 😀  and with that.. pip pip cheerio and all that jazz!!  Today is Comedy and Mini-Series as it’s no secret DRAMA SHOWS are my favourite thing to watch so those I’m saving for tomorrow!! Oh and NO.. I don’t watch reality TV with the exception of Top Chef.. so if that’s nominated..then there you go..

 

Best Comedy Series

“The Big Bang Theory”

People love this show.. I can honestly say I’ve watched it maybe 7 times at the most.  It always just seemed the same storyline to me.  But its huge in ratings and the cast are now making big bucks so there ya go!!

“Louie”

While this show can be funny.. it also can not be funny in many ways.. definitely not my pick.

“Modern Family”

While this show had some great moments in the past..and every so often still throws a zinger or two at you..it’s definitely gotten stale.

“Orange Is the New Black”  – winner

This is on everyone’s ‘darling’ list.. I have truthfully only watched 1 eps. because I don’t subscribe to Netflix and truly hate watching TV on my computer.. I have a nice big screen TV and a comfy couch that I like to watch from so with that being said, listening to everyone rave about it, I think it’s going to sweep a lot of awards.

“Silicon Valley”

Didn’t watch..can’t make a call

“Veep”

While I watched a whole season of the show, and I think Julia D. is a very funny person, for some reason this show and I just didn’t go hand in hand.  I couldn’t feel myself vesting more time into it. Though again, it wasn’t horrible or anything..and once again, has a good fanbase.  ah well..

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Lena Dunham, “Girls”

Truthfully – not a fan of the show..

Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie” – WINNER

I love love love Edie Falco – she never fails to make Jackie entertaining season after season. Never a stale moment.

Julia Louis Dreyfus, “Veep”

Again, while I like her and find her funny..this just isn’t my fav. show

Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly”

I also like Melissa a lot, though her last few movies have pretty much been her acting the same character over & over, at least in this show it’s a different style

Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation”

Who doesn’t love Amy Poehler in everything she does.. including this show..While I don’t watch it all the time, the times I do she is always funny. I don’t think she will win though.

Taylor Schilling, “Orange Is the New Black”

Because again, this is the new ‘darling’ show ~ at least if she wins it’s new blood.

 

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”

Though the characters might annoy me some, and the storylines lacking for me – I know he’s always a front runner

Ricky Gervais, “Derek”

I adore Ricky Gervais – his version of ‘The Office’ had me rolling every week and while this show might not be that for me, he’s still just plain funny.

Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes” – WINNER

I know I know..if only.. but if you haven’t watched this show yet, let me just say you should.  Matt LeBlanc playing Matt LeBlanc is hysterical. And we all know he was really the funny one on ‘Friends’ I mean come on..

Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”

Can’t say I’ve watched it..

Louis C.K., “Louie”

Again, there are a few times he is funny.. but too many times he misses the bar for me

William H. Macy, “Shameless”

Bill Macy is not only a super nice guy, but a blast to drink with IRL – so it’s hard for me to not want him to win,. but alas, I picked someone else! 😀

Supporting Actor, Comedy Series

Andre Braugher, “Brookiyn Nine-Nine” – WINNER

Because I LOVE THIS SHOW and Andre Braugher is so funny in it and let’s face it, it’s the only nomination it got which is pathetic.. this is my pick!

Adam Driver, “Girls”

No.. bottom line.. ha!

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family”

While he’s funny.. I’m over them winning every year..

Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”

See above

Fred Armisen, “Portlandia”

Haven’t watched the show..

Tony Hale, “Veep”

Funny..but not my pick

Supporting Actress, Comedy Series

Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory”

I think I’ve stated my opinion on the show and the characters already.. not a win for me though I will always love Blossom!!!

Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”

Someone new please..

Allison Janney, “Mom”

I watched the show a few times per recommendation of a friend.. I just didn’t find it all that, plus when the mom looks better/younger than the daughter on a show..I say rock on.. 🙂

Kate Mulgrew, “Orange Is the New Black” – WINNER

Loved Kate in other shows.. just haven’t seen enough of this one to make a qualified decision..but again – new blood.. good for her if she wins.

Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live”

I always love SNL characters..

Anna Chlumsky, “Veep”

I love her in ‘Hannibal’ more..

Best Miniseries or Movie

“American Horror Story: Coven”

Any show that makes Kathy Bates act as a head on the table shouldn’t even be nominated.  This show went beyond the ridiculous this past season

“Bonnie & Clyde”

Probably one of the worst mini-movies I’ve ever seen.. I couldn’t make it all the way through and I’m a huge Bonnie & Clyde fan.. but not of this version. It was terrible

“Fargo”

While this show had its moments and was acted well – it’s not my pick

“Luther” – WINNER

Is this even a question.. Idris Elba as Luther is just incredible..the writing, the acting, the storyline…it encompasses all!!

“Treme”

Good gritty drama – but The Wire did it better.

“The White Queen”

Never saw it.. sorry..

Best Actress Miniseries or Movie

Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story: Coven”

As much as I like Jessica Lange – AHS jumped the shark for me

Sarah Paulson, “American Horror Story: Coven”

Same as above

Helena Bonham Carter, “Burton and Taylor”

Not her best performace, but not her worst either which was in Les Mez

Minnie Driver, “Return to Zero”

Did not see this.. but Minnie is usually pretty good in almost everything

Kristen Wiig, “The Spoils of Babylon”

Same – did not see

Cicely Tyson, “The Trip Bountiful”

eeekkk 3 i this category I missed.. I can’t really pick soooo..

Best Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Dancing on the Edge”

Didn’t see

Martin Freeman, “Fargo”

Martin was really good in this show and I’m a big fan of his in pretty much everything since I first saw him in “The Office”

Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo”

Billy Bob was also good.. creepy as fuck..but that shouldn’t surprise anyone..ha!

Idris Elba, “Luther” – WINNER

Here is my man!! Hands down the winner for me

Mark Ruffalo, “The Normal Heart”

Didn’t do it for me

Benedict Cumberbatch, “Sherlock: His Last Vow”

As much as I ADORE Benedict and Sherlock.. I’m sticking with Idris..

Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie

Colin Hanks, “Fargo”

Decent performance.. not enough to win for me

Jim Parsons, “The Normal Heart”

All of these performances were decent enough..if I had to pick from this show only, which it almost seems as if it is so..I would pick Bomer..

Joe Mantello, “The Normal Heart”

Alfred Molina, “The Normal Heart”

Matt Bomer, “The Normal Heart”

Martin Freeman, “Sherlock: His Last Vow” – WINNER

This is my pick.. because he is fantastic as Dr. Watson

Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie

Frances Conroy, “American Horror Story: Coven”

Again the AHS.. was one of the few characters to like in the show her crazy red haired character in the eps. I did watch..just not enough to win.

Kathy Bates, “American Horror Story: Coven”

Kathy.. you were a just a head in 1/2 of this.. I can’t ..I just can’t..

Angela Bassett, “American Horror Story: Coven”

Allison Tolman, “Fargo” – WINNER

Really great work by here.. just a great acting job of putting this character together..

Ellen Burstyn, “Flowers In the Attic”

I wish I would have seen this..

Julia Roberts, “The Normal Heart”   

Julia did a really good job here..

 

 

Action, Campy, film noir, Movie Reviews, Movies, Uncategorized

REVIEW: “SIN CITY 2 ~ A DAME TO KILL FOR” (PREMIERE 2014)

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sin city 0

Ohhhh Robert Rodriguez..what happened to you since the days of “El Mariachi?” I loved that movie and the sheer basic-ness of it.  Even “Desperado” though somewhat amped up with bigger stars and all, showed you still had spirit.  “Spy Kids” was fun!! Then,..well somehow it became all green screen & well..’film noir’ if that’s what you would like to call it.  “Sin City”  a movie with so much art direction, enough decapitations to make the Roman’s say WOW! yet so very dull and uninvolving.

“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” seeks to pay homage to the graphic novel  by re-imagining it as a feature film; unfortunately, the big screen and the 3D merely call attention to the aspects of the book that either don’t work or don’t translate easily from one to another because I got lost & a bit bored somewhere in there.  First of all, there’s the narration..ohhhhh so, so much narration, with so many monologues laid over soooo many scenes of people drinking, driving, grimacing or stripping without taking their bras off. (The latter being “Nancy” (Jessica Alba).  Add to all this a ridiculously thick layer of sexism, with every woman in the film portrayed as a prostitute, stripper or man-trap. There’s a policeman’s wife who dares to be over the age of 40, and is well then of course cheated on because ya know..that’s what happens to all women at that age (yawn),  a vengeance-driven dancer who has to mutilate herself to get a man to help her carry out her vendetta. Heaven forbid she do it on her own in a story like this. It seems to try to be a bit self-parody, but completely lacks the sense of humour required.

sin city

 

As with its the first “Sin City”, which was a whole (gasp!) 9 years ago, this sequel sees directors Frank Miller, who also wrote the novels, and previously mentioned Rodriguez shooting their actors on green-screen and surrounding them with so much animation, hyper-stylized lighting and art direction to make the movie look as much like a comic book as possible.  It’s a clever gimmick for about 10 minutes, but then you start noticing how the actors have been directed not to move their faces much, so that they’ll look more characters on a page.  The blank expressions (and again!! that crushing narration) merely point out the fact that lines like “She didn’t deserve a second thought — and I couldn’t get her out of my mind,” probably work much better on the page than they do when said out loud as they don’t work well.

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The new hero is gambler “Johnny” (Joseph Gordon Levitt) beats corrupt politician “Senator Rourke” (Powers Boothe) in a big game at the poker table but comes to regret it. Rourke becomes a target for Nancy, because the senator killed her lover “Hartigan”(Bruce Willis) who appears periodically as a kinda passive-aggressive ghost, private eye “Dwight” (Josh Brolin) finds himself trapped by the over dramatic manipulation of his ex “Ava” (Eva Green), a femme fatale with a rich husband and a wicked soul.  While I’ve still yet to figure out what makes some think Green is so wonderful all of a sudden in the acting world because I’ve only seen some very mediocre acting, I will give it that she is the only female in this movie who seems to see through this movie’s ludicrousness and dares to one-up it. Her and Brolin’s nudity feels like it should be and they show a lot more skin than any of the strippers (thank you Josh!!:))  and she turns Ava’s greed into one of the few tangible objects in this movie made up principally of special effects. “Marv” (Mickey Rourke) brings a bit of soul to his role, a bit tough-guy with a heart.

sin city 2

This being Rodriguez’s second sequel in a row now, Machete Kills being the first, in which he turns sex, violence and general exploitation into a rather dull movies at best with yes, stars galore in it.  All either movie had to be was entertaining, but neither accomplished that task; so for a film loaded with decapitations and gun-toting ladies in bondage gear, Sin City 2 gets really tedious really quickly. But this genre definitely has it’s fans and they will probably love it whether it was good or bad.  On a side note: Did anyone else notice or be a bit well..skeeved out by the fact that Rodriguez once cast 13-year-old Alexa PenaVega as a spunky little Spy Kid but now gives the 26-year-old actress roles as a stripper or a whore…hmmm..maybe that’s just weird to me and yes I know. we all grow up..but this..I dunno..was just weird for me.  So as my friend Fisher said to me when I invited him to the premiere on Tuesday…”nah..the premiere party will be a blast with all those different people showing up, but the movie won’t be” and that my friends summed it up completely. Premiere party where I got to meet Demian Bichir who happened to be there and I am such a fan though he’s not even in the movie, was my most exciting moment, the movie…was not.

Grade: C-

 

#peggyatthemovies

Grading Scale: A = Oscar worthy;  B = Above average – must see;  C =  Average  D = Don’t waste time or money  F = Just don’t see  (+ or – gives it a edge up or down)

 

 

Movie Reviews, Movies, Sports, Uncategorized

REVIEW ~ “WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL” (2014 – SONY/AFFRIM)

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when the game

There have been a lot of really good sports movies done..especially about our good ol’ American past time, football and it happens to be a sport I do watch on occasion as it can be fun.  Some of those movies have been very memorable like “Brian’s Song” “Remember the Titans” even “Rudy” was a touching tug of the heart one.  This movie is not going to be remembered as one of those.  It’s vapid, religious based storyline is based on the De La Salle High School Spartans football team that had a pretty yes, incredible 151 game winning streak going on from 1992-2004 and then lost it.  Unfortunately, the story of how is bland, formulaic and follows every sports cliche ever done, but without any heart or soul in it whatsoever..which considering the religious aspect of the movie, was really odd.

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The events that define this movie and lead the narrative of it are the murder of their star linebacker “Terrance Kelly aka T.K.” (Stephan James), Head Coach “Bob Ladouceur” (Jim Caviezel) heart attack, and the ultimate loss of this streak but with the always true to form comeback game against the best team in the country, Long Beach Poly.  Now call me cynical, but watching a bunch of kids cry about a loss..even if it’s a big one to them when say a movie like “We Are Marshall” shows the utter loss of almost a WHOLE TEAM was lost in a plane crash makes this feel quite petty indeed.  This movie never showed us about how this streak was even started or anything that lead up to the all the events.. they just sort of happened in whatever chronological order they threw them at us.  Caviezel seems to be walking through this role like a robot, has zero chemistry with his cast, not even his wife, “Bev Ladouceur” (Laura Dern) who just wants him to be a more hands on father, or his son “Danny Ladouceur” (Matthew Daddario) who only wants his dad to be able to coach him during his final senior year because well, he’s never really been at home enough to be a dad…just a coach.

when the game 2

The supporting cast of football players is simple and the norm for a sports movie.  “Chris Ryan” (Alexander Ludwig) as the best player on the team who is trying to break the long lasting record of touchdown held whose dad is  “Mickey Ryan” (Clancy Brown) one of those horrible ‘sports parents’ who you just want to punch because they are so awful, “Tayshon” (Jessie Usher) as the other superstar of the team, but the bad boy – rulebreaker type, “Beaser” (Joe Massingil) the heavy-set tackle who’s got the hot girlfriend because he’s on the football team tho because of the religious aspect of the movies, they’ve taken a purity vow,  “Arturo” (Matthew Frias) as the smallest kid on the team. 3rd string but plays one play and saves the day..yeah..I know..seen it all before.“Rick” (Richard Kohnke) and lastly the only character that really stood out for me, “Terry Eidson” (Michael Chiklis) as not only did he spark a little tiny bit of humour, but was almost unrecognizable from his various roles and just showed some range with his character in an otherwise dull sports story.

when the game 3

 

I’m sure we can all figure out the plot of this movie..they lose..and come back to win again.  My biggest beefs were not only the plodding plot but the product placement was truly ridiculous.  When Caviezel’s character says to his son, “Would like like some of my Muscle Milk shake” with the container right there in full view, or when one of the scouting University’s, Oregon State give one of the players a pair of Nike’s with the phrase..”Here have our newest pair of Nike shoes” and those are just 2 examples.  I realize product placement is part of movies..but the way they handled it in these movies was just plain silly.  Also, I don’t mind religion, I’m definitely a supporter of ‘to each his own’ but when they blatantly show how much prayer they do before the games and how god will make them win and when he doesn’t, well they must pray harder.  That’s just so wrong to me.  And don’t get me wrong, we all see plenty of religious notes from players in sports, it’s a given, i’m not putting it down in the slightest, but in a world where people are getting killed everyday and trust me, not over football, I am truly hoping that whichever god you support, he or she has better things to worry about or do than make sure you win your football game.  Sorry to all those that think otherwise, but that is my sincere thought on the matter. It’s not meant to provoke anyone, just be honest with the situation at hand.

All in all this just isn’t a memorable, inspiring or well done sports movie and that sadly is what will make it completely un-memorable.

Grade: D

#peggyatthemovies

Grading Scale: A = Oscar- worthy;  B = Above average – must see; C = Average – should see; D = Don’t waste your time or money; F – Don’t see.  (+ or – tilts the scale up or down)

Action, Action Adventure, Campy, Horror, Movie Reviews, Movies, Uncategorized

REVIEW ~ “THE GUEST” – PREMIERE: SUNDANCE NEXT FESTIVAL

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the guest 3

Ever wonder what happens after you leave ‘Downton Abbey’  as one of it’s most popular characters of the show..’Matthew’?’  Well this movie might answer some of those questions for you.  From the get go you wonder to yourself..’what happened to that pasty-white Brit who played as one of the Brit’s upperclassmen so very well.. cuz let me tell you..THIS Dan Stevens is definitely not that guy. THIS Dan Stevens looks amazing, someone clearly got a tan, worked out & came over to the dark side..hahahaha  This character he plays here is such a far-fetch than what we are used to seeing him in, I wouldn’t think they are even one and the same person.  Now did I love this movie..well…I will admit to being confused for a bit if they actually meant it as a serious movie, sorta like the pitch/trailer was, or what exactly it was meant to be.  It starts off creepy, goes to serious, goes campy, goes silly, goes action-y, goes just plain stupid, goes horror.  After a while you get the jist that it’s just supposed to be B or even D movie campy as anything..and if you can realize that from the beginning you will probably enjoy it more than I did the first hour because it will make much more sense.. It wasn’t till the Q & A afterwards with Director: Adam Wingard & Writer: Simon Barrett that I actually gleaned this important fact. ha!  They wanted a ‘Terminator’ meets “Halloween’ type vibe..

the guest shirtless

Serious part of the plot starts off with “David” (Dan Stevens) showing up at the front door of the of family of his deceased Army buddy Caleb’s house and within the blink of an eye, he is invited to stay by the mom, “Laura” (Sheila Kelly) in her son’s old room no less. Well Dad “Spencer” (Leland Orser) comes home to find this all out and of course has a freak out moment, which quickly passes as they share some beers, cause you know..you can trust people after you’ve shared a few beers! ha!   Luckily the daughter, “Anna” (Maika Monroe) figures out that all is probably not on the up and up with this guy, his behaviour, as she takes him to a party with her is really off..her friends start disappearing, the local gun dealer in a cameo from Ethan Embry & town dealer “Craig” (Joel David Moore)  – whoosh! gone.. her dad’s boss, boyfriend “Zeke” (Chase Williamson) gives her trouble..have no fear he gets busted after being set up by David.. NO ONE is safe it seems. Her brother “Luke” (Brendan Meyer) thinks David is great after he kicks the school bullies asses for harassing him..so the only person who ‘gets it’ that David is a complete & utter psychopath is Anna..  After she calls the military admin to check on him and they send out basically, a hit squad led by “Carver” (Lance Reddick) after David.  What ensues for the next 45min is just so over the top, though some of it was funny..but mostly it was just ridiculous as it turns out David aka “The Guest” is really part of some secret military operation so when he annihilates the whole team plus 1/2 the family in some of the most bizarro scenes of pure mayhem..I had to shake my head a few times as this was a major sub-plot that was pretty underdeveloped as it just gets sorta sprung on you..The following whole Halloween carnival scene where it Anna & Luke are fighting against David is probably the best and worst part of the movie, if that makes sense at all.. 🙂

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As for Dan Stevens performance.. some are hailing it as really good..I mean I guess since we are so used to seeing him playing these completely different Brit period piece roles… so yeah..seeing him up on the screen looking so damn good, while it could be considered well..distracting to say the least..but of course in a good way, I didn’t think the performance was great..as he played it in a restrained kinda way..when it seemed as though it should be more over the top..following in the genre of the movie, but it’s definitely not a bad performance and shows he can make his mark doing some other fun stuff, hence the reasoning behind leaving Downton.

the guest

Lastly, the soundtrack was given kudos by some..I guess you really have to like and be familiar with speed/heavy metal, which I am not as there were times it almost overpowered the scenes for me. I like soundtracks to be part of and enhance the movie..not be the movie.. Thankfully also the Q & A afterwards cleared up many points about this movie for me at least.  It was moderated by Nicolas Winding Refn of “Drive & Bronson” fame,  who while he might think out of the box as a director at times, clearly thinks he is the cat’s pajamas..(sunglasses in a movie theatre..just stop) and while I liked Bronson..well.. let’s just say I like a fun, bantering Q & A, not one where the moderator actually seems rude and is putting down the Writer: Simon Barrett & Director: Adam Wingard while moderating. Not cool guy..not cool.  Overall judgement of this movie.. I liked it, mostly because of the campy silliness, but I didn’t love it as for a supposed horror/action thriller as it was really neither and never lived up to full satisfaction of either..

Grade: C

#peggyatthemovies

Grading Scale: A = Oscar worthy; B = Above average – must see;  C = Average;  D = Don’t waste your time or money;  F= Don’t see the movie  (+ or – gives it an edge up or down)

Comedy, Movie Reviews, Movies

Review: “LET’S BE COPS” (2014 – 20th Century Fox)

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“Let’s be Cops” needs to be re-titled into “Let’s NOT be Cops” as it’s one of the worst, if not the worst, movie I’ve seen all year..and I’ve seen a few doozies so far this year..trust me. Sad thing is I was really looking forward to it hoping it was going to be super funny..It’s not. You know how a bit of the trailers make the movie look funny?? yeah..once they are wrapped into the movie, not even THEY are funny scenes anymore. If a 1/2 full theater doesn’t even get one single laugh during any of the movie, well you know you could’ve set the money you paid for the ticket on fire and it would probably be a better show.

The plot is so beyond pointless I’m not sure I can even take the time to get completely into it. I think that Damon Wayons Jr. who plays one half of the duo of best friends “Justin” & “Ryan” played by Jake Johnson, is perhaps the better of the two, though that’s not saying much, and predictably so, they ‘losers’ now that they are 30 with the predictable no careers or future prospects. Justin is an assistant at a gaming company who wants to try to pitch his game about you guessed it..being a cop. So he has cop uniforms which they then take to the next level and go to a party dressed in the uniforms. After this it basically turns into a shitshow of a few mediocre funny scenes which only really work because Wayons Jr & Johnson do actually have some chemistry together as shown on their FOXTV show “New Girl”. So it goes in the movie that of course they take it too far, Justin falls for the girl “Josie” (Nina Dobrev) who just happens to be a waitress/makeup artist to help them in their exploits against a mob gang lead by “Mossi” in a much-waste of a good actor role played by James D’Arcy and cop-gone-bad “Brolin” another waste of time for Andy Garcia..not even Rob Riggle raises a laugh in his role as cop-to-the-rescue “Segars”. Truly the funniest scenes seemed to be deleted and shown as the credits started..

This movie basically was 2 guys that star and have some chemistry on a sitcom together, to make a movie. To go on more about this movie is simply..well not worth the time as if you haven’t guessed by this time, you should just skip it.

Grade: D-
#peggyatthemovies

Grading Scale: A = Oscar Worthy; B = Above average – must see; C = Average – Should see; D = Don’t see; F = Definitely don’t see

Action Adventure, Marvel Comics, Movie Reviews, Movies, Sci Fi, Super Hero, Uncategorized

REVIEW – “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY” (2014)

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“I AM GROOT” – ha!  It’s truly the perfect way to start a review of this fun fun movie!! I seriously wanted to just say this and leave it at that.. Because that’s how fun it is and no one wants to ruin this movie with a long boring synopsis and all …riiigghhtt??!!!  Well, okay, I will also mention Chris Pratt.. no..seriously, when did Chris Pratt get this hott??!! 😀   He’s always been the cute, funny guy in the back ground, but here he takes center-stage as “Peter Quill” aka “STARLORD” and he not only looks great at doing it as it’s clear they made him get in some amazing shape for this movie, but it’s like this role was truly meant for his type of comedic chops.  starlord

As with all comic book quasi-superhero movies like this one, there has to be a reason at the beginning of why/how everything becomes as it is and this one is no different.  We see a young Peter Quill being brought to his dying mothers bedside where she gives him a last gift before she passes. As he runs screaming, crying out of her room into a big grassy field, he stumbles & falls, a blinding light shines on him and POOF!!! you got it… he is taken away by a spaceship.  26 years later we see Quill as an intergalactic outlaw who attempts to go by the name “Starlord”.  He is part of a clan who call themselves ‘Ravagers’ and while on a paid mission to collect an ‘orb’ he runs into “Korath” (played nicely in a supporting comedic turn by Djimon Hounsou) who works for “Ronan” (another fav. actor of mine playing a bad guy *sigh* ~ Lee Pace :)) an evil Warlord who wants the orb to do what else..control the Galaxy, specifically the planet Xandar, where his arch enemies live & it’s ran by none other than “Nova Prime” (Glenn Close).

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Peter of course gets the orb, but not before he double crosses the very people who took him to this intergalactic wonderland, “Yondu Odonta” (played wonderfully by TWD’s Michael Rooker) who then does what all double-crossed outlaws do and puts a bounty on Peter’s head.  Now the fun starts as everyone starts hunting Peter including, the oh-so-green assassin who is actually working for Ronan, “Gamora” (Zoe Saldana), “Rocket” a genetically engineered hysterically funny, raccoon (voice of Bradley Cooper) & his partner “Groot” his walking & regenerating tree friend (voice of Vin Diesel). who only can say 3 words..annndd you already know what those are..”I am Groot” ~ in other words..hello huge payday for Vin Diesel for yes, uttering 3 words. ha!  Well to cut to the chase, in the land of all things comic books they all get caught..sent to a maximum security prison where they all start to of course, work together along with a new ‘friend’ “Drax” (pro-wrestler Dave Bautista) who really only just wants revenge on Ronan for killing his family.  All this comes together as they make an oh-so-fun escape and get to the town of ‘Knowhere’ so they can sell the orb to “The Collector” (Benicio del Toro).  But when they find out what the orb can really do and why Ronan wants it so badly..and what should really be done with it..well…what will the now-appointed “Guardians of the Galaxy” do??!!  Well, you will have to see the movie for that, because I don’t want to spoil all the fun here…really, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE.. as from moment one it’s truly one of the most humourous, action-packed, visually stunning, and just plain damn FUN Sci-Fi fantasy movies I’ve ever had the pleasure to see so you should too.  Oh and it wouldn’t be right if I  forgot to mention the freaking fantastic soundtrack to this movie!! From the open-sequence on you will be rocking in your seat and just plain laughing.. Who doesn’t want to do that during a movie and be totally entertained??!!  Well, if you are one of the few, then yeah..don’t see it..for everyone else.. go get your groove and laughs on I say!!!

Grade: B+

#peggyatthemovies

Grading Scale: A = Oscarworthy;  B = Above average~must see;  C = Average~should see;  D = Don’t waste your time or money;  F= Yeah, no, just don’t see it  (+ or – give it a bit up or down)

Movie Reviews, Movies

REVIEW ~ “GET ON UP” ~ Q & A w/Brian Grazer, Chadwick Boseman, Tate Taylor

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get-on-up-banner1

Everyone has a favourite James Brown song, no matter what age you are..sometime in your life you’ve heard a James Brown song, snapped your fingers, tapped your foot, danced, sang with it..however you did it, it’s resonated with you.. Or you’ve seen Mick Jagger, Prince, Morris Day, Michael Jackson or Axl Rose perform and realized where they got their moves from.  James Brown is a legend, no question about it.   So let’s just get it right out now.. This is not your typical biopic.  It starts off with an older James Brown, in his 60’s when he was a bit worn down as let’s face it..he wasn’t the most stellar of human beings, definitely had his faults and dare I say it..absolute shady-ness when it came to business practices, the law & his wives.  And he had ego..oh so much ego and referred to himself in the 3rd person..a lot.. But if you were the ‘hardest working man in show business’ I guess you deservedly can at least have some of all of these.

The first 15 minutes or so of the film was hard to follow as it moves all over the place from Brown’s regretfully sad childhood, being left by both parents “Joe & Susie Brown” (Lennis James, Viola Davis), whom you don’t see much of or get to know much about, to being left at and growing up in a brothel ran by “Aunt Honey” (Octavia Spencer), to young James Brown just realizing his talent where it would take him in life, to older James Brown and many different places in his life in-between.  If you’re looking for a linear, chronological order story of James Brown’s life, this film has no interest in giving you that. It’s all over the place in time, which again, difficult at first, but once you get used to how it gets scattered all about, you can concentrate more on the performances, most especially Chadwick Boseman as “James Brown” completely amazing transformation into Brown from 16yrs old, getting arrested & sentenced to 5- 13yrs in the old Jim Crow days of a Georgia prison for stealing a 3-piece suit, all the way on through to a 63yr. old James Brown walking solo down a hallway into a concert venue of screaming, cheering fans, makeup transformation complete. But it’s not just the makeup that makes Boseman into Brown..It’s the embodiment of everything that is, was, and could ever be James Brown that makes it so remarkable. He’s got the moves, the body language, the accent, the facial expressions, all of it…down pat ~ he is to sum it up ~ BRILLIANT in his performance.

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While Boseman also gave a good performance in “42” as Jackie Robinson, the 1st baseball player to cross the racial barrier lines of the National League of baseball,  this movie never really hits on racism to much, as you know Brown had to have experienced this as it was part of the times back then, and they do refer to him trying to get off the ‘Chitlin’ Circuit’ or when he runs into a young “Little Richard” (Brandon Smith) they term the word  ‘white devil’ as Brown refers to his  manager, “Ben Bart” (Dan Aykroyd) calling him that, though the love & respect he has for the man is also clearly shown & apparent, this movie isn’t much to do about that. One pivotal scene in 1968 let’s you know how much Brown did help out by making the mayor of Boston, during the race riots of that year, to let him do his show and just as things are starting to get out of hand with fans jumping on the stage, police throwing them off, Brown stands up to let the audience know to make it about the show.  Also apparent throughout the movie is just how big Brown’s ego was, as he’s knows he is destined to be great, all the while being verbally abusive to those around him, in great supporting cast roles,  such as his best friend “Bobby Byrd” (Nelsan Ellis) & bandmates “Maceo Parker” (Craig Robinson) “Nafloyd Scott” (Aloe Black), “Pee Wee Ellis” (Tariq Trotter) in making them do long rehearsals on days off, not paying them due to his well-known tax problems, making sure they know he and only he, is the boss by detrimentally having each of them answer a silly question about how each instrument that they play, no matter what it is, is just really meant to only serve as percussion.  And though they skip over much of it, his physical abuse of his wives,”DeeDee Brown (Jill Scott)  girlfriends etc.  until they finally leave him..

So while this story being told with plenty of holes in it, the main focus is the music.. the music ..the music..and all the while Chadwick Boseman is just giving it to you at 150mph and you won’t forget it.  If for any reason at all you’re not a James Brown fan, which could be understandable due to he was a man with many faults, see this movie for this amazing performance alone.

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Chadwick

I was treated to a wonderful Q & A afterwards with Producer: Brian Grazer, Dir/Prod: Tate Taylor (an old friend)m and the man himself, Chadwick Boseman, who btw received a standing ovation from the audience.. I love hearing the thought process, and time frames (10yrs) that it took for this movie to get made.  They started it with James Brown himself, and after he passed it was dead in the water so to speak, luckily enough, Mick Jagger obtained the music rights to his catalog and the rest as they say.. is this movie! 😀

Grade: C+ – for the movie itself  B+ for the performance of Chad Boseman

Grading scale: A = Oscarworthy; B = Above Average – must see; C = Average – should see; D = Don’t waste your time or money; F = Yeah, no don’t see the movie.  (+ or -) give it a bit up or down

 

Movie Reviews, Movies

++NEW POST ~ “MOOD INDIGO”++

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mood indigo

Review of this movie = I left after 20 minutes.  And that made me sad.  I adore Romain Duris, Omar Sy & Audrey Tautou and I so thought this was going to be a cute, funny, whimsical movie.  Needless to say it wasn’t and I haven’t walked out of a movie since Les Miserables. Before that, it had been years.. I mean I sat through ‘The Other Woman” you’d think I would be able to do this.. But I couldn’t. And yes, It made me sad.

Moving on..

Movie Reviews, Movies, Uncategorized

+++REVIEW ~ “DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES+++

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darn_of_the_planet_of_the_apes-intl_posterIf I’ve learned anything by watching movies, it’s to never have huge expectations for anything, especially Blockbuster season.  While I did like this movie, for the first 15 minutes, I almost felt as though I could be watching a foreign film as it was all subtitles for the language the apes speak…and it was kinda fun.

I’m sure most already know the basic overview of the movie.  It picks up where the last one left off.  Most of the human population has now died off from the man-made ‘Simian Flu’ and the world has moved on to being occupied by a large ape population. Or so we think. This is where the movie got a bit cliched for me.  The apes have the first 15-20 min. of the movie all to themselves as we see how they live now, in the forest they escaped to previously, with “Caesar” (Andy Serkis) being their leader. A conversation ensues between some of the apes about how they haven’t seen human’s in 10 years or so. Lo and behold within SECONDS of that conversation..who shows up???  a human!!! “Carver” (Kirk Acevedo) then does what..oh yeah..he shoots an ape. And so it goes..the beginning of plot where we all know what is going to happen as “Malcolm” (Jason Clarke), “Ellie”(Keri Russell), “Alexander”(Kodi Smit-McPhee) and “Koba” (Toby Kebbell -whom I loved as an actor since RocknRolla but sadly he’s all covered up as an ape) all show up along with Caesar, to stop any violence from further happening.  See the humans are there to try and get the dam that is located in the apes forest, working so they can have power. They strike a deal and just like as with so many deals that have been struck over time, it doesn’t pan out the way it’s supposed to. Surprise! Surprise!

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Just as Apes and Humans are not supposed to get along here, there are some ‘human-friendly’ apes and some ‘ape-friendly’ humans, who are both there to ensure that the day will be saved. There is not supposed to be any ‘ape on ape’ violence either. But Koba, an ape who was horribly mis-treated in labs by humans, absolutely hates humans and will do anything to make the other apes believe this. And sadly he does.  But we have “Dreyfus”(Gary Oldman), who is the human version of Koba and believes all apes are trying to kill us.  And the plot goes exactly as you think it will. A wrongly started War ensues when the apes get ahold of guns, but the truth has to come out and does.  There are no surprises in this plot.  One little part I found really funny, the apes are running in the now-defunct old BART system and comes up to some turnstiles, while they are apes and can leap-frog over them etc..one ape actually goes thru the turnstile like a human. I found that incredibly funny! Probably just me! ha!

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To wrap it up.. the movie is visually quite stunning, when they go to close-ups of the apes, there is no question in your mind that they are real. This is not the Roddy McDowell costume of the 70’s, though I did love those.  🙂  The story-line also gives off a few big, true-to-heart messages. The major one being, there is both good and bad in everything and pretty much every species, and no matter what, you give a species that can operate machinery a gun, and they will use it not only against you, but most likely against their own also.  In case anyone hasn’t figured it out, we are a destructive species.

Grade: C+

#peggyatthemovies

GRADING SCALE: A = OSCARWORTHY; B = ABOVE AVERAGE~MUST SEE; C= AVERAGE~SHOULD SEE; D = DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY; F = YEAH..NO DON’T SEE THE MOVIE.. ( + OR – ) GIVES IT A BIT UP OR DOWN

Movie Reviews, Movies

+++READ~~~~REVIEW OF “LIFE ITSELF”+++

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Film Independent's 2006 Independent Spirit Awards - Arrivals

I’m not much of a crier at movies.. Usually, I know when someone is going to die or pass away, and I prepare for it. Not this movie, I knew what the ending was, I knew I would cry ~ and I did. I also laughed and learned a few things.  Look, I realize there are some people out there who might not even know who Roger Ebert is and are wondering  whaaat?? but for me Roger Ebert epitomized the word “MOVIES.”

And while there were many things I did not know about the man, that this movie nicely took me through to learn more about his earlier life and times, how he got to be the Film Critic for the Chicago Sun Times etc, I was a COMPLETE devotee of Siskel & Ebert ~ At the Movies.  And this movie made me remember so many of the reviews, off camera moments, oft sarcastic remarks they made to each other and a big reminder of how far back I actually started watching them..as I even remembered my mom saying to me “why do you watch these guys ~ all they do is bicker” and I haven’t lived at home in many years now!! hahahaha And oh yes, bicker they did. But what made them special to me was not only the way they reviewed movies, as for me a two-thumbs up was a must-see, but you could see deep down the respect and admiration they really truly had for each other even though arguing like high-school boys over whom was right in their reviews.  I loved every second of watching them. I will even admit that I used to *gulp* set my VCR to record their show..yep..my fandom knew no bounds..hahahahaha  And I know people thought I was weird to be so into what so many of my friends considered a ‘weird show’ for someone my age then, to be watching..And just like now, I didn’t care. To say they shaped how I watch movies would be an understatement. They made me understand movies.

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I remember being so saddened by Gene Siskel’s sudden death of a brain tumour, though it wasn’t as we learned, so sudden. He just kept it hidden.  Roger chose a different route when he was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw. Devastating as it was, he kept going until he felt he could no longer be in public. They removed his entire jaw, he couldn’t eat, drink, speak..nothing..It’s devastating seeing what he went through, but that he handled it with a strength I’m guessing he didn’t even know he had. I know I certainly wouldn’t have been able to do it.  I believe he had an amazing support system behind him with his wife, Chaz & his step-children/grandchildren also.  Martin Scorsese and many of Roger’s film critic friends are featured throughout this movie, and tell it like it is.  It’s quite wonderful, funny, and touching.

After Siskel, Roger had a lot of various co-hosts basically giving the a try-out so to speak..(if only I had been old enough dammit!! :)) And none worked so well as Richard Roeper. I was leary at first, thinking was he going to be as good as Gene, would there be that chemistry that they had before.  And while it definitely was a different chemistry, it worked. Until Roger could no longer do a live show.

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Roger Ebert could write about movies like no other.He had a way with words that no one else simply had. He was the 1st film critic to ever win a Pulitzer Prize. He became somewhat of a celebrity in his own right getting to be friends with some of the biggest names in film, yet that didn’t stop him from ever reviewing a movie thumbs up or thumbs down.  I know my little movie review blog here could be taken as a bit laughable when compared to the things that Roger Ebert wrote..but that’s okay by me. Without him I would have never been exposed to the movies the way I am..He loved everything from the Hollywood Blockbuster to Independent Film to the little Foreign Documentaries that it took years for the Academy to even recognize. But he did, and with that true love of film ~ he touched a lot of people..I am proud to say I am one of those people he touched. So yes, this film and my review are an ‘Ode to Ebert’ so to say. Thank you Roger.. my little blog about something I love #peggyatthemovies exists because of you.

Grade: A

#peggyatthemovies

GRADING SCALE: A = OSCARWORTHY; B = ABOVE AVERAGE~MUST SEE; C= AVERAGE~SHOULD SEE; D = DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY; F = YEAH..NO DON’T SEE THE MOVIE.. ( + OR – ) GIVES IT A BIT UP OR DOWN

Peggy at the Movies ~ Film Critic | Movie Maven | Reviews & More"