Netflix #31 – 1408 – Suggested by Michelle and Dave S.
I don’t watch scary movies much, but when I do, I usually really like them. Perhaps because I’m easily scareable? Probably. Anyway, I really liked 1408. No big scary monsters or serial killers. Just a hotel room scaring the poop out of me. John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson were awesome. I loved Samuel L Jackson so much, especially his delivery of the line: “It’s an evil fucking room.” Classic! There was a sequence towards the end that took you out of the movie (if you’ve seen it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about) and lasted a bit too long, and it was hard to recover from. But other than that, I’d definitely recommend this if you want a scary movie to watch.
Netflix #32 – The Ten – Suggested by Robin and Josh
Yes! Yes! Yes! I loved this movie. It’s from the makers of the movie Wet Hot American Summer, which is one of my favorite movies ever. As a sidenote, I like to test potential boyfriends (HA!) with Wet Hot American Summer to see if they’re worthy (HA!) of me. If they don’t don’t like it or don’t laugh at all the right parts, they’re out! Anyway, The Ten isn’t as good as Wet Hot American Summer, but it’s still awesome. It’s a collection of 10 loosely related short stories hosted by none other than Paul Rudd, each one dealing with a different Commandment. Each of the stories just had the most random humor, you really need to see it to appreciate it. For those of you who have seen it, I think my favorite story was Gretchen Mol’s trip to Mexico. Oh and Kerri Kenney (who plays Deputy Trudy Wiegel from Reno 911) was in it! What more do you need?
The Incredible Hulk
Let’s start this review by saying that no adaptation of the Hulk character could ever compare with those of Batman and Superman (not Spiderman because the Spiderman movies sucked major ass). So now that we have that out of the way, The Incredible Hulk was the best movie the Hulk could be. This may sound like a backhanded compliment and that I didn’t like it very much, but that’s not true. I really liked it. It’s just that it can’t compare with the Batman and Superman franchises due to the nature of the character. There’s just not that much to him. Yes, I’m sure the Hulk comics give the character loads of depth, but those are books. They can do that. But I really enjoyed it. Edward Norton was awesome as usual, and the action was all top notch. People complain about the CG Hulk, but it didn’t really bother me that much. It wasn’t any different than Transformers. And I really don’t think makeup could have done the job. Does anyone remember the awfulness of the Juggernaut from X-Men 3? Oh, and every time Liv Tyler opened her mouth, the audience laughed. She’s so awful. In a recent interview in Entertainment Weekly, she complained about being considered too “ethereal” because of her role as Arwen in The Lord of the Rings. Hey Liv, you know what might make people stop thinking of you as ethereal? If you stop whispering all your lines!
Get Smart
Get Smart was my favorite movie of the summer. There. I said it. Yes, better than Iron Man, better than Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and better than Sex and the City. Unless I was in some sort of euphoric state of being, which tricked my mind into thinking that everything I saw was ten times better than it really was, I loved every bit of this movie. The humor was great, the action was incredible (considering it was a comedy), and the story was interesting enough to keep things going. Let’s talk about the action for a minute. It was amazing. Some of the action pieces (I’m talking in particular about the final one) were more impressive than the overly computer generated jungle chase scene in this summer’s Indiana Jones. And then there was always the humor to add that extra touch of wonderfulness. Steve Carell was born for this role and I was thrilled that they didn’t make his character a moron. These days it seems like whenever writers try and do slapstick, they translate it into being a moron. But he wasn’t. He was obviously an agent for good reason. It’s just that bad (and wonderfully silly) things kept happening to him. So for now, I proclaim Get Smart the best movie of the summer. Until The Dark Knight comes out.
Keep your recommendations coming!
I completely agree about The Incredible Hulk. Norton was great and I actually didn’t mind Tyler (though she started off weak). Let’s not forget William Hurt who was a fantastic General Ross. We’ll have to politely disagree on the Spiderman movies (with the exception of 3).
I’m glad you liked Get Smart, I’ll be seeing it later in the weekend and am looking forward to it.
I think I’ve suggested this already, but if you can see Rec, definitely see it. Horror movie out of Spain (I believe). Very scary, but very good.
I’m really excited about Get Smart. I’m hoping to catch it sometime this weekend. Hearing your thoughts on it makes me want to see it more.
As much as I like Ed Norton, I’m still not sure about The Incredible Hulk. My son wants to see it, so I’ll probably go.
And I’m glad you liked 1408 — I thought it was a fun, smart thriller.
I just got The Mist on DVD this past weekend and rewatched it with my kids (their first time seeing it). They loved it. (They make me…*sniff*…so proud)
Say what you want about the ending, but it’s a great social commentary on how humans cope with extremities. And the acting in the film is incredible.
You didn’t like Spiderman? Granted the third movie was awful, but the first two were pretty great in my book.
I didn’t see the first Hulk and I doubt I’ll see this one either. But I hopefully will get to see Get Smart. I haven’t even gotten to the new Indiana Jones movie yet.
Dave S.: Take the boy, The Incredible Hulk is actually pretty good. It is a thousand times better than the first one (which may not be saying much) which I affectionately refer to as “The Unwatchable Hulk”.
John: Marcia Gay Harden delivered that line brilliantly.
And how the hell did the movie’s director get such a phenomenal performance out of that little kid? He was completely believable.
I was told that Ed Norton is a big Hulk fan and pitched the project to Marvel. Apparently he wanted to make sure the Hulk was done right this time around.
I recommend 9 Dead Gay Guys.
Dave S.: Which movie? I lifted unwatchable from The Simpsons (See Craig, we all lift jokes occasionally).
As a side note, I think Marcia Gay Harden is a good example of how smart and funny = sexy.
I heard that Norton was not happy with the end result of the film and that is why he refuses to do press for the film. It’s too bad, he was a great Banner and did the film justice.
John: I was talking the new Hulk, rather than the old one. Though critics aren’t raving about The Incredible Hulk, I have yet to hear a real person not like it. Unlike the one that came out a couple years ago when even the most positive reviews that I heard from people would usually include the words “tolerable” and “okay.”
Dave S.: Sorry I wasn’t clear, I meant in which movie did Marcia Gay Harden deliver the line. It now dawns on me that you meant the line: “Take the boy.” Did she say that in Used People?
Isn’t it amazing how many roles Steve Carell was born to play? Also, I would be interested to hear anyone’s feedback on Mike Myers’ new movie. It looked…just…awful.
HA! I’ve totally used Wet Hot American Summer as a boyfriend test before! I never get tired of that movie. My impression of Amy Poehler from the deleted scenes as she runs away into the woods always gets me plenty of laughs too. I’m glad i’m not the only one that loves it…
And try “Death At A Funeral.” It’s got a great cast and the humor should be right up your alley. Plus Alan Tudyk (from Firefly and his awesome role as a cult leader on Strangers With Candy) shows some skin. Always a plus.
I loved 1408 too.. VERY scary freaky movie.
I’m glad you liked Get Smart, I really want to see it but have been hearing mixed reviews.
I hope by Superman franchise, you only meant the first two. Batman, I agree, is king of comic book adaptations, despite Batmans 2-4.
Get Smart was a very funny movie, but personally I think Iron Man was the best movie of the summer so far. I’m seeing Wall-E Friday night, so I think that will change early Saturday morning.
Ed Norton. Yummy.
Spiderman was fun!
And Dark Knight? I won’t see it. I can’t stand that this character was Heath Ledger’s last. Something about that just really bothers me.
The Spiderman movies were brilliant! Yes, even the third one.
But I’m a Marvel whore and can’t stand SuperBoyScout or Bat-”I’m the unluckiest filthy rich playboy ever!”-Man. I mean, emo-hair Peter Parker can never compete with Bruce Wayne for unbelievable and unending pathos.
Anyway, I think I like Hulk better as a movie than in the comics, because I think you’re actually wrong, there’s not much more depth to the character in the books. Hulk does one thing well, smash. And Hulk smash good in movie.
I currently use Hairspray as my boyfriend test. If they roll their eyes once at my unnecessary singing along, it’ll never work out, even if that eye-roll comes during the second consecutive screening. Also, anyone who suggests watching a movie just because it stars (Jim Carrey/Mike Meyers/Adam Sandler/Tom Hanks/Shia LaBoef) is probably heading to dumpsville.
Batman Returns was awesome, and way better than the original Batman. Jack Nicholson is totally over-rated as The Joker. And yes, Batmans 3 and 4 were lame.
I can’t even sit through the first Spiderman movie when it’s on TV. I can’t stand it. The 2nd one is better, and the third one was on the same level as the first. Emo Peter was just a disaster.
John: Sorry, I was confused (not that that’s anything unusual…). Marcia Gay Harden said that line (“Take the boy.”) in The Mist.
Or am I still confused?
Of the various Batman movies, Batman Returns is certainly the best, despite Katie Holmes. I say it’s advantage comes from Christian Bale’s awesome chest. But every time Miss Cruise was on screen I wanted to take psychotropic drugs (or throw them at her).
Jere: You’re confusing Batman Returns and Batman Begins. Batman Begins is the one with Christian Bale and Katie Holmes, which I agree is the best Batman movie to date.
Batman Returns is the 2nd one of the original 4 Batman movies from the 1990s which had Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman and Danny Devito as Penguin, which I think is the best of the 4.
I hate that I knew Harry would die the minute his face got scared.
You know I’m having a bad day when I’ve only got four comments on a Puntabulous post.
I was never a huge fan of the Batman franchise. I only saw the first two of the original movie series and they were okay. Being an artist, I appreciated Tim Burton’s style in the original, if not the content. Batman Begins I thought was very good and I’ll be seeing The Dark Knight at some point this summer. But it’s not necessarily a must-see.
I’m all about Wall-E.
That flick looks awesome.
I think I just need more light than dark right now…
Dave S.: Now it all makes sense. I haven’t seen The Mist yet.
Craig: I now will recommend Used People with Marcia Gay Harden.
Batman Begins ROCKED! and I can wait to see the Dark Knight. I’m really looking forward to Wall-E, it looks fantastic.
6 Batman movies
4 Superman movies
3 Spiderman mocies
2 Hulk movies
Where’s my Wonder Woman movie??
Saw Kinky Boots last night. What a little gem of a movie. Thanks for the recommendation. Have you seen Gregory’s Girl? It’s one of those quirky English (though it’s really Scottish) comedies. It’s about a tall, dorky boy looking for love (hmmmm….).
Michelle M: I (very briefly in an extremely long post) address that exact question in this post:
http://puntabulous.com/2008/02/25/the-puntabulous-adventures-of-vagina-girl/
I’m a little late on the upswing with this one, but I recently watched “Saw.” Nothing of what I expected. A smart non-gory thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.
Dave S: 2004 called. They want their movie recommendation back.
Just kidding.
How had you not seen it already? It was good. Not sure “smart” and “non-gory” are the correct words. But I enjoyed it.
I know, I know. Just one of those movies I never got around to seeing. Like Shrek 2 and 3.
Oo. Here’s an obscure but great movie: “Killer Clowns From Outer Space.” Dark comedy about aliens that just happen to look like clowns. Hilarity ensues.
How did I miss that one? I loved it (razzle dazzle/she spent it on booze)! Now I see why Wonder Woman hasn’t made it to the theater. And I was thinking it was because Supergirl, Electra and Catwoman (sorry, I know you liked that one) were bombs.
Samuel L Jackson always gets the best lines. Love him!
I sooo don’t agree with you on the Spiderman movies.
Dave S: Killer Klowns is a great piece of 80′s cheese. “What’re you going to do with those pies, boys?”
Craig: I still say rent Camp, 9 to 5 or Better off Dead, but if you’re looking for scary, Candyman is a decent scare film (though you’ve probably seen that one.) Problem is, films haven’t been scary in quite a while, you have to go back-a-ways to find good ones. Poltergeist, The Haunting, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre; those all hold up pretty well.
“Boo hoo! I’m Peter Parker! I’m a big loser! So people should feel sorry for me! Oh wait, I have super powers now! But people should still feel sorry for me since I have so much responsibility now! Blah blah blah. I’m a big cry baby.”
THE END.
Candyman, Candyman, Candyma……
Of for those of you who are South Park Fans:
Biggie, Biggie, Biggi…
Killer Clowns, wow does that go back a looong time. It definitely was a product of the Kraft corporation.
I’ll second 9 to 5, it is dated now, but is still really good. Fantastic cast.
Craig, did you have early childhood issues with spiders? Just asking.
You might hate the movie but would you kick Tobey Maguire out of your bed on a cold winter night?
All this superhero movie talk begs the question: who would play Super Viagra and Vagina Girl in the live action movie?
I see Lucy Lawless doing a fantastic job as Vagina Girl, but Julia Robert looks more like a giant walking c*nt.
1. Ed Norton = MMMMMM
2. I love Paul Rudd!
3. I would recommend, but you never listen to my recommendations. lol.
O.K. Craig-
The only recommendation of mine you’ve seen so far was Heathers, and we all know how THAT turned out, so I’m guessing that’s why you’ve never seen any of the other movies I’ve recommended. 20 lashes with a wet argyle sweater for me I guess..
Anyway, was wondering if anyone here has ever seen Pumpkin with Christina Ricci. Saw it the other night and forgot how macabe/funny it is, so I’m adding it to my recommended list.
Hope I get a few to agree with me, so Take THAT Puntabulous!
Jere:I would recommend Tobey Maguire as Super Viagra, but then Craig would banish me forever; (too many spider memories, don’t mention it to him, he’s kinda sensitive.) So, I think Craig should play him. After all Super Viagra is the ultimate in manliness, just like our Craig!
Craig has shown his action credentials in the C-Team.
I’m thinkin’ MS Paint animations.
I’m thinkin’ Craig as the voice of SV.
I’m thinkin’ Bossy as the voice of VG.
I’m thinkin’ Adult Swim.
I’m thinkin’ sheer, unadulterated brilliance.
Dave S: Sheer Genius, You’re the new Seth MacFarlane
I’ve been wanting to see 1408 (and to a lesser, more secretive extent, Saw — take THAT 2004) ever since Michelle reviewed the endings.
Glad to hear that Get Smart went over well. It got bad reviews from what I heard, but it looked like it would be great.
I’m afraid to see Get Smart. My daughter went and gave it 2.5 out of 5. I admit, I’m old, I’m old as dirt. I remember the REAL Get Smart (okay, it was probably reruns but I remember) and I just think my heart would be crushed. I love Steve Carrel, I love Anne Hathaway, but there is only one Don Adams, only one Agent 99 and one Chief in the “cone of silence”. Therefore on principle I am refusing to see it. Sigh. Having principles sucks sometimes.
I thought Vagina Girl would be voiced by Tina Fey. Not sure about Super Viagra though. Maybe Steve Carell?
But it would definitely be perfect for Adult Swim.
And sorry for not seeing any of your recommendations yet Nicky! Maybe there’s one already waiting for me on my queue!
Two Words:
Female Trouble
Death at a funeral – best comedy in the world lol, okay maybe not world but it is really funny! lol and you will be rofl’ing. Though be sure sure to watch with friends.
Im not that old, actually I can’t drink legally for 6 more months, but I saw the old Get Smart on tv and I don’t know if i want to see it because they make him clumsy, but capable, whereas things all fell into place because of his mishaps. Hmm I tend to prefer slapstick-moron humor, although not as much as smart comedy.
rofl’ing. What a great word.