The Film Chronicles

Futurama the Movie: Bender’s Big Score, 2007, Comedy
Plot: A trio of aliens scam their way to taking over Planet Express and then the Earth after figuring out how to go back in time.

Thoughts: The first part of the movie was a little rough to watch. It seemed that the Futurama staff were trying too hard and had been out of the game for so long that they needed to get their bearings. As the film went on, however, the magic of Futurama returned. The story was really compelling and it had a “feel-good” quality to it. This still remains one of my favorite cartoons shows of all time.


4.1/5

The Dilemma, 2010, Comedy
Plot: A man sees his best friend’s wife on a date with another man and doesn’t know how to break it to him.

Thoughts: This movie had two of my top 10 comedians of all-time: Kevin James and the master of improv Vince Vaughn. The story was interesting and contained a deeper meaning of not really knowing those around you. Channing Tatum was surprisingly entertaining but still the worst person on screen in every scene. I also thought that Queen Latifah’s character lacked any depth and was just a vessel for the writers to get their one-liners through.

James and Vaughn took a while to mesh well and even when they did, it still seemed a bit awkward. James is a good actor but plays a poor straight man in this film (he did a much better job in Hitch). He’s more of an actor who excels on his own while Vaughn plays a better sidekick than leading role. Good movie, though.

3.4/5

Batman: Under the Red Hood, 2009, Action
Plot: A mysterious man calling himself the Red Hood is seeking to control Gotham’s crime by taking over the crime bosses’ territories.

Thoughts: Once again DC studios does it again. This movie was a good mix of everything, and for a guy who hates watching movies twice, I think I enjoyed watching this the second time more than the first. Jensen Ackles did a great job of filling in for Kevin Conroy (no one compares) and John DiMaggio played an excellent Joker as well. The story was compelling and interesting, I just wish that it were a bit longer.

I was also glad to see Black Mask portrayed in the film. It’s nice to see villains that aren’t often highlighted in the media. His character gave this film more energy than it would have had had he not been there. I hope that they make a sequel or get this same cast and crew to make another along the same lines.

4.5/5

Blade Runner, 1982, Sci-Fi
Plot: In the (then distant) future of 2019 a group of androids called “replicants” have escaped and are on Earth looking for their creator. A retired Blade Runner, a person who finds and “retires” replicants, is sent out to destroy them.

Thoughts: I honestly had little clue about what was going on through most of the film. This was the theatrical version and I heard that the director’s cut was much better since it has a different ending and doesn’t feature Harrison Ford’s monotonous narration. I think the film was ahead of its time in a good way, but it didn’t capture me enough to grab my attention the whole way through.

2.2./5

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, 2010, Documentary


Plot: Two men with a disease and poor eating habits commit to an all vegetable and fruit juice diets in order to cure their ailments and take a step away from obesity and towards healthier living.

Thoughts: This was a very inspiring movie that told a simple story of two men trying to better themselves the old fashioned way: better diet and exercise. The results were phenomenal and seemed to change the two men’s lives dramatically.

The film seemed more like a long infomercial that didn’t sell anything rather than an outright documentary. It is good just to see what all is out there though and a way to change your life for the better. I may even try the detox lol.

3.2/5

Science of Dogs, 2007, Documentary
Plot: A look in the role of dogs and how they have been shaped within the last 2 centuries by their human companions.

Thoughts: It was really interesting to see how dogs have evolved in just a short amount of time. There are around   200 breeds and counting. I always thought that these creatures were interesting and that there was something about them but until watching this documentary I never fully understood. Dogs are really impressive and their loyalty is unmatched. It is a little inhumane how we are attempting to create “ultimate dogs” for our own needs, but yet they remain lovable.

4.2/5

Nick Swardson: Seriously, Who Farted?, 2009, Comedy
Plot: Comedian/ actor Nick Swardson performs his stand-up in front of an Austin crowd.

Thoughts: After watching his first stand up on Comedy Central: Presents, I expected this stand-up to be much better than it was. His jokes were more hit-and-miss than Patrice O’Neal. I expected more from Nick, but I guess he’s already out of his prime. Good for slapstick humor but not too much else.
2.2/5

Swingers, 1996, Comedy
Plot: A young comedian who recently moved from New York to LA after a tough break-up attempts to get back on his feet and into the dating arena.

Thoughts: This was an honestly done movie featuring two of my favorite filmmakers: Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Favreau does an excellent job of playing a person you feel sorry for. His acting talent is so underwritten and I think that he doesn’t get enough props. Vaughn did what he does best and showed his talents at a young age.

At some parts, however, he seemed a little too “Vaughn-ish”. The story and characters were believable and the direction of the film went in a believable direction. You root for the protagonist, which is the bottom line for any film, book, poem, etc.

3.6/5

WALL-E, 2008, Animated
Plot: A trash compacter notifies humans living on a space craft that Earth is now habitable after centuries of pollution and decay.

Thoughts: Okay…I was wrong about this movie. After first seeing this film I wasn’t super thrilled. Just your standard Pixar movie (which means that it’s a great film). An article was released rating this the best Pixar film and I disagreed wholeheartedly. Even my girlfriend tried to set my mind straight, but I was just too stubborn. I must say that after watching this film again, it deserves every award it gets.

This movie was entertaining, compelling, and socially conscious a mix hard to find in contemporary films without one overpowering the other. Though WALL-E is just a trash compacter, you feel for his character and his genuine goodness. This movie was similar to Up, but unlike by the fact that the climax is engaging and it never goes flat. FANTASTIC film.

4.8/5
SN: I loved the BURN-E short film!

Planet You, Unknown, Documentary
Plot: A look at the critters that are on your body.

Thoughts: This was an interesting movie seen on an outing to the Houston Science Museum. It is really interesting how each one of our bodies is home to a unique set of creatures and how they all play roles to make us who we are. It’s kind of creepy knowing that you’re never truly alone. The skit was funny and intended for a younger audience, but the lead actors did a good job of not half-doing it.

3.6/5