The Film Chronicles

Shampoo

Shampoo, 1974, Comedy
Plot: A male hairdresser, who’s only in the business to sleep with his female clients, attempts to keep his life in order as things begin to unfold and he is forced to grow up.

Thoughts: This was an entertaining movie and it was fitting that nearly every scene had some sex in it. Warren Beatty who, to me, is just a Jimmy Caan look-a-like, played his role well. The supporting actors and actresses all performed at a high level.

This film was packed full of political references since it takes place on the eve of the 1968 Election. With all of the women he has in this film it did get a little confusing, but the writer and director duo do a great job of tying the lose ends and clearing up confusion.

Hal Ashby (also known for Harold and Maude) directs this movie and we can see many similarities from tghe cinematography to the shot selection.

3.1/5

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine, 2010, Comedy
Plot: Three guys and one of those guys’ nephew go to their favorite resort to cheer up one of their buddies. When they party in a hot tub, it turns into a time machine and they are brought back to the year 1986.

Thoughts: This movie was what I expected it to be and not much more. It should have been named the Hangover: Time Edition. It would probably have been much funnier while under the influence of some kind of controlled substance, but we all know I don’t mess with that. The ending was really good, however, and I don’t have much doubt that someone, somewhere is writing a part 2 to this movie.

2.6/5

The Expendables

The Expendables, 2010, MEGA Action
Plot: Sly Stallone leads a group of mercenaries against a corrupt dictator of a small island in the Caribbean.

Thoughts: This movie had more story than I thought it was going to have…and that’s not a good thing. I really wanted nothing but action but all I got was cheesy and rushed character development along with a couple of plot holes. Still not a bad movie and the action sequences were pretty cool.

Good movie to watch only because one of my favorite actors is in it (Mickey Rourke). When I make it big, I’m going to put him in like 10 of my movies lol.

2.8/5

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, 2009, Action

Plot: Taking its cue from the toy-line and 80s cartoon, G.I. Joe hopes to make something childish, cool…it didn’t work.

Thoughts: The action and fight scenes were by far the best part of the film. The graphics were sub-par and many scenes were obviously green screen. My friend Ronnie told me to take the movie for what it was and so I did that and enjoyed it much better.

In a turn of events, Marlon Wayans was probably the most interesting part of the film. His character had some depth other than childhood tragedy like pretty much every other character. The lines and dialogue were pretty cheesy too. I have no clue who wrote the script, but it’s obvious that this was one of their side projects to pay the bills (Lil’ Timmy gotta eat!). Ray Park was a welcome surprise for any sci-fi nerd. There will be a sequel, I presume.

2.1/5

A Man for All Seasons

A Man for All Seasons, 1966, Drama
Based on the stage play of the same name this is the story of a man, Sir Thomas More who refuses to compromise his beliefs for King Henry VII.

Thoughts: A beautifully acted film. Writing about it makes me want to watch it again since I only had the opportunity to watch it in short segments. I think I may have missed some powerful scenes because they were taken out of context and it took me a while to get back into the feel of the movie.

Orson Welles also makes a cameo in this film. It’s a classic that must be seen. Thanks for recommending it to me!

4.1/5

Oceans

Oceans, 2009, Documentary

Plot: A look at how our largest bodies of water affect our everyday lives and why they are good for us.

Thoughts: Boring is what sums this up. If you want to get me excited about being more eco-friendly, please don’t produce detritus and try to pass it off as a Disney film. Looking at the animals and hearing Pierce Brosnan narrate that a fish is swimming left, not right, got old after minute 5.

I enjoy documentaries, but this seemed more like what a school of fish would produce had they been given a similar budget.

1.7/5

How Smart Are Animals?

How Smart Are Animals?, 2011, Documentary
Plot: A Look at how we perceive animals intelligence and the actuality of it.

Thoughts: This was a really good look that wasn’t your standard “dolphins smart” “birds talk”. It repeated much information that I already know but also showed me other things. One of the things that surprised me was the reaction of the dog when she thought and deduced a request.

The octopi were also interesting, camouflaging in less than a second is pretty impressive. Neil deGrasse Tyson leaves with a very interesting notion of relative knowledge and intelligence. Very good documentary.

3.9/5

Chinatown

Chinatown, 1974, Mystery

Plot: In this film noir movie, directed by Roman Polanski, we see a private detective (played by Jack Nicholson) in 1930s Los Angeles stuck in the middle of a murder mystery.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this film. Jack Nicholson is still one of the most underrated actors in the game, nearly every role he touches turns to gold. This film by a great director with a skewed sense of morality captures his essence perfectly. The cinematography is beautiful and the entire feel of the film is dark and flows with the theme very well.

Great movie that you should watch.

4.2/5

MacGruber

MacGruber, 2010, Comedy
Plot: Based on the SNL skit that’s based on the TV show MacGyver, this follows the return of military crime fighter ___ MacGruber.

Thoughts: This movie had some very funny parts and was very well produced. Some of the comedy wasn’t up my alley but I can see how some people could appreciate it. There were a few too many sex jokes and the two sex scenes went on for way too long. I liked the option to have the film narrated for the blind, “MacGruber thrusts his sweaty buttocks” will forever resonate in my head.

I enjoyed the cameos from some of the more popular wrestlers. This film is good for a simple laugh, but that’s about it. Not gonna win any Oscars, but it’ll get the job done.

3.2/5

Quiz Show

Quiz Show, 1994, Drama
Plot: Based on a book that is about one of the contestants of the famous game show “21”, we get a look at the scandal and drama that unfolds when one contestant is asked to take a dive, giving rise to another, better looking contestant.

Thoughts: This was a well done film with plenty of tense and dramatic moments. The film is essentially about seduction and temptation and whether or not these gentlemen can resist. The film is very well written and directed and the acting is believable. At the end of the day, I really don’t see much wrong with being dishonest about a television show besides making some Americans look like fools. It’s all about ratings and there’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion.

4.2/5