BoogieStu

Top 50 Fav. Flicks

boogiestu — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:03:11 +0000

First Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
With the coming of a New Year it’s always been tempting to make a best movie list. But I have a hard time. Which is the best of all. I think many on my list could easily be top movie. The only reason The Crow made it number is, for many years back. Every Halloween I would watch The Crow at midnight. I really love it. So I asked myself what movie would I see again. Actually in my list I have seen each movie many times some more than others. You really have something dear to you when you can tolerate watching the same movie over again. Looking at this list I get the feeling I really have a thing for movies. HaHa! It would have been easy to make a top 100 list to include many more flicks I love. To make it a challenge I kept to only the top 50. It’s up for debate for sure. Being the sentimental guy I had to squeeze Fast Times at Ridgemond High. It was hard not to put the Matrix number one. You see my problem each movie has a special place in my heart. Enter the Dragon has got to be one of the best films ever. Bruce Lee forever Martial Arts Icon. Some movies perhaps not well known really hit me of what is special about movies. Films like Collateral, Road to Perdition, Black Book and A River Runs Through to name a few. I dream that 2012 means an opportunity to discover great new movies.

50. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

49. Highlander

48. La Femme NIkita

47. Goodfellas

46. Amadeus (1984)

45. Species (1995)

44. Starship Troopers (1997)

43. Black Book

42. Enemy at the Gates

41. Mr. Brooks

40.Cast Away

39. Boondock Saints

38. The Brotherhood of the Wolf

37. Rocky

36. Kill Bill

35. Terminator

34. Collateral

33. Leon: The Professional

32. Road to Perdition

31. Black Hawk Down

30. King Kong (2003)

29. Saving Private Ryan

28. The Lord of the Rings

27. Star Wars

26. The Shawshank Redemption

25. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

24. Platoon

23. The Red Violin

22. Batman Begins (2005)

21. Ironman

20. Blade: Trinity

19. Cloverfield

18. District 9

17. Star Trek (2009)

16. Gladiator

15. Reservoir Dogs

14. Hustle & Flow

13. The Big Lebowski

12. Aliens

11. Enter the Dragon

10. True Romance

9. The Usual Suspects

8. Apocalypto

7. Unforgiven

6. A River Runs Through It

5. No Country for Old Men

4. The 13th Warrior

3. Pulp Fiction

2. Matrix

1. The Crown (1994)

Fright Night (2011)

boogiestu — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:26:23 +0000

To me it’s pretty much a guarantee with any vampire movie, I will definitely watch. After watching the trailer I doubted how good Colin Farrell would be. I think he’s done some fine films but I don’t sway either way. I vaguely remember Tigerland (2000) I thought it was incredibly boring. In Cassandra’s Dream and In Bruges his character was such a complainer, I didn’t like it. I did like Minority Report and S.W.A.T. One flick to recommend is Ondine to be fair. I think this movie kept the special affect to a minimum. The supporting cast was very good for this movie. Like Toni Collette. To my delight Lisa Loeb has a small part. I like her as a singer. With her reality show I really warmed up to her. Good looking lady and so sweet. Sandra Vergara left me wanting more, I just like feisty women. Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Ed was funny at times but I think the movie missed his potential.

Starring Anton Yelchin who by the way has being in some good movies. Yelchin plays as Charlie Brewster. Living with his mom Jane (Toni Collette). Charley is a pretty normal kid. Use to be a nerd but now he hangs with the cool kids. His very pretty girlfriend Amy played by Imogen Poots. Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Ed warns Charlie there is a vampire living next door to Ed. Of course the boy is obviously crazy until he goes missing. Charlie sets out to find out more about his neighbor. I like the pace of the movie, it doesn’t waste a lot of time getting into the meat of the story. (sorry I had to) David Tennant plays as Peter Vincent as a survivor of the same vampire, who killed his family. Peter becomes Charlies side kick as well vampire hunters. After Jerry the vampire (Colin Farrell) takes Charlie’s girlfriend Amy . Charlie is out for war.

The movie is pretty straight forward. Nothing too surprising but with the storyline and pace. I found this vampire tale very entertaining. Before I forget worthy to note Emily Montague as Doris. She was taken by Jerry early on. Not to spoil it but Charlie goes to rescue her. The rest I leave to watch. To end it I would add Colin Farrell was pretty good as vampire Jerry. His dialogue was interesting leading me to think he didn’t have enough dialogue as the seducer he portrays to trap his next victim. I think the rating R is pretty border line at least for me. Who is use to soul disturbing scenes then sleeping like a baby. Thanks and good Fright!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

boogiestu — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:23:01 +0000

I had lost interest after the first Pirates of the Caribbean. I decided to see this one because of Penelope Cruz. What can I tell you I’m a sucker for a pretty face. I’m not a fan of sequels because when the first is a great movie what follows is usually very disappointing. In the first the antics of Jack Sparrow works. Also Keira Knightley is just wonderful. With a good story and great supporting cast. The first Pirates of the Caribbean was a blast watching. What follows is trying to out do the first. With a successful formula you can’t help but turn out for the masses, I mean green baby. But does it work over and over maybe for some. The second flick to me seem like the same movie extended.

In this latest effort Jack Sparrow seem rather tamed. A character now well known lacks excitement. Nothing new was introduced. Maybe some past secret childhood experience. That said I don’t think it was a horrible movie. Lots of action although rather harmless fight scenes but in fairness it is Disney after all. As wonderful as Penelope Cruz is sometimes movies fail to show that side of her. Bringing her to this movie was a good move but failed to really make her shine, again it is Disney keep it clean. The mermaid seem more interesting because of her struggle with her captive and her love interest. That said what happen to the mermaid and her new love? They just go off into the ocean depth, that’s pretty weak I think. A surprise to me was Ian McShane as Blackbeard. A good villain is always a good thing to keep it interesting.

I wonder if I never seen Pirates of the Caribbean this movie alone would be very entertaining. So making the case of movie sequels with the obvious high expectations. Just throwing more money and bigger sets don’t make it a success. Over all the action and the story was good. Nothing spectacular but worth watching just the same. In fairness I have been lacking much excitement with current movies I’ve watched lately. It does setup being wonderfully surprised when a movie shines. It’s also possible I’m the only one who thinks so. I do enjoy writing the review a form of discussion of the movie I’ve seen.

Good Neighbors (2010)

boogiestu — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:03:28 +0000

Many times I had passed on this movie. I didn’t have much of expectations. Not a huge fan of Jay Burachel. Not to get on his case but his characters are pretty wimpy. Then we have Scott Speedman which I can’t say much about besides Underworld. So not a lot of incentive. But in the quest of watching the next great movie. Jaded from so many movies comes chance. A chance for not so well noticed movies. A lot of times these are what they call independent films. Something different from the mass machine turning out media globs. I better quit before the hole is too big to climb out.

Set in a small town of Canada. Three neighbors live their lives being civil with each other. Victor played by Jay Burachel is the new neighbor moving in. Spencer (Scott Speedman) unable to walk seems to be confined to his apartment. Louise played by Emily Hampshire. Basically a quiet woman with two cats, which she loves very much. Part of the lacking in this movie is the setting up. I think the idea is a neighbor whether you know for some time or just met. May not be who you think. Louise follows the newspaper about the local serial killer. Victor is really annoying and Spencer is no charmer either. The question is who is the killer.

The movie starts rather dull but its the results that grabbed me. The lengths people will go to are always surprising and entertaining. Letting the movie develop pays off making it worth while. Perhaps more about the serial killer would of helped keep the interest throughout the movie. Establishing the everyday person was set up but no one is impressed. I have seen much worse movies. This flick is decent and not bad for a rental.

Rising

boogiestu — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:27:48 +0000

Dream
tender year
magical rainbow

her smile
possible horizon
mystery night

Once
now pain
past dust

friend
bond
mountain

glitter faded
home
tear

bone chill
bitter sweet
heart smear

aging
fond
whisper

cry
healer
rising

Water for Elephants (2011)

boogiestu — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:35:12 +0000

I thought with a cast like this it might be interesting movie. Reese Witherspoon was great in Four Christmases with Vince Vaughn. I remember the movie The Man in the Moon (1991). Christoph Waltz had a great performance in Inglourious Basterds (2009). Since then that unique character has been showing up. Yes everybody knows Robert Pattinson from the Twilight movies. But can the young man escape the fame of Twilight success. I think the trailer is a good teaser. I really love period movies sometime in the 1930′s. Hal Holbrook as a mature Jacob Jankowsky starts it out by telling his story. Charlie played by Paul Schneider looks on with wonder of a different time. Maybe it’s simply the mystery of a time before me. A good movie makes you feel like your there.

Robert Pattinson as Jacob is about to finish college as a veterinarian. His parents are killed in a car accident. Suddenly in debt with the bank Jacob has nothing. Without a house and penniless he heads out of town. Jacob gets on a train that turns out to be a traveling circus. He does odd jobs until he meets the owner August played by Christoph Waltz. August gives Jacob a chance as their new veterinarian. Jacob had this smile he made giving him this innocent demeanor. I think it works for his character. He is book smart but out in this world there are lessons. Jacob sees Marlena working with horses and is smitten by her. Marlena played by Reese Witherspoon looks delicately delightful. Of course this clearly means trouble for every one. Why am I the only one to see this?

August to most is a business man. But behind the scenes he acts with less scruples. The dirty work is carried out by Blackie played by Scott MacDonald. Sometimes during the train traveling at night people would go missing. Nothing happen without August knowing about it. As Jacob and Marlena get to know each other feelings grow between the two. Not all is well with the Circus. August needs a main attraction. One that is spectacular to fill the seats allowing the Circus to continue. August buys an elephant and is to work with Marlena. Jacob is to train the new elephant. A stressed out August jabs the elephant to be obedient but only manages to hurt the elephant. By mistake Jacob speaks polish and the elephant seems to understand and obey. So the training gets underway. But just as good fortune seems to permeate. You get the feeling an inevitable volcano will erupt.

I liked the delivery of the movie. The scenery of the 1930′s and the cast. When the main characters dressed for diner it seem classy. The movie seem to go by quickly which means entertaining. Yes it’s a love story but I think guys will be surprised and find a good movie. Charm your lady by suggesting it first and look like the caring sweetheart you really are. I recommend it worthy rental.

Attack the Block (2011)

boogiestu — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:39:06 +0000

I heard about this movie. I checked out the trailer. The idea is great some kids versus invading aliens. I like British movies. I don’t always know the words but I believe I get the gist. The soundtrack was fun adding to the feel of the movie. These young teens are as tough as they come. You could say these are a present day little rascals. Or should I say urban rascals. Baseball bats for weapons and stolen or prepaid cellphones. For some reason that stood out to me. One thing for sure the teens were more close friends than a gang. Looking out for each other and doing what ever they need to get by.

John Boyega plays as Moses. He’s the leader of the crew. Sam played by Jodie Whittaker is heading home. The crew see Sam and decide to mug her. Something in the sky comes down crashing onto a car next them. Sam runs off home. Moses slowly looks into the car. A creature comes out charging at Moses. The creature lands on top but Moses takes out a knife and stabs it. Probably with his pride hurt and the side of his face scratched. Moses declares to chase the creature and kill it. The creature is hiding in a shed. The boys throw firecrackers into the shed. Moses charges in followed by the rest of the crew.

What appeals to me is how tough these kids are. Also the way they look after each other. Throw in some fun there are two younger boys. They want to be like the bigger boys and prove their metal. For good measure the movie shows learning lessons. There are consequence from your actions. You can’t give up on a person. Giving them a chance may be all they need. With more creatures landing and after the crew. Sam ends up teaming up with the boys. Besides surviving from attacks. Sam and the boys learn from each other. It’s said if you get to know your enemy they seize to be an enemy.

The first creature is very different from the main creatures. The first looks like a Kremlin. I would describe the others something between a dog and a bear. They are black with long hair, reminds me of a carpet. Luckily for every one the creatures die pretty easy considering they are aliens. But you have to give credit to the boys who are terrified but defend themselves courageously. I can’t remember another movie lately that has been so much fun adventure. My closes comparison is a zombie movie that is after people. The movie manages to lighten the mood with humor from time to time. This one is worth a second viewing. I would highly recommend this flick.

Green Lantern (2011)

boogiestu — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:21:32 +0000

DC Marvel must by dancing all the way to the bank. Is it just me or all super hero outfits look ridiculous. It’s one thing in a comic book or animation. Rottentomatoes.com gave this film a low rating. I was thinking to pass on it. This is a good example not to give to much credit to critics. I guess myself included. I like Sci-Fi films and most get terrible reviews. It might be that I appreciate the idea as well as the delivery. A film can be so-so but I give it props for its effort. People tell me they prefer movies based on true events. I think why? I get reality everyday I wake. Some say true stories inspire to better one self. I think to sum it up and not drag this out. A film requires imagination to deliver and the viewer needs imagination combine both and all sorts of inspiration sparks.

Ryan Reynolds plays the Green Lantern. I have to say not one of his best performance. I think lacking emotion. Blake Lively plays Carol Ferris. She had a spirit in a scene and Reynolds seem flat to me. Blake Lively looked stunning to bad she wasn’t the super hero. Peter Sarsgaard plays Hector Hammond as a scientist he becomes infected after examining an alien that crashed on earth. The infection corrupts him and all his resentments lash out with his new ability. Sarsgaard had a more compelling character. We see him develop from a quiet teacher and scientist to a crazed over sized big head. The one thing I really enjoyed was the aliens from different planets. Funny too some where similar to fish or animals. Another thing I thought was the film had a big budget feel. Every scene was very well detailed. It’s got to be hard to present a character from DC Marvel. Not sure but I would guess they had a few comic books to work with.

As a fan of Sci-Fi I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it wasn’t as good as say Ironman. To me not too many films have been even the Ironman sequels. I do think Batman with Christian Bale have been excellent. Still this film was entertaining worthy of a night rental. Lacking in the man character development but the scenes and special effects were top notch. Given the chance I love the idea of the ring but forget the suit. I’m a jeans and shirt kind of a guy.

Super 8 (2011)

boogiestu — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:33:35 +0000

Has ET come back? The trailer looked good to me. Ok I guess I’m still very much a kid at heart. I hope that explains all the immature behavior. The trailer shows us a train accident but what was in the train? I think for me the curiosity helps build up the movie. Of course the flick still has to deliver. I felt a bit nostalgic toward the time of the movie late 70′s. I don’t recall exactly what I was doing. Some periods are a bit foggy. The feel of the movie along with the soundtrack help me go back in time. Also the innocence of kids sends me back to a place of magic. Not that my childhood was similar. No its more of a feeling when I was younger and more possibilities seem obtainable. Our saving hero is Movie magic at least for a time we can dream once again.

Starring Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb. Joe and his buddies are making a zombie movie. Late night they go to a train station to get a scene for their movie. Martin (Gabriel Basso) plays the detective. The leading lady Alice Dainard played by Elle Fanning. Alice plays the wife of the detective. Joe does make up and sound. Right away you can tell there will be something between Joe and Alice. As the filming is underway Joe notices a car driving onto the tracks heading for the train. What follows is one huge train wreck it’s amazing anyone could have survived. After the disaster the group find the car and the driver still in his truck. It’s one of their teachers. Dr. Woodward played by Glynn Turman. He warns the kids not to speak of the incident or they will be in danger including their families.

The supporting cast of adults mainly are Joe’s father. Kyle Chandler plays Jackson Lamb also a deputy. Noah Emmerick plays Nelec the military in charge of the clean up after the crash. Alice’s father Louis Dainard. Louis and Jackson clash because of an accident where Joe’s mother dies. This side story adds to the events of finding the truth and dealing with their past. Other friends of Joe were Cary played by Ryan Lee. He was the explosives expert sort of. Charles played by Riley Griffiths was the director.

The story builds on the boys friendship. The boy crush is expanded when Charles explains he had feelings for Alice. Tension building with Jackson and Louis. The whole time the military is trying to capture the thing loose and cover up everything at any cost. Right! you want to know about the mystery every one is trying to find. I would hate to ruin it for you. It’s not ET, not really. No it’s different and the not knowing a lot probably keeps it interesting. I think the movie had charm and a good pace building to the end. Not a huge ending but that’s probably me. One of the negatives watching a lot of movies. The kid in me approves very much. Long live zombie movies. Don’t miss the credits.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

boogiestu — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:18:37 +0000

When the movie first hit the theater I heard a lot of excitement. Some times the commercials and media can hype pretty well. I was never into comic’s as a young boy. Not that I didn’t like them. I was mainly running the streets with friends or grounded at home. So I never really had comic’s to read. It seem I missed an entire world only now getting a taste of it through movies. Like books I’m sure comic’s have a certain element movies miss. I have enjoyed the Ironman films, especially the first Ironman. I’m very curious about next years follow up with The Avengers.

Chris Evans plays Captain America. As Steve Rogers his undersized to say the least. It’s funny how they portrayed him. Small, sick but never quiting and lots of heart. Stanley Tucci plays Dr. Abraham Erskine creator of a serum that will make Steve a super human. Something of a father figure he instills on Steve no matter what happens to always remain a good man. Meaning don’t abuse his super power for evil. I hope that doesn’t include being popular with the ladies? Hayley Atwell plays Peggy Carter. You know I don’t recall her role in the military. She’s the girl the boy falls head over heels for. Miss Atwell makes the 40′s look sexy and classy again. Except Peggy Carter will punch you in the face and charge with the boys guns a blazing. Hey! It’s make believe baby! Steve and Peggy have little time for romance. It’s all about the action.

The hero is nothing really without an equally good villain. Hugo Weaving will always be Mr. Smith to me. But I like Red Skull pretty classic. Red Skull starts out part of Hitler’s Science division known as Hydra. I don’t know when it happen but the guy is completely mad. Lucky for us otherwise we might have had a dull flick. I liked Captain America throwing his shield all over the place. It’s hard to ignore that the guy is never shot. I’m guessing he would heal faster than a normal person. I do like his courage and all the good American persona. Maybe we can remember that doing the right thing was something worth aspiring too. The movie had a fast pace not a lot of room to linger. I think for this movie it was a good thing. Chris Evans now has been a super hero twice. First Fantastic Four as a fireball! It will be interesting what follows next. This film goes good with buttered popcorn