Stream Movie DJ

[bmoviepicks]

"Bear” in “Revenant” does “Foxtrot”

At your local library...

“Infinitely Polar Bear”

Mark Ruffalo is manic and Zoe Saldana needs him to raise their daughters in this 2015 drama. While the pacing feels rushed at times, the tone and mood of the film reflect the emotional roller-coastering of Ruffalo. It’s a couple shades from being unforgettable, but it is good without being melodramatic. 

See it...with adults looking for a little family drama and warmth.

On Demand...

“The Revenant”

I’m going to keep it brief here because I am behind reviewing this lauded film of 2015. From the first time I saw the trailer, I was entranced. I had to wait until it was released on Amazon for rental and it didn’t disappoint. DiCaprio is excellent and Hardy is perfectly awful while the film itself can best be summed up in yet another paradoxical oxymoron: beautifully brutal. Rarely does a movie capture nature in such a way and, almost never, does a film provide what truly feels a genuine look into the old west and Native cultures that existed and thrived long before manifest destiny.

See it...with someone quiet or alone.

Also On Demand...

“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”

Thrilling because it is a true story and funny because Tina Fey is funny, the film provides a unique perspective on journalism and, particularly, journalism in Afghanistan. The movie feels uneven and could use some revisions and edits, yet it was worth a watch. Plus, a few good lines and powerful moments help. It doesn’t quite achieve the delicate dance of humor and message, yet it certainly dabbles.

See it...with someone who can laugh and won’t talk politics all night.

[bmoviepicks]

"Kasbah" not "Dope"; go to "Transylvania"

New to Netflix…

“Rock the Kasbah”

When I heard Bill Murray was going to be a lead in a Barry Levinson comedy with a cool title, I was simply excited that he would have serious screen time in a decent flick. While the single digits on Rotten Tomatoes and the box office bomb didn’t deter me on Netflix, the weird Kate Hudson encounter mid-movie did. Murray didn’t phone it in like in had feared but he and the rest of the interesting cast felt awkward and flailing in this Afghan Idol-Washed up Music Agent-Middle East Political Comedy. Yep, quite the combo. We want more Bill Murray; we don’t mind Levinson but this movie merely reminds us of a bad “Ishtar”.

See it… if you just can't resist Murray in a lead or if you like to face disappointment like this.

New to Netflix…

“Dope”

It’s definitely interesting and has some compelling messages regarding youth growing up in rough parts of the country while trying to achieve in school too. The movie just tries too much to be something fresh–and it is sometimes. It is both retro and relevant–lost in some of its more extreme and unrealistic plot components. As a high school teacher, I heard the comedy land with kids that age and the it even inspired a essay structure or two. You are not a “Dope” to see it, yet it’s not as “Dope” as so many thought.

Watch it if…you like 90s rap or appreciate a slightly comic and extreme approach to the struggles of motivated urban youth.

On Netflix...

“Hotel Transylvania 2”

Ok, I’ve devoted perhaps too much time to Sandler flicks the past few weeks, yet this family animated comedy is actually pretty funny. It, and its predecessor, were solid crowd pleasers at the box office and it is now on Netflix. Creative and funny, we hope both are on Netflix by the time our kids are old enough to appreciate them.

See it…with the kids or leave it on while cleaning up around the house.

[wildeyereleasing]

[bmoviepicks]

"Big Trouble, Little China"

Now that is an A+ B Movie!

[movieposteroftheday]

1956 Italian 4-foglio for ROPE (Alfred Hitchcock, USA, 1948) [see also]

Artist: Luigi Martinati (1893-1984)

Poster source: Heritage Auctions

The Italian title translates as “Lump in the Throat.”

[bmoviepicks]

Brilliant, overlooked Hitchcock thriller. Filmed, I believe, in 4 or 6 continuous shots.

[bmoviepicks]

Throwback Thursday!! "Deep Blue Sea” With a new shark movie, “The Shallows”, opening tomorrow and “Jaws” too cliche, we throw it back to the shark movie that made ridiculous shark movie what they are today. That’s right, “Sharknado”, before you, Sam Jackson was enlarging the brains of Great Whites in order to solve Alzheimer’s. Spoiler alert, karma comes around when you don’t tell your crew that these are no ordinary sharks. The movie is an ultimate B movie, yet earns that B plus because it is worth a rewatch! Oh, and did I forget to mention LL Cool J is in it!

[bmoviepicks]

“Ashby” gives “Goosebumps”, yet a complete “Do-Over”

Now streaming on Netflix...

"Ashby"

Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff, Emma Roberts and Sarah Silverman star in what can best be described as Ferris Bueller meets Grosse Point Blank, yet with enough heart and drama to get to your heart. I remember seeing the trailer and thinking, “hmm, interesting but probably wont’t see it.” After my mom’s recommendation, I turned it and made it through without breaking. It’s a teen dramedy that appeals to adults, too. Plus, Mickey Rourke turns in his best performance since The Wrestler as a hard and sour, yet honest and loyal neighbor with a past.

Watch It: When you’re awake and with some mature family. Yes, if you have any family members who are.

Now streaming on Netflix...

“Goosebumps”

Not sure if being a fan of the original series would hurt or help, I excitedly dove into the movie, having missed it in theaters. Yes, the old TV shows were watchable when I was 7, yet the movie was worth the wait for everyone involved because it simply tried to be, well, fun. It was inventive enough, including R.L. Stine (Jack Black) as a main character with a new story-line that incorporated the creatures from his original books. Plus, the dialogue is snappy enough, the effects are solid, and the movie moves quickly, not taking time to get bogged down in any emotions that simply wouldn’t fit in a kids’ horror comedy--a rare genre--effectively done. My wife, doing classwork on the couch across from me, stole more than a few long peeks.

Watch It: With a 6-9 year old niece, nephew or kid of your own and then dig out your books from the box in the basement and let them feast on them!

Now Streaming, unfortunately, on Netflix...

“Do-Over”

I strive to be honest in my reviews and, thus, here it goes: I didn’t finish this movie. When a decent comedy plot-line starts slowly and seems shoddily made becomes meandering with poor acting only to descend into some inexplicably unfunny raunchy scenes, many would say: “hmm, isn’t that Sandler circa the last 10 years?” Well, yes, but I’ve finished all his movies in the past, even “Ridiculous 6″, which was probably even worse than this. The problem here is the “Do-Over” allowed me to get my hopes up that perhaps it could, at least, bring some slight degree of pride back to his work. Nope. Always a staunch Sandler supporter, I fear his 5 flick contract with Netflix is more a passport to lazy comedy and filmmaking than anything else. Will I try the next 3? Yes. I can’t escape my love for “Big Daddy”, “Gilmore” and even “Bedtime Stories”, yet it’s bad when I’m just hoping for a movie as decent as “Click” so that I can proclaim, “he’s back”. Well, he’s not, and he’s bringing guys like Spade, James and even himself to the brink of oblivion if things don’t turn...fast.

Watch It: If you had too good of a day and need to temper it, but just skip it and mark 0 stars on the Netflix rating system.

[bmoviepicks]

Flashback Friday: “The Wedding Singer”

It’s that time of year and, well, love and marriage are in the air. With so many comedies with “wedding” in the title (”Crashers”, “My Best Friend’s” and “Planner” and “Ringer”) there is one that rises to the top (and soaring above most)--that’s right, Sandler’s masterpiece, “The Wedding Singer”. No matter how bad his new Netflix movie is, nor how despicable or phoned-in some of his films in the last 8 years (save “Blended”), this is the film that always makes me hold onto the line I tell everyone: “I believe in Adam Sandler”. It is that belief and hope and fidelity we take on in marriage.

Ok, an overstatement perhaps and who wants their marriage in the same conversation as, say, “Grown Ups 2″ or “The Ridiculous 6″? That being said, this is the film that makes him so likeable, the lines and characters that bring us back again and again, the Barrymore chemistry that makes them the best onscreen couple in our lifetime, and his forever 80s soundtrack that actually fits within the film. So, before writing off Sandler for good, and before many of you get married this season, re-watch this classic that reminds us to be grateful that your first and last name don’t rhyme, and that you have a spouse who will carry you around when your arthritis is bad and, maybe, let you hold the remote control (if only to turn off Sandler’s more recent films). 

[bmoviepicks]

Throwback Thursday! "Look Who's Talking" The mark of a "successful" B movie: 1. it spawns multiple sequels that add words like "too" and "now" to the title 2. sequels have nowhere to go and feature, ultimately, talking dogs 3. no one bemoans how the original was spoiled by its unwatchable follow ups. What?! That summarizes our throwback pick of the week perfectly! Yet, as we are in the season of new life and with a baby and toddler at home and a new nephew or niece due literally any minute, for me, "Look Who's Talking" has earned another look indeed. Featuring John Travolta, Kirstie Alley and Bruce Willis, I'm certain this '89 movie established the nineties about as much as neon track suits and church basement aerobics classes. While the movie amounts to what would be a mediocre YouTube video today, it is feature length! Plus, it simply needs to be seen again as talking babies have never been done better. Good for a few laughs (and many groans), it does also feature the song "Walking On Sunshine". I know, I know, enough said. I'll stop talking and let you get to lookin'.

[bmoviepicks]

“Secret” “Walk” w/ “Hercules”

Buried in a RedBox near you...

“Secret in Their Eyes”

An intriguing cast (Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Alfred Molina, and the brother-in-law from “Breaking Bad”) meets a somewhat formulaic revenge plot as a mother (Roberts) is faced with the dilemma, years later, of confronting her daughter’s killer after a friend (Ejiofor) discovers that he has surfaced. While the movie does possess shades of Jodie Foster’s “Brave” and, well, any “I got my family’s back” vengeance flick, the movie attempts to wrestle with multiple moral dilemmas: how far is too far; homeland security vs. immediate justice; what secrets do we keep, and, naturally, what does (or should) vengeance look like. Wow, actually pretty provocative! The film is not a slam dunk, but its cast and questions make it much more watchable than its quick disappearance to the bottom of the RedBox may suggest.

Watch Plan: At night to maximize the thrills and with someone who could hold a 5 minute discussion about it over coffee.

New to Amazon Prime Streaming...

"Walk in the Woods" 

Although I haven't read the book myself, numerous family members recount it as wonderful, hilarious and one even worth re-reading. My Mom even wants to do part of the Appalachian Trail! The book (of the same name) written by the travel writer Bill Bryson earned his thumb’s up as it depicts his journey along the Appalachian Trail with an estranged friend. Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson star is this adaptation largely forgotten at the box office and, probably, all around until this review is read. Even without reading the book, I feel safe to say this movie does not do it justice. BUT, there’s something about these actors, with beautiful scenery and a great soundtrack that certainly entertain and allow you to escape for an hour or so. You do get lost in how beautiful the Trail is and how nature makes you think and ponder. With some comic moments featuring older guys and the natural wonder, this does feel a bit like “Wild Hogs” meets “Wild” and I’m not sure that combo would be ordered by most. The film  gets almost nowhere with the philosophical and dramatic but you won’t hate the whole journey.

Watch Plan: Earlier in the day with fans of the books or late at night as a backdrop for drifting to sleep.

Old on Amazon Prime and Netflix streaming...

“Hercules”

Yes, I just recently watched this Dwayne Johnson flick that was released, what, now two summers ago? It was a late summer release and it mainly watched like one. In other words, there are no surprises here. It is Johnson flexing and kingdoms being saved with some nice special effects thrown in with the guidance of director Brett Ratner. Wait...that’s exactly it: this is a Brett Ratner (”X-Men Last Stand”, “Rush Hour:) film. Expect that. That being said, they do take a very human approach to the character of Hercules. I use “very human” generously here, but the film makes some interesting commentary on how stories become legend  and legend becomes divine. Is the film a true Herculean feat? No...but would any Hollywood movie about a massively strong dude achieve such a purpose? It does its job.

Watch Plan: When you are bored or playing in the background so you can tune in and out, just wanting to catch some effects of battle scenes here and there.

[bmoviepicks]

Throwback Thursday! “Uncle Buck”

While he has a host of movies that make us laugh, perhaps no other film makes us miss him more than “Uncle Buck” because, as we watch, he is our Uncle Buck, a bit questionable, a bit messy, a bit awesome and ready to throw out a drunken clown spoiling our party, stare down our ugly principal or bust the chops of our sleazy boyfriend. Right, Bug?

Anyway, as the new “Uncle Buck” airs on ABC this summer, lets not forget Candy in the John Hughes classic. So, from all your silly hearted nephews and nieces, we miss our Uncle and we will never fold you out of our wedding photos! This movie isn’t film; it’s family.

“You don’t throw it back unless it’s a classic. It’s not a classic unless you’re ready to watch it…now. And now!”

[bmoviepicks]

“Dead. Pawn. Concussion”

Rent or Not to Rent…

Deadpool: A surprising monster hit in theaters, Ryan Reynolds is funny enough to make this comic book action film a hit at home too. “Breaking the Fourth Wall” works here as Marvel fully embraces an R-rated superhero movie that speaks to the audience, literally. A vast improvement over Reynold’s turn as Green Lantern and even his first appearance as Deadpool in Wolverine Origins.

With Whom/How: Adult Audience / Amazon.com rental 

Pawn Sacrifice: This is not the Bobby Fischer people went searching for in 1993…or is it? Tobey Maguire takes a turn as the paranoid chess Grandmaster who faces down the USSR and he does it well. The Edward Zwick (”Glory”, “Blood Diamond”) film went largely unnoticed and unheralded, but the tale is compelling and the cast is strong. It’s not one that necessarily deserved award talk, but it certainly deserves talk as a quality addition to the canon of Cold War competition films. No, it’s not Rocky IV, but it is mostly true.

With Whom/How: Too much dialogue and too mature for most under 13 / rent on Amazon Prime! 

Concussion: Should Will Smith have boycotted the Oscars? Hmm…he is good. Very good. Even more outrageous: how was this film so undervalued and ignored like the very issue it attempts to expose? It seemed to be set for such success as it had: the star, the football theme, the release date (Christmas). Ironically, its take on football may very well have turned off the very people who love the pigskin? I hope not but… The film itself is not perfect, but Smith excels and the plot unfolds in an informative, thrilling manner. Wake up, NFL!

With Whom/How: Families with teens and up / Verizon Fios Rental