February's Top Netflix Instant & DVD Films!
Wake up, wake up, it's the first of the month (didn't actually finish on the first so apologies). No I'm not here to reference Bone Thugs, I'm here to talk about movies! And I've seen some good ones this past month. But for both of our sake's I'll try to keep this as brief and succinct as possible, so you get the best flick recommendations possible while I still have time to go outside and shoot hoops (I did this yesterday and it was great).
Nancy Kerrigan from 30 for 30: the Price of Gold
Netflix Instant
The Hunger Games- I suppose this film needs little to no introduction. Maybe you've heard of this one??? No I'm kidding. Of course you have. I had too, but really thought it would just be some sort of juvenile knock off of the Japanese film, Battle Royale, which I loved and did not want to tarnish the reputation of by watching Hunger Games. Then I began doing some preliminary research on the film and realized a lot of people had some great stuff to say about, people that I respect (and on Rotten Tomatoes). So, I decided, what the heck. And I wasn't disappointed. Though I wasn't incredibly blown away either. Cool parts to this film: it's very well shot, the action scenes can be quite intense and nail biting, and in general the acting is pretty nice. For those that don't know, it's the tale of human youth being sent off to fight for their regions of the world against other youths in a battle where only the last few survive. Engaging film, kind of a sexy starlet, entertaining, but that might be where I draw the line. if you want suspense and a little bit of 'wow' factor, this is the jam for you. But see Battle Royale also, because that is legitimate and in your face 'damn!'. I also thought some of the scenes were a bit lame and contrived- as well as some of the characters (like the head controller guy). One particular example, adding fires when the main actress was sleeping in a tree just to wake her up and give her a challenge. C'mon, she is resting for 2 damn minutes. Give her a break. The film just never let up on intensity, and for that I feel somewhat sorry for it. Could have attempted to introduce other elements but failed to. Emotionally it never really hooked me. But yes, I'll be back to watch the 2nd when it hits the virtual world.
Tristana- Loved this one. Everything I wanted to know about the lifestyles of free thinkers in Spain during the early 1970s. A beautiful film that not only shares the harrowing mental escapades between an older man that knows it all - seemingly- and a beautiful young women who has no one else to look after her, this is a film of tumult, lust, impassioned situations, and generally quixotic movements that never dull you for a moment. Personally I'm also a huge fan of Bunuel and I'm so glad I was able to gape at this feature for the first time recently. May I also mention that jaw dropping heroine that is Catherine Denueve, a woman who I presume every intellectual from Spain from around this time has lusted over. The film pulls no punches either at examining the silliness that is an old man dating a physically beautiful much younger woman (and asks society to do the same). When watching a film that's main premise is fiction though, I am always looking to ascertain a deeper look into the historical context being shared in the film. That means: how do people conduct themselves around others, what are the hierarchical structures being presented, how are people supposed to act when discussing love between themselves. Fascinating situations that Bunuel weaves in this one. Would this film have worked in today's context. I don't think so. Utilizing the societal structures that were endemic in Spain during the time allows for the madness to seep into the brain of the old man, as lust can do, especially when the man feels he ultimately has control over the power of someone else. What I took away most: even the most intellectual of men can lose their minds over someone they are physically enamored by, and the more elevated the man's perceived rank, the more potential for danger one can have.
Hard Eight- One of the best films I've seen maybe ever focused on gambling, isolation, scheming, gratitude, lies, and the attempt to appease situations which seem irrevocable. Personally a huge fan of viewing the seedier sides of Reno and Vegas during the mid 90s, and leave it to Paul Thomas Anderson to paint the portrait that I've been waiting to see even without knowing it was there. Also was such a pleasure to see Philip Seymour Hoffman steal the show in a captivating scene that lasts 1 minute and 30 seconds at the craps table. Yet I digress. This is a film about an older man who takes a lost and younger one under his wing, showing him the ropes, and befriending him to the best degree possible- by sharing all the best tips and tricks he knows about life when it comes to grafting and getting by with little schemes. The film is shot in a way that is stark, lonely, quiet, yet the characters become so much larger because of it, at least in the minds of the viewer. It's a great film that examines how far someone will go for retribution, while also sharing on how far others will go to get ahead and put a few extra dollars in their pocket, by any means necessary (thank you Samuel L). Loved the film and wish I could have first seen it at some distant theater in the middle of nowhere with no one to discuss it with after but some random person I met on the side of the road who's already lost themselves.
Upside Down: The Creation Records Story- This flick was badass. Why did I like it? The story of a record company and it's fearless leader that devoted all of his waking energy to sign the hottest new UK artists who were doing music differently and creating a sound that would eventually form the basis for future rock and roll. This was a documentary I wanted to see that I previously had no recollection existed. It had it's hero, the manager of the label. It had the prize, some of the top rock acts of the 80s and 90s from UK- Primal Scream, Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis, etc. What else do you need? It was a revelation for me personally, as I couldn't believe just how many bands this record label was amassing year after year, challenging the big boys of the music world at that time to come anywhere close to what they were putting together. It was beautiful to watch this culmination develop and witness the realizations being had by not only the artists themselves of what was happening with their music globally, but also to witness the aghast reactions by the record label executives in the US. Personally inspirational to me, mainly because the films underlying message- in my eyes- if you work hard enough and have more aggression and drive then anyone else, you're going to get what you want (no matter your financial acumen or resources at your disposal), but of course, what you ultimately receive is going to come at a price, and that price might realistically cost you many years off your life. Yet is the prize you received worth it all? In this case, it might be safe to say that the record label owner, Alan McGee, might say "Yes it was." Realistically, if things were going SO well and it seemed like nothing could stop you, I can imagine it would be quite hard, enmeshed in that lifestyle, to sit home idly on a Friday night and enjoy some tea and biscuits with a nice British comedy on the telly. Wonderful film, loved the music, loved the feel, enjoyed hearing the testimony from some of my favorite artists, and generally wished a great deal I was part of this revolutionary change in rock music. Alas I was only a child when this movement was really taking off, still dancing to child shows on PBS or who knows where. See it and be a rock and roll star yourself, if only for an hour.
House of Cards Season 2- I don't know...Kevin Spacey delivered- but doesn't he always. Their were some unexpected surprises and plot twists which I was glad to see happen (won't give away anything too much). Lots of death this time around, and I was glad to see it, though it's only a certain amount of time before any director or writer starts wrapping their heads around what Kevin and his world around him is able to pull off and make seem real. Still pretty bored of DC and feel like their was too much back and forward drama that didn't need to be there between some of the main characters. Sometimes the plot between episodes or during just didn't seem to make too much sense and as a gamble/poker player myself, I didn't think that Frank (Kevin's character) could win so many of the coin flips he was putting himself on the line for. When you attempt so many risky situations, there is no way you can win them all. Or if you can, it's the luckiest break of your life- ask anyone poker player who has won a big tournament and caught a few lucky breaks along the way. Kevin had a confidence throughout and the story never seemed as believable to me as I would have liked it to. That being said, it was a fun ride and I enjoyed the binge movement. Though I think so little is understood about this movement at this time, that there are so many shows that could take the place of House of Cards and potentially be just as talked about- the model is so new and exciting for so many viewers, a revelation if you will (I have recently done the same thing with Girls Season 3). While watching an episode with a friend down in Florida, he said to me, "Yeh but how could that beautiful women be with him.?" He was referring to Robin Wright and Kevin (and had never seen the show), and that got me thinking. My friend was right. Everything, including the final scene of the season, just seemed too staged, too predictable, too unrealistic. It was also based way too much on the current presidency and anyone who at least follows the news just a little isn't necessarily watching the show to see a simulation of any of the problems that Obama is currently going through. Yes it does very well to create further insights into the infighting and corruption that does take place within the political world of Washington, yet it does nothing to show the good that is being done by said powers. It is all fluff in some ways, moves being made that do nothing to create output, simply maneuvers to increase prominence and significance, which is something, quite frankly, I see enough of already. Did I enjoy it, sure. Did I need to see it, maybe. Will it even further bring down my opinion of what is capable of idealistic individuals who want to give everything they have to make the lives of others better, sadly yes. Do I blame the media for this? Probably.
30 for 30: The Price of Gold- First let me start out by stating that Nancy Kerrigan was actually prettier and more of a 'babe' than I remembered her being. She also did look very beautiful in some of those outfits. So before I delve in deeper on this one, I just wanted to say, "Damn, Nancy! Why did you go and marry THAT guy!?" No I am just kidding. I am sure he is a lovely man who is a good father. Anyway, I digress. Big fan of this film. Especially since I bought a pair of ice skates earlier this year- I used them twice. I am a huge fan in general of watching talented women make moves on ice and I think it's personally mesmerizing, enrapturing, captivating, magnificent, I could go on and on. If I was a very rich man, I would build an ice skating ring somewhere close by and just invite top ice skaters to come over and blade on. That being said, there was an important story to tell her. And that was the one of when Nancy was clubbed in the knee cap right before her Olympic Debut in 94. Did Tanya do it!? I think the obvious answer would be yes, though was she stupid? That I think you'd need to answer no on. Also crazy how dumb the gang of criminals was who tried to pull this one. I am obviously not one to ever condone violence, but if you have a plan to debilitate someone and then you fail, what does that say of your overall skills in life? Big fan of this flick also because it shows the intriguing dynamics between Oregon and Massachusetts during the early 90s, which I think was much more stark then as it is now. Oregon- backwoods, trailer trash, isolation (from an early 90's general US perspective maybe). Massachusetts- sophistication, elegance, wit, intelligence, drive. All of this was demonstrated quite well in the film, or at least explained. The story build up and bizarre list of characters introduced never stopped to amaze and I found it fascinating just how intense the prodding of Tanya was after the incidence. Do I think a lot of the pressure Tanya took after the incident could have been mitigated? Sure! But i don't think she was in the right mindset to understand just what was happening to her, especially if she was susceptible to marrying the dude that she did. Great flick, I think however, we all wish Nancy would have been in this picture and shared more. Secretly, I kind of want to be one of her kids, or at least a neighbor, so I can see how she is doing now, how she lives a normal life. Does she make elegant turns throughout the house and has she kept her grace? I wonder. I'd like to see. I also think that Tanya was a badass when it came to the airtime she was getting during those triple axels. It blows my mind how no advertisers wouldn't want to connect with her to try and make anything happen. I know if I was in the marketing world back during that time, I could have thought of a million scenarios to bring her in for. That just goes to show, yet again, the split that might have been much more prominent at that time between the pacific northwest and the east coast. Just a thought...If I had to choose which one I'd be better friends with...Tanya for her comraderie and fearlessness. Nancy for the quiet laughter together and the replesdant walks through the woods of western Mass. Ha!
30 for 30: June 17, 1994- What a year for sports! And what an intense episode taking place in the national spotlight with OJ Simpson! Quick gist- this film basically sheds light on all the monumental sports action taking place on this epic day of June 17, 1994- but told my an incredibly smart director that is able to weave scenes together as if he's putting together a tragic opera. OJ tops it all off (the clear lead role), but the rest of the sporting events happening in the US were pretty epic in their own right: Palmer finishing golf, World Cup kicking off, Knicks playing the Rockets during the playoffs. Some intense rivalries, match ups, and general eye popping moments taking place while OJ freaks out and takes off in the bronco after having the entire LA police searching for him throughout the city. Can't believe what it could have been like for the most famous guy in California to be on the run. Personally, I was wondering to myself if he was trying to escape to Mexico or somewhere else very far away from the LA realm. It was also wild to watch the case unfold, and gauge the public's reaction for what had happened during the time frame. I remember the high speed chase and watching it as a kid, in somewhat disbelief at the pandemonium it was generating by the media. The film claims that 90 million people were tuned into the high speed chase. Incredibly wild that that this country at the time could be so fixated on one man and his hope to escape the consequences of what was happening around him. Great film also because it builds the intensity up for the other moments culminating on that day: Palmer's epic last words, Ewing going wild on the Rockets, Bob Costas getting very nervous about presenting the situation (or how he could present it) and the US hosting the World Cup- which in itself I am surprised didn't garner as much attention (can you imagine if we hosted it now!?). Anyway, a great look back on a panicked time period of culture and sports coming together for one wild ride of a day. Great film.
Actual DVDs
Dirty Dozen- Wow, with this one you need to step back a moment and address the plot, especially coming from this period of early 70s. Its a military prison with tons of US soldiers facing either life in prison or soon to be hanging. Then enters the plot. A major has an assignment, maybe one of the most deadly ever created coming from top military intelligence (you don't know more than that). His mission: choose 12 soldiers who are facing near death and get them to perform a military operation to parachute into a Nazi Officer's castle in France and kill as many of them as possible, before the Allied forces had stormed any beaches in Europe. Essentially, a death wish for all involved, as the Nazi's would presumably have control of everything around them. This is a film also that generally focuses on the idea of bringing a rag tag group of 'fuck ups' into a concentrated and supported group effort to respect and obey the mission they are planning to initiate (Bad News Bears on steroids). Throughout the film we also of course get to know these characters and feel a sense of empathy for their plights and of course their heroism. My personal favorite, John Cassevettes. The man. Basically plays himself but was pleased and of course shocked to see him play such a prominent role of a tough guy who ain't backing down from anyone else. Or will he? The film builds impeccably and we go from training to mission with beautiful pitfalls and obstacles along the way to ensure all finally comes to fruition. The attack on the Nazi mansion is nail biting throughout and you won't regret a mission of this shoot em up, emotionally charged voyage behind the enemy lines during Axis occupation of Europe. A fun film for all!
Executive Suite- A gem of a flick from the late 50's. So many great messages instilled in this one about what it takes to become a successful leader within a large furniture company (it could have been any company really) and the film never stops from keeping the viewer entertained from CEO death to ascendance. Quick synopsis: head CEO dies and potential pandemonium is about to take place because no one, internally or externally, knows who is going to take the reigns. Throughout this film, we're brought into the board rooms and households to have the most privy conversations related to who should take over, why should they take over, and what could happen if the company falls into the wrong hands. There is also plenty of scheming and black mailing going on too (of course). Beautifully acted by all involved as the 'good guys' emerge throughout this film and take responsibility for what needs to happen. But who are the good guys and what do they ultimately represent? What is the deep seated message in this film and what was it supposed to teach? Great film for any potential CEO out there or anyone who wants to learn what it means to lead. A film made in the 50's, but just as adaptable to today's society as it was over 50 years prior. Maybe more so now!
Coming Home- Let's get this straight right now. Jon Voight is a badass, Bruce Dern is a badass, and Jane Fonda is pretty sweet herself. Great film and one of the best I have ever seen related to the injustices of war and what soldiers can bring back from the battles which society simply doesn't understand or want to. Both Jon and Bruce do an exemplary job as soldiers that are coming back from Vietnam, trying to shake off the murderous moments each experienced in very different ways. One attempting to let the world know about the travesties that ensued, another attempting to drink away his fears. Each, madly in love with the same woman. But who would she choose? And why? How do people change and grow apart? This film delves into a lot of deep subject matter and I think it's especially important for anyone to see who believes any human being is going to stay in stasis for long- it just seems impossible. Set in the most beautiful and laid back California beach vibe the mid 70s could offer, this film has a sunny exterior with a dark and melancholic interior. Great film that seems before it's time and incredibly poignant to the world when it must have first come to life. The sad thing is that these sort of issues related to PTSD are still not fully accepted or understood still by many societies with soldiers coming back from conflict. Leave it to these main actors though to do their jobs impeccably well and make the viewer feel something they had no idea they were going to before viewing.
Mishima: a Life in Four Chapters- Can't believe I had never heard of this film before adding it to my queue. One of my favorite Japanese Writers who I became familiar with during a 3 week backpacking adventure to the country, has his life focused in on with 4 beautiful chapters, starting from childhood and the most awkward and sad elements of it, culminating to his ultimate demise, which some might say could be perceived as one of the most bizarre and intriguing possible. A great film which has some of the most beautiful words, conversations, and mentalities shared. I couldn't help but asking myself many times throughout the film how more people didn't want to rise up with Mishima and spark a revolution as was his hope. Literally, the Stephen King of the Japanese world throughout the 20th century, this was their most prolific and important writer of the time. The man could seem to do no wrong, and throughout this film many of his stories were touched on and incorporated into the story. Beautiful also to have this shot with so many people who cared about him: directed by Paul Shraeder, scored by Philip Glass, it was a beautiful film to experience and ponder on. Personally, I could see myself siding and relating to many of the points Mishima would bring up. Sparked my desire after watching to purchasing one of this books via Kindle and one of his personal favorite authors, if that is any indication of how much I respected this film and what this writer's life meant.
Vengeance is Mine- This is the kind of of movie that Tarantino must have been inspired by. A killing spree tale set in late 70's Japan focuses on the most wanted man in the country for his heinous acts committed towards those along a path of moral destruction. The film is also beautiful in the sense of what we as viewers learn from the killer and his meditations on what life or those around you mean. Throughout he's providing wisdom on who he can kill, what killing means to him, while also extolling on relationships and love. Not to mention the Japanese scenery and cinematography in the late 70's was a thrill to experience for someone who is quite curious about the dynamic explosion of the country from the 50's to the 80's. This films brings real questions to light and questions the pre-existing ways in which society is run- always key for a classic movie. The storytelling approach is also very original and fresh, starting from modern day with fades back to past moments. No one leaves this film unscathed or not questioning someone else's moral authority, no matter where it's interspersed.