Most Anticipated Summer Movies of 2011

The Summer Movie is approaching and below are the 10 films I'm most excited about. 

10. Thor
      - The challenge will be for them to make this God-like character believable enough to mix in with the pre-made Marvel world set into place by the Iron Man movies.  I'm crossing my fingers but I don't have much confidence. 
9.  X-Men: First Class
      - If it weren't for the trailer I'd probably skip this one, but it looks promising.  If there's any super hero franchise that needs a reboot it's this one.
8.  Captain America: The First Avenger
      - This is another one, simply by the trailer, I'd like to check out but I'm not certain will turn out that good.  At least it looks like they got a great cast.  Here's hoping the script is good.
7.  Midnight In Paris 
      - Woody Allen is a legend but he's not the most consistent filmmaker.   This one starring Owen Wilson looks promising but I'm sure I'll miss it. 
6. Bridesmaids
       - Another one that simply by the cast makes me want to see it.   Funny ladies unite!
5. Cars 2
       - It's Pixar.  In Pixar I trust and so I will be there.  Maybe not in 3D but I'll be there.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
       - Finally it's over and it looks like it will end with a bang.  
3. Green Lantern
       - I'm sure this film is going to suck but I have to see it because I'm a big Green Lantern fan.   I'm just hoping they make it enduring enough to keep my entertained.     
2. Super 8
        - J.J. Abrams and Spielberg team up.   Enough said.
1. Cowboys and Aliens
        - This one looks like it's the winner for me.  A western with a science fiction bent, I can't wait to see how the director of Iron Man (and many other fine films by the way) will deliver. 

Speed (1994) -Revisited

In the mood for a fun action movie, I decided to re-watch this classic '90s blockbuster and was delighted by its ability to still entertain after all these years.  Before Sandra Bullock was an Oscar-winning megastar and when the idea of Keanu Reeves as an action stud seemed far-fetched there was this perfectly executed, silly movie that's the definition of a thrill ride.  Sure the bus has every stereotype present and there's no way that bus could have done some of its stunt work, it works because its simply story line is perfect movie fodder.  Dennis Hopper plays a great villain with every line coming out of his mouth about as juice and fun as a piece of gum.  "Pop quiz hotshot!"  I can see him reading the script when he first got it and drooling at how much fun he was going to have, even though at the end his character goes off the rails (pun intended, sorry) a little too conveniently for the sake of the plot, oh well.  It's nice to know that some movies from my younger days still hold up.  Grade: A-.   

What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)

A documentary that shows us everything that is wrong with Christmas.   I personally think everyone should see this, especially those who celebrate the holiday season.  Sure it's one sided but it's so true.  It's not anti-religious, for those easily offended; it's more anti-big business.   The film follows Reverend Billy (Billy Talen) and his Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir on a bus tour across America, as he invades malls everywhere, preaching in an over a top Baptist revivalist manner of the Shopocalypse.  My one complaint is that it becomes a little redundant at times because basically seeing him and his choir spout the same thing and see the same looks from innocent shoppers.  My favorite parts of the film are when Billy isn't in character or when three teenage girls learn where their clothes come from.  And the Disney font during the beginning credits is not a coincidence, it's a challenge.   While I'm not going to stop buying Christmas gifts anytime soon, I do think I'm going to try and adopt other practices to celebrate the season, like sharing myself more with my loved ones with a gift that comes from my heart instead of my wallet.  Grade: A-.

Father of the Bride (1991) Revisited

While I am not a father, there's something very relatable about George Banks in this remake of the Spencer Tracey comedy starring Steve Martin.  Perhaps it's the universal fear of change and getting older, or maybe it's just good writing, all I know is my heart melts when I re-watch this movie.  For a guy that's not a father in real life, Mr. Martin seems like the perfect family man.   Coupled with the always reliable Diane Keaton as Nina Banks and you have a match made in movie heaven.   It's rare when a remake actually improves upon and excels past its original but this one certainly does.  It is funny watching though now, almost twenty years later, because it is getting a little dated, but not in a bad way at all.  And while some might cry too sentimental, I fall under its spell.  I have a secret desire that someday the cast will reunite for a third film, but that's kind of unlikely.   How about The Grandfather of the Bride?  Somebody call Martin's agent.   Grade: A.

Why Only Black Computers? (Commentary)

I'm looking to buy a printer for my computer and almost every printer out there is encased in gloss black plastic.  Is this these manufacturers way of convincing the world that they're not Apple?  Except for Apple and a few other models, it's all glossy black plastic and it's driving me crazy.  I looked at scanners too and it's the same thing.  For fun I wandered through the computer section and it's all black or grey or silver.  Does Apple have some legal hold on white plastic cases?  Why is this?  Even most of the  MP3s on the market are in different colors except for white.  I found one white printer and yet it had bad reviews.   What is a guy like me to do?  I remember when all computers were in white or grey tones.   Not anymore.  It's the other way around and I don't mind having a black laptop, mind you, but I'd rather not have a black printer on my white shelves.  It's an eye sore.  Too bad I can't just repaint these things.

I Love You, Philip Morris (2010)

I might have to re-consider my best Prison break films.  What a wickedly entertaining film, that's hilarious as well as tender.  Both Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are in top-form delivering characters that are funny and larger than life but believable at the same time.  Inspired by a true story of Steve Russell, a con man who falls in love with another inmate while imprison.   What he will do to stay with the man that he loves is outrageous.  I can't believe this film didn't get more notice when it came out.  Next to Brokeback Mountain, I don't know of another gay romance that worked so well, being romantic without preachy.  If you like con artist films and want to laugh at the same time, don't miss this almost perfect comedy from Glenn Ficara and John Requa.  Grade: A-

The Tender Trap (1955)

Frank Sinatra plays himself in this romantic farce made two years after his career bounced back with his Oscar winning performance in From Here to Eternity.  He's a real ladies man who is living a bachelor's heaven, with women throwing themselves at him, willing to walk his dog or even clean his apartment.  His married friend, David Wayne, visits him, needing to get away from his wife and live a little.  Then Frank, a talent agent, meets his next client Julie Gills and he starts to consider marriage.   This isn't really that great of a film and the stagy flatness of the film gets really old fast.   This is understandable since it's based on a play, but its not a good excuse.  Another romantic comedy based on a play was made that same year (The Seven Year Itch) and its director found ways of getting out of that mold.   I can't help but wonder if a director like Billy Wilder got his talented hands on this film.   Maybe it would have worked.  The other reason this film doesn't hold up anymore is the dated idea of marriage in the first place.   In a moment of brashness the film almost dares the audience to re-consider marriage as a healthy institution only to swing back the idea that Marriage is the only way.  Not a complete waste of time, it's mildly entertainment at best.   Grade: B-   

Tunes of Glory (1960)

How is it that Alec Guiness wasn't nominated for Best Actor this year?   Here he gives another great performance, one that in many ways is his best (if there is a best with this genius of an actor).  Oh well, that's what's great about DVD,  you can discover these lost performances and tell the world about them.   In this Scottish military drama, Alec plays Jock Sinclair, who is stepping down from command of a battalion so a by-the-book Major Barrow (performed equally as good by John Mills) can take over.  Jock is a wonderfully complex character with so many flaws and gaudy ticks it's hard not to like him no matter how much of a blow hard he is.  Even as he continues beats Barrow down it's clear that he is an honorable man, a man that must confront is own shallow imperfections.   Some may say it is a bit dated, the screenplay written by the author of the book its based (James Kennaway) is excellent but there are more speeches than those films made today.   Yet it's a great look into the way a Scottish military might have been like in those years after the war.   Grade: A- 

The Nun's Story (1959)

I'm sure this is the film that inspired Audrey Hepburn to become the humanitarian later in her life.   Here she plays a nurse who becomes a Nun in hopes to dedicate her life to helping others.   Right away though its clear she has much to struggle with in her faith.   Directed by Fred Zinnenmann (who I'm liking a lot since watching his other film The Sundowners) allows the story to unfold at a natural pace and captures many wonderful moments from Audrey's journey from the Nunnery all the way to Africa where she assists an Atheist surgeon.   Based on a real woman, I'm amazed that such a film was made back in the '50s but then again there's nothing offensive about it.  Really it's a personal story about a woman in search of herelf.   Grade: A-

NY Times 1000 Greatest Films

One might ask where I hear about all of these movies I'm watching and lately they are coming from the New York Times' 1001 Greatest Films list.   Of the thousand, I've seen 646 of them and I'm slowly picking through the rest.  Unfortunately for me, not all of the films on the list are available on DVD.  113 are in the waiting category so that leaves me with 241 films.  This is not the only list I pull from but it's what's preoccupying my choices at the moment.  The interesting thing about movie lists put together by film critics is that after awhile I get burnt out.  Why are there so many depressing, dramatic films on these lists.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of comedies and genre films mixed in but the endless string of dramatic storytelling is draining on the psyche.  Which leads me to a two-part question?   Are there so many more dramas on these lists because dramas are more important and of greater worth?  Or, to explore that question more, because comedy is so much harder to pull off, we've just not made enough great comedies yet?   Something to ponder for another blog someday.

Round Midnight (1986)

I have to say this might be one of the best Jazz movies I've ever seen.   Dexter Gordon gives a powerful, soulful performance as fictional, famed Jazz saxophonist Dale Turner (inspired by real-life famed musician Bud Powell).  Dale is a drunk and escapes to Paris to play at a Jazz bar called the Blue Note.  While there he meets Frances, an admirer of his, and they share an important and eye-opening friendship that benefits both men in re-inventing and saving their lives.  Make no mistake, Mr. Gordon is dazzling and probably should have won the Oscar that year (although Paul Newman was good too).  Directed by French director Bertrand Tavernier, there is no doubt that he has a deep love for Jazz.  Herbie Hancock deservedly won an Oscar for writing the hauntingly beautiful music for the film.  I can't really say enough about how good this gem is.  Grade: A.