Casa de Mi Padre (2012)

This is one of those movies where the people making the movie probably had more fun than those, like me, who watched it.  Some of it works and is quite funny.  Will Ferrell is hilarious and his dedication almost makes this film watchable.   The problem is that parody alone cannot carry a film by itself.   A strong parody also needs a good story, a zany story that the audience will keep wanting to watch.  This film loses its comedic welcome fast.  It's not quite a one note joke but at best it's a three note joke.  True, the story is thin because the source material they're mimicking is thin but that's not an excuse.  The film makers needed to expand the world of the story and give us more.  Thirty minutes in and I was tired and ready for something new.  Unfortunately what I got was more of the same.   Too bad because they had a great comedy in the making but lost sight in trying to stylize the film just right.  I would be curious to know what audiences in Mexico thought of this film, does the comedy translate?  Grade: C+.

Democratic National Convention (Commentary)

Many of the problems I had with the Republican Convention are evident here too.  Lots of rhetoric and patriotic pandering that doesn't do much for me.  The only real difference is that I tend to agree with these guys more than the others.  Michelle Obama loves her husband as much as Mrs Romney, it's just that she sounds more intelligent and modern saying it.  Ultimately I don't really need to write a whole lot because the best reason for this convention to exist was Bill Clinton's speech.   If you haven't seen it, you should, because it outlines exactly why Obama should remain the President.  More importantly he completely dismantles all the attacks Romney has used to try to brainwash the public.  What's really great is that most of his facts add up, that's right; he's telling the truth which is odd coming from a guy known for lying while under oath.  Joking aside, what an effective performance.  Obama's speech was also quite good, if a little slim on new goals; of course he's a wiser man now who knows how difficult it is to be President and one shouldn't make too many promises that will be difficult to keep.  It was an honest and humble speech from a man that's been scarred by political war.  All the optimism from the last time has been replaced by humility and a kind of wisdom that could lead us to a better tomorrow.   What a difficult place to be; he wants to do so much for his country but there's a large section of stubborn idiots unwilling to even listen to him.   Still I think he has it in him to keep up the good fight so I'll be voting for him.   He's the President we need right now and I'm proud to support him. 

Snowball Express (1972)

After watching Bullhead I needed a change of pace.  So I went for this '70s Disney flick about a father played by the always consistent Dean Jones who inherits a hotel resort in the Colorado Rockies.  So he quits his city job and uproots his family to the mountains with a scheme to start his own ski resort.   What a wacky good time and if you've ever fallen off a ski lift, you'll be rolling with laughter.   Sure there's some corny stuff in this family farce but that's the whole point.  Today I think we as a society have become too cynical and sophisticated for our own good.  We've forgotten that sometimes its lovely to just laugh and enjoy the goofy side of imagination. Grade: B+

Bullhead (2011)

A dark film dealing with the illegal-use of growth hormones for cattle, it follows Belgian rancher Jacky Vanmarsenille struggling with a horrific childhood incident. There's also a side plot shown from the point of view of Diederik Maes, an insider of the criminal underworld who grew up with Jacky; a distracting element to the film at times, it eventually pays off at the end.  Nominated for last year's Best Foreign Language film and directed by Michael R. Roskam.  While certainly an original film with its own unique slick bleakness I would have to say I'd have enjoyed it more with improved pacing.  Still if your willing to dive into the complex depths of an angry young man trying to be the man he thinks he was meant to be any means necessary, you might enjoy this one.  Grade: B

The Girl Who Played With Fire (2009)

This adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel continues the story of Lisbeth Salander (from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) by going deeper into her history while tangling her into a murder mystery that has all of Stockholm wheeling, including her old flame and friend  Mikael Blomkvist who must come to her defense.  A consistent follow-up to the last Swedish film with Nooni Rapace turning in an even better performance.  Knowing that Hollywood is still planning on doing their own version I can't help but wonder how they're going to screw this one up.   Grade: A-

Cherry (2010)

Kyle Gallner does what he does best and that's play a teenager in angst in this average film about going to college and finding ones self.  Along with his mishaps as a freshman, he becomes infatuated with an older student named Linda whose teenage daughter, Beth, falls for him too.  In someways I appreciate writer and directer Jeffrey Fine's independent spirit, crafting a semi-funny drama.  It's too bad the producers marketed this one as a romantic comedy.  While there are some funny parts this is not really a comedy, it's a drama with some surprisingly decent acting.   Besides this misrepresentation, the other big problem I have is with the main character's journey.  He's obviously a talented artist but he struggles to be an engineer.  Why is there no resolution and did meeting Linda and Beth really help him on his journey?  I didn't think so.  Grade: C+

Take Me Home Tonight (2010)

With one of the worst titles ever, I didn't expect much from this '80s throwback romantic comedy.  But Topher Grace and company entertain in a decent film about being stuck and not knowing what to do after college.  Sometimes you just have to take chances.  Anna Faris' comic talents are miss used but Dan Fogler is given free reign to exploit his loudness with hilarity.  I'm not sure why it needs to take place in the late eighties it does give the film a peculiar look that goes well with your typical '80s soundtrack.  Maybe if they would have given Faris more to do and thought up a better title this film would be more than the forgetful fun flick it is. Grade: B.