PhilB and I were lucky enough to attend the Bruce Springsteen concert in Pittsburgh, and discuss it at length in this week's podcast. As usual, we also talk about Walking Dead. We appreciate each listener and are trying to spread to a wider audience. If you know someone who would enjoy the show don't hesitate to give them a link!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Argo, See it. Sherlock, watch it.
I rushed out last Sunday after a camping trip with PhilB to see "Argo," and it didn't disappoint. It lived up to the hype and continued the rejuvenation of Ben Affleck's career as an actor/director. With a strong support cast and storyline, it will be an oscar front-runner.
The long and short of it -- in 1979 the U.S. embassy is overrun by protesters in Iran and hostages are taken. Six U.S. citizens manage to escape and take refuge with the Canadian ambassador. The CIA formulates a plan, led by Tony Mendez (Affleck), to mask the escapees as a film crew scouting locations. It doesn't seem plausible, but was the best strategy at the time.
It is a perfect balance of drama and comedy. The really fun parts involve Mendez assembling a fake hollywood team of producers and directors. John Goodman and Alan Arkin repeatedly steal the show with their limited screen-time. The fake script that was written plays like a flash-gordian/middle-eastern/star wars sci-fi flick. Could you imagine the kind of cult following that film would have these days? I think the pre-viz cards used to begin the movie symbolize the perfect blend of storytelling that the movie aims for, while giving viewers a peak of the actual story the hostages are pretending to film.
It is readily apparent that Affleck went through great pains to match scenes and actors with historical accuracy. This pays dividends throughout the film. You can easily determine which additions were tacked on, but that doesn't prevent any nail-biting.
Also worthy of mention are Bryan Cranston and Kyle Chandler who turn mundane characters into memorable and exciting figures.
The only sad thing is that we as an audience have to wait 'till the end of each year to see these oscar-calibre films. It is almost as if movie companies continually throw their hands in the air, and say screw it for every other romantic comedy and Adam Sandler dud that comes their way before September. The paying audience has more of an obligation these days to stop forking their cash over for these types of movies, and demand more movies like Argo. It is the golden standard by which studios should abide.
On a barely relatable note, Affleck and Matt Damon should team up again soon or at least collaborate on something. They are both at the peak of their respective careers.
This show is so goddamned good, I can't stop recommending to friends. Forget the two mediocre Robert Downey Jr. films and the blatantly cheap new rip off "Elementary." The second season of this show is amongst the best seasons of television of the past two years. It rivals the first two seasons of "Lost," the fourth season of "The Wire," and any AMC show (besides the second season of "The Killing")
It manages to weave separate mysteries each episode, while continuing over arching plot themes and villains. Andrew Scott, as Jim Moriarty, is fantastic. I've already praised Cumberbatch and Freeman as Holmes and Watson, but they deserve every accolade this show continues to receive.
Might be a long wait for season three, so enjoy the first two seasons on netflix for now. A good netflix alternative might be the other BBC favorites, "Downton Abbey," or "Doctor Who."
- Iron Man 3 Trailer -- Looks darker with a vastly more formidable villain. Comparisons to Rocky III?
- Still need to see "Seven psychopaths," and "Cloud Atlas." The latter, I can recommend from having read the novel.
- If you want to read up on source material before seeing "Lincoln," check out "Team of Rivals," by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was what Spielberg based the majority of his Lincoln biopic on.
The long and short of it -- in 1979 the U.S. embassy is overrun by protesters in Iran and hostages are taken. Six U.S. citizens manage to escape and take refuge with the Canadian ambassador. The CIA formulates a plan, led by Tony Mendez (Affleck), to mask the escapees as a film crew scouting locations. It doesn't seem plausible, but was the best strategy at the time.
It is a perfect balance of drama and comedy. The really fun parts involve Mendez assembling a fake hollywood team of producers and directors. John Goodman and Alan Arkin repeatedly steal the show with their limited screen-time. The fake script that was written plays like a flash-gordian/middle-eastern/star wars sci-fi flick. Could you imagine the kind of cult following that film would have these days? I think the pre-viz cards used to begin the movie symbolize the perfect blend of storytelling that the movie aims for, while giving viewers a peak of the actual story the hostages are pretending to film.
It is readily apparent that Affleck went through great pains to match scenes and actors with historical accuracy. This pays dividends throughout the film. You can easily determine which additions were tacked on, but that doesn't prevent any nail-biting.
Also worthy of mention are Bryan Cranston and Kyle Chandler who turn mundane characters into memorable and exciting figures.
The only sad thing is that we as an audience have to wait 'till the end of each year to see these oscar-calibre films. It is almost as if movie companies continually throw their hands in the air, and say screw it for every other romantic comedy and Adam Sandler dud that comes their way before September. The paying audience has more of an obligation these days to stop forking their cash over for these types of movies, and demand more movies like Argo. It is the golden standard by which studios should abide.
On a barely relatable note, Affleck and Matt Damon should team up again soon or at least collaborate on something. They are both at the peak of their respective careers.
BUT CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SHERLOCK?
This show is so goddamned good, I can't stop recommending to friends. Forget the two mediocre Robert Downey Jr. films and the blatantly cheap new rip off "Elementary." The second season of this show is amongst the best seasons of television of the past two years. It rivals the first two seasons of "Lost," the fourth season of "The Wire," and any AMC show (besides the second season of "The Killing")
It manages to weave separate mysteries each episode, while continuing over arching plot themes and villains. Andrew Scott, as Jim Moriarty, is fantastic. I've already praised Cumberbatch and Freeman as Holmes and Watson, but they deserve every accolade this show continues to receive.
Might be a long wait for season three, so enjoy the first two seasons on netflix for now. A good netflix alternative might be the other BBC favorites, "Downton Abbey," or "Doctor Who."
Random Notes:
- Still need to see "Seven psychopaths," and "Cloud Atlas." The latter, I can recommend from having read the novel.
- If you want to read up on source material before seeing "Lincoln," check out "Team of Rivals," by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was what Spielberg based the majority of his Lincoln biopic on.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Podcast S-I-X
Our sixth podcast. It helps sometimes to also remember that our city has six superbowl championships. Walking Dead and Argo are prominantly featured, as well as some good-natured would you rathers. Give it a listen, react, follow us on twitter @BenDPhilBshow
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Fif Podcast
We hit a new milestone, as we used a sound effect! You'll have to listen to enjoy it. We also welcomed back guests Neil and PJ to discuss "Looper." Apologies, as their interview was a bit quiet (technical issues to be fixed). Enjoy, and please provide feedback and spread the word!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Our Fourth Podcast
PhilB finally sees "Avengers," we talk "Lord of the Rings," and our good friend PeterH breaks down what went so dreadfully wrong for the pirates, and being a fan in D.C.
Monday, October 1, 2012
"Looper"
Where to even start? First: See the movie. Second: See it again. Be assured, this review will remain spoiler-free. Anything mentioned below has already been shown in previews.
Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts the movie as an ace assassin looper for the organized crime syndicate in Kansas during the year 2044. His job is to kill any person beamed back from the year 2072 via illegal time travel. It is nearly impossible to kill and dispose of someone in the future. Only the mafia has access, well, because they are the mafia.
Joe sums it up as, "When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."
Therein lies the overriding plot: each person must end their own loop. This means that after their lucrative 30-year contract ends, they must eliminate themselves. This entails shooting a hooded version of themselves transported back. Confused? It all makes sense within the movie - but it is impossible to go into further detail without ruining the story.
Things go awry when Joe is confronted with his older self who manages to escape. As both of their destinies become intertwined, the plot turns in many unexpected directions. I was surprised to draw parallels between "Back to the Future," "Terminator 2," "Grapes of Wrath," and "The Shining." Notice how difficult it is to pinpoint this movie to just one genre?
After the first ten minutes, you do not even question the difference between young and old Joe as far as appearances go. Both are seamless in their makeup and mannerisms. Apparently JGL spent weeks simply learning how to act and look like Bruce Willis. It paid off.
Bruce Willis almost feels like the bad guy in this story as he tries to re-gain the life that has been taken from him at any cost. Willis thrives in his role and hasn't seemed quite this motivated in a long time. It is easily my favorite performance of his since, "The Sixth Sense," or "Pulp Fiction."
Since the future is set only in 2044, it does not go overboard with spaceships and aliens. You only pick up slivers of future technology, as it is not overly important to the plot. There are still flying motorcyles and time travel that add depth, but it is a character-driven movie.
Both Willis and Levitt turn in predictably awesome performances. My favorite moments involved mob boss Abe (Jeff Daniels), fellow looper Jesse (Garret Dillahunt), and a mysterious child named Cid (Pierce Gagnon).
"Looper," is the type of movie that has garnered praise from everyone, deservedly so. The last science fiction movie that has honestly compared, was 2009's "District 9." Both movies depicted not-so-distant futuristic dystopias that were created on modest budgets. If you are tired of endless prequels, this movie should re instill your faith in fresh and new film making.
Rejoice, because this is turning into one hell of a movie season!
Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts the movie as an ace assassin looper for the organized crime syndicate in Kansas during the year 2044. His job is to kill any person beamed back from the year 2072 via illegal time travel. It is nearly impossible to kill and dispose of someone in the future. Only the mafia has access, well, because they are the mafia.
Joe sums it up as, "When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."
Therein lies the overriding plot: each person must end their own loop. This means that after their lucrative 30-year contract ends, they must eliminate themselves. This entails shooting a hooded version of themselves transported back. Confused? It all makes sense within the movie - but it is impossible to go into further detail without ruining the story.
Things go awry when Joe is confronted with his older self who manages to escape. As both of their destinies become intertwined, the plot turns in many unexpected directions. I was surprised to draw parallels between "Back to the Future," "Terminator 2," "Grapes of Wrath," and "The Shining." Notice how difficult it is to pinpoint this movie to just one genre?
After the first ten minutes, you do not even question the difference between young and old Joe as far as appearances go. Both are seamless in their makeup and mannerisms. Apparently JGL spent weeks simply learning how to act and look like Bruce Willis. It paid off.
Bruce Willis almost feels like the bad guy in this story as he tries to re-gain the life that has been taken from him at any cost. Willis thrives in his role and hasn't seemed quite this motivated in a long time. It is easily my favorite performance of his since, "The Sixth Sense," or "Pulp Fiction."
Since the future is set only in 2044, it does not go overboard with spaceships and aliens. You only pick up slivers of future technology, as it is not overly important to the plot. There are still flying motorcyles and time travel that add depth, but it is a character-driven movie.
Both Willis and Levitt turn in predictably awesome performances. My favorite moments involved mob boss Abe (Jeff Daniels), fellow looper Jesse (Garret Dillahunt), and a mysterious child named Cid (Pierce Gagnon).
"Looper," is the type of movie that has garnered praise from everyone, deservedly so. The last science fiction movie that has honestly compared, was 2009's "District 9." Both movies depicted not-so-distant futuristic dystopias that were created on modest budgets. If you are tired of endless prequels, this movie should re instill your faith in fresh and new film making.
Rejoice, because this is turning into one hell of a movie season!
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