Tropic Thunder

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Tropic Thunder
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  Jonathan picked

I thought this movie was really hilarious!!!  It was rated R for a reason (the opening scene shows some skin and words meaning private parts).

I love when movies involve all sorts of random famous people in cameos.  This movie was full of cameos!  I don't want to ruin any of them for you though...

In case you didn't read the other Movie Yak about Tropic Thunder (by John), I'll run down the movie for you:

A bunch of prima donna actors are making a Vietnam War movie based on a true story.  They are over budget, running behind and causing trouble for a first time director.  The Vietnam Vet, who wrote the script about his Vietnam War time, has an idea for the director.  They set up a bunch of cameras in the jungle, drop off the actors in the middle of the jungle, and tell them to get to work!  They will not be taking back to hotel pamper land until they are done shooting.

Of course, things go horribly, horribly wrong, and one of them gets caught by some real bad guys with real guns.  Even though the actors only have guns with blanks, they continue to shot at the bad guys the entire movie -- what's up with that.

Eventually they learn to work together, defeat the bad guys, and live happily ever after.  I highly recommend this movie, unless you're not a fan of R ratings.

Jumper

Who: Amber, Jonathan & Amber's parents
What:  Jumper
Where:  ARC - Rec center on Kwaj
Why:  Wednesday movie night!

This movie was not very good.  The premise was cool - people could 'jump' (meaning, travel) anywhere on earth, but only in the current time (not time travelers).  So Hayden Christensen was jumping to Egypt, London, Tokyo, into bank vaults etc.

The only problem was that I needed way more information to make it believable!  There were 2 'good' jumpers and a bunch of guys trying to kill them.  But they didn't give any info about who the guys were that are trying to kill them.  Who were they, and why were they killing them?

I know this wasn't a true story or anything - but I like my movies to have some sense of realism.  This movie had none.

Plus the ending was really, really lame.  Hayden makes an 'impossible' jump.  Ooooo!  Blah!  All and all - I wish somebody will make a remake of this in 20 years and make it better.

Star Trek Nemesis

Who: Me
What: Star Trek Nemesis
Where: At Home
Why: It was on TV and it was raining

I can't believe I am admitting this but... I watch Star Trek... or at least I did. When I was in college I use to watch the New Generation show frequently but when it went away I just moved on too. So at a moment of weekness this past weekend I was sucked back in to the world of Star Trek via some crazy cable channel on TV. There have been other Star Trek movies but I could never get myself to go to the theater to see them. This one was no different.

This movie starts with Commander Riker and Counselor Troi getting married (long time love interests) and then quickly moves to the ship running in to trouble with some crazies near Romulan. It is action packed with some fun twists and turns and a lot of drama. The Nemesis is a clone of Captain Piccard. He is Captain Piccard genetically but because of the way he has lead his life he is a completely different man. He has a giant plan to rule the world but needs the Captain's blood or something and a procedure to survive.

This clone-guy and his supporting crew are nuts and the crew of the Enterprise are challenged to stop the evil plot and save the Earth. Sounds so dramatic huh? For your Star Trek fans this movie is kind of an emotional as one of the beloved characters is lost--sort of(the twist). I enjoyed the movie overall, even with some of the outrageous story lines. The Next Generation Star Trek Cast is great and it was fun to see them all together again. It was a nice reunion on a raining day for me!

Get a Clue

Who:  Amber
What:  Get a Clue
Where:  @ home - randomly recorded off Disney Channel
Why:  You can't go wrong with a Disney movie

How cute is little Lindsay Lohan.  She was about 13 in this movie.  She has great red hair, a face full of freckles and minimal make up on.  She 'was' a great little actress.

Lindsay Lohan is a rich kid in NYC with a great wardrobe.  But the refreshing thing is that she's really smart and extremely polite.  She has an attentive dad and a wonderful mom.  She's not a stupid movie ditz.  Very nice!

Lexi (Lohan) writes a newspaper story for her school paper, and her teacher turns it in to a regular newspaper - and it gets published!  It's a story about 2 of her teachers, with a photo of both of them.  Turns out, the guy teacher (Mr. Walker) is a fugative from 12 years ago.  Somebody sees his photo, and he 'disappears'.  Lexi, her best & super fashionable friend, and 2 boys from school team up to figure out what happened to Mr. Walker.

Will they find Mr. Walker alive (his car was found in the river)?  Who is this homeless guy wearing Mr. Walker's ugly jacket?  Who is this so-called private detective who is also looking for Mr. Walker?

If you're ever surfing the channels, and run across Disney Channel, and Get a Clue is on - I recommend giving it a try.

Lovewrecked

Who:  Amber
What:  Lovewrecked
Where:  @ home - recorded off cable
Why:  I'm on an Amanda Bynes kick

This movie was cute!  I searched for 'Amanda Bynes' on my DVR and stumbled across this movie.  I had never even heard of it before.

Basically Amanda Bynes is a really smart high school grad.  She and her best friend (who is a guy) are working at a Caribbean resort for the summer.  Jenny (Bynes) is also IN LOVE with some hot singer guy.  Jenny is one of those annoying girls who screams and screams during a concert.

What do you know - the hot singer guy ends up at this Caribbean resort.  He schedules a booze cruise for his posse.  Jenny manages to get a waitressing job on the ship.  Hot singer guy gets sick, starts puking overboard, and falls in!  Jenny is the only one who sees it, so she jumps in the water with him.  They raft thru the ocean all night and land on a deserted beach ... or is it?

After 3 days being deserted together, Jenny discovers that they aren't on a deserted beach.  They are on the same Caribbean island as the resort.  Jenny doesn't tell hot singer guy that they truly aren't deserted.  What will happen next?!?

Did I mention that Jenny's best friend (a boy) wants to be more than just friends?   What ever will happen?!?

Big Fat Liar

Who:  Amber
What:  Big Fat Liar
Where:  @ home - DVRed off cable
Why:  I like Amanda Bynes

I admit it.  I, a grown woman, looked up 'Amanda Bynes' on my DVR and recorded all her movies.  She's such a cutie, and she's a great little comedian.

This was a fun movie.  Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes are 14.  They are best friends (nothing more - that was kind-of sweet).  Frankie is a liar.  He lies to his English teacher, he lies to his parents ...

Long story short, he writes an English paper about a big, fat, liar (himself).  It gets stolen by a Hollywood producer and is going to be made into a movie.

So Frankie and Amanda head to Hollywood.  How do two 14 year olds get to Hollywood on their own?  Don't worry about it.

They find the producer, he won't admit that he stole the story, so they try to make his life a living hell.  Good thing the producer is a huge jerk, because his assistant, director, limo driver, stunt man, security, etc all agree to help Frankie and Amanda.

Is this movie over the top and silly - yes.  Is there a pointless montage of trying on Hollywood costumes - yes.  Do Frankie and Amanda ever eat anything while they are in Hollywood on their own - no.  Do I recommend this movie to adults and children alike - YES!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who: Mitchel & Kerri
What: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Where: In the Theatre
Why: Mitchel wanted to see it

Like any Star Wars movie, they aren't rocket science, they are just for fun. This one is CGI animation and the story takes place between the live action movies Episodes II (The Clone Wars) and Episode III (Revenge of the Sith). And Anikin gets a padawan learner. There's tons of light sabre fighting, and stupid droid jokes. Anikin's dark side isn't present as a plot point just a mention of his anger while on Tatooine, it's mostly about him growing while having this padawan.

Plot is simple, Dooku working with Palpatine/Emperor to trick Jabba into siding with them against the Republic. Most of the original voices are not used, but matched well. Samuel Jackson, Christopher Lee and Anthony Daniels Do appear in this film though voicing their characters.

If you are a Star Wars fan it's entertaining, not necessarily a 'must see' or does it add to the overall story, but just gives you another chance to hear that theme song in the theatre again, which is always fun.

Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Where:  @ home off Pay Per View
Why:  Jonathan picked it out

Let me first stay that I love the first Harold and Kumar movie.  I just love it!

This movie ... not so much.  The first movie was very simple.  This movie was crazy thing after crazy thing after crazy thing.  It was just too much.

I also vote for a title change, because Harold and Kumar break out of Guantanamo Bay with in 15 minutes.

I did like how this movie starts out litterally 10 minutes after the first movie ends.  The boys are back home after their White Castle fiasco.  Harold is dreaming about that hot chick he kissed in the elevator, and Kumar is taking a huge dump (he did just eat 30 burgers).

They hop on a plane to Amsterdam, because that's where the hot chick will be.  Even though they will be in Amsterdam soon, and they can smoke pot legally 24/7, Kumar finds it necessary to smoke on the plane.  He whips out his 'smokeless bong' invention, which, of course, looks like a bomb.  A lady thinks he a terrorist, and it's all down hill from here.

DirectTV gave us the unrated version; there were A LOT of nakedness in this movie.

On the bright side, Chris Meloni (sp?), who played that gross guy with the boils on his neck from the first movie, is back.  This time, in another unrecognizable role as the leader of the KKK.  Also Neil Patrick Harris is back playing 'Neil Patrick Harris'.  His role here isn't as great (or nearly as random) as in the first movie), but he's still great.  There is also a G.W. Bush impersonator playing G.W. Bush.  The accent is great, but he looks nothing like him. 

Am I bummed that I spend $3.99 on this movie?  A little bit ...

P.S.  I labeled this movie as 'hot guy(s)', because I think Harold is a cutie!

Godzilla

Who: Amber
What: Godzilla
Where: @ home (I own it on DVD)
Why: It's a fun movie for background noise.

I think I am the only person alive who likes this movie. 

Everybody else ragged on it b/c they remade such a classic.  And, yes, P Diddy (or what ever his name is) also ripped off a classic '70s song to make the new Godzilla theme music.  Anyways . . .

I think the CGI Godzilla is pretty sweet.  And Matthew Broderick is such a cutie.   The rest of the cast is kind-of annoying (like the blond chick and the super NYC accent girl), but you can watch the movie and hope they get eaten for a Godzilla lunch!  This is no Jurassic Park - but it's still pretty fun, if you don't take it too seriously.  Plus, the DVD has some pretty sweet bonus features.  And I'm a sucker for bonus features.

True Lies

Who: Amber
What: True Lies
Where: at home - TNT (cable)
Why: Why not?!?

This is one of those great "I need some background noise so I'll watch a movie" movie.  It is also classic Ar-Nuld!

Let's be honest - who hasn't seen True Lies? Arnold is kicking some serious terrist butt (using a make shift flame thrower), Jamie Lee Curtis is attempting to pole dance (I'm all about females who have some meat on their bones - you go girl!), and it's some Dancing-With-The-Stars in the making tango with Tia Carry (sp?)!

Even though Tom Arnold has really gotten the shaft from the media (Rosanne!), he is hilarious in this movie. He never stops blabbing, and it's gold!

Lucky Numbers

Who: Amber
What: Lucky Numbers
Where: at home - on cable
Why: I randomly recorded it

The basis behind this movie is John Travolta and Pheobie (from Friends) rig the lotto. It sounds super cheesy and goofy. This movie was really only 15 minute of lotto rigging, and then 1.5 hours of crazy nonsense.

They successfully rig the lotto (they both work for the TV studio) using some sort of metal paint on the numbers, therefore they can't claim their own ticket since that would be too suspicious. Of course, the person who was going to claim it for them gets greedy (Michael Moore of all people!) ... then somebody else gets greedy ... somebody dies ... more greediness ... etc!

This movie wasn't half bad! About 1/2 way thru, the supporting cast gets larger and larger. And all the supporting actors are super famous people! It all seemed really random. And Pheobie (from Friends) was actually pretty funny in this movie. She always plays a flakey ditz, but she's a good, talented flakey ditz. I say check it out on cable if you're bored.

Tropic Thunder

Who: Matt (roommate) and Me
What: Tropic Thunder
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: John Stewart said it was funny

A politically incorrect comedy about a troupe of actors that find themselves in the middle of real jungle being shot at by real guerilla soldiers, though they think it's all a set. Robert Downey Jr. gives one of his best performances as "the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude!" Stiller is typical Zoolander-like funny. More than a chuckle, but not quite belly laugh worthy.

I will say that I didn't realize it was rated R and was caught off guard several times (beginning with the opening scene) as to the vulgarity of this film. It certainly had it's moments of heavy laughter, but there was also many times of lull. Jack Black's character tries too hard to be humorous and misses 9 times out of 10.

In general this film is a satire about the excesses of Hollywood and the casting director couldn't have picked a better person to play the role of studio head Les Grossman than Tom Cruise. His atypical role will either crack you up or leave you feeling awkward.

All in all, I give it a rating of 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. If you haven't already scene it, wait until it comes out on DVD. Then see it if you're a Ben Stiller fan or have run out of options on a boring Saturday night.

The Shaggy Dog (2006 version)

Who: Bill
What: The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Where: Saw on the Disney Channel
Why: Wanted to see the remake of the original classic

In the past two decades, the Disney Studios have remade quite a few of their classic films. In 2006, this list was extended to include The Shaggy Dog, which ushered in an era of live-action slapstick, “gimmicky” comedies upon its release in 1959. That movie was so popular that it led to a successful 1976 sequel called The Shaggy D.A. If that were not enough, two television remakes followed: The Return of the Shaggy Dog in 1988 and The Shaggy Dog in 1994. In 2006, Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Allen teamed up to bring audiences a new take on the tail…er, tale with of course, The Shaggy Dog.

Deputy District Attorney Dave Douglas is a busy man. So busy, he really doesn’t have much time for his family. His current case has him prosecuting a group of activists (which have the support of his daughter) who have broken into a pharmaceutical corporation which they claim to have used animals in creating genetic freaks in the pursuit of developing a formula that can prolong live indefinitely. And that turns out to be the case when the evil-doers “dognap” a bearded collie that has DNA allowing an amazing lifespan. The dog manages to escape his captors and is found by Dave’s daughter. But Dave objects to the dog’s presence and is then bitten by the newly named “Shaggy”. The dog’s DNA is contagious and as a result, Dave finds himself turning into the bearded collie at inappropriate times. Eventually Dave learns the activists are correct and uses his human and dog personas in going after the evil scientists and getting his old self back-- and making more time for his family.

There are some funny moments with Allen as the dog, and it his performance that stands out. But overall the movie feels, well, “dog tired”. Why did Disney feel compelled to remake a movie that worked so well the first time? Even the original sequel was amusing! The Shaggy Dog of 2006 was a let-down-- it wasn’t terrible, but not rising above mediocrity. In addition to Allen, the A-list cast is notable: Kristen Davis as Dave’s wife Rebecca, Danny Glover as Dave’s associate Ken Hollister, Robert Downey, Jr. as the sinister Dr. Kozak, and Jane Curtin as Judge Claire Whittaker. But their talents seem wasted in a movie that is only mildly amusing. You’re better off catching The Shaggy Dog of 1959. Yes, its in black-and-white and yes, it comes off as a bit dated, but it’s also a lot funnier. All that and it has Fred MacMurray and some original Mouseketters too!

Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Princess Diaries 2
Where:  @ home - taped off Disney Channel
Why:  I like Anne Hathaway (from Get Smart)

Neither of us has seen Princess Diaries 1, but the plot wasn't too complex to follow.  Basically Mia has graduated college in the US, and has returned to the (made up) land of Genovia, where she will become Queen.  Julie Andrews is the current Queen, and Mia's grandmother.

But - oh no - there is a 200 year old law that says a Queen must be married!  What ever will Mia do?

Actually, it's not as cheesy as it sounds.  It is cheesy because Mia has a ridiculous bachlorette sleeping party with all the other royalty of the world (including Raven).  But the whole "you have to get married in 30 days" isn't as bad as you may imagine.  Mia agrees to an arranged marriage, because she is really passionate about being Queen.  

Did I mention there is a guy who is the 2nd in command, who is waiting to be King if Mia does not get married?  And he's cute!  What ever will happen?

Breach

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Breach
Where: at home - DVR'ed from free HBO weekend
Why: Jonathan picked it out

I had never heard of this movie when I recorded it, so I had no expectations what so ever.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Ryan Phillipe's face looking back at me!  Ooo-la-la.

This movie is based on a true story about an FBI agent who is arrested for spying.  It was cool how they told you "this guy is arrested for being a spy" in the first scene of the movie.  Then the rest of the movie is leading up to his arrest.  Turns out they were trying to arrest him FOREVER, and young Ryan Phillipe (not even a true FBI "agent" yet) seals the deal.  Even though I knew he was going to be arrested, it was still suspensful!  Bravo Breach!

And, it had my favorite part of all "based on a true story" movies - the ending that tells us where they are now!  I just love good closure.

While this was not the most suspensful movie, or action packed movie, I would still recommend it.  Especially if you like a good old Washington DC movie.

Airplane!

Who: Bill
What: Airplane!
Where: Own the DVD
Why: One of my favorites and one of the funniest movies ever made.

When the crew and some passengers of Trans American Flight 209 are overcome with food poisoning, its up to ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) to overcome his fear of flying and land the plane safely. Helping him in his courageous effort are his ex-girlfriend, flight attendant Elaine Dickenson (Julie Hagerty) and fellow passenger Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen). Sounds pretty serious and heavy, doesn’t it?

Quite the contrary. If you have never seen Airplane!, then you have been missing out of one of funniest movies ever made. In fact, it would be impossible to catch all the jokes in one showing. There are so many and they often come so quickly, that you’ll find something new on a second, third, fourth or more viewings. Credit (or blame, depending on your view) goes to Writers/Producers/Directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, who took parody to new heights (pun intended) with Airplane! However, I do understand the humor will not be to everyone’s taste. Either its 90 minutes of carefully crafted brilliant satire or silly stupidity.

Airplane! was a huge hit upon its release in 1980, due to its on-target parody of then-popular disaster movies and the appearance of many famous faces from film, television and even sports and music. As the jokes “fly” fast and furious, look also for Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Barbara Billingsley, Joyce Bulifant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) David Leisure (commercial’s Joe Isuzu and Empty Nest), Jill Whelan (The Love Boat) and legendary singer Ethel Merman! Surely, this is a movie not be missed. But don’t call me “Shirley”.

A sequel, appropriately titled Airplane II: The Sequel was released in 1982 without the involvement of Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker. They had already moved on to parodies of television cop shows and detective dramas with the classic but short-lived ABC series Police Squad! (Starring Leslie Nielsen), which in turn led to the successful Naked Gun movies. The trio would also send-up World War II dramas and Elvis Presley movies (!) in 1984’s Top Secret with Val Kilmer in his first starring role.

Jaws 2

Who:  Amber
What:  Jaws 2
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  It's Shark Week!

This movie was pretty lame.  Maybe it's because I'm spoiled with special effects, but this shark looked super, duper fake!  It's mouth would barely move, it would just darn it's giant head out of the water, then you'd see a pool of blood in the ocean.

I can't remember the first Jaws very well.  This movie stars the same Aminityville Police man.  He's got a kid in high school and a 10 year old.  I guess if I remembered his kids from the first movie, then I could determine how much time had passed.

It's summer time - the height of tourist season in Aminityville.  And what do you know - a shark is back.  Unfortunatly, nobody in town has seen him.  He's killed 2 divers (no evidence - it was just an accident right?) and 2 water skiiers have died (no evidence - it's just a boating accident right?).  Nobody thinks there is a shark, except our hero from the first movie!

A bunch of high school kids go boating (including our hero's 2 kids).  *insert music here - dun dunt, dun dunt, dunt dunt dunt dunt dooooo-doooooo!*  Shark attack!

Blue Crush

Who: Amber
What: Blue Crush
Where: at home - DVR'ed off cable
Why: I've always wanted to see it

I've always had a fascination with surfing and Hawaii in general, so I figured I would really love the movie Blue Crush.  And it was fairly entertaining.  There was a lot of surfing (which looked VERY real - there must be body doubles out there somewhere, but it looked pretty sweet). 

The main girl (I already forgot her name!) meets some NFL quarterback in town for the Pro-Bowl, knows him for 2 seconds, and all of a sudden she is changing her life around (granted, she didn't have much of a life anyways - just surfing and working as a hotel maid).  Plus, what NFL QB who is in Hawaii for the pro-bowl has time to run around and surf?   Where were the media following him around?

If you like girl-power movies, check this out.  Or if you like girls in bikinis, check this out.

South Park: Imagination Land

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: South Park: Imagination Land
Where: @ home on Comedy Central
Why: We love it!

Since Family Guy did a Star Wars episode and Robot Chicken did a Star Wars episode, I guess South Park figured they also had to do a Star Wars episode. Or maybe they did it first - who knows and who cares. Actually, all this had to do with Star Wars is the classic opening with the words flying off into space, and it was a 3-parter (with names like Episode 1, 2 and 3).

If you can tolerate the crudness (and all the swearing) of a South Park episode, then I highly encourage watching this movie. I find it HILARIOUS! It helps a little if you are a fan of the show. I got the reference to the Cartman's Christmas Critters episode (best episode EVER - IMO), but I didn't get the reference to Al Gore's Man-Bear-Pig (Jonathan had to tell me about that previous episode). If you have no clue what I'm talking about, that's ok too.

Basically, the boys take a hot air balloon ride to Imagination Land. As a child of the '80s, I thought Imagination Land rocks! Every single cartoon or Imaginary character lives there. Every single one you remember (Capt. Crunch, Strawberry Shortcake), and didn't remember (Snarf) is there. It's so much fun to watch and point out random characters in the background. As soon as the South Park boys land there, the evil imaginary characters (Freddy Kruger, that buffalo warrior from Narnia, Cartman's Christmas Critters) attack! Butters is the only one that can save Imagination Land!

There is a side story about the governmant trying to save Imagination Land. And there is a really, REALLY crude story about Kyle and Cartman, and a bet they made.

This movie is in stores now, but I watched it on Comedy Central. Check it out! It's not every day you see a Smurf trying to pick up a sword.

Maid in Manhatten

Who: Amber
What: Maid in Manhatten
Where: at home - DVR'ed off some random cable channel
Why: I like to watch/listen to TV as I'm making dinner. I watched this movie over the course of 3 evenings.

This was a cute, but very typical romantic comedy.   I'll ruin it for your right now - and say that it all works out in the end.   Although, it was also semi-realistic, and I really appreciated that.  Even thought it all worked out, it didn't work out right away, hence the realism.  Jennifer Lopez is a hotel maid (she's a "maid" in "manhatten"!), but she knows she's a stereotype, which you don't see very often.   And her kid isn't some overacting annoying movie kid, he's just a cool kid.

As a maid, J Lo tries on a rich lady's clothes (how stupid is she?), then she meets a senetor, and I'm guessing you can figure out the rest . . .

It's always refreshing to see actresses who have a real butt! You go J Lo!