WHAT IWON? - What I Watched on Netflix: 2013

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Jesus Henry Christ

06:49 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Too-smart-for-his-own-good 10-year-old Henry James Herman sets out to locate his father, an anonymous sperm donor, in this quirky comedy. Along the way, Henry uncovers family secrets that only deepen his existential quandary.

This was a great little movie. I was totally not expecting it to be good at all. It starts out with a bit of dark humor and blossoms into an intelligently witty comedy.

You fall in love with Henry, who isn't smart he just has one hell of a memory. He has this settle path to being bitter which is quite funny. The story of his Mother, which is where the story starts out, captures you and makes you want to see where this is going. I love it when the character building is done as well as it is in this movie. All the characters fall into place perfectly and make a wicked story.

Although you do get lost here and there and wonder why some scenes even made the cut, it is a great watch and a feel good movie.

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Top 3 + 1 Valentines Movies

12:00 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

So I've gotten to the point of no more time and I am going to list the top 3 in a category form, and my best choice. So here we go..

Documentary / Reality / TLC Type Fans: Monica & David

As I said in my summary, this movie just warms your heart. I went home after watching this and all I wanted to do was hold my wife because I love her just as unconditionally as these two love each other.

Comedy Fans: Ira & Abbey

Funny, witty, offbeat comedy that is just great. It's all about finding love in the strangest way, well, right away. The cast is just perfect and the movie ends in such a way that you just feel good.

Chick Flick / Drama Fans: A Little Bit of Heaven

I gave this movie a straight 5 stars and it was well deserved. It's a classic Hollywood romantic movie that adds in all the elements needed to make both the boy and girl watching interested. It's even family (older kids) friendly! With an all-star cast it works well for tonight.

Best Choice for Tonight.... The Giant Mechanical Man

I'm not going to even bother explaining any further, just add it to your queue and watch it tonight with the one you love.

Happy Valentines Day!

Ira & Abby

06:48 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

A wry look at the insanity of married life, this offbeat comedy follows the whirlwind romance between neurotic Ira and free-spirited Abby.

In this romantic movie for Valentines Day, we bring back Chris Messina again. I'm impressed with this guy, he actually brings a good vibe to movies and I enjoy watching him act. In this movie he plays Ira, a unstable person, who in the first 10 minutes of the film he meets Abby (Jennifer Westfeldt) who offers to get married right away. The story then revolves about them building their new married life, adding in their parents getting along very well. It works together seamlessly

This is a comedy and brings a great cast of recognizable faces into it. You have people like Jason Alexander, Fred Willard, Judith Light and Chris Parnell. It is fun to watch and it is not bad story. It does not make you feel bad and will make you giggle here and there through out it. You can miss a part here and there and still be able to follow the story easily. It is on the watch list if you haven't seen it yet. It's all about building something from nothing.

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Monica & David

09:41 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Filmmaker Alexandra Codina explores the nuances of love and commitment in this cinematic portrait of a soon-to-be married couple with Down syndrome.

With all the scripted stuff I have been watching in the Romantic category, I can't believe how much of a relief it was to find this film. I have only seen one film in my time about Down Syndrome, and it wasn't even a documentary. It was more of a joke to watch in high school. Not because of what is was about, its because sensitivity and understanding did not exist in the 70's.

When I started to watch this documentary, I was expecting all the years of TLC type shows to rub off and make this poor quality entertainment based on someone's disability. This wasn't. This is a 100% a documentary following a very true love story of Monica and David. Honestly, we all think we know what love is, and trust me that after watching this you will second guess yourself. The feelings that these two have for each other is true, unscripted and genuine. Like that of a child for their stuff friend or a cat for their owner.

If you and your partner enjoy documentaries, this is the movie to watch with no question. You honestly cannot understand until you watch it how much it will warm your heart and your soul.

HottieBoombaLottie

05:44 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

In this charming indie comedy, Don Juan wannabe Ethan's designs to woo the beautiful Madison are jeopardized when his brother gets involved.

Movies have the same theory as books, never judge a book by it's cover. Another "Romantic" movies to submit for Valentines day is this one. I'm not going to say it is one of the greats, but it surely is not bad. Netflix did a horrible job summarizing this movie, IMDB says it a little better:

Cheerfully clueless and unexpectedly charming Ethan attempts to win the heart of high school hottie Madison Sweet, only to find himself in competition with his own brother.

No big names here, just professionally amateur acting. While Ethan (Seth Packard) is unsuccessfully trying to win the heart of his high school crush (Shay Williamson), he gets blocked by his brother (Matthew Webb) who has own greedy intentions. He is then sent to live with his cousins, in which his cousins-cousin (Lauren McKnight) has a crush on him.

When he returns home, Cleo does bad to be sent to live with his family. She flirts and flirts but instead try's to help Ethan get Madison away from his brother. This is a classic teen movie and would be good for the 13 to 17 teen viewers to snuggle up to, if they like independent films. It's not a bad story and it is well delivered, so it's worth the watch.

White on Rice

05:29 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Things get mighty sticky in this affably offbeat indie comedy when a hapless 40-year-old divorcé falls for his brother-in-law's charming niece

We are so close to the end of the Valentines Day quest that I am going into overtime now to stuff as many movies as I can in the next 24 hours. Today I start with a quirky, off-beat comedy. I know I stole off-beat from the description, but it is.

The story revolves around a Japanese fellow who wife left him and he moved to live with his sister and brother in law in the U.S. His sister wants to help, his brother-in-law thinks he's retarded and he has to share a room with his 10 year old nephew who is a piano prodigy. While living here his co-workers and sister are constantly trying to help him find love. When he sees his brother-in-laws niece after many years he instantly falls in love with her.

This movie is adorable, as long as you don't mind reading the occasional sub title here and there. If you dig this kind of thing, than you will like this movie. It's not on the top of the snuggle list, but still worth the watch if you have seen everything else I have mentioned.

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

A Little Bit of Heven

09:53 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Marley Corbett has always preferred to keep her romances relaxed and fun with no risk of commitment. But after she learns she has terminal cancer and becomes Dr. Julian Goldstein's patient, they both discover that love can change everything.

Well, after I told my wife about my quest she kept telling me I should add The Notebook to my list. That movie just didn't fit my credentials, since I am looking for movies that people would not likely pick up and watch right away. Also, I am doing my best to avoid majorly romantic "chick flicks" to save the guys some hours in their lives.

I clicked on A Little Bit Of Heaven because it seemed that it would be a decent comedy, chick-comedy when you get Kate Hudson involved. It gave just that, a classic type of Kate Hudson comedy with a very sad twist. It dapples in the hard topic of finding out you have cancer and living with it. Turns out, it makes an excellent Valentines Day movie! It makes you laugh, cry, love and feel. Best part is, a Guy can actually make it through this movie.

With an all-star cast, sad story and good writing it really created an excellent combination. This might even be the movie I choose for us to watch that special night.

Loosing Control

07:03 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Biophysics doctoral candidate Samantha has a detailed plan for a perfect life, but she's not totally convinced that her boyfriend, Ben, belongs in it.

Two more days of watching romantic movies, I may have to switch to some gory horror flicks after all this to wash it out of my system. Another entry into the Valentines Day quest is a witty and romantic one. I loved this movie. It was fun to watch, there was no big names to distract you with being star-struck. This movie is just good quality comedy and fun. It has a great story of loosing your love and rekindling that relationship, what other men are like and is your man the right one.

It does all of this in a good way. I am not going to talk about the movie much because the story is simple as it is explained. Samantha has been working on her exit out of Harvard, when she is asked to be married by her 5 year boyfriend. She refuses and does an experiment around what it is like to date other men. The movie revolves around her experiments and her main project she is working on for her thesis. It's a smart movie, but it is for anyone. I might actually recommend this as a main watch for the big day.

Monday, 11 February 2013

Timer

12:43 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

In this comedic fantasy, biotechnological implants count down to the moment one is supposed to meet his or her soul mate.

Just as the description says, it's a comedic fantasy. In this submission into the Valentines Day quest, I ask have you seen the movie In Time? Well, meet it's comedy little sister. Same concept, but instead of time being a currency and what-not, you can have a countdown to meeting your soul mate. This movie does a great job breaking down that wall about the whole cat-and-mouse chase, trying out different partners, and asking yourself if you settled for the right person.

The concept is that you don't need to do that anymore in this fantasy world and that life should be better without the worry. But it displays the two kinds of people: The ones who watch the clock and the ones who don't care. It really is a cute story and a cute idea. It will satisfy semi-geeky type couples. It is worth the watch.

I'm Reed Fish

09:34 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

A big fish in a little pond, Reed Fish has it all. But when his high school crush resurfaces, he makes choices that throw his life into chaos.

Another romantic film into the Valentines Day quest. This time I took a dip into watching Jay Baruchel take his first shot at a romantic comedy. And unlike She's Out of My League, this one lacks that comedic feel to it. Don't get me wrong, I think Jay Baruchel is great and I loved him in other flicks like The Sorcerer's Apprentice, but this movie just lacked. It was nice to see him play a more confident person however.

I wouldn't recommend this movie as any type of snuggle film, it's more left for the sunday mid-day movies they play on crappy cable channels. The story is impossible to follow until the end, and even then it still makes no sense.

Take This Waltz

05:55 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Filmed in Toronto, this intimate, unflashy romantic drama portrays a happily married woman who experiences a sudden and strong desire for another man. Further complicating the situation, the object of her desire resides just across the street.

This was my weekend entry into my Valentines Day quest, but other things kept me from posting, so my readers get a bonus one today! I have major mixed feelings about this movie. Yes it is romantic, but it leaves you feeling bad and left in the dirt.

The premise of this movie is not what inspired me to watch it, it was more about the cast and location setting. One it's in Canada (I'm Canadian) and two it has people like Seth Rogan and Sarah Silverman. You may even remember Michelle Williams from Dawson's Creek or Shutter Island (She is even in the upcoming Oz Movie). With the cast, I think that is what made it a good movie, is because everybody knew how to play a role. I was even shocked to see Sarah Silverman actually be serious and not her usual silly self. What blew me away even more is that this film is written and directed by Sarah Polley who you would remember as playing the lead girl in the movie Go. The story built around this was excellent, even though it makes you feel horrible half way through. But all movies are not design to make you laugh or scream.

Don't take me wrong, you will not feel cheated out of a good story, this movie delivers in this area. It's all about a woman (Michelle Williams) moving from one man to another, even though it is portrayed that she has a healthy relationship with her husband before leaving him. I don't usually spoil plots, but this one you have to be prepared for. Her husband (Seth Rogan) is kind and caring, and their neighbor (Luke Kirby) spends the time "wooing" her. It can be a romantic movie because she is caught between two men, but if you have a fragile relationship, I don't recommend watching this movie. That being said, if you enjoy a good story the you should watch this.

Friday, 8 February 2013

Conception

06:28 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

This romantic comedy follows nine very different couples on the night they conceive, showing that sex can sometimes be more neurotic than erotic.

This is a fairly mundane entry into the Valentines Day Movie Quest that I am having. Conception is one of those movies where it is several stories that intersect with each other (In this movies case, at the very end, in a poorly done way). The other attempt that this movie makes is that the dialog tries to be intelligent. I'm sorry, but Kevin Smith is really the only one who get's away with this while directing a movie. If you tell your acting staff to sound intelligent, it does not mean the conversation they are having is.

There a many failed attempts at funny moments as well. The credits list is very unknown which accounts for the boring acting through-out this movie. The only interesting part is when everybody simultaneously finds out they are pregnant. Basically the movie is about how each couple conceived. It might be interesting to new parents that could relate to some of the stories, but by far this should not even be listed as a romantic movie as it contains no romance. Save this hour of your life for something much, much better.

Thursday, 7 February 2013

The Giant Mechanical Man

10:04 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Janice, still adrift in the adult world in her 30s, shocks her family when she falls for Tim, a similarly aimless street performer.

Another entry into the quest of finding what's right to watch on Valentines Day this year, and it's a good one. First to remove my bias opinion , I need to get out in the open my other love of TV Shows. The reason for this is because this movie is full of familiar faces from some of our favorite comedies and drama's. You will see Jenna Fischer (The Office), Chris Messina (The Mindy Project, Damages), Malin Åkerman (Children's Hospital), Rich Sommer (Mad Men), Lucy Punch (Ben & Kate), Topher Grace (That 70's Show), and we can't forget Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, How I Met Your Mother).

Now that I have name dropping out of the way, let me boast this movie. I might even have to re-watch it on Valentine's Day, it was cute and fun. It's tells that true to life story about life's ups and downs while still having fate intervene giving a happy ending. Everyone falls into place perfectly in this movie, although I am starting to wonder if Jenna Fischer is beginning to be the same in every movie I see her in (except for Walk Hard). The story follow's her (Janice) downtime with employment and love in parallel with Tim's (Chris Messina) similar bad times. Then as fate plays it's role, then come together in simple ways. Tim was a street performer (The Giant Mechanical Man) who needed to get his act together. He ended up on TV and the things he said touched Janice in way that she felt connected to him, never knowing until near the end that he is actually Tim.

This movie has the possibility of being on my top 3 for that special day, but I do have 10 more potential movies I have to view before I can make this judgment. Even if it does not make the list, watch it, you will enjoy it with a smile.

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Lars and the Real Girl

10:44 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

When a delusional loner buys a life-sized sex doll over the Internet, promptly falls in love with her and starts telling people that she's his girlfriend, his brother and sister-in-law decide it's time to intervene.

Wow, all I can say is this move goes way beyond it's title and description. It's a very powerful story about mental illness, loneliness, community and love. Not a single person gave a poor performance in this movie. It didn't win as many awards as it was nominated for, but it should have. The main credits for this would have to go to the Director Craig Gillespie and mostly the writer Nancy Oliver for coming up with such a heartwarming story.

It really catches you off guard where the story starts, as claimed Lars (Ryan Gosling) buys a sex doll and claims her as his girlfriend, but not in a comedic way. He actually believes she is alive. After his brother (Paul Schnider) and his sister-in-law (Emily Mortimer) take his new girlfriend Bianca to the doctors to find out more. This is where their doctor (Patricia Clarkson) advises the family to play along as it was a fragile mental state that Lars is in.

In my quest to find the right Valentines Day movies, this one is really good. It's a captivating story with no cheesy humor although still fun to watch. I wouldn't even call this movie a chick flick, it's just a really, really good story which is something I appreciate most in movies.

Barry Munday

06:38 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

After a movie theater rendezvous with a teenager leads to a vicious attack from the girl's trumpet-wielding father, consummate womanizer Barry Munday (Patrick Wilson) wakes up in the hospital and discovers that his testicles were removed. Robbed of his chance to ever procreate, Barry is thrilled when he discovers he's been named in a paternity suit, even though he has no memory of ever sleeping with the plaintiff.

So with valentines day coming up soon, I am trying to find good movies for my readers to know of that would be a good cuddle flick and still be enjoyable for both sides of the relationship. This movies is one of those. It's an odd story of a womanizer who loses their "man-hoods" and then finds out he impregnated one of the last girls he was with. I had to admin when I read the synopsis of this movie I was intrigued by the story concept.

To make it easy, it's a love story in a romantic comedy genre. It's a fun one because it's not the usual boy meets girl or even the cat and mouse chase. It's a one night stand turned baby with a twist of loosing your genitals kind of love story. And it works. Judy Greer, who you will remember from a couple of places (for me it's Archer & Arrested Development) is fantastic as the awkward girl nobody wanted all while being a bitch. Patrick Wilson who is less known, also does a great job playing the "ball-less" man who is now lost in life.

Coming to terms with a strange disability, falling in love in a strange way, and meeting peoples strange family's makes this move a watcher. And in my quest of finding a good valentines movie, this may hit high on the list.

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Lucky

11:57 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

When an aspiring serial killer strikes it rich in the state lottery, he uses the cash to marry his dream girl -- and advance his career as a murderer.

Seems like I have been watching a lot of movies with a single word title lately. This is a good movie to kill time with. It's not the most fantastic movie you will ever see, but it can satisfy fans of Colin Hanks. I guess after he spent a season on Dexter, he makes a really good unconfident serial killer.

The storyline is easy enough to follow, and it has a few moments of "Dark Comedy" but that's about it. I will state again, if you don't have anything else to watch, it will at the least satisfy your boredom. I will warn you in advance, this is one of those flicks that will leave you disappointed with the ending. It would be safe to also add that the romantic relationship between the leads leaves you quite confused. Not on Colin's side, but from Allison Mackie.

Monday, 4 February 2013

God Bless America

09:53 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Disgusted with American society, middle-aged Frank and teenage Roxy begin killing reality TV stars, bigots and others they find repugnant.

When you first start off watching this movie, God Bless America, you feel a bit sadistic. Then as you go along, you feel in tune with the leads of this film just as you felt for Michael Douglas in Falling Down. This movie follows the story of a man (Joel Murray) who has become bitter with the worlds rudeness and idiotic ways of entertainment (in his view) and his newly found partner a teenage girl (Tara Lynne Barr), who's age they never actually cover, on a murder rampage of people who are rude, ignorant or just bring down the morality of America.

There are many parts of this movie that make you smile, and Joel Murray really does do a great job playing that bitter person. It comes with a strong start and a great ending. Don't expect an A-List of celebrities in this. What I found most shocking about God Bless America, is that it was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait! A name that really has not come up since the 80's. And to his credit, it is a good story, sadistic, but still good.

I one hundred percent recommend at least watching this movie. Out of all the odd recommendations that Netflix provides me, this has to be one of the best so far. Do take heed, this movie is for adults, I doubt I would even let a young teenage watch this. It takes some maturity to understand where they are coming from.

Friday, 25 January 2013

Goats

11:17 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

When a 15-year-old leaves Tucson for an elite East Coast prep school, he must part from his New Age mother and his goat herder mentor, Goat Man.

Further to the description it is also about his dysfunctional relationship with his father, the horrible new boyfriend of his mother, meeting his fathers new wife. This movie is intelligent, fun and heartwarming. It is great to see a story where the main character goes on life's rollercoaster ride with a great attitude just to come to a satisfying and happy ending. And if you are a pot-head, there is lots of that too.

It reminds me too much of being a rebellious, yet smart teenager. However I didn't live the same life as him, nor did I have a gardener who breeds goats but it still makes you want to be young again. Your main focus will be more on David Duchovny who plays the Goat Man, because he is the more recognizable of actors, yet Graham Phillips really shines in this movie. Even with that everybody really does do a good job playing their role in the movie.

This movie is a comedy, but only a light one. It's fun and grasping. A definitive watch with a loved one who enjoys a good story too. Don't let the title fool you, it's not really about Goats, just has some in the movie. And one last though... it's sad to see Alan Ruck with such grey hair.

Butter

07:21 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

When a gifted butter sculptor announces his retirement, his ambitious wife sees her hopes for future fame -- and the presidency -- melt away.

IMDB shows 3 stars in ratings while Netflix shows 4 1/2. My best guess is that this is a hit or miss movie with the audience. While it's not the type of movie you would run to the theater to see but would grab it from the movie store shelves.

The film has a great A and B lister cast who all mesh together nicely. Hugh Jackman was an odd one to cast for such a film, and I think he only did it so he can show off that he can hide is accent. Everyone plays their role perfectly, I especially liked Rob Corddry being semi-normal. Even Alicia Silverstone's small roll was well done, showing that she is truly an adult now. Destiny, played by Yara Shahidi was my favorite by far. She plays the quirky innocent girl with grace and charm, adding a grab to the story that actually makes you care about sculpting butter.

Although it is not the normal type of story some would watch, similar to movies like Bag Boy where you didn't know people really did sort of thing, it is a great watch. I enjoyed it and watched it the whole way through. I agree more with the Netflix audience than IMDB's, it's a 4 star movie!

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Bad Ass

11:16 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Loosely based on a true incident, this tale follows a lonely Vietnam vet who bravely takes on two menacing hoods on a bus.

So if you were around during the Vietnam war, love a good action flick that is relevant to you and have a short attention span... then this is a perfect movie to you. I have always been afraid of movies starting Danny Trejo for obvious reasons, and less obviously that he is not really a true dialog type of actor, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, he is a one liner action type. Well, he proved me wrong that he can act a little which he did in this movie. N

Now this movie is all about the action and as the title says, Bad Ass. It was. The story starts out weak and fun and turns itself around into a true action movie of a regular joe getting the revenge they seek. It mixes in modern day with classic kick-your-ass attitude. If your looking for punching, blood flying and buses flipping over, you will find it all here.

I'm not going to run the storyline (yes, there is actually a plot), but I do recommend this to watch as a guilty guy pleasure.

Bernie

08:07 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

In this black comedy inspired by a true story, affable Texas mortician Bernie befriends the small town's wealthiest widow and then kills her.

To start, this is not a black or dark comedy, I don't know why it is stated like that. Sure it has a few funny parts and funny actors but this movie is more Documentary / Re-Enactment of what happened in the real story.

I have to first give credit to Matthew McConaughey who played Danny Buck the DA. It took me a while to even realize it was him. Not that he was the most incredible actor however he did add a good role to the story. Jack Black is such an underdog until you give him opportunities like this. Some forget when you take away his cheesy singing roles and give him an opportunity to act he really delivers. He did such an excellent job portraying Bernie. Which he should get the credit because he really did study the role.

When we were watching this movie it also leaves you questioning all the support cast and the people being interviewed if they really knew the real Bernie. We did find out in the end that they are not, since one of them is Mrs. McConaughey (yes, Matt's mommy). They did still do a good job of giving this movie that documentary feel on the side.

I know this movie was up for a golden globe this year even though it was from 2011, and it still should have won something for that. It did win four other independent awards last year which was well deserved. If you like films that do a good job telling the story that is being laid out, this is well worth the watch.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

07:11 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

When he isn't breaking the law or trying to approach his crush, Penny, supervillain wannabe Dr. Horrible boasts via his Internet video blog.

What a perfect thing to blog about, a movie about an evil genius who blogs! This campy movie is perfect for any true geek to watch being it includes Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day. It's not the funniest movie in the world, it's full of songs.. but it is fun to watch.

Basically it is about an amateur evil doctor who video blogs, who is trying to win over the girl at the laundry mat. He is foiled every time by his nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion), who also tried to steal the girl. This movie has the small budget feel, a really small budget feel to it, and I can guess that NPH took most of that budget.

Besides, you need a weekly dose of the NPH.

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

06:41 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Siblings Jay and Mark Duplass direct this comedy focusing on two brothers -- one a moderate success, the other still living with Mom.

Big names, small delivery. I think on Netflix this is rated 4 stars only because is has Jason Segel and

Ed Helms in it. Don't let this trick you as they are not quite the match made in heaven as you would think. Although it is a good movie, it's not a gut-buster. It is one of those comedies that you laugh because you feel bad for the character they are portraying. Now don't get me wrong, it is still a good movie with funny parts, but is does get a little dull and boring during it.

I think the only thing that really keeps you going during this movie is more to find out who their Mom's (Susan Sarandon) secret admirer is (I won't spoil this surprise). I really cannot say much more about it, it is worth a watch if you just want to see some of your favorite actors act.

Spork

06:07 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Junior high outcast Spork has trouble fitting in anywhere. But after befriending her neighbor Tootsie Roll, Spork enters the school's dance showcase.

Never judge a book by it's cover. Spork was a well played movie. Netflix suggested this after I shamelessly watched Superstar for fun. Because they both had to do with dancing and school? Well, Spork (clever nickname) defiantly was about this topic, but they leave out the fact that the main character, named Spork was a trans-gender underdog who lived in a trailer park with he grungy older brother. This would have been good information to have to relive the shock of this part in the story.

That being said, this did not make or break the story. It is about Spork (Savannah Stehlin) and her life as a middle-school(?) teenager. And as odd as it seems when you are watching this, including scenes with "Tootsi-Roll" (Sydney Park) dancing in the club, this movie was actually enjoyable. I didn't loose interest in the story and wanted to see where it was going.

There is also the strangeness of how the "mean girls" all have these sped up munchkin voices, Charlie (Michael William Arnold) who is a confused boy with "Gay Dads" and wants to get into Spork's pants. But again this all ties together and just makes this movie interesting to watch. And let's not forget Chunk who's one stoned line helps Spork grow as a person.

Great character building in it, and the names make them fun to love/hate as well. With names like Betsy Byotch (Rachel G. Fox) and Loosie Goosie (Oana Gregory) makes you rethink about teenagers now a days. You even have some fun recognizing people like Michael William Arnold who is the kid in so many late-night show pranks (like Conan) and also you get a glimpse of Keith David who is a secondary character & voice over in so many things (did anyone see The Cape?!)

I have to put this movie on a recommended list as it does have a deserving chance to entertain you.

Monday, 21 January 2013

It's Kind of a Funny Story

08:08 | Posted by Unknown | Edit Post

Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig, who shocks his parents by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he's forced to live among the adult patients.

Somehow Zach Galifianakis ends up in 50% of the movies I watch on Netflix. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, just something odd. It is smart of independent films to put a well known name on to the cover a movie to encourage more people to watch. Even though Hangover fans would expect something different than most of his movies offer.

Enough about Zach and more about this movie. It's Kind of a Funny Story delivers what it promises in the title, it is kind of a funny story. Well played out, nice light humor and interesting to watch. I really enjoy a story that can build it's characters quickly and efficiently so you grow to love them during the hour and half you get to spend with them.

The directors Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck are not as well known with a short resume, but this should be a film to give them good trust in them to make a watchable film. I was also surprised by Keir Gilchrist, I've seen the name before and the face is recognizable, but after some research I don't recall where I have seen him before. He is young and still has a short list of appearances and after this performance I am sure we will see him in more (especially with a friend like Zach G).

Another great thing about this flick is it comes complete with a cast of familiar faces for the TV and Movie buff. Even better, they are work great together to keep the story going and interesting. No character feels irrelevant. With faces like Jim Gaffigan (so many movies), Jeremy Davies (from Lost), Aasif Mandvi (from Jericho), and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood).

I do recommend watching this movie. It is witty, fun and enjoyable. You will finish it with a smile on your face.

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