Thursday, August 14, 2008

Summer Comedies

Pineapple Express



A great movie and a great comedy. I'm sure everyone has heard the buzz surrounding James Franco's portrayal of Saul Silver, the lovably oblivious pot dealer, and it is true. Franco comes off as the quintessential dealer without appearing overly cheesy or satirical (aside from one part in which his overt satire concerning his musical choices during deals is used perfectly). Newcomer Danny McBride provides the "McLovin"-factor for the movie as Red, a middleman for Saul who goes hard to soft quicker than a Now and Later. He isn't overused and almost all of his lines are comedic gold, including a line near the end that will surely be on of the most quoted from the film. The villians are equally star studded. Gary Cole (most well-known as Bill Lumbergh from Office Space) is disappointing as supplier Ted Jones. His slack is more than picked up by Craig Robinson (Darrel from The Office). Robinson, who plays sensitive hit-man Matheson, serves as a foil to Red's character, logging as much screen time and equal laughs. Rosie Perez and Kevin Corrigan score laughs for the bad guys too as a dyke cop and family-oriented hit-man, respectively. Seth Rogen's character, Dale Denton, is usually relinquished to the background when in scenes with Saul or Red, but still delievers lines in Rogen's trademark bumbling. Despite remaining withdrawn, Dale's back and forth with Saul is smooth and quick-hitting, shooting laugh after laugh and highlighting the centerpiece of the film, the chemistry between Franco and Rogen. Watching them work out of ridiculous situation after ridiculous situation while becoming best pals adds a nice backdrop to the over-the-top action. As of right now, Pineapple Express exceeded my expectations. The action sequences were great for a comedy and the comedic sections were non-stop laughs. Written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Pineapple Express is sort of a stoner version of Superbad (also written by the duo), but I think ranks above it. One of the best Apatow movies (just below Knocked Up and 40-Year Old Virgin) and highly recommended. I also have a feeling it will grow on me even further when I watch it again (and again) on DVD when released. Check it out.

Grade: B+



Step Brothers



I think Will Ferrell is hilarious. Movies like Anchorman and Old School cemented him as one of the top comedic actors of our generation. I even thought Blades of Glory was pretty funny, despite all the criticism it got. Recently, he has fallen off. Talladega Nights was a waste, Semi-Pro wasn't even semi-good, and though Blades of Glory gave me some good laughs, it didn't have the wit that his previous classics had. As far as John C. Reilly goes, I haven't been much a fan of his comedies. I think of him more as the policeman in Gangs of New York than Dewey Cox. With that said, I went into Step Brothers with low expectations. Well I was shocked. The movie is hilarious. My biggest problem with Will Ferrell had been that the character he played in his previous movies had all started to sound the same. It was as if each of his movies had a different plot but starred the same fictional guy. However, Brennan Huff is not like Ron Burgandy or Bobby Ricky or Jackie Moon. This character fits the plot rather than finicking with the plot to fit his character. Similarly to Franco and Rogen (who makes a cameo in Step Brothers) in Pineapple Express, the centerpiece of this movie is also the chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly. They seem like they are having so much fun and are really brothers that you forget they aren't actually when watching the movie. Although the plot of the movie is simplistic, the laughs are unrelenting. I was actually crying during parts of the movie. Look for a scene where Brennan's younger brother, Derrick (played by incredibly hilarious Adam Scott) and his family do their personal rendition of Guns 'N' Roses "Sweet Child' O Mine". The laughs are cheap here (usually involving sex, bodily functions, and constant use of every curse word known to man), but definitely one of the funniest movies I've seen in awhile. Must see.

Grade: B



Apatow is having a huge summer. He just seems to churn out movie after movie that are priceless. I'd love to just get an in with their crew. Aside from being hilarious, they all help each other out. Every one of their movies you see someone who was some obscure role in another Apatow flick.

I actually re-watched Heavy Weights this week too, which I didn't know was also an Apatow joint as well. If you haven't seen it, one of Ben Stiller's best performances. Go rent it now. One of the greatest 90's movies you've never seen.


More updates later.

Peaceeeeee.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Promise. Still here.

Huge party tonight at Doug and Danny's new house in Bowie. Math time: 86 acres + 4 kegs= madness.

A lot of shit to catch up on. I swear I'll be better at posting in this.

Update later.

P.S. Everyone pick up these two albums. So good. Pay money too, they deserve it.


Anthony Green- Dear Child (I've Been Dying To Reach You)


Good Old War- Coney Island

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Still here

Still here even though it's been awhile. Hope you been enjoying Tyga's music video for the last couple weeks. Some quick notes.

-So far home has been to nasty. Having the time of my life. Chillin with the boys and meeting mad new people. Just soaking it in.
-Hopefully I can pass my drug test soon and get the banquet job. That'd be ideal. Fingers crossed.
-Jon Lester is a fucking beast. First beats cancer, then throws a no-hitter. Straight props.
-Check out MURS and The Roots, particularly their new album "Rising Down". If you haven't spun it yet, give it a listen. A grower, but solid work.


***
Hold on, dear God
time runs down our fingertips
and through the holes in our palms.
We shall never betray, never again, never again.
The royalty we boast, the crown we bear for glass subjects.
Never turn into the shadows from you again.
You love what you create, and this is a fucking masterpiece.
In the sunlight of the early morning, we shine bright with the brightest glory.
Never again. Never again.
This is waking up.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Coconut Juice

First off, fuck the Caps. Devoted four hours of my day to watch you motherfuckers lose in 2OTs. Fucking Flyers. Ovechkin better put it together or I'm gonna lose my frikin cool.

Oh and following in the footsteps of such huge clubs song/musical phenomenons such as "Soulja Boy" and "Move Your Body Like a Cyclone", I bring you Tyga's newest track. He's the cousin of Gym Class Heroes MC Travis McCoy (who makes a cameo on the track). As the aforementioned songs, this tracks got a mindless notion, but a huge ass hook. Try and find yourself not singing it to yourself.

With no further adieu, "Coconut Juice (f/ Travis McCoy)"-Tyga







P.S. bonus points to whomever hits up all the celebs chillin in the video. Holla.



Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Gangs of New York


Just finished watching "Gangs of New York". It's probably the fifth time I've seen it and it is a fantastic movie. Well-crafted story, Daniel Day-Lewis once more divulges himself in a ruthless, yet empathetic character (I see many connections between Bill the Butcher and Daniel Planiview), and the cinematography is beautiful. The way 19th New York City is reconstructed is wonderful. Likewise, Scorcese, as he does in many of his films, completely immerses the view in a deep experience. The characters have so much depth that you feel a range of emotions. A complex conflict also exists and, once more in Scorcese-fashion, is shown from start to finish so that a sense that the whole story unfolded before you without any missing pieces is achieved. B+ movie and another reason why Martin Scorcese is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, directors. Definitely and enjoyable movie. Highly recommended.

Lupe last Friday was fantastic. Played a pretty extended set (about an hour and a half).
Highlights:
+"The Coolest" acapella
+"Superstar" with Lupe singing the first chorus
+"Daydreamin'" high-energy encore.

Of course all his tracks were nasty and he puts on a great show. Tons of energy and gets the crowd into it. Not to mention waiting outside of Brown's auditorium he rolled by in his car and his hype man, Bishop G (check out "Fighters" to hear a name drop) yelled at us. Holla.
***
The man said he ain't own watches no more
time's ain't no matter, just an eye-sore
I've seen hatred and I've seen war
man's all ripped up, like his paper heart tore
kinda like the frays right down the middle of his Times
said it helps him learn how to read between the lines
It's fine to stay numb to everything I've seen
I remember young Sadie, the homecoming queen
brought her to the river just to dangle off the dock
first black boy to show pretty Sadie how to rock
but her Pop came down and showed me off his shot
put two shells in the air and Sadie went and dropped
My legs picked up my bones and I ran into the night
Sadie splashed in the lake and I took off in fright
Shame her Pops didn't know pretty Sadie couldn't swim
her wet blonde curls ain't blowin in the wind
they just sat, like a doll, just glued onto her face
Daddy killed his own daughter over her man's race...


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Superbad

I just watched "Superbad" for the second time. Classic movie. Such an accurate depiction of every guy at some point in their life. If you can't remember that time, you are either suffering from amnesia or are lying to yourself. Bow chicka bow wow.

Something that I've been thinking about recently is how important Facebook is to the existence of people at this age. If you honestly think about it, if you don't have a Facebook, it is almost like you don't exist. Literally. How many people begin friendships, relationships, etc... through finding people on Facebook and conversing there. So much is cut out if that isn't possible. Likewise, you see people taking pictures and immediately saying, "Wow, that is totally my next profile picture." Count how many people you hear discussing bumper stickers or cats saying random ass things. It's fucking taking over.

Makes me wonder how everything that encompasses one person can be centralized on one page. It's like cutting out that awkward, but fun stage where you learn small shit about someone you just met. Not to mention Facebook profiles seem to be a fact sheet for stalking. Creepy. 

Not trying to exclude myself from the dependancy on Facebook. It's just kind of scary that one person's creation can dominate society so much that it actually appears to be an addictive thing.

I've been a real Southern music kind of kick. Listening to a lot of alt-country, folk, blues type stuff. Pick up any John Lee Hooker you can grab if possible. Phenomenal musician. Of course Ryan Adams goes without saying in this category. Such a prolific dude, but all his material is fantastic and pretty diverse. Really impressive guy. Hope to catch him when he rolls through Boston soon.

Two others to check out who I've been chillin on recently. Both relatively upstart groups so give them a listen and if you enjoy try and show them support.

***
I walked to the edge of town
and found that everything had turn to dust
so I boarded a train
and I said I'd find my way out in the city
but the the buildings were so tall
like God's own fingers 
poking holes in the sky
just to see what the angels were hiding
I'll just stay on the ground
and hear what you have to say
have some drinks and laugh at the clocks flying past me
just to live for the moment that the Earth stood still



Peace and much love to ya