The weather in Toronto has become…spastic over the last little while. It is not the typical winter weather we have become used to in the city. Sure there are still the cold blustery days with varying intensity of snowfall but we are also getting these random “warm” days that are turning the streets into rivers of slush followed by sheets of ice. It is a combination of gross backed up by extremely hazardous conditions that are not making it fun to go outside. I guess that is what happens when the temp fluctuates 20+ degrees within 2 days.
Anyways, because of this I have found myself watching more movies/tv than usual. This means full weekends nestled on the couch, wearing sweats/pjs, wrapped in blankets, with my hands securely around a cup of cocoa. Fun times!
This weekend I watched the full second season for “Bored to Death”. This was a long time coming as I had been wanting to watch it for a long time but just never got around to it. But I finally found a friend who is into the show, had it, and lent it to me. It made me so happy, and it made me happier that it was actually really good.
If you are not familiar with the show it is about a struggling writer Jonathan Ames who decides to put some excitement into his life and becomes a part time (unlicensed) private detective.  It stars Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, and Zach Galifianakis. It also has a great cast of recurring characters and guest stars that include Oliver Platt, Kristen Wiig, Patton Oswalt, John Hodgman, and more. This is a really funny show and am surprised that more people haven’t gotten into it. It is a perfect balance between “slapstick” and witty humour that focuses on a core group of characters that are both wacky and highly relate-able. Well that could be because it is one of the few HBO shows not centered around sex/nudity (not that there isn’t any) and there is no kind of sorcery involved.
I also watched a few more episodes of “Portlandia”. I have to admit, it is growing on me. There are still parts where all I can think is “What?” but I get no less than 1 really good laugh per episode with a few chuckles. So that is enough to keep going with it.
I think one of the biggest problems when I first started watching was the at it was something completely different than I expected. And now that I am familiar with the format and the continuous introduction to these weird and wonderful characters I can just enjoy what they give me. The show is more about a place, Portland, and what makes it what it is. And without showcasing all the tropes that exist in that place you can never know what it is. I have to say this show has made me want to go there just so I could point all these people out.
In the last couple of weeks I have watched 4 vastly different movies that for the most part were a little disappointing.
I was really prepared to be offended or at least be on edge from watching Django Unchained. There was all this hoopla about how many times they say “the N-word” and how violent the movie is. I sat, watched, and wasn’t offended. Maybe it was because I was over prepared as many people told me that the say the word numerous times, or maybe it is because I am used to the films of Tarantino but I took no offence to the content of the film. I believe people were offended simply because of the context in which the word was used. It was mainly said by white slave owner and when it was said by a black person it was not in kinship but to step above. But this is a historical interpretation. This was meant for historical accuracy and people got way to up in arms about it. Also they did not say it anywhere near as much as I had expected. I swear it was said more in another Tarantino classic, Pulp Fiction, or even in rap songs (some of them it is every other word).
Sad to say though, I was not blown out of the water by this film. It is getting praise and accolades all over but it wasn’t as good as I expected. The film is made up of tight intense scenes that are beautiful, captivating, twisted, and violent. But strung together I found the final complete product to be lacking. It is on the level with Inglorious Basterds, all the elements are there but something just isn’t right but I can’t pinpoint exactly what that is. It may be the Jamie Foxx issue. I find the man insufferable. He is too pompous and into himself that he never loses himself in a role. There was never a moment in this film where he wasn’t Jamie Foxx where as Leonardo DiCaprio became Calvin Candie and you hated him, Christoph Waltz was Dr. King Schultz and you were charmed by him. Everyone besides the films main focus were flawless in their roles and that can make a film much less than it could have been.
Django Unchained is definitely a film worth having a look at though. If you are easily offended then this is not the movie for you. There are cringe worthy moments, moments of triumph, and scenes of beauty.
Surprisingly there was little noise made about Seven Psychopaths this year. Just from the cast alone you would think that it would have gotten more attention but it came and then kind of faded away. I don’t know why because it is a really good movie.
In basic terms it is about a guy who is having trouble writing a screen play and his crazy friends who kidnap a Shih Tzu from a mobster. I was expecting this to be more of a fun romp with a little violence, nothing gained nothing lost, but it turned out to be more than that. You have a group of complex characters that are well thought out put into a ridiculous situation that ends up being both hilarious and heartbreaking. It is just really well done and more people should see it.
I have to say Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken steal the show. They are just wonderful…but they always are, aren’t they? Woody Harrelson plays a great psychotic and Tom Waits small role quite fantastic. Also one thing that clinched this film for me was a scene inserted into the credits.
This is a great movie and definitely worth a watch.
Here’s another big blockbuster of 2012. I expected more of The Lord of the Rings but what I got was a slapsticky, juvenile bore that was way too long. I really didn’t enjoy the movie. I was continuously rolling my eyes wondering when it was going to get good or at least end. And one thing that was really jaring was the lack of blood. With all the orc getting stabbed, beheaded, maimed there was not blood or indication of. It was really strange. I am not really looking forward to the next 2 movies but now that I have already invested 2h 49mins in it already I will have to see the whole journey through. You never know it may get better but probably not. It is a pretty movie though.
The next one is a new to me movie and I kinda wish it wasn’t. For some ass reason I decided to watch The Three Musketeers 3D.
According to IMDB people who liked this also liked movies such as Six Days, Seven Nights and Troy so that should give you an idea of the caliber of film you are getting into. It is a cluster____ of stupid with insipid characters, ridiculous (bad) action, and sloppy dialogue. I understand that they were trying to make this all action and entertainment but you still have to have a good script to make that work. It just came across as a bunch on teenagers in a room who just read the book coming up with ludicrous things to make it more interesting. That might actually have been their targeted demographic.
It also surprises me the number of well known names that appears in this film including Orlando Bloom, Mila Jovovich, Christoph Waltz, and Mads Mikkelsen. They didn’t even try. To me it seemed they put on the costume and said their lines. With this kind of movie that is really all you need. I do have to say that the costumes were pretty awesome.
I have to say The Three Musteteers 3D is a pass. It is just too dumb to be bothered with. Maybe it was because I didn’t see it 3D but I doubt it.
I was hoping to do a CUTMR 2013 but sadly I wasn’t able to make it this year. Maybe I will find another art show to go to soon.
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