Last week while knocked out on the sofa or in bed I rummaged through some movies. Some good, some not so good, and one loaded disappointment. For the other movie moguls out there:
God Grew Tired of Us – Go now and add it to your Netflix, Blockbuster online account! Stunning! I LOVED this movie. I’ve watched it 2 and 1/2 times now. It’s a documentary and I know that registers as a ‘nap’ for most but not this time. God Grew Tired of Us is a stunning account of 3 men from what’s known apparently as The Lost Boys (no not vampires that the Coreys defeated back in the 80s) but a group of African children that fled the Sudan back in the 80s and have found temporary shelter in Ethiopia. These particular 3 men have made it to America and their stories are remarkable and raw. This film is top notch. They do a great job filling you in on the details without becoming cumbersome and the journey these men make across Africa is not only remarkable but their culture shock once in America is unfortunately comical at times. The thing that drove it home for me were the hearts of these men. You see what true thankfulness, responsibility, and passion is all about!
Smokin’ Aces – What a star studded over the top shoot ’em up film of bullets and blood! HA. It was really comical. I had a once secret man-crush on Ryan Reynolds so it didn’t matter how bad this movie might have been I thought it delivered. Jeremy Pivens has a hit out on him after deciding to squeal on the mob and hitmen come out of the shadows to try and take him down. However, before he goes in he decides to blow a night in Vegas. So FBI want him alive, while the world wants him dead! It is over the top. Language galore, a little graphic (I think), so it’s definitely not family friendly! I probably shouldn’t recommend it, I see Jason Batemen in a whole new light after this movie. Over the top! Did I mention that? The movie actually takes itself seriously, which is hilarious! Over the top, but a fun ride!
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels – It’s been forever since I’ve seen this. It’s not one you can watch on the sofa drifting in and out of sleep. It’s Guy Ritchie’s ‘prelude’ to Snatch and is the same vein: British, dry, double-crosses, accents, guns, etc. You love it or hate it. I love it.
Crank -WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! Here’s a testosterone fueled fest gone bad. I really dig Jason Statham and he’s done some over the top man movies like the Transporters that I think actually make it. This one had potential, however, was simply ridiculous. You know the premise: he’s jacked with some drug that will kill him in an hour but he can stay alive by keeping his adrenaline pumping. Everything from mindless fighting, sex, and drugs keeps him alive. It’s like watching Grand Theft Auto the game in a movie. Thank goodness I didn’t buy this one. I can’t really believe I made it all the way through.
Stealing Harvard – I actually caught this on TV and thought I was about to watch Orange County with Jack Black and Colin Hanks. Then I see Tom Green and Jason Lee and think I’m about to watch Road Trip. Then I just confused! However, I really laughed at this movie! I typically hate Tom Green but I love Jason Lee. Yeah, there’s a reason it’s on TV in the middle of the day but there’s spunk and heart here and just dumb funny moments. I wouldn’t dare rush out to get this one but if it’s on TV you’ll enjoy it!
Worship City 