Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Heartbreak Kid -- D-

Staring Ben and Jerry Stiller, this looked promising (once I determined that it was not Along Came Polly, although it may be a lamer and crasser version of the same script -- they share a few plot points). Sadly, it turned out to be, well, a lamer and crasser version of Along Came Polly.

Avoid it.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Veronica Mars -- B+

Another TV suggestion to tide you over until new stuff arrives . . .

Even I'm surprised that I enjoyed this. I don't think I exactly fit the target demographic for a show about a snarky teen detective drama. It was recommended by a good friend who is equally outside the target demo.

That said, the show is mostly successful at telling both an overarching season-long mystery as well as episode-by-episode mysteries. Much better than you might expect from a lesser known network.

Rent the first disk and see what you think.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Sports Night -- A

Although the strike is over, it will still be a few weeks before new episodes shows are back on. I have a few ideas for filling the time.

I was sad when Sports Night was canceled, and I was sad when we'd worked all the way through the DVDs and none were left. A great cast, great acting, great dialogue, great characters. The look is a little dated, but frankly that just adds a layer of enjoyment watching it now.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Juno -- A+

It's likely that you've heard quite a bit about this movie so there's little need for me to add to it. Go see it. You'll enjoy it.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Mr. Brooks -- B

And now back to our regularly scheduled topic . . .

I'm tempted to give Mr. Brooks an A based solely on the fact that a late third-act surprise made PoMonkey scream out loud.

Otherwise we both enjoyed it. Sure, Costner is in some scenes a good bit beyond his acting abilities, and a few of the plot points are quite improbable. But I couldn't figure out how it was going to end. Would he get caught? Would he get away? What?

It also didn't hurt that it was filmed in the town where I lived for 22 years, and it was fun figuring out where the various locations are.

I can't say I highly recommend it because it is a bit violent (and PoMonkey couldn't sleep after watching it). He is a serial killer, after all.