Netflix Friday - Volume 31

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: Red (2010)
When his peaceful life is threatened by a high-tech assassin, former black-ops agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) reassembles his old team in a last-ditch effort to survive and uncover his assailants.
 

Drama: Loving (2016)
The story of Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga), a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the Supreme Court’s historic 1967 decision.
 

Comedy: Neighbors (2014)
After they are forced to live next door to a fraternity, a couple (Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne) with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down.
 

Animation: Small Foot (2018)
A Yeti is convinced that the elusive creatures known as ‘humans’ really do exist.
 

Romance: The Lucky One (2012)
A marine (Zac Efron) travels to Louisiana after serving three tours in Iraq and searches for the unknown woman (Taylor Schilling) he believes was his good luck charm during the war.
 

Horror: The Boy (2016)
An American nanny (Lauren Cohan) is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violets a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.
 

Science Fiction: Serenity (2005)
The crew of the ship Serenity try to evade an assassin sent to recapture one of their members who is telepathic.
 

Crime: Triple 9 (2016)
A gang of criminals and corrupt cops plan the murder of a police officer in order to pull off their biggest heist yet across town.
 

Thriller: The Commuter (2018)
An insurance salesman/ ex-cop (Liam Neeson) is caught up in a life-threatening conspiracy during his daily commute home.
 

Documentary: Behind the Curve (2018)
Meet real Flat Earthers, a small but growing contingent of people who firmly believe in a conspiracy to suppress the truth that the Earth is flat.
 

Family: Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
With their daughter Blair away, Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to skip Christmas all together until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate it al the last minute.

Top 10: Worst Movies I Watched for My 2016 Challenge

Sadly enough I was also exposed to some terrible films, crap piles, shitty flicks, snooze fests and simply ‘why did they make this’ – films. Here are the 10 worst films I watched for my challenge.

10. Last Tango in Paris
People call it a classic, but I think this was a terrible film. And besides that, this film creeped me out. Especially after reading about that ‘rape’ story. Not Marlon Brando’s best work.

9. Black Christmas
Do horror remakes ever work. “Black Christmas” at least doesn’t proof that. All you want is for all those annoying frat girls to get slashed. That’s never a good sign.

8. Knock Knock
I’m always defending Keanu Reeves when people call him a bad actor. He isn’t. But even I couldn’t protect Reeves from this pile of shit. What a dumb film, which looked so promising. I hated this movie. And I still can’t understand how two idiot girls could outsmart Reeves’ character so easily.

7. The Ape
As much as I love James Franco, I hope he erases this from his resumé. Not a good film, not interesting, weird, it makes no sense.

6. Point Break (remake)
As much as I love the original with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, that’s how much I hated the remake. It was like I was watching one long extreme sports commercial. The movie sucks and is not memorable whatsoever.

5. Little Nicky
I know we shouldn’t take this movie to seriously, but it’s such a ridiculous movie. I can take a lot from Adam Sandler, I forgive him for a lot just because I think he is so funny. But “Little Nicky” is just too much ridiculousness for my liking.

4. Neighbors
It sounded like so much fun, especially with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd involved. But this was such an unfunny film, I can’t remember laughing even once. No, “Neighbors” was really bad.

3. Sharknado
Although I love shark movies, this was just too stupid. Especially seeing how serious the actors are in this film. I secretly always love to watch bad shark movies, just to laugh at them.

2. Cube
Someone lend me this film, she was so excited about this film. But “Cube” is the second worst film I have seen this year. I haven’t seen acting this bad in a while. What a crap fest.

1. I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer
Another sequel to an already not that great franchise. This movie has nothing to do with the original stories and there is no reason or explanation why the hook man is following these people. When the killer turned out to be a supernatural being, I just couldn’t bear to watch it. I sat it out though.


Dishonorable Mentions: The Lone Ranger, He Knows You’re Alone, Absolute Beginners, Unfriended, Pixels, Hush, New York Stories, Nine, Vacation, Runner Runner, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Secret in Their Eyes

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 13: Neighbors

Director: John G. Avildsen

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 94 minutes

Year: 1981

Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kathryn Walker, Cathy Moriarty

Description: A quiet man's peaceful suburban lifestyle is threatened by the new, obnoxious couple that moves in next door.

Review: Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi and team up again after the successful and super fun “Blues Brothers” in 1980. This is a great comedic duo, so “Neighbors” will be hilarious, right? Ehm, no!

Earl and Enid live a quiet life in a suburban neighborhood, until a strange couple moves in next door. A simple plot, that could go in many different directions and could be really funny. “Neighbors” is a weird comedy. It’s one of those comedies that is painfully unfunny. There is nothing worse than a comedy that doesn’t make you laugh, because the main thing a comedy should do is make you laugh.

“Neighbors” is stupid, weird and not funny at all. Skip!

Rating: 1/ 5

DVD Collection Update (19)

It's time for another DVD collection update. I've got 13 new ones since the beginning of January. To warn you, I went on a Disney shopping spree!

I got the first season of "Downton Abbey". I wanted to know why people loved it (and off course I wanted to see Dan Stevens...). And I now know why, it's loads of fun.

And if you know me a little bit, I also immediatley had to buy the second season. It has become a guilty pleasure of mine.

"In Bruges" is one of the funniest movies in the dark comedy genre. I really like Colin Farrel in this film, but Ralph Fiennes steals the show as the villain. his insults are hilarious! 

An absolute classic, sometimes I feel like buying one of those. "Psycho" deserves that title, because it's one of the best classic movies ever. And pretty scary too!

"Das Leben der Anderen" is one of the best non-English spoken movies. It's not a very spectaculair movie, but it's so well made and acted.

I went to see "Neighbors" last year with my cousin Linda. It was so much fun, finally a new comedy that could make me laugh. So when it came out, I just had to add it to my collection.

"Begin Again" is movie that puts an instant smile on your face. I just love this movie, I loved Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley in this film. Really worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.

It was criticized, but I don't know why. I think "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" was an amazing film. Off course it could never top the first, but it's still a great movie!

"The Little Mermaid" was the first movie I ever saw in theaters. I think I've only seen it once after that experience, so it was time for me to own it.

I actually never saw the Disney animated version of "Alice in Wonderland", so this will be another view for my movie challenge.

Just thinking of that terrible scene in "Bambi" makes me sad, but I also remember how great the entire animation was. And adorable with all those cute animals.

I also never saw the animated Disney version of "Robin Hood", so another movie on my to-watch list for my challenge.

I think I saw the live action version more often, but I really need to watch the animated "101 Dalmatians" again.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies I watched for My Challenge (May 2014)

Another great month of movies and I also watched a couple of classics. Again a tough choice, but here are my five favourites of this month.

5. The Debt

I didn’t know what to expect, but I was amazed by the strength of this film. Great acting by Jessica Chastain especially. Fantastic movie.

 

4. Neighbors

A comedy that got it right. This movie made me laugh, that’s what a lot of comedies fail to do nowadays.

 

3. Godzilla

It totally surprised me, I didn’t expect it to end up in my monthly top 5. But it deserves a spot, because it was a fantastic thrill ride!

 

2. Spirited Away

I truly got inspired by this style, I really liked the animation. And also the great story and morals behind this film.

 

1. The Great Escape

I was so glad that I finally saw this movie. It’s fantastic. I just loved how this movie was made, with action, light drama and some wit, not a very common combination for a movie set in World War II.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: X-Men: First Class, The Goonies

In the Picture: The Characters from "Neighbors"

I saw it on the first night in theatres, that doesn’t happen to me very often. It was a really funny film and the characters made that happen. Here are the characters from “Neighbors”. 

 

Mac Radner

Played by: Seth Rogen

Mac is happy that he’s a new dad and the fact that they bought their first house. He is still trying to adjust and to open that door to the next chapter of his life. Mac wants to party with the younger guys, but he also tries to be a more responsible man as well. Deep in his heart he is accepting the fact that he’s getting older and that his home life is very fulfilling. 

 

Kelly Radner

Played by: Rose Byrne

Kelly is from Australia and met Mac in high school. She is trying to adapt to her newest role as a mother. Although she feels like partying with her friends, Kelly also realizes that this part of her life is about taking care of her family. She is willing to accept that, as long as her husband Mac joins her.

 

 

Teddy Sanders

Played by: Zac Efron

Teddy moves in next door to the Radners as the president of a fraternity. He is very popular, has the looks and is liked by everyone. When he meets Mac and Kelly, they get along. Teddy even invites them over to a party. But as the couple starts complaining about the noise, Teddy goes to battle with them. Teddy is also on a point in his life where he has to realize he is growing up. Soon a life of partying, drinking and fun is over.

 

Pete Regazolli

Played by: Dave Franco

Pete is Teddy’s best friend and the vice president of the fraternity. He tags along with Teddy as they go head to head with the Radners. When he bangs Teddy’s girl, their friendship is out the door. Pete also sees that rebelling against their neighbors isn’t the right thing to do.

 

Favorite Character: Mac Radner

 

Me & 3 Dave Franco Movies

Without even realizing it, I watched three movies starring Dave Franco in a short period of time. He’s never the main star, yet, but I see a bright future for this guy. Although he isn’t as good as his brother James, and he probably never will, he’s not bad to watch. So here are three movies starring Dave Franco.

 

Now You See Me

Genre: Thriller

Year: 2013

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Opinion: It’s visually an amazing movie, but the director doesn’t have great tricks up his sleave. It’s all very predictable and not all the characters get the attention they deserve.

Favorite character: Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent)

Most memorable quote: “Whatever is about to follow, whatever this grand trick is, is really going to amaze. Look closely, because the closer you think you are, the less you'll actually see”. –Thaddeus Bradley-

Best scene: The opening scene, where we meet the four horsemen.

Fright Night

Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Comedy

Year: 2011

Director: Craig Gillespie

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Charlie (Anton Yelchin) suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Opinion: Definitely not bad for a remake. My brother is a huge fan of the original and was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s a very enjoyable horror, with little touches of subtle humor in it.

Favorite character: Peter Vincent (David Tennant)

Most memorable quote: “That is a terrible vampire name. Jerry?” –Charlie Brewster-

Best scene: Jerry is asking Charlie if he has some beer for him. By this time Charlie is doubting his friend’s stories, that Jerry is a vampire. While Charlie is getting the beer out of the fridge, Jerry is standing outside. But Charlie doesn’t invite him inside, because if he is a vampire that would give him all access.

Neighbors

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2014

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Kelly and Mac (Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen) are settling down in a quiet neighborhood with their newborn child, until a fraternity moves into the house next door.

Opinion: A good comedy that managed to make me cry of laughter. Both verbal and physical humor, great comedic performances by Rogen, Byrne and Efron.

Favorite character: Mac Radner (Seth Rogen)

Most memorable quoteL “He puts his dick in your mouth while you were asleep!” –Pete- “I wasn’t asleep.” –Assjuice- Best scene: The fight between Mac and Teddy.

Favorite of the 3: “Neighbors”

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 60: Neighbors

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Kelly and Mac (Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen) are settling down in a quiet neighborhood with their newborn child, until a fraternity moves into the house next door.

Review: When new parents Mac and Kelly see a fraternity move in next door, they want to be cool about it. Their own college days aren’t that long gone, but they want to send the boys the message to keep it down a bit. Teddy, president of the fraternity, and his right hand Pete, get along with the couple at first. When they call the police to complain about the loud music, the neighbors go to war.

Seth Rogen plays the comical good guy, a role perfect for this teddy bear. His very good observations of Teddy’s insanely muscular arms, parenthood and sex are hitting every note. Rose Byrne, fairly new to this genre, can easily keep up with Rogen and they work well together on the screen. She was really funny. Zac Efron got rid of his Disney image and was really giving his all. He was surprisingly good and also had a sense of comedic timing.

There is a pleasant mix of verbal and physical humor. Sometimes it’s a bit juvenile, but the humor never goes to far. They know exactly when to stop and move on. The second half of the film was a bit more successful then the first, but in general highly enjoyable and a good laugh. Especially a fight scene between Zac Efron and Seth Rogen and some airbag incidents.

“Neighbors” is definitely a good comedy, simply because I had tears of laughter. Nowadays that’s very rare for comedies.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (103)

Last week there weren't any trailers worth sharing. Here are this weeks trailers.

Neighbors
Description: A young couple suffering from arrested development are forced to live next to a fraternity house after the birth of their newborn baby.
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Christoph Mintz-Plasse, Dave Franco
Trailer: Trailer "Neighbors"
Comment: That scene with the airbag on the chair cracked me up. I think it's going to be hilarious!

Under the Skin
Description: An alien in human form is on a journey through Scotland.
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Walter Campbell
Trailer: Trailer "Under the Skin"
Comment: Are you sure this isn't directed by David Lynch?

Kill Your Darlings
Description: The previously untold story of murder that brought together a young Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) and William Burroughs (Ben Foster) at Columbia University in 1944, providing the spark that would lead to their Beat Revolution. This is the true story of friendship and murder that led to the birth of an entire generation.
Director: John Krokidas
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan, Jack Huston, Elizabeth Olsen, Michael C. Hall, Ben Foster, Kyra Sedgwick, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Trailer: Trailer "Kill Your Darlings"
Comment: Didn't James Franco also play Ginsberg?

Best Man Down
Description: When their obnoxious and over-served best man, Lumpy (Tyler Labine), unexpectedly dies at their destination wedding in Phoenix, bride and groom Kristin (Jess Weixler) and Scott (Justin Long) are forced to cancel their honeymoon and fly home to the snowy Midwest to arrange for his funeral. But when they arrive they realize that there was a lot more to their friend than met the eye.
Director: Ted Koland
Starring: Justin Long, Tyler Labine, Jess Weixler, Addison Timlin, Frances O'Connor, Shelley Long
Trailer: Trailer "Best Man Down"
Comment: Not a big cast, but look fun.

All is Bright
Description: Two French Canadian never-do-wells travel to New York City with a scheme to get rich quick selling Christmas trees. Easygoing charmer Rene (Paul Rudd) clashes with misanthropic ex-con Dennis (Paul Giamatti), whose wife Rene just stole. Still, this odd couple must make an honest go of it.
Director: Phil Morrison
Starring: Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, Sally Hawkins, Peter Hermann, Halley Feiffer, Michael Drayer, Amy Landecker, Curtiss Cook, Colman Domingo
Trailer:
Comment: I think the two Paul's are a great team.