The Town

The other day I went to the morning movie ($5 versus $10) to see 'The Town' starring and directed by Ben Affleck. The film is a typical heist movie that centers around a small community in Boston known as Charlestown. Several crews operate (though we never see any other crews) throughout the city, but have their base in Charlestown. They are very smart (criminally speaking), highly successful, and very calculated bank and armed truck robbers.





This summer I watched another film (Takers) and found it to be horrible. Horrible might be a bit strong, but it was predictable with very poor acting and almost an unbelievable story. Why would I bring up this other film? Partly because you need some sort of comparison to The Town. Some would say that Heat is the best comparison, but I think The Town is better than both Heat and Takers. Why? The acting is superb. Seriously great. You feel each of the characters emotions throughout the film. Jeremy Renner stills the show as the tough guy, with Jon Hamm throwing in an absolutely brilliant performance as the tough talking FBI agent.

The film is a bit long and like any caper or heist movie, there is an air of predictability. However, one moviegoer that happened to be in the theater with us was quite surprised at every turn...shocked even. Gasping and shouting at the screen. Hilarious. But I digress. The Town is a predictable film. You kind of know everything that will happen, but it makes the journey to get there interesting enough to keep your attention.

So what is my final ruling? 3.5/5 stars. Great acting, poor 'shock' factor as far as plot goes, and a very interesting subplot that allows for some motivation for Affleck's character.

Watch it and enjoy it, but remember that in most heist movies the ending is usually predictable.

INCEPTION

Click here for the trailer!

WOW

That word was on my mind the entire film. First, a great caper movie. Then an excellent premise and idea to push the caper to new depths of imagination. To say the film has depth intellectually is an understatement. So many aspects of the film are in play at all times. The thrill of the movie is almost always at a 10.

So there is the praise. We enjoyed it immensely. I want to watch it again...SOON.

*SPOILERS* (perhaps)

*SPOILERS*

*SPOILERS*

*SPOILERS*

Ok. These may or may not be spoilers.

Dreams can be synced and controlled. Meaning that two or more people can share the same dream and interact. This is explained in better detail in the film (I won't attempt any greater details). And within one dream, you can then sync dreams further (and so on and so forth)...got it? (I'll be saying 'got it?' a bunch of times)

But the movie is about the origin of an idea. Can an idea be planted within someone's mind WITHOUT them realizing that the idea originated from someone else. Got it? It is easy to steal an idea (which our 'heroes' or anti-heroes have already shown they can extract), but the ability to input new material into a subject's mind without their knowledge is thought to be IMPOSSIBLE...or at least IMPLAUSIBLE.

The acting in this film is flawless. Nothing seems forced, everyone works...everyone! The action is, at best, impressive and at worst ridiculous. The hotel fight scene is something to be awestruck by and the snow 'level' battle is completely badass. And now the plot. It works. I won't go into exact details, but let us just say that things that lurk in your subconscious play a huge role in your dreams.

Inception is probably the best concept in quite some time (think 'The Matrix') and executed in a way that is almost sure to win an Oscar for something. Most likely Best Actor for Leo DiCaprio or Best Supporting Actress for Ellen Page.

So go watch Inception and prepare yourself for 2.5 hours of the most unique movie experience in quite some time. Get all your food and drink BEFORE the movie. Pee before the movie. You will miss out if you miss any piece. Too many things are happening throughout the film. Too much action, story, excitement, etc.

GO WATCH INCEPTION!

Recovery - Eminem

Eminem has a new album that will drop tomorrow (June 22nd, 2010). This is his first studio album in about forever (ok...maybe since last year, but whatever) and it is his seventh studio album. To me, this album is kind of a look back on his life of fame. He apologizes for not really coming with fire of late and even speaks about being jealous of other rappers (Kanye and Lil' Wayne). And of course, he shits on Mariah and Nick Cannon. Nothing is off limits in this album, a couple Michael J. Fox references and even a reference to Michael Jackson and his hair catching fire. Each song has compliments his style and the message held within. The beats and production are all on point given the subject matter of each track.

This album makes Eminem seem much more mature and introspective. Even in the songs where he is just shooting the proverbial shit, he keeps 'on message'. That message is that I'm back and literally dropping knowledge with every word.

My favorite tracks so far are (in no particular order) Talkin' 2 Myself, On Fire, Going Through Changes, Seduction, No Love, and 25 to Life. All the tracks bring something interesting to the table and I find myself unable to skip any of them (even W.T.P.). The test of any great album is the ability to replay it several times and never be irritated. This album has that potential (I have listened to it about 15 times over the past two days).

So go get Recovery by any means necessary...I give it 5/5.

Hot Tub Time Machine

Recently (read yesterday) I went out with my lovely wife for a night on the town. The night began with food and then realizing that we were late for our movie. This made us stop in at a bar (MoJo's Lounge...affixed the cup of joe in the mall) where we experienced a great happy hour and some of the OSU NCAA basketball game (they lost...another blog, another time). We each had two drinks (rum/coke, 2 whisky/ginger ale, Guinness) and were ready to leave (so we wouldn't be late for the new showtime), but alas, the barkeep friend we had made the week before gave us a free beer (joy/sadness). That beer didn't last long (devoured). [note the overuse of parentheses] We hurried into the theater, found our seats, and still had at least two previews left. By the way, why do movies have so many previews in 2010? I realized this trend back in 2002 during a trip to Puerto Rico (15 previews and commercials...I shit you not). But what is the explanation?

Finally it was time for Hot Tub Time Machine. But only after being told not to ruin the movie by adding our own soundtrack. What the fuck? I can't laugh now? Fucking movies. Anyway, the movie begins in several hilarious ways (showing each of our heroes lives) and we learn a little about each of them. Then they take a trip and we learn of the hot tub. Keep in mind that I was already DYING of laughter before this part of the film. I can't explain the jokes, but if you enjoy raunchy, irreverent humor, then this film has your name ALL OVER IT!

The film has plenty of dialogue, gags, and running jokes to keep you cracking up. I highly recommend you take some time and watch Hot Tub Time Machine. I give it 5/5. Or maybe 4.5/5. I should check Lougle and see what RottenTomatoes.com gave it...(inside joke)