The Sopranos

Had to do it. I'm only one season in and I am already having trouble getting around to my homework just so I can watch one more episode of this amazing show. This particular video is the montage at the beginning of the second season. I just thought it was so distinct, such a cool segway into the next chapter of the show. Where to begin with this show? Well I guess I will start with the masterful acting. Everyone nails it, and I really do mean that. James Gandolfini is so convincing, along with all of the other supporting characters. This is such an intricate plot with so many twists and turns, and most importantly, the directors made sure to make each character as complicated and therefore realistic as any real life individual. What I find most impressive is that the creators of the show make no effort to hide that Tony Soprano is a murderer, constantly cheats on his wife, and has uncontrollable violent outbursts often throughout the show. And yet, somehow the viewer is forced to empathize with him; he is sick, he loves his family, and he seems to want to get better. This is just a superb show and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a fair amount of violence, though I think it's tasteful in the way it is constructed.

Gettin Jiggy With it....

Ok, call me incredibly lame for the title..Yeah it is pretty damn bad. But I must leave the title up, for I speak of the man they call Big Willy. Yes, today I have to touch upon Will Smith, in particular, his acting in the movie Enemy of the State. Look, he's been in some good movies. I don't think anyone can take that away from him. But there's something about his acting style that really just makes me want to slap him and say, "No Will Smith, you stop that." What can I say, he gets on my freaking nerves. Now, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the film. The plot was fast moving, unpredictable, and definitely had me surprised at each twist and turn. And of course Gene Hackman, as always, was superb as the retired NSA agent who helps Smith's character get out of different jams he encounters. Honestly, the acting overall was good, and this was in my opinion Smith's most well-acted movie. Good, now that that's out of the way, I can rip on him. It's just that every time I see him act, I feel as if I am watching the same progression that I saw in his last movie. We have the joking Will Smith, that likes to have a little fun, but of course an upstanding guy. And then there is the Will Smith that goes into action, he doesn't take any shit, and he will probably have a freakout or too (if you are shaking your head saying WTF just watch I am Legend, Independence Day, or Men in Black). I'm getting a little carried away here I know, I just had to say something. He will have to prove he can be a dynamic actor before he gains more respect from me.

Animal Man!

Ok so I went with an Oscar nominee last time so I thought I would switch it up a bit. I really like adding clips from the movies so i think i will make a habit of that. I just had to bring up Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. It really is one of my all time favorite comedies. What I think I appreciate most is the fact that I have never seen anyone act like Jim Carrey. He defines the role, as opposed to the other way around. His insane antics, and hilarious one-liners have me laughing uncontrollably throughout the movie. Say what you will about the predictable plot, and "stupid" humor as some might call it, but I find the movie funny. And to me, that's really all that matters some time. Of course I like movies that require a lot of thought and interpretation, but I don't think there's really anything wrong with just sitting back and relaxing the mind while Jim Carrey amazes me with his enthusiasm and commitment to his role. Alright, enough with this; I feel like I'm getting kind of preachy. But this movie gets a good grade in my book.

The King's Speech

http://www.makingof.com/posts/watch/2663/bertie

 FASCINATING! HILARIOUS! MOVING! Is there anything I can say about this movie that hasn't already be reiterated 100 times over?? No, I doubt it. But nonetheless, I am forced to default and say that this movie was just flat out impressive in every aspect that can be criticized. The acting, of course with A-Listers like Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, and Guy Pearce, it's pretty hard to miss. Yet, I think this movie goes so much further than the acting; the sets were just mesmerizing, with the truly barren room that the King (aka Bertie) frustratingly attempts to lose his impediment, and the near final scene (Caution: Spoilers) where he must give his country-wide speech. Throughout the film it was difficult for me to feel completely at ease with Firth's character, since he was rude, impatient, and rather pompous. But the as his character developed and we learned more about the King and his royally messed up family, it became clear that he was a victim of constant taunting and embarrassment at his speech impediment. The fact that I could feel so involved with the characters just goes to show how much information the audience could take in from the film about the characters. I can't think of a negative comment to even propose about this movie; a few Oscars are definitely in store for this film if not more and deservedly so! (The link shows just one of the many wonderful scenes from the movie, where Bertie and his speech doctor first meet)