"Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today."

For the past few days I have been hopelessly addicted to ‘24’. I saw the last five or six episodes of Season Four a while back and when Shauna and I saw the first three seasons on DVD for a really great price, we couldn’t resist. Well, I couldn’t resist. As such, I haven’t been watching nearly as many movies as I would like. But here’s a brief look at what I have been watching.

I really liked Ladder 49 the first time I saw it, but it would have been difficult to put my finger on what it was that impressed me so much. After watching it for a second time I think I have it figured out. Aside from having spectacular visuals of some incredible fires, the film is an emotional roller coaster that takes the viewer through virtually every mountain and valley of Jack Morrison’s life as a firefighter, husband, father and friend. The thing I enjoyed most about this film was the way I reacted to each of Jack’s situations. I was excited and thrilled as he fought his first fire. I laughed and smiled when he met his future wife and hung out at the pub with his closest friends. I cheered when he saved a man’s life. I felt sorrow, joy, heartache, elation, frustration, pride, anger, delight, fear and regret. Some have argued that the film has no plot. First of all, there is a very distinct plot - it just happens to be segmented between numerous flashbacks of Jack’s life. And second of all, the purpose of the film is to show that life, Jack's struggles and victories. Ladder 49 was intended to be a celebration of the life of a firefighter and I think it accomplishes that exceptionally well. It certainly belongs right beside Backdraft as one of the quintessential ‘fire’ movies.

Anyone with a fascination for World War II, and that’s most of us, would appreciate Memphis Belle. Based on the true story of a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ that flew 25 missions during the war, Memphis Belle portrays the final mission of the aircraft and her crew. The film was released in 1990 and seems to have suffered during the transfer to DVD. The video quality is a bit grainy in areas and certainly doesn’t have the nice crisp picture quality we’ve come to expect from today’s new releases. There were also a couple of scenes where I felt the acting was forced, but ultimately my fondness for this movie has little to do with any of these things. The story itself is enough to keep you entertained. The characters are diverse and much of the enjoyment comes from watching them interact with each other. It’s another one of those bizarre family bonds that can only form during the harshness of war. Sean Astin, Matthew Modine, Harry Connick Jr., Billy Zane, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan, David Strathairn and John Lithgow make for a remarkably star studded cast, though most of these actors didn’t become ‘big’ until years later. Memphis Belle is definitely worth a look.

My single most favourite comedy of all time has to be Groundhog Day. Which is ironic since I don’t think Groundhog Day is the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. I just love the concept of the film and Bill Murray’s performance is one of his best. For the three people out there who haven’t seen this gem yet, let me fill you in. Phil Connors (Murray) is a self centered weather man who is sent to Punxsatawny, Pennsilvania to film the annual Groundhog Day festival. His new producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman Larry (Chris Elliot) accompany him. Phil’s alarm clock goes off at 6:00am, he does his report then immediately heads back home. Unfortunately, a blizzard prevents them from leaving and Phil must spend the rest of the day in Punxsatawny. The next morning his alarm goes off at 6:00am and Phil discovers that Groundhog Day is repeating itself. The exact same day continues to recur over and over, with Phil the only one aware. Imagine what you might do if you had the exact same day to relive countless times. Consider the possibilities available to you, knowing exactly what everyone was going to say and do, exactly when everything was going to happen. Groundhog Day does a remarkable job of taking us through virtually every one of those possibilities. It also raises countless philosophical questions, but that’s a blog for another day.

What do you get when you mix the sequel to an action blockbuster, director John Woo (Face/Off, Broken Arrow, Windtalkers) and mega-superstar Tom Cruise? You get a movie with a so-so plot and tons of incredible stunts, thrilling action scenes, really big explosions and stunning cinematography. Mission: Impossible 2 is supposed to be an action-filled thrill ride and that’s exactly what it is. Is it complex, deeply thematic and rife with drama and tension? No. Is it meant to be? Absolutely not. This is not a realistic depiction of spy work. But it is the kind of spy work that is incredibly entertaining and ultra-cool. If you want realism, turn on the news (and even then, good luck). If you want pure entertainment and thrill-a-minute action, turn on Mission: Impossible 2. If you happen to turn on the DVD with a good TV and home theatre system you’ll be even more impressed with the beautiful picture and amazing sound. This is a great flick!

Raising Arizona is probably one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Which is ironic since it’s not my most favourite comedy of all time. One of the Coen brothers’ first films, Raising Arizona is the story of H.I. and Edwina McDunnough and their simple desire to raise a child of their own. I’m not going to give any more details about the plot. The real humour of the film is in the dialogue and over-the-top chase scenes. If you’re familiar with the Coen Brothers you already know that this is no ordinary comedy. The characters are unlike any you’ve seen before and their actions and reactions are pure hilarity. Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter are arguably at their best in Raising Arizona. This is a comedy classic that is definitely a must-see.

Sound the alarm and click here for ‘Ladder 49’ trivia.
Bombs away! ‘Memphis Belle’ trivia is on target here.
I definitely see a shadow. Six more weeks of ‘Groundhog Day’ trivia.
‘Mission: Impossible 2’ trivia will self-destruct in 5 minutes.
Turn to the left and click here for ‘Raising Arizona’ trivia.

I used to think that was good?!?

For those of you who like to keep tabs on my DVD collection and Wishlist (and I know you all do!), you'll notice that Batman Forever is currently on that latter list. I used to own it on VHS and can remember watching it numerous times. As it turns out, I think I was either suffering from a mental condition or I was sniffing glue. Industrial strength glue. The kind they use on the space shuttle. Er...yeah.

I just happened to catch the first 10 minutes of Batman Forever on TV this evening and I can't believe how corny and ridiculous that movie really is. Especially since I have such fond memories of it. (Did I just end two sentences in a row with a preposition?) I guess I appreciated Jim Carrey's humor. And let's be honest, how can you go wrong with Nicole Kidman? But ultimately, this is just bad writing, worse set design and terrible everything else. I submit exhibit A, the opening lines of the film:

(As Batman prepares to enter the ridiculous Batmobile and save the world)
Alfred: Can I persuade you to take a sandwich, sir?
Batman: I'll get drive-thru.

I would submit exhibits B through Z, but I think it might make my blog explode.

Sorry 'Batman Forever'. We had some good times, but I've grown. I've changed. It's time we moved on. I think we both knew it wasn't going to last. It's not you, it's me. No wait...it's most definitely you. Drive-thru?! What were you thinking?!

"That was totally wicked!" (Review)

Every time a new Pixar movie comes out I think that it can’t possibly be better than the last one. When Toy Story 2 was released I thought it was just another Disney sequel money grab. After seeing it, however, I was convinced the sequel was actually better than the original. Then came A Bug’s Life. No way could it be better than the Toy Story franchise. Way. Monsters Inc. followed and again I was blown away by the unique story, incredible animation and hilarious dialogue. Finding Nemo was up next, proving that Pixar had once again upped the ante. And in fine Pixar tradition they’ve outdone themselves yet again with The Incredibles.

Mr. Incredible is just your average super hero, saving lives, rescuing cats and protecting the people of Metroville from countless villains. He’s one of many ‘supers’ living in a city where such heroes are almost commonplace. When a rescued citizen sues Mr. Incredible for saving him when he didn’t want to be saved it starts an avalanche of lawsuits that eventually forces the supers into hiding, giving up their powers in order to lead normal lives. Fifteen years later, Bob Parr, mild mannered insurance agent, is once again called into action and dons the suit of Mr. Incredible. But this time he’s got a wife and three super-kids to manage.

One of the things that makes the Pixar films so successful is that they’re all so different. Each has its own unique setting and premise that makes each film’s plot that much more enjoyable. Toys, bugs, monsters, fish, superheroes and, coming soon, cars. Each film is an entirely new concept and I think that plays a huge role in ensuring each movie is unique and exciting. Like all the other Pixar films, The Incredibles has terrific animation, an intelligent and witty script and fantastic voice acting. Put all these elements together and you get another ‘incredible’ animated feature.

The Incredibles definitely has a James Bond meets Superman flavour to it. The music alone inspires thoughts of bravado and wit in the face of danger. It’s an uplifting soundtrack that really adds to the experience. And like any good spy or superhero flick, it’s filled with plenty of fast paced action, right off the pages of a comic book or Saturday morning cartoon. The high speed chase with Dash in the third act reminded me of the speeder bike scene from Return of the Jedi. It’s thrilling and a ton of fun.

The 2-disc DVD is presented in an Anamorphic 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Being a computer generated film, The Incredibles looks amazing. The colors are sharp and vibrant with nary a defect to be found. No complaints about the video quality here. The sound is also extremely well done. The film makes good use of the Dolby Digital 5.1 track and it put my whole system through its paces. Whether it was the deep, booming thunder of a 6-story renegade robot or the crisp, jazzy tones of the film’s score, the sound was phenomenal throughout.

A second disc includes a number of special features including a new Pixar animated short, ‘Jack-Jack Attack’. This little bit of bonus material is hilarious and I highly recommend watching it right after you’ve seen the film. Toward the end of the main feature, Elastigirl checks her messages and receives a number of bizarre and panicked calls from the babysitter. ‘Jack-Jack Attack’ sheds more light on the situation and is created to match the main film’s dialogue exactly. It’s brilliantly entertaining. As for the other special features…um…I’ll have to get back to you on that.

Bottom line, if you like Pixar films, you’ll love The Incredibles. It’s a new story, a new setting and a ton of fun. It still amazes me that this franchise can create such terrific movies without reusing any of the same gags or ideas. The newest feature, Cars, is slated to premier this summer. If the past is any indication, this new film should be even better than the rest but with The Incredibles the bar has been set awfully high.

The Incredibles gets 8 ½ capes (out of 10)

** Yes, I finally had to resort to using half-points.**

It’s showtime! Click here for ‘The Incredibles’ trivia.

"This is a whole other game. And it's serious and it's dangerous. And it's not one you want to lose." (Review)

My friend Vince is somewhat obsessed with the American military, particularly the American intelligence network. Although he’s a proud Canadian, I know he’s a little upset that his chances of being a CIA spook are fairly limited. It made perfect sense, then, that one of his Christmas gifts to me would be a copy of Spy Game, one of the best CIA movies I’ve ever seen.

Robert Redford stars as Nathan Muir, a CIA agent responsible for the recruitment and training of field operative Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt). Stationed first in Europe, then the Middle East, Bishop and Muir conduct a number of covert operations ranging from mole hunts to assassinations. When Bishop goes 'off the reservation’ and attempts to rescue an asset from a Chinese prison, Muir is summoned by his CIA superiors to explain.

What first looks like a basic spy movie, and sounds like one due to the movie’s simple title, is really an in-depth, intriguing look at how spy games really work. The real cat and mouse action takes place within CIA headquarters as Muir attempts to both beguile his superiors and gain more information about Bishop’s location and motives. Robert Redford’s portrayal of the continually surprising Muir is what makes the film so enjoyable to watch. As the audience we are privy to a number of Muir’s trade secrets but he still manages to keep us guessing as the film progresses. It’s easy to see why Vince likes this film so much. It’s an informative and revealing look at how the CIA truly operates. Or rather, how it used to operate during Muir’s ‘old school’ days.

Spy Game combines plenty of fast-paced action and espionage with equal amounts of cunning subterfuge and misdirection. Aside from the film’s tense opening sequence, virtually all of Brad Pitt’s performances take place during flashbacks where his character is explained. These scenes incorporate most of the action while Robert Redford’s wily games take place mainly through dialogue alone. And it’s these clever verbal exchanges that make Spy Game the intelligent and entertaining movie that it is.

The picture itself looks quite good, although a number of the scenes are intended to look grainy and washed out, particularly the European sequences. Colors are crisp and the detail is sharp. I didn’t notice any problems with the video at all and was quite pleased with the 2.35:1 Anamorphic transfer. The DTS 5.1 track is a welcome bonus and I’m happy to say that the sound is fantastic. The surrounds are used quite frequently and help create the right ambience, whether you’re in a Chinese prison or flying over Vietnam in a helicopter. Overall the DVD presentation is very good.

Among the special features are a couple of commentaries, alternate versions, deleted scenes, a script-to-storyboard featurette and behind the scenes information. The most interesting feature is a section which displays the requirements for CIA acceptance. Do you have what it takes to be an operative? Of course, I haven’t actually watched all the special features and I really intend on doing that one day. Maybe I’ll designate one month to be Special Features Month and I’ll watch nothing but special features and blog about them here. Ooh, I bet you’re looking forward to that!
Spy Game is a well-directed film with great acting and a compelling script. If you’re a fan of the spy genre at all then this movie is a must-see. While it may not have the high tech gadgetry of the Bond films or the ultra-classified nature of a Treadstone operative, Spy Game is one of the most realistic depictions of the CIA. Of course, there’s no way to know for sure if Spy Game is completely accurate. We could get the folks down in Langley to tell us, but then they’d have to kill us.

Spy Game gets 8 levels of eyes-only classification (out of 10).

Find a secure line and then click here for ‘Spy Game’ trivia.

"Guys...where are we?"

I haven’t been watching many movies lately for one reason. Lost. I got the first season on DVD for Christmas (thanks Shauna!) and we decided to start watching it about a week ago. I don’t think I’ve really done anything else since…

I remember hearing all the hype about the show last year and figured it was just like any other new television series. Of all the new shows that come out every year one of them has to be the best and I just figured Lost was it. Nothing more than that. When it became available to buy on DVD, Shauna and I thought it would probably be worth owning, simply because of all the good things we had heard about it. Now, having seen the entire first season, I can see what all the hype was about. I think it is the single best television show I have seen in years. Perhaps ever.

The premise is seemingly simple. The pilot episode opens with a plane crash on a tropical island. The first frantic moments focus on the survivors attempting to make sense of what has happened and help those still stuck in the wreckage. The next frantic moments have the survivors exploring the island, looking for any way to find help. This was pretty much all I knew about the show before I started watching and I honestly thought that was all it was going to be about. Well, it’s not that kind of show. If you’ve seen it, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, come over and watch the first episode and you’ll quickly know what I mean.

This show must be watched. That’s the secret behind its incredible success. Lost has great characters, delivered by great performances, but a lot of other successful shows have that too. Lost has incredible production value, often looking like something you would see in a movie theatre instead of on a television network. But then, shows like CSI, Las Vegas and 24 also have pretty high production costs. In the end, the quality that sets Lost apart is that it must be watched. Not a single episode leaves you without several questions so intriguing that you’ll find yourself watching the next episode right away, if you have the DVD, or going insane waiting a whole week for the next one to air. Lost is rife with mystery, suspense, tension and plenty of ‘what the hell is going on’ moments.

That being said, I really can’t tell you anything more about it. You must watch it. I guess it stands to reason that there are some people out there who don’t like the show, but I’d say it’s a small minority. Chances are you’ll not only enjoy Lost, you’ll find yourself sucked in with the rest of us, unable to eat, sleep or breathe until you watch just five minutes more. And then five minutes more. And so on. And it’s not just the events on the island that will intrigue you. The show makes wonderful use of numerous flashbacks, showing the characters lives and events before the doomed flight of Oceanic 815. This combination keeps you guessing in both directions. Where did the characters come from? Who were they before the crash? What’s going to happen to them next?

There’s just too much going on in Lost to accurately put it into words. And there’s a lot more going on in the show than first meets the eyes. After learning something in Episode 18 you’ll want to go back and watch the first 17 episodes again to pick up on the subtle references contained therein. This is a well thought out, brilliantly written show. The plot is simple and yet more complex than you can possibly imagine.

My only gripe is that Season Two is already underway and I haven’t watched a single episode. I’m going to have to wait for it to come out on DVD sometime in the next year. When it does, I’ll have to book a week off work so I can catch up.

Get Lost.

"We're going to have to re-do every conversation we've ever had." (Review)

Well, the holidays are over and I’m thrilled to admit that my DVD collection has grown rather significantly. Shauna and I had to go to Ikea (I mean ‘got’ to go to Ikea) to buy new shelves in order to fit the 224 DVDs we now own. That means a lot of movie watching for the start of 2006 and, hopefully, many new reviews coming soon to a blog near you. Stay tuned!

To start off 2006 I thought I would write a review of one of my new DVDs, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I first saw this film a few days before Christmas when a good friend brought it over (thanks Vince!). I added it to my wishlist and was pleasantly surprised to unwrap it on Christmas morning. I watched it again that day with my wife’s family and one more time a couple days later with another good friend who is a huge Brad Pitt fan (I won't tell anyone, Chris). So, given that I’ve now watched it three times in just under two weeks you can probably figure out what I think of it.

Having never seen the original I can’t comment on any similarities or differences between the two. The 2005 version stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a modern couple whose marriage appears to be on the rocks. We quickly learn that they are actually highly trained assassins working for competing organizations and are completely unaware of the other’s true occupation. That is until they are both hired to kill the same target and learn each other’s deadly secret. And what would any self-respecting assassin do if they discovered their spouse was working for the competition? Why try to kill them, of course.

Ok, so the plot is pretty light. But then the whole movie is pretty light. The great thing is that it works. I know Mr. & Mrs. Smith got some pretty poor reviews and didn’t do so well at the box office, but I think this might be another case of audiences expecting too much. This film isn’t trying to be deep or complex or dramatic or intelligent. It’s trying to be fun and action-packed and witty and relatively simple. And it succeeds.

The dialogue alone is almost worth watching, er, listening to. It’s like Moonlighting, but with fully automatic weapons and rocket launchers. Any fan of Brad Pitt will instantly love the film simply because it includes all his classic mannerisms and witty delivery. You can tell that Brad knows the film is supposed to be fun and he obviously had fun making it (no reference to his real-life relationship with Angelina Jolie here). Combined with great action sequences, an engaging soundtrack and top-notch special effects, Mr. & Mrs. Smith delivers.

The DVD is presented in Anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen video, which is perfect for exciting blockbusters like this one. As a lovely bonus, a DTS 5.1 track is included. The gunfire and explosions will put your home theatre to good work and you won’t be disappointed with the outcome. A movie with this much action deserves to look and sound big. The DVD lives up to the task.

Special features include an audio commentary, deleted scenes and a short making-of featurette. Not surprisingly, I haven’t watched any of them yet but I’ll get back to you on them just as soon as I can.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is fun to watch and ends up being a great ride. I could watch it again tonight and it’s that re-watch-ability that makes it so enjoyable. As long as you’re not expecting an in-depth, dramatic, ultra-realistic depiction of married assassins, you should enjoy the film as much as I did. And if you don’t like it, well, I have 223 other movies you could come watch instead. I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet this year how much I love watching movies with friends.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith gets 8 percussion grenades (out of 10).

Make sure your jacket isn’t ticking and click here for 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' trivia.