I don't know why the flu is going around in the middle of June, but it is, and I got it. It was miserable, but it did offer me an opportinity to catch up on some movies that I have been meaning to see. I sent Katie to the nearest Redbox to pick me up some movies, and we got Rocky Balboa, Casino Royale, and Stranger Than Fiction. I had heard good things about all of these movies and was excited to watch them.
I started with Rocky Balboa. I have been excited to see this one for a long time, and it didn't dissapoint. Even Katie enjoyed it. I got the sense that Stalone was trying to channel the first Rocky a little more (bringing back "little Marie," spending most of the screen time on exploring characters rather than fights, having Rocky flash back to all the good times from the first movie, having Rocky lose the bout but win the battle). I have to admit, as good as the first Rocky was, I missed the formulaic but exilerating plot where Rocky overcomes incredible odds to beat the bad guy. I didn't especially like that Rocky lost the fight in a split decision. I wanted him to knock Mason "the Line" Dixon out. I also didn't like how they tried to make Mason "the Line" Dixon a good guy. Make him a cocky, arrogant punk who needs Rocky to teach him a lesson.
Then I watched Stranger Than Fiction. I thought it was entertaining and fun. I thought Will Ferrel did a nice job making his character so likeable, which had to happen for the story to work.
Finally, I watched Casino Royal. I thought it rocked. It had great action sequences, but you didn't feel like there were so many action sequences that there wasn't any time to develop a plot (or that they were trying mask the lack of a plot). I thought Daniel Craid was an awesome James Bond, way better than Pierce Brosnan. He was everything James Bond should be: tough, cool, simmering, smart-alleckey, etc. I had a hard time believing that he actually let his guard down and fell in love with the accountant, probably because we've seen so many James Bond movies where he gets the girl but he doesn't let his guard down. Still, it was a good flick.
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9 comments:
Too true about Rocky Balboa. It just is satisfying to see a good guy beat a bad guy.
I was hoping Stranger than Fiction would be in the calibur of 'Groundhog Day.' Sounds like it isn't?
I hope I get the flu soon.
Loved the new bond too...thought he was so much more believable!
Oh, good to know about Rocky...we'll have to check it out! As Matt said, we loved Casino Royal. Sorry to hear you had the flu!
Casino Royale -- The opening chase may be the most exhilirating scene I've ever watched on the big screen.
Rocky Balboa -- I LOVED this movie. I've watched it 3 or 4 times since.
Stranger than Fiction -- This is a great film!! Its cleverly written and delivered. Chris, it is every bit as good as groundhog day, but not the same type of humor. I would compare it more with The Man Who Knew Too Little, my favorite Bill Murray movie.
Ian-
In the future I would appreciate a SPOILER NOTICE at the top of your post. I have not yet seen the new Rocky and did not know its ending.
I'm trying to decide if I should strike you down by strangling you with the force or stop commenting on your blog.
I think a force choking would be fair. I thought I was the last one to see Rocky Balboa, but I shouldn't have assumed. Next time, I will announce when I am about to reveal a significant plot development.
Then a force choke it will be.
I am sorr...agghhh....agghhh....ahhhh....
I did like the parts I saw of Rocky. It was good because it didn't have a lot of fighting. I didn't watch the Bond movie or Stranger than Fiction so I can't comment. I'm glad you liked them.
I am also VERY glad you are feeling better.
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