Movie Review: "Liberal Arts"
A movie starring one of my favorite sitcom actors and Zac Efron as a beanie-wearing stoner sidekick?! Count me in. This film is Radnor’s baby- and while I wasn’t bothered by his performance, during the whole movie I kept wondering when he was going to stop acting like Ted and start acting like the lead role “Jessie”. Sadly, it never happened. It wasn’t atrocious-by any means- it just wasn’t anything radically new for Radnor. Luckily, I think we might have finally found the most talented member of the Olsen family, and I can’t wait to see Elizabeth does next.
Rating: 7/10
"Liberal Arts"
Directed and written by Josh Radnor
2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
“Funny funny, raunchy raunchy, Marky-mark and Mila…
Movie Review: "Ted"
…Them other teddy bears can’t talk so I don’t even botha” (It helps if you sing that as Kreayshawn’s “Gucci Gucci”). Don’t let my sub-par parody of a rap song deter you- the humor is this film is much more conducive to actually making people laugh. It might seem too soon to say this, but I can‘t hold it in any longer: I love Ted. I love him so much, I want my own Ted. Other than that, Mark Wahlberg is hilarious, lovable, and hot, and Mila Kunis gets more attractive by the minute-someone make her stop.
Rating: 9.5/10
"Ted"
Directed by Seth MacFarlane
Written by Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild
2012
…Them other teddy bears can’t talk so I don’t even botha” (It helps if you sing that as Kreayshawn’s “Gucci Gucci”). Don’t let my sub-par parody of a rap song deter you- the humor is this film is much more conducive to actually making people laugh. It might seem too soon to say this, but I can‘t hold it in any longer: I love Ted. I love him so much, I want my own Ted. Other than that, Mark Wahlberg is hilarious, lovable, and hot, and Mila Kunis gets more attractive by the minute-someone make her stop.
Rating: 9.5/10
"Ted"
Directed by Seth MacFarlane
Written by Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild
2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Ryan Gosling is Suffocating Underneath a Pile of Women?!
Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid Love
Rating: 9/10"Crazy, Stupid Love"
Directed by Glen Ficarra and John Requa
Written by Dan Fogelman
2011
I originally wrote off
this film before seeing it as a romantic comedy with a few take-away one
liners. As it turns out, the joke was on me. Punctuated by a shocking yet
hilarious plot-twist from left field, this film is pure entertainment. Steve
Carell warms your heart with his good-intentioned (though usually flawed) plans
to reunite with Julianne Moore, his gracefully-aging better half. Kudos to
Mindy Marin for casting Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as love interests- there’s
nothing I to see more than sexiest man alive in love the most adorable woman to
ever exist.
Rating: 9/10"Crazy, Stupid Love"
Directed by Glen Ficarra and John Requa
Written by Dan Fogelman
2011
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Bond...James Bond.
Movie Review: "Skyfall"
Though I come from a rather Bond-less background, this film is spectacular. Daniel Craig swiftly progresses through each action sequence with the help of his chiseled physique and slew of hugely talented supporting actors, including Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris. Judi Dench is as saucy as ever, and Javier Bardem transforms into a villain we love to hate. Always quickly moving from one scene to the next, the film has 2 parts that will resonate with you long after it’s finished: the exquisite graphics that accompany Adele’s “Skyfall” near the beginning, and the ending that questions the future of all of London’s spies.
Rating: 9/10
"James Bond: Skyfall"
Written by: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan, and Ian Fleming
Directed by: Sam Mendes
2012
Though I come from a rather Bond-less background, this film is spectacular. Daniel Craig swiftly progresses through each action sequence with the help of his chiseled physique and slew of hugely talented supporting actors, including Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris. Judi Dench is as saucy as ever, and Javier Bardem transforms into a villain we love to hate. Always quickly moving from one scene to the next, the film has 2 parts that will resonate with you long after it’s finished: the exquisite graphics that accompany Adele’s “Skyfall” near the beginning, and the ending that questions the future of all of London’s spies.
Rating: 9/10
"James Bond: Skyfall"
Written by: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan, and Ian Fleming
Directed by: Sam Mendes
2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus...
Stand-up Review: Whitney Cummings: "Money Shot"
She spends a most of her time talking about the differences between men and women, calling the latter “emotional ninjas”. She prowls on unsuspecting men in the audience, gaining laughs from their nervous attempts to answer her frank questions. Think if Sex and the City was terrible and centered around a brunette Samantha: vulgar, neurotic, and she talks to herself. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s that Whitney makes a point & then beats it over the head while sprinkling morsels of good material throughout the performance. When you find one, it’s like a chocolate chip in a sea of raisins.
Rating: 4/10
Whitney Cummings: "Money Shot"
Directed by John Fortenberry
2010
She spends a most of her time talking about the differences between men and women, calling the latter “emotional ninjas”. She prowls on unsuspecting men in the audience, gaining laughs from their nervous attempts to answer her frank questions. Think if Sex and the City was terrible and centered around a brunette Samantha: vulgar, neurotic, and she talks to herself. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s that Whitney makes a point & then beats it over the head while sprinkling morsels of good material throughout the performance. When you find one, it’s like a chocolate chip in a sea of raisins.
Rating: 4/10
Whitney Cummings: "Money Shot"
Directed by John Fortenberry
2010
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Where Do Babies Come From?
Movie Review: "Conception"
Conception is a 90-minute people-pleaser with a long list of B-list celebrities, including Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, and Gregory Smith. Centered around the moment where 9 different couples conceive, this film is funny, relatable and earnest. We get to see these 9 couples- lesbians, married but stuck in a rut-ers, first-daters, - talk about sex and their impending pregnancy (some more planned than others). Unlike other vignette-style films, Conception enables you to connect with these characters through a great script and impeccable comedic timing. Save this for the next time you and your girlfriends are chatting about men and motherhood.
Rating: 8/10
Conception
Directed and Written by Josh Stolberg
2011
Conception
Directed and Written by Josh Stolberg
2011
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
If You Think This Is Justin & Mila, You're Wrong
Movie Review: Friends (With Benefits)
Here we see a “Friends“-esque group of friends consisting of 6 equal-gendered archetypal characters. Insert a shrink who, when you don’t realize the absurd hilarity of the stories that these friends are reiterating to him, is quick to point it out. This movie is unexpectedly stirring; these young people have their fun, but they also trudge through the mud just like every other 20-something in hopes of finding not only themselves, but a significant other as well. This film drags us through some unforeseen twists and turns, but ultimately gives us the happy ending everyone is rooting for.
Rating: 7.5/10
Friends (With Benefits)
Written by Gorman Bechard and Ashley McGarry
Directed by Gorman Bechard
2009
Here we see a “Friends“-esque group of friends consisting of 6 equal-gendered archetypal characters. Insert a shrink who, when you don’t realize the absurd hilarity of the stories that these friends are reiterating to him, is quick to point it out. This movie is unexpectedly stirring; these young people have their fun, but they also trudge through the mud just like every other 20-something in hopes of finding not only themselves, but a significant other as well. This film drags us through some unforeseen twists and turns, but ultimately gives us the happy ending everyone is rooting for.
Rating: 7.5/10
Friends (With Benefits)
Written by Gorman Bechard and Ashley McGarry
Directed by Gorman Bechard
2009
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Grab Your Kleenex When Damon Delivers
Movie Review: Good Will Hunting
Director Gus Van Sant beautifully fuses formalistic slow-motion fight sequences with emotionally crippling character revelations that show us slivers of who these rough and tough Bostonites are underneath. And if you don’t fall in love with Minnie Driver in this movie, you are lacking a soul- she is disgustingly endearing, right down to her quaint British accent. Knowing that Affleck and Damon coined this script while in college together only adds to it’s humble but impressive depth of a story. Undoubtedly the most enjoyable relationship to watch is the complexity between the wise shrink (Williams) and troubled protagonist (Damon).
Rating: 9.5/10
Good Will Hunting
Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
Directed by Gus Van Sant
1997
Director Gus Van Sant beautifully fuses formalistic slow-motion fight sequences with emotionally crippling character revelations that show us slivers of who these rough and tough Bostonites are underneath. And if you don’t fall in love with Minnie Driver in this movie, you are lacking a soul- she is disgustingly endearing, right down to her quaint British accent. Knowing that Affleck and Damon coined this script while in college together only adds to it’s humble but impressive depth of a story. Undoubtedly the most enjoyable relationship to watch is the complexity between the wise shrink (Williams) and troubled protagonist (Damon).
Rating: 9.5/10
Good Will Hunting
Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
Directed by Gus Van Sant
1997
Saturday, November 3, 2012
75% Yay, 25% Nay
The New Girl: Season 2, Halloween Episode
*As a Deschanel-hater, I have begrudgingly decided to give “New Girl” a chance.*
The band of three boys surrounding the main character Jess (Deschanel) are the stuff dreams are made of: good-looking, hilariously delusional, and effortlessly entertaining. Max Greenfield's Schmidt is hard not to fall in love with- both for the viewers and Jess. Jess’s character continuously works off the same tired joke- "I‘m awkward, but adorable too, right???" In the end, the writing is a touch too predictable, but I would continue to tune in if there's less Jess and more ridiculous antics from her platonic boy-toys.
Rating: 7/10
The New Girl
Created by Elizabeth Meriwether
Fox Thursdays at 8pm
*As a Deschanel-hater, I have begrudgingly decided to give “New Girl” a chance.*
The band of three boys surrounding the main character Jess (Deschanel) are the stuff dreams are made of: good-looking, hilariously delusional, and effortlessly entertaining. Max Greenfield's Schmidt is hard not to fall in love with- both for the viewers and Jess. Jess’s character continuously works off the same tired joke- "I‘m awkward, but adorable too, right???" In the end, the writing is a touch too predictable, but I would continue to tune in if there's less Jess and more ridiculous antics from her platonic boy-toys.
Rating: 7/10
The New Girl
Created by Elizabeth Meriwether
Fox Thursdays at 8pm
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ryan Gosling- A Man of Few Words and Several Fists
Movie Review: "Drive"
Director Nicola Winding Refn has made some questionable choices with 2011’s Drive. What isn't up for question is his choice of actors; Carey Mulligan effortlessly slides into the role of the young, abused mother, Ryan Gosling emulates a main character who speaks bountifully to the audience with few words (though he is given no formal name- just “Driver”), and Albert Brooks portrays a slimy middle man (who would be easier to hate if his voice wasn't so recognizable from Finding Nemo). Though beautifully shot, the violence is often alarming, and the 80’s themed music will stick with you for days.
Rating: 7/10
Drive
Director Nicola Winding Refn has made some questionable choices with 2011’s Drive. What isn't up for question is his choice of actors; Carey Mulligan effortlessly slides into the role of the young, abused mother, Ryan Gosling emulates a main character who speaks bountifully to the audience with few words (though he is given no formal name- just “Driver”), and Albert Brooks portrays a slimy middle man (who would be easier to hate if his voice wasn't so recognizable from Finding Nemo). Though beautifully shot, the violence is often alarming, and the 80’s themed music will stick with you for days.
Rating: 7/10
Drive
Based on the book by James Sallis
Directed by Nicola Winding Refn
2011
Directed by Nicola Winding Refn
2011
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
One Kill, One Big Web
Dexter Season 7 Premiere: "Are You...?"
With nine months given to us to ruminate over the season 6 finale where Deborah witnessed Dexter murder Travis, the season 7 premiere proved itself to be a satisfying reward. Jennifer Carpenter played the foul-mouthed Deb’s reactions to par, while Michael C. Hall’s main character scavenged for mediocre answers to her prodding questions. The death count was up to two by the end of the episode, which isn't anything for Dexter fans to squeal over. The final minute of the episode is the real kick-starter for the rest of the season, with Dexter giving Deborah the answer she’s been dreading.
Rating: 8.5/10
Dexter
Showtime
Sundays at 8pm central
With nine months given to us to ruminate over the season 6 finale where Deborah witnessed Dexter murder Travis, the season 7 premiere proved itself to be a satisfying reward. Jennifer Carpenter played the foul-mouthed Deb’s reactions to par, while Michael C. Hall’s main character scavenged for mediocre answers to her prodding questions. The death count was up to two by the end of the episode, which isn't anything for Dexter fans to squeal over. The final minute of the episode is the real kick-starter for the rest of the season, with Dexter giving Deborah the answer she’s been dreading.
Rating: 8.5/10
Dexter
Showtime
Sundays at 8pm central
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Guns, Swearing, and.....Story?
Theatre Review: "Black Watch"
The critically acclaimed Black Watch by the National Theatre of Scotland made a brief pit-stop at the Broadway Armory in Chicago during October and was welcomed with open arms by....everyone (but me). Flashing strobe lights, explosions, constant movement, and an overwhelming number of occurrences involving the C-word were used to berate and blind the audience of the fact that behind all of the smoke and mirrors, there was little to chew on after the actors took their final bows. NTOS scores high for choreography and beautiful visual storytelling, but unfortunately leaves me wanting more meat and less potatoes.
Rating: 5/10
Black Watch
by Gregory Burke
Directed by John Tiffany
National Theatre of Scotland
The critically acclaimed Black Watch by the National Theatre of Scotland made a brief pit-stop at the Broadway Armory in Chicago during October and was welcomed with open arms by....everyone (but me). Flashing strobe lights, explosions, constant movement, and an overwhelming number of occurrences involving the C-word were used to berate and blind the audience of the fact that behind all of the smoke and mirrors, there was little to chew on after the actors took their final bows. NTOS scores high for choreography and beautiful visual storytelling, but unfortunately leaves me wanting more meat and less potatoes.
Rating: 5/10
Black Watch
by Gregory Burke
Directed by John Tiffany
National Theatre of Scotland
Theatre Review: Wasteland
If you like plays about the human psyche and people being pushed to their absolute physical and emotional limits, you should spend an evening with Wasteland. A 20-something POW, Joe (Nate Burger), clings to shreds of sanity after being underground for 6 months when Riley (Steve Haggard) is dumped into the hole next door. These two men squabble, bicker, joke, and bond over the shared experience of captivity and their differing views of the current Vietnam war. Two people who would repulse each other in any other circumstance find themselves holding on to each other for dear life.
Rating: 8/10
Wasteland
by Susan Felder
Directed by William Brown
Timeline Theatre through December 30
TimeLineTheatre.com
Rating: 8/10
Wasteland
by Susan Felder
Directed by William Brown
Timeline Theatre through December 30
TimeLineTheatre.com
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Welcome to 100 Words or Less!
Each week, I will be using this blog to post short reviews of movies, television shows, productions and books. In these reviews I will strive to cram in as much information, opinions, and sass in 100 words or less. Stay tuned for upcoming posts and if you have a recommendation for something I should review, let me know!
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