July 2010 - Posts
In 1975 Northern Ireland, the IRA is targeting British Loyalists. Believing the Catholics to be militant republicans, a member of the UVF is given the go-ahead to kill a Catholic man as a statement and warning. Relishing the opportunity, the 17-year-old boy gathers his young crew, makes the drive and does the deed. After the fact he realizes the assassination was witnessed by the victim's younger brother.
Flash forward to 2005. The 17-year-old boy, Alistair Little (Liam Neeson) has been to prison for his crimes, and now promotes peace and reconcilliation. The younger boy who witnessed his brother's death, Joe Griffin (James Nesbitt), is still dealing with how the tragedy shaped his life as an adult. The two are set to meet for the first time on live television, and no one can predict the results.
Five Minutes of Heaven was very interesting, suspenseful and thought provoking. The first part of the story, set in the 70s, is based on fact, while the latter part is a fictional drama. Great writing, great acting. If you are in the mood for something that tells a serious story with gravity, yet ultimately isn't depressing, this movie could be right on. And to think, I happened upon it at a Red Box.
I have fond memories of watching The A-Team reruns on television as a kid. On summer vacation I would view an episode (it was in syndication at this point) while eating lunch and then procede to reinact the violence and destruction in my backyard with my brother. It was during an era of entertainment that portrayed violence constantly and yet unrealistically, in both live action and animation. I'm biased because I was a youngster during this era, but I thought it was really great. Knight Rider, Air Wolf, The Dukes of Hazzard, G.I. Joe, Voltron, Transformers, Thundercats and M.A.S.K. round out my influences.
So, with a couple friends I set off to watch the latest incarnations of Hannibal, Murdock, B.A. and Face. All in all it is a decent action film. Mindless, yes, but definitely fun. Director Joe Carnahan (Narc) pumps up the style and keeps the film moving along. There are enough shoutouts to the source material to please the fans of the original ("I love it when a plan comes together," the van, a montage of the team preparing for a mission) and a few new wrinkles that are actually fun. The actors seem to enjoy themselves, which helps as well.
I would have done a few things differently. Liam Neeson as Hannibal was a little weird for me. Also, I was disappointed that as Hannibal he was never in a disguise (i.e. the dragon costume from the show's opening credits). I also wanted Face to have a mustache at some point. If they make a sequel I hope they keep the action in the United States (I know they go international in the show, too, but those were not my favorite episodes) and they help some disenfranchised
business or small town family.
I will leave you with a few episode summaries from the 80s that I think would provide fertile ground for a second movie (I included casting choices).
"A southern minister (Daniel Day Lewis) wants to put the cap on a moonshine
distributor (Robert Duvall) whose product is lethal.
"A singing group (The Shins) from Face's alma mater face threats from a record
company after refusing to resign with the label."
"Brother-and-sister loggers (Peter Sarsgaard & Zooey Deschanel) ask the team to help battle a
self-appointed
union organizer (Gary Busey) trying to put them out of business."
In which Matt and I discuss the new Christopher Nolan film
Inception, mispronounce proper french names and share our thoughts on other Nolan mind-benders.
NOTICE: Some spoilers ahead.
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My amazing wife has stepped up to the plate to help me out with the blog. The following words are completely hers...
The nominations for the 2010
Primetime Emmys were announced yesterday, and I am so excited to see a lot of my favorite shows and actors in the lineup:
Modern Family
This is a great show with a lot of heart. It’s up for Outstanding Comedy with several of its actors (Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, and Sofia Vergara) up for individual awards as well.
Glee
19 nominations! Outstanding Comedy, Actress (Lea Michele), Actor (Matthew Morrison), Supporting Actor (Chris Colfer), Supporting Actress (Jane Lynch), and even Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (Mike O’Malley and Neil Patrick Harris). Glee is so diverse and can go in so many different directions, I’m anxious to see what the next season brings. Supposedly John Stamos is joining the cast - maybe an Emmy nom for Uncle Jesse next year? Let’s hope.
Nurse Jackie
I have a special place in my heart for this show because I want to be Jackie -- minus the drug-addicted-cheating-lying parts of her -- but I guess she wouldn’t be Jackie without her flaws. Edie Falco is up for Outstanding Actress and the show itself is up for Outstanding Comedy.
Mad Men
Mad Men is seriously genius. As a Generation Y kid, I am fascinated by the 60s, and this show really brings it to life for me. Mad Men is up for Outstanding Drama and January Jones, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, and Christina Hendricks are nominated as well.
Friday Night Lights
I recently started watching this show and have now caught up on all the seasons thanks to Netflix Instant. FNL has a horrible time slot on NBC (8pm Friday nights), but Kyle Chandler (up for Outstanding Actor) as Coach Taylor and his on screen wife Connie Britton (up for Outstanding Actress) really keep this show alive.
Random Nominations I love:
Betty White for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Betty is still rockin’ and was a class act on Saturday Night Live. The combination of Betty and many former comediennes including Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, and Ana Gasteyer was really enjoyable, and I wish SNL could bring it home like that every Saturday.
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series. Need I say more? It’s only more evidence that NBC made a major mistake.
Conan himself said
this on Twitter yesterday.
Your host blogger Phil wants me to mention
Breaking Bad in this post, so there it is. The show got seven noms. You’re welcome.