What To Watch This Weekend (July 19th - July 21st)
Beetle Juice (1988)
★★★ (Cole) ~ ★★ ½ (Jesse)
Here’s the deal, Beetle Juice is a classical piece of work by Tim Burton. It’s probably one of the most inventive films of the 80’s, and it stars Michael Keaton as a renegade spirit of the afterlife that plays a role in the life of the newly deceased couple that have a hard time dealing with the afterlife, and that of the new family that bought the house they lived in. Wow, holy cow, this movie is a whole lot of fun. The spectacular makeup that won an Oscar and the visual effects (which are sort of laughable nowadays, so they can qualify as campy) make this movie an adventure. This is a picture that I cherished highly as a little kid. In fact, when Blockbuster was still around, I would have my parents rent that for me every weekend. It’s so easy to become lost in the wondrous story-telling here, and to make your time even better, fall prey to the eccentricity. Beetle Juice! Beetle Juice! Beetle Juice!MPAA Rating: PG
Free on Xfinity On Demand
The Grey (2012)
★★★ ½ (Cole & Jesse)
Considering that it was my pick for third best film of the year 2012, The Grey is an expertly made film that stars no other than Liam Neeson as the brave leader of the pack of oil-riggers whose plane goes down in the middle of the Alaskan Wilderness. Now, before you roll your eyes, Neeson is excellent here. He may just be the best thing about it, actually. His performance is so haunting that it remains with you after the epic conclusion goes down. The tension is almost too much to handle, and the set design is spectacular. Not only does it do its job as a thriller, but you witness key scenes of a drama. Ultimately, the movie packs in so much that if you don’t like one aspect of it, you’ll like another. The Grey is a great way to spend an hour-and-a-half to two hours, because it’ll have you laughing, on the edge of your seat, and possibly even crying, not to mention marveling at the outstanding scenery. (Click HERE for the full review)MPAA Rating: R
Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
Hitchcock (2012)
★★★ ½ (Jesse & Cole)
Hitchcock is a well paced, finely tuned drama. It lightly explains what made the real Alfred Hitchcock tick during the making of his masterpiece Psycho in 1959. The film also filters in an important side plot about the complicated yet loving relationship between him and his wife (Alma Reville played to perfection by Hellen Mirren). Anthony Hopkins in the title role, gets all the mannerisms right. With some prothestics and a little make-up, he no doubt looks just like the "master of suspense." All and all, Hitchcock doesn't get too steeply dramatic. It's a very short film but it's so entertaining. I actually wanted it to be at least another half hour. Regardless, it's an involving, not too absorbing, way to kill an hour and a half. Watch for great, controlled supporting work from Scarlett Johansson (Janet Leigh) and James D'arcy (Anthony Perkins). Also, be prepared for a sort of abrupt ending. It's good, though, because there's plenty of Hollywood gold nestled in it. (Click HERE for the full review)
The Cable Guy is the type of dark comedy that may have been overlooked by many critics and a host of moviegoers. When it was released in the mid-90's, Jim Carrey's fans were expecting another Ace Ventura or Dumb and Dumber. When they were taken down a different road, they kind of stayed away (a rare weak box office take for the Gumby-like funnyman). I, however, embraced the darkness and relentless mischief that his character displayed. Make no doubt about it, he earned his paycheck ($20 million I believe). And yes, Jim sometimes goes over the top (the lisp thing got a little tiring), but he finds common ground with the addition of Matthew Broderick playing "straight man" to his lonely, desperate soul (Carrey's character has 3-4 names which I won't reveal). The film is not really about cable installment. It's about the need for friendship and the measures taken to achieve it. With each viewing (if you decide to view it more than once), you realize more and more that The Cable Guy is vastly underrated. Look for funny cameos from young unknowns Owen Wilson, Lesile Mann, and star in the making Jack Black (pre High-Fidelity). Ben Stiller's direction is risky but it pays off showcasing a flick you can laugh at while feeling a tiny speck of empathy at the same time. Oh and watch for a side plot involving Stiller. Just think the 1993 murder trial of the Menendez brothers. Remember, it's a parody so there is no need to take it too seriously.
Hitchcock is a well paced, finely tuned drama. It lightly explains what made the real Alfred Hitchcock tick during the making of his masterpiece Psycho in 1959. The film also filters in an important side plot about the complicated yet loving relationship between him and his wife (Alma Reville played to perfection by Hellen Mirren). Anthony Hopkins in the title role, gets all the mannerisms right. With some prothestics and a little make-up, he no doubt looks just like the "master of suspense." All and all, Hitchcock doesn't get too steeply dramatic. It's a very short film but it's so entertaining. I actually wanted it to be at least another half hour. Regardless, it's an involving, not too absorbing, way to kill an hour and a half. Watch for great, controlled supporting work from Scarlett Johansson (Janet Leigh) and James D'arcy (Anthony Perkins). Also, be prepared for a sort of abrupt ending. It's good, though, because there's plenty of Hollywood gold nestled in it. (Click HERE for the full review)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Available at Redbox ($1.20 Per Day)
The Cable Guy (1996)
★★★ (Jesse & Cole)
The Cable Guy is the type of dark comedy that may have been overlooked by many critics and a host of moviegoers. When it was released in the mid-90's, Jim Carrey's fans were expecting another Ace Ventura or Dumb and Dumber. When they were taken down a different road, they kind of stayed away (a rare weak box office take for the Gumby-like funnyman). I, however, embraced the darkness and relentless mischief that his character displayed. Make no doubt about it, he earned his paycheck ($20 million I believe). And yes, Jim sometimes goes over the top (the lisp thing got a little tiring), but he finds common ground with the addition of Matthew Broderick playing "straight man" to his lonely, desperate soul (Carrey's character has 3-4 names which I won't reveal). The film is not really about cable installment. It's about the need for friendship and the measures taken to achieve it. With each viewing (if you decide to view it more than once), you realize more and more that The Cable Guy is vastly underrated. Look for funny cameos from young unknowns Owen Wilson, Lesile Mann, and star in the making Jack Black (pre High-Fidelity). Ben Stiller's direction is risky but it pays off showcasing a flick you can laugh at while feeling a tiny speck of empathy at the same time. Oh and watch for a side plot involving Stiller. Just think the 1993 murder trial of the Menendez brothers. Remember, it's a parody so there is no need to take it too seriously.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Available at your local video store and Xfinity On Demand
All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson
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