On Sunday I am gonna check out Baz Lurhman's AUSTRALIA. It looks epic. And I love epics. Critics were mixed but I remain interested. My parents loved it and I hold their opinion in pretty high regard. I am always in the mood for a sweeping, epic romance mixed with action and melodrama; if done right, this type of movie can be very enjoyable to watch.Tonight I am going to listen to the audio commentary on the new TROPIC THUNDER DVD with Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. (who does the commentary in character), and Jack Black. After re-watching bits and pieces of this instant comedy classic last night, I can safely say it's one of my favorite comedies in recent years. I am really anxious for the other comedy masterwork of 2008 -- PINEAPPLE EXPRESS -- to hit dvd on 1/9/09.
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I've heard both good and bad things about "Australia." One of my professors said it was well put-together but WAY too long. And a friend said it's one of her favorites of the year. I'll be checking it out when I'm back in Dallas. "I am always in the mood for a sweeping, epic romance mixed with action and melodrama..." Hey, it worked for a little tiny movie called "Titanic." And that was a masterpiece.
And you must tell us how the "Tropic Thunder" commentary is. I've heard great things about it.
And consider "Pineapple Express" on my must-rent list in January...or February, when I have more time.
Do you like stoner comedies?
I bought the 2 disc "Tropic Thunder" DVD for my girfriend for her birthday and we watched (second viewing) last night. It's ridiculously funny. I'm not saying it's anywhere near as good, but it might be the best Hollywood satire SINCE "The Player."
Yes, it's not as good as The Player, but it's the best movie of its type since that brilliant satire of the industry.
Have you ever seen The T.V. Set? It's another really spot-on evisceration of Hwood, this time, focusing on the world of television. Duchovny is very solid in the lead role.
Any comedy, if it's written well, works for me. Language, no matter pervasive it is (let's face it; that comes with "stoner comedies" naturally), doesn't phase me in the slightest. Look at "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Not brilliant, but funny, for sure.
Plus, I saw about fifteen minutes of "Pineapple Express" in August. Laughed nearly the whole fifteen minutes. James Franco stole that fifteen minutes. I really wanted to see that, but I saw "Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" instead. :/ Although I liked it, I remember the section of "Pineapple Express" more. So, I can't wait to see all 120-odd minutes.
Not to torture poor Nick AGAIN with this, but I'm on the "meh" side on "Pineapple Express", but agree that James Franco was magnificent in his role, as was Danny McBride.
I"ve not seen the TV Set, Nick. It seemed slight to me, but on your recommendation, I'll seek it.
I think "Fast Times" IS brilliant. He can drama it up all he wants, but I"ll never find anything Sean Penn does as good as his performance as Spiccoli. His scenes with Ray Walston destroy me every time. On the DVD commentary, Penelope Spheeris and Cameron Crowe say that Ray Walston had a different, older-school method than Penn ,and he really WAS sort of annoyed by the kid, which makes the scenes that much better.
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