Drillbit Taylor: Budget Bodyguard (2008)

Wikipedia: "Drillbit Taylor is a 2008 comedy film starring Owen Wilson as the title character and based on an original idea by John Hughes. The screenplay was written by Kristofor Brown and Seth Rogen. Paramount Pictures released the film on March 21, 2008.  Drillbit Taylor was John Hughes' last movie as a writer before his death on August 6, 2009. He also used his pseudonym, Edmond Dantes, for this film."

I caught this film while recovering from the flu. I'm convinced it was the remedy I needed. Who doesn't like to see foul-mouthed, wise-cracking freshmen misfits, tired of getting crapped on by the school bully, hire a bodyguard ... on a budget. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for ... and they get Drillbit Taylor (Wilson). 

Pandorum

 

Jacket: "It's pitch black on an abandoned ship 500 miles from Earth. For crew members Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) and Lt. Payton (Dennis Quaid) an unflinching vision of terror is about to be unleashed.

... a horrifying descent into madness for a pair of astronauts who wake up in a hyper-sleep chamber, disorientated, with no memory of how they got there. With an unspeakable horror lurking around every corner, the astronauts uncover the terrifying reality that the survival of mankind hinges on their actions. Fear what happens next ..."

I've avoided watching this for quite some time having heard a few bad reviews, so I'll chalk this up to being trapped at home with the flu to finally succumbing to it.  It actually wasn't as bad as I had expected. Granted, the story and themes are blatantly copied from other classic sci-fi films (Aliens, etc).

Ben Foster carries the film. 

Pandorum Trailer

Bright Star (2009)

 

First love burns the brightest

Jacket: "... based on the true story of undying love between renowned poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and his muse Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish).

In the wilds of 19th century England, a forbidden passion draws the two lovers ever closer - even as fate conspires to tear them apart. Bright Star takes you to a world where, though live may be fleeting, great art - and great love - last forever."

How did I miss this extraordinary film in theaters?! Think of your favorite love story in the last decade and then throw it out the window. Bright Star has replaced it!

Planet 51

Jacket: "When Chuck the astronaut (Dwayne Johnson) lands on a distant planet filled with little green people, he is surprised to discover that are not alone in the galaxy.  But he gets the shock of his life when the residents of Planet 51 mistakenly believe that his presence is the start of an alien invasion of the human kind! Luckily, an alien teenager named Lem (Justin Long) quickly realizes that Chuck is friendly and the two blast off on an adventure to try and return Chuck safely to his space ship!"

I was not impressed by the REPEATED Star Wars references. One was slightly funny, two okay, but several?  I know it was to entertain the adult audience, but better effort should have been made in the story itself.

Disney Announces Monsters Inc Sequel

 



You gotta be kidding! I'm really getting tired of the remakes and reboots.

The Young Victoria

 

From the Official Site: "1837. VICTORIA (17) (Emily Blunt) is the object of a royal power struggle. Her uncle, KING WILLIAM (Jim Broadbent), is dying and Victoria is in line for the throne. Everyone is vying to win her favor. However Victoria is kept from the court by her overbearing mother, THE DUCHESS OF KENT (Miranda Richardson), and her ambitious advisor, CONROY (Mark Strong). Victoria hates them both.

... Victoria's handsome cousin, ALBERT (Rupert Friend) is invited to visit by her mother. He's also the nephew of her Uncle, KING LEOPOLD OF BELGIUM ... Albert is also tired of being manipulated by his relatives. Victoria and Albert talk openly and become friends."

This is a beautiful love story not to be missed. Emily Blunt gives a strong performance as the 17 year old Victoria who is caught in the web of influencers and manipulators who would try to rule every bit of her life. Yet they cannot rule her heart.

Best quote: "Families, who'd be without them." Drama! It's so true.

Tune in Tuesday

On DVD today:

• Crazy Heart      a must see!

• The Lovely Bones

•  The Young Victoria

•  Merlin: Season 1

•  Avatar available on 4/22

Alvin and the Chipmunks: the squeakquel on DVD

Jacket: "Chipmunk singing sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back for an encore in this hilarious "squeakquel" packed with more music, more action, and more nutty fun for the whole family! When a concert mishap lands Dave (Jason Lee) in the hospital, the Chipmunks take a break from superstardom and enroll in school to fit in with kids their age. But they soon face some stiff competition when they meet the Chipettes -- a beautiful, talented trio of chipmunks discovered by Ian (David Cross), the boys' evil ex-manager."

This is exactly what you would expect. You may giggle a few times as they give munk-covers of current pop songs, but that's about it. This may be for the under-five crowd. Okay, maybe under-three.

Pirate Radio on DVD

Official Site: "Rock and roll will live forever – but can it float?

Pirate Radio is the newest ensemble comedy from filmmaker Richard Curtis (screenwriter of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, and writer/director of Love Actually), spinning the irreverent yet fact-based tale of a seafaring band of rogue rock and roll deejays whose “pirate radio” captivated and inspired 1960s Britain. Playing the music that rocked a nation and a decade, the group boldly and hilariously defies the government that tries to shut them down.

Broadcasting live 24/7 from an old tanker anchored in the middle of the North Sea (just beyond British jurisdiction), Radio Rock sends out a vibrant and unifying signal to millions across the nation, ranging in age from wide-eyed pre-teens secretly tuning in long past their bedtimes to everyday people in need of a musical pick-me-up. The Radio Rock roster, overseen by unflappable station owner (and ship’s captain) Quentin (Bill Nighy), includes a risk-prone American known only as The Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman); mystic deejay royalty Gavin (Rhys Ifans); slyly amorous Dave (Nick Frost); idiosyncratic New Zealander Angus (Rhys Darby); the rarely seen Bob (Ralph Brown); the aptly named Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke); lovelorn Simon (Chris O’Dowd); ladies’ magnet Mark (Tom Wisdom); shy Harold (Ike Hamilton); reporter News John (Will Adamsdale); and lesbian ship’s cook Felicity (Katherine Parkinson). One night in 1966, Quentin’s teenaged godson Carl (Tom Sturridge) comes aboard. While Carl harbors romantic aspirations that he hopes will be fulfilled during one of the biweekly visits by Radio Rock’s prettiest fans, he also hopes to find out more about his long-absent father…

As the ship sails on and rocks out, what Carl and the freewheeling, free-loving Radio Rock gang don’t know is that back in London, landlocked government minister Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh) has embarked on a vehement crusade to silence their signal – permanently. To stay afloat and keep their devoted audience plugged in, the crew will have to band together and trust in the power of music like never before.

[Featuring:] Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, and Kenneth Branagh."

I REALLY REALLY dug this. It just makes you want to bop around to some of the classic tunes from the Sixties. I think I need to own it.

Rock on, kids! 

Defendor on DVD

Jacket: "Arthur Poppington (Woody Harrelson) doesn't need superpowers or fancy toys to fight crime. Armed only with a childlike sense of wonder and his quirky arsenal of cheap, homemade gadgets, he becomes DEFENDOR!

He finds an unexpected partner when he rescues and falls for a local prostitute (Kat Dennings). Can the two of them take down the city's most fearsome crime boss without getting killed in the process?"

This is not your typical super-hero story, nor is it the most original, but Woody Harrelson's performance makes up for ALL OF THAT. You can't help but be pulled into Arthur's world (albeit it all in his head) and root for him to find the "Captain of Industry."

Conan O'Brien Makes Surprise Move to TBS

I think Conan will have more creative freedom on cable.

Bringing You a Signal You’re Already Paying For

Reading this article is so aggravating. Like one of the featured users, I have had spotty signal at home since June 2009. For the prices we are paying, especially iPhone users, it is crazy that AT&T expects us to pay MORE! Are you kidding me?! Why don't they "fix" the towers they claim to be servicing.

In order to receive a credit on your bill you must call the wireless services department. I was told the credit could not exceed $25. If you don't have service, get that credit!

If AT&T loses iPhone exclusivity at the end of the year I'll be one of the many jumping ship to another carrier.

10 Simple Google Search Tricks

Check out the the new trailer for Resident Evil: Afterlife

 Resident Evil: Afterlife

 

Click links above to see trailer.

In theaters September 10.

New Release Tuesday

On DVD shelves today:

• Lord of the Rings (1978)  (Deluxe Edition) A classic is remastered and reissued.

• Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

Check your local stores and OnDemand channels.

The Men who Stare at Goats on DVD

Jacket: "In this comedic look at real life events that are almost too bizarre to believe, reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) discovers an experimental top-secret wing of the U.S. military called The New Earth Army, trained to change the ways wars are fought through New Age psychic power.  In search of his next big story, Wilton tracks down Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be a member of this legion of "Warrior Monks" with unparalleled psychic powers who can read the enemy's thoughts, pass through walls, and even kill a goat by simply staring at it.

... Inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction best-seller of the same name, this is an eye-opening and hilarious story of the government's attempts to harness soldiers' paranormal abilities in order to combat its enemies."

This was hilarious! The scary part is that it is inspired by a true story (see bonus features).  Yes, I can believe the government would waste money on psychic warriors. (I try to type this without laughing. Impossible!)

New Moon on DVD

I didn't hate this as much as the first one. At least the amount of pregnant pauses and longing stares were less, but it still felt like just another teen movie. Eh, whatever gets the kids reading.