Sunday, January 15, 2006

The North Face Expeditions: Madagascar and Great Trango Tower

Description: Great Trango: The 20,600-foot Great Trango-Tower has never been summited from its northwest face; climbers Alex Lowe, Jare Ogden, and Mark Synnott brave weather, exhaustion and rockfall to claim the prize of this mile-high first ascent. Madagascar: This is quickly becoming the destination spot for big-wall rock climbing. Here, world-renowned climber Lynn Hill and her all-star women's team attempt a new route. Features music from Sting.

My Promulgation: I like climbing, both mountain and rock. These were two great 1 hour length films about the difficulty to the summit.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

The Motorcycle Diaries

Description: This film tells the incredible true story of a 23-year-old medical student from Argentina, Che Guevara (yes, that Che, played here by Gael Garcia Bernal), who motorcycled across South America with his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) in 1951-52. The trek became a personal odyssey that ultimately crystallized the young man's budding revolutionary beliefs. Based on Che's own diaries of the trip.

My Promulgation: This is one of a few movies I've reviewed that receives an unprecedented 5 of 5 stars. Why? Because I liked it, you dumbass. Why did I like it? Ahhh, that is a different question, taking pages to answer. I will give you a quick summary.

1. I love Argentina and Chile, and for that matter South America.
2. I love third world countries.
3. I love stories of adventure and travel.
4. I love foreign films.

5. I love stories that tell of life altering and defining events.

Rent it, you won't be disappointed.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Pi: Faith in Chaos

Description: This jarring black-and-white brain-bender is a haunting examination of science -- and obsession. Written and directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), Pi: Faith in Chaos tells the story of a haunted, fragile mathematical genius (Sean Gullette) on the trail of a 216-digit number hidden in Pi that could unlock the secrets of the stock market ... and the universe.

My Promulgation: I saw this movie years ago. Didn't like it then. Why the hell did I rent the POS again. I am an idiot.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Closer

Description: In this drama based on a hit Broadway play, Academy Award-winning director Mike Nichols exposes the ugly core hiding behind the slick veneer of the relationships of four beautiful people -- a photographer (Julia Roberts) and her boyfriend (Clive Owen), and a romantic (Jude Law) and his quirky beloved (Oscar nominee Natalie Portman). When two of them embark on an illicit affair, a cascade of betrayal ensues, questioning the very meaning of love.

My Promulgation: Hmmm. This was one of those "how weird can relationships be portrayed in a movie" kinda movie. Does everybody think Julia Roberts is a great actress? I think she's a one dimensional dud, and in this movie she doesn't disappoint. Seems like she "plays" the same role over and over and over. BORING. I give it 3 stars but I don't have a clue as to why. Oh I remember now. Natalie Portman (Uh Star Wars, you bozo) has some hot scenes and she's kinda cute....She made up for Julia (I cry @ congressional hearings, and can't really act) Roberts.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Southern Comfort

Description: This moving documentary chronicles the last year in the life of Robert Eads, a female-to-male transsexual dying of ovarian cancer. We're introduced to several people who figure prominently in Robert's life -- most importantly, Lola Cola, a transsexual who's become Robert's life partner and cares for him full-time. The two prepare to lead a panel at the annual Southern Comfort conference, a yearly event created for transgendered individuals.

My Promulgation: This was a facinating movie about a whole group of transexual freaks. Well, transexuals can love. They can die of cancer too. They can cry. I cried too. It was sad.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Team America: World Police

Trey Parker and Matt Stone apply their acerbic wit to global crime-fighting in this satire starring an all-marionette cast. Team America is a police force that takes on the challenging role of keeping the peace in a troubled planet. Wherever there appears to be a dictator itching to rule the world, the heroes fly in to dismantle the government. The team's newest recruit is Gary Johnston, a Broadway star who just may have found his true calling.

My Promulgation: This is the best potty humor movie I've seen. It was fantastic. If you are a South Park fan, you will love this movie. Watch the extended cuts on the DVD. Amazing what they did with the puppetry….Not like with their pensises, but still very interesting and funny all the same. If you are easily offended, then GFY.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Equilibrium

In a futuristic world, a strict regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: Books, art and music are strictly forbidden, and feeling is a crime punishable by death -- a rule that's enforced by feeding the denizens a mood-limiting drug. John Preston (Christian Bale) is a top government official responsible for destroying those who resist the rules. But when he misses a dose of his own medication, he experiences a pang of conscience. …

My Promulgation: I don't remember much about this movie, so it gets a sub-par rating.