I admit that I was worried about this film for the first twenty minutes. I was bored, I was thinking “Who are they kidding?”, and I noticed the shocking similarity to “Immediate Family.” But then my mind was changed once Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner were introduced. Don’t get me wrong, Ellen Page does wonders with this film as she provides yet another great performance as the title character who pretty much experiences something sadly not out of the ordinary in today’s society. She’s a sixteen year old who after a night of drinking and heavy kissing, finds herself pregnant.
Tag Archives: J
The Jazz Singer (1927) (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition) (DVD)
I always manage to garner negative reactions from fellow movie geeks who find my sheer stern love for film rather irritating. I’m told to lighten up, I’m told that I take this stuff too seriously, and that movies are just entertainment; “They’re just movies! They’re there to entertain above everything else! Don’t be so critical!” The reason why I hold movies to such a high regard with a strong importance is because movies are a powerful form of art and expression, and images in film can hold a great deal of power that can affect everyone from casual observers to the deepest of film buffs. If it were the contrary, Warner Bros. would have included the most famous image of “The Jazz Singer” on the box of this new deluxe edition, rather than opting for an image of Jolson’s shadow in a beaming spotlight.
Jackass: Number Two (2006)
Bam: I’d rather rip my dick off and throw it in the river, than do that again.
It’s no big new flash, and not a shock that “Jackass” and everything about it, has never been a favorite of mine. I despised the show, despise the talentless asses involved in it, and I loathed the first film. Say whatever you want about me, but I just don’t get what the appeal is about this series. I’m curious when stupid chic became so popular, and why “Jackass” is consistently popular. I just don’t get it, I admit that. But then again, “Jackass: Number Two” had me near tears the entire time. Shocked? You know you are. Close your mouth and keep reading.
Just Friends (2005)
Director Roger Kumble is wise enough to allow Ryan Reynolds to go hog wild in displaying his talent for slapstick and silly comedy. Reynolds has always had a talent for comedy, except he’s always been restrained such as films like “Van Wilder.” In “Just Friends” he seems to be allowed to go as ridiculous as he wants, and manages to derive a ton of laughs, with mere facial expressions and delivery of one-liners. From there mere opening shot of a young version of the film’s character singing in to a mirror, except grossly overweight and donning curly hair, is an instant laugh grabber, and Reynolds doesn’t seem to let up throughout the movie.
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
“I’ve never said suicide, I never will say suicide… Jim Jones killed them.”
One of the most spine-tingling moments of “Jonestown: The Life and Death of the People’s Temple” is a simple minute of passive home video footage. Jim Jones opens a box of supplies and explores it: “Here we have rice… black-eyed peas… Kool-aid.” How does one man win over 909 people? How does one man convince them he is the second coming of Christ? How does one man convince almost a thousand people to follow him in committing suicide? Prey on their vulnerabilities.
Jesus Camp (2006)
“This will be the greatest day in your life; the day you got saved,” says Becky Fischer to a room filled with five-ten year olds. What could a group of small children have done that warrants being saved by a god? You answer that for me. “They’re so usable in Christianity,” boasts Fischer. Catholic, Christian, or Atheist, “Jesus Camp” is a testament, and serves as physical proof that religion can be a horrible device in the hands of lunatics and wielded on impressionable children. I’m one who thinks religion is an unnecessary part of society, but I accept that some people feel they need it in their lives. But if you are religious, heed the images of “Jesus Camp” and watch how a beautiful concept can destroy children’s mentality in the wrong hands.
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Dear Brittany Snow,
I love you. And I want you to know it. I’ve loved you since “American Dreams”, and have ever since. I’d gladly listen to a continuous loop of “Secret Lover” as sung by Kevin Federline, and William Hung just to have the chance to eat grapes off of your ass crack and confess my unrequited love to thee while you parade yourself in the red silk lingerie you’re featured in midway. Yes, this is true. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. You say creepy, but I say lovelorn. I’m only human, damn it!
And we’re back.