Movies I Watched Instead of Writing: Part 8

Okay, so I haven't really left the house much the past month. But I did get to do some catching up:

Downfall [2004]: Beautiful, heartbreaking and terrifying in its humanism. Extremely controversial upon its release in Germany, this should be required viewing.

The Aristocrats [2005]: Billed as a documentary about a joke, its actually more of a free form exploration on the art and power of comedy and the ability of humour to draw people together, with the eponymous joke as the centre. No, the joke itself isn't really that funny, but watching mere excerpts of Bob Saget's 40 min version prove his is a virtuoso of filth.

The 40 Year Old Virgin [2005]: I love, love, love this movie. Sadly Beej says I'm not allowed to have Judd Apatow's love babies. Funny, profane and amazingly sweet and sincere, this is probably the perfect date movie.

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory [2005]: Okay, so it sticks closer to the book, which is cool, and the first 40 minutes was near rapturous delight for me. However, by the time John August managed to shoehorn his daddy issues into the thing, I had started to tune out. Good visuals, some amusing black humour, but those Oompa Loompa songs made me want to hurt people. Particularly Danny Elfman.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure [1985]: No, I've never actually seen this all the way through. I know that makes my childhood deficient or something, but oh well. (For the record, I've never seen "The Goonies" either). I think it's my new official chicken soup & blankie movie for when I'm home sick and need a pick me up.

This is Spinal Tap [1984]: If it's any consolation I have seen the 2 hours of deleted scenes quite a few times. What can I say that hasn't already been said?

Bad Boys II [2003]: Three words: A. Ma. Zing. The chase scene with the morgue truck has to be seen to be believed. I have never seen so much style and effort in support of so little substance. A throw back to the "golden age" of adult action movies (the 1980's). Michael Bay is by far my favourite fauxteur.

Ong-bak [2003]: Silly story (I couldn't recall the plot if I tried), but Tony Jaa is amazing to watch. The patriotic Thai overtones were cool too.

The Last Boy Scout [1991]: Viewed as a complement to "Bad Boys II." Unlike Michael Bay, Tony Scott is able to wrench meaning out of blue filters and an overuse of smoke machines. It's so pretty you don't care that there's nothing there. And I'm starting to appreciate the misogynist genius of Shane Black.

Animal House [1978]: I'd actually watched this with my mom back when I was a kid, probably when I was too young to really appreciate it. When I found out Beej had never seen it (or "The Blues Brothers"), I knew something had to be done. Much funnier and sharper than I remembered. I'd started to think it was overrated, but seeing it again proves how great it actually is.

Q: The Winged Serpent [1982]: Larry Cohen is another candidate for father of my love babies. I have yet to be disappointed by any of his movies and will sing his praises until I am horse. Way better than a movie about a flying monster eating people in New York has a right to be. Also, Michael Moriarty gives a performance for the ages. From the "I just went off my meds" school of brilliance. I need to buy this movie.

Sky High [2005]: Cute, funny, pleasant. A good super-hero movie and a kid's movie that I could conceivably show to my (entirely) hypothetical offspring. A host of good cameos and Kurt Russell is surprisingly game.

The Specials [2000]: Wasn't expecting much when Beej brought it home, it being a typically cheap, late '90's comedy. Boy was I wrong. This is what "Mystery Men" could have been, but SO wasn't. Written by and staring Craig Mazin, the man behind "Tromeo & Juliet" and "Terror Firmer." Lots of "hey, it's that guy from that show" and way, way funnier than I expected. Beej and I should have our "Fuckkills" t-shirts done in time for next year's Comic-Con. A geek movie with a capital "G."

Oily Maniac [1976]: Shaw Brothers "horror" movie about a guy who turns himself into a greasy oil monster and goes on murderous rampages. Incredibly sleazy (read: lots of Asian boobies) and unintentionally brilliant (hello rubber monster suit!), it manages to live up to expectations.