Matchstick Men
3 out of 4 stars
The title of this blog entry is the tagline for Matchstick Men which is the movie we caught today. As I had pointed out in my last entry, this genre of film would not necessarily be my first pick, but… I did really enjoy this film. I am typically a fan of Nicolas Cage films with the obvious exception of the horrid role in Face/Off. This was interesting and had a some moments of intrigue bordering on a thriller, but that was a small portion of the overall film which is very much a character piece. Learning about this guy and his various ‘ticks’ is rather fun and you kind of develop a sympathy for an individual who has very few redeeming charateristics…
Not a film I would recommend to all, but definitely good if the commercial or reviews piqued your interest.
So, I have received a couple of comments as to why I never give a low rating (1 or no stars) to a movie. Well, the answer is quite easy, first of all I haven’t seen a sucky movie since I started doing the reviews 
But, there is a little more to it.
I tend to be selective about my movie choices and really tend to pick movies that will fit my sense of style and temperament. I do occasionally venture off this beaten path and that is when you will see a lower rating, but typically if I see a popcorn flick chances are it at least ranks as a 2 star as that simply means the action was fun and it captured my attention for the length of the run time.
As we move into the fall, I am sure I will get sucked into a few Oscar worthy films that are absolute abysmal. You see, my wife likes drama, which can be good or can just as easily be mind numbing, and these tend to bloom in the fall. And with that little tidbit, I guarantee a low ranked movie by Christmas 
Okay, this is a little tidbit for those of you who know me personally and know my fascination for all things gadget-like. I am quoting directly from Griffin Technology’s website concerning a beta release of their software for the PowerMate (or as described by those that I know, the iKnob).
With PowerMate Software Version 2.02b for OS X, multiple PowerMates can now be combined together to form completely new and customized control setups. This feature is the result of many requests from customers using their PowerMate for music applications, games and 3-D/CAD design.
All I have to say is iMac Etch-a-Sketch here I come
Underworld
2 out of 4 stars
I really enjoyed this film even though I freely admit that the plot and acting were somewhat sub-par. For a $23 million film, I think they accomplished quite a feat as the movie has somewhat of a summer blockbuster feel to it. Kate Beckinsale has some good scenes and she looks quite good throughout most of the film. Without her casting, I doubt I would have enjoyed this film nearly as much. However, I did really enjoy the voices of both Kevin Grevioux (Raze, who also happens to be the writer) and Bill Nighy (Viktor). They both have very interesting accents/vocal tone which I seemed to get caught up in.
As long as you go with the proper expectations (i.e. for a popcorn action thriller) then you should have a rather good time. I definitely recommend this film if you are in the mood for some fun…
So, my buddy Larry points out that I am in “blogdeath”. Yes, I do know that I suck at keeping this thing up to date. So, I have adjusted my settings to help reduce that problem even when I am lax on my posts.
Well, Any who, as Heather was out of school yesterday and today due to hurricane Isabel, she went to go see thirteen at the Madstone. From what I understand, while it is a good film, I am never ever to see it as I will dread what might happen if we ever have a teenage daughter.
Can’t say that is my speed film. I am much more likely to go see Underworld this weekend. Hmmm…teenage angst and rebellion, or vampires, werewolves, and Kate Beckinsale in leather Matrix-like outfits. What to choose, what to choose…
Not that those three elements add up to a great movie experience, but none of them are going to hurt in any way that I can imagine
If I get the chance to see it, look here for a review in the next day or so…
Been a quiet peaceful little holiday weekend, but I’m not complaining. It has been nice to get out of the office for a few days and relax.
Heather and I went to see Matrix Reloaded at the $1.50 theater on Saturday. I used to really dislike that theater, but it seems that they have worked to improve it. The flick was almost as good the second time around due to the fact that I could focus a little more on the pop-psycho babble as I knew what was coming. Anyway, a good time was had by all.
I also got some of my movie posters up around the “cinema room” and my office. By the way, no I am not serious when I call it that. When we were looking for an apartment, we found one that was awfully pretentious that has a so-called “cinema room” and for me the name has always stuck I plan to post some photos in the coming days after my shipment of Lord of the Rings posters comes that I won on eBay.
So, until I have more to say, enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend…
