Buffalo's This Week in Movies, September 8th, 2009; Flower Power, Infidels & Slashers
Posted: Sep 08, 2009TAKING WOODSTOCK
I really enjoyed this one, a film based on the true story of a teenager and his parents who owned a small motel near the site of the Woodstock Festival and their involvement with the staging of the massive concert in 1969.
Eugene Levy is perfect as farmer Max Yasgur who agrees to allow the festival to be held on his property. In fact, all of the actors do a fine job.
Now, truth be told, I thought for sure that we’d see some of the performers onstage, but as it turns out, we don’t. There are a few familiar songs in the soundtrack like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Wooden Ships” to add to the ambiance.
For those of us who lived through that time period, Taking Woodstock is a real treat. They nailed everything from the automobiles to the period clothes and TV shows playing ion the old black and white set in the motel. All good. Four Stars.
EXTRACT
Mike Judge, creator of both King of the Hill and Bevis and Butthead, has the ability to make really good, really funny live action movies. He did, after all, produce one of my favorites - Office Space.
With Extract, Judge kind of misses the target. I don’t know if it is because he was still thinking in King of the Hill mode, but the characters at the small plant where they bottle and package various extracts like vanilla, etc are very cartoonish, and not in a good way.
Jason Bateman stars as Joel, the founder of the company he is now contemplating selling to General Mills. Kristen Whig is his wife Suzie, who designs grocery coupons out of their house for a living, and who seems to have all but stopped having sex with her hard working husband.
Enter Mila Kunis as Cindy, the hot new employee and con-artist who flirts with Joel and makes him decide to have an affair with her, spurred on by bartender Dean (Ben Affleck) who tells Joel that he should tempt Suzie by sending a male prostitute posing as a pool man over to her house. Then if she sleeps with the pool man he will be free and clear to sleep with Cindy. Simple, right?
Oh, and then there’s Step (Clifton Collins Jr ) the good ol boy factory worker who loses a testicle in a freak accident at the plant and is talked into suing the company by the con-artist Cindy, who hires Step the best lawyer in town, played by - of course- Gene Simmons, who is trying to take Extract for all that they have.
The soundtrack is pretty cool and includes ZZ Top’s “I Thank You” and Johnny Paycheck’s “Don’t Take Her She’s All I’ve Got,” a record I once won from a local country radio station’s contest. Ah, the things we remember.
The movie could have been a lot better. There was potential. Sadly, it’ll end up just another lazy Sunday afternoon network movie. Three Stars (Ben Affleck was doing his job, even if the others weren’t.)
HALLOWEEN II
Rockin’ Rob Zombie loves his blood, and his follow up to his reboot of the Halloween franchise is at least twice as bloody as the first one. In fact, it is all slasher scenes held together with the tiny plot thread that the girl Mike Myers is terrorizing is in fact his sister, Angel.
The Halloween party scene is pretty cool, with Angel and her two BFF’s dressing as Magenta, Columbia and Frank from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in costumes that look like they came straight from the Fox costume department.
Like I say, it’s a slasher flick of the highest caliber. Not much else. So if you are looking for intellectual horror, woops, wrong number. But if you wanna see more blood than in a hospital transfusion storage cooler, you have found your movie. Three Stars
SOUTHERN ROCK ALERT: During a scene where a couple of beefy rednecks corner Meyers in a field and beat him down with clubs, their radio is playing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “What’s Your Name?”
THE FINAL DESTINATION
We can only hope. After ;leaving the theater I could hardly wait to get hope and type out my frustrations. But where to begin> If you thought the previous installments in this teen scream fest sucked, get ready to multiply that feeling by ten.
Bad acting. Actually, NO acting. Impossible scenarios. The hunky muscle dude being sucked down under the pool by the pool drain so hard that it sucked his guts out. Right.
I get it. The people who escaped the NASCAR crashing into the stands and blowing up so badly that it destroyed the entire stands. Those who survived because of the one guy’s premonition must now all die, in the same order they would have died in during the accident, blah, blah, blah. But this is just dumb.
If you have a brain at all, you will find this one hard to even sit through. In all my years of reviewing film, I have never dipped into the negative stars until now. Negative Five. What a waste of film.
Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.
Buffalo
Comments
gongsi028 says...
In 1963 President Kennedy with his characteristic eloquence and clarity said we want to see a stable Government there, carrying on the struggle to maintain its national independence. We believe strongly in that. We are not going to withdraw from that effort. In my opinion, for us to withdraw from that effort would mean a collapse not only of South Vietnam but Southeast Asia. So we’re going to stay there. President Eisenhower and President Johnson expressed the same conclusion during their terms of office. For the future of peace, precipitate withdrawal would be a disaster of immense magnitude. A nation cannot remain great if it betrays its allies and lets down its friends. Our defeat and humiliation in South Vietnam without question would promote recklessness in the councils of those great powers who have not yet abandoned their goals of world conquest. This would spark violence wherever our commitments help maintain the peace -- in the Middle East, in Berlin, eventually even in the Western Hemisphere. Ultimately, this would cost more lives. It would not bring peace. It would bring more war. For these reasons I rejected the recommendation I should end the war by immediately withdrawing all of our forces. I chose instead to change American policy on both the negotiating front and the battle front in order to end the war on many fronts. I initiated a pursuit for peace on many fronts. In a television speech on May 14, in a speech before the United Nations, on a number of other occasions, I set forth our peace proposals in great detail. We have offered the complete withdrawal of all outside forces within one year. We have proposed to cease fire under international supervision. We have offered free elections under international supervision with the Communists participating in the organization and conduct of the elections as an organized political force. And the Saigon government has pledged to accept the result of the election. We have not put forth our proposals on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. We have indicated that we’re willing to discuss the proposals that have been put forth by the other side. We have declared that anything is negotiable, except the right of the people of South Vietnam to determine their own future.I am perfectly prepared to debate the nuclear freeze on policy grounds, or moral ones. But we should not be forced to discuss phantom issues or false charges. UGG Boots Clearance They only deflect us form the urgent task of deciding how best to prevent a planet divided from becoming a planet destroyed.UGG Boots Clearance And it does not advance the debate to contend that the arms race is more divine punishment than human problem, or that in any event, the final days are near. As Pope John said two decades ago, at the opening of the Second Vatican Council: “We must beware of those who burn with zeal, but are not endowed with much sense... we must disagree with the prophets of doom, who are always forecasting disasters,UGG Boots Clearance as though the end of the earth was at hand.” The message which echoes across the years is very clear: The earth is still here; and if we wish to keep it, a prophecy of doom is no alternative to a policy of arms control. Fourth, and finally, we must respect the motives of those who exercise their right to disagree.UGGS Factory Outlet We sorely test our ability to live together if we readily question each other’s integrity. It may be harder to restrain our feelings when moral principles are at stake, for they go to the deepest wellsprings of our being. But the more our feelings diverge, the more deeply felt they are, the greater is our obligation to grant the sincerity and essential decency of our fellow citizens on the other side. Ugg boots clearance Those who favor E.R.A [Equal Rights Amendment] are not “antifamily” or “blasphemers.” And their purpose is not “an attack on the Bible.” Rather, we believe this is the best way to fix in our national firmament the ideal that not only all men, but all people are created equal. Indeed, my mother, who strongly favors E.R.A., would be surprised to hear that she is anti-family. Ugg boots clearance For my part, I think of the amendment’s opponents as wrong on the issue, but not as lacking in moral character I could multiply the instances of name-calling, sometimes on both sides. Dr. Falwell is not a “warmonger.” And “liberal clergymen” are not, as the Moral Majority suggested in a recent letter, equivalent to “Soviet sympathizers.” The critics of official prayer in public schools are not “Pharisees”; Ugg boots clearance many of them are both civil libertarians and believers, who think that families should pray more at home with their children, and attend church and synagogue more faithfully. And people are not sexist because they stand against abortion, and they are not murderers because they believe in free choice. Nor does it help anyone’s cause to shout such epithets, or to try and shout a speaker down -- which is what happened last April when Dr. Falwell was hissed and heckled at Harvard. So I am doubly grateful for your courtesy here this evening. That was not Harvard’s finest hour, but I am happy to say that the loudest applause from the Harvard audience came in defense of Dr. Falwell’s right to speak. In short, I hope for an America where neither "fundamentalist" nor "humanist" will be a dirty word, but a fair description of the Ugg boots outlet different ways in which people of good will look at life and into their own souls. I hope for an America where no president, no public official, no individual will ever be deemed a greater or lesser American because of religious doubt -- or religious belief. I hope for an America where the power of faith will always burn brightly, but where no modern Inquisition of any kind will ever light the fires of fear, coercion, or angry division. I hope for an America where we can all contend freely and vigorously, but where we will treasure and guard those standards of civility which alone make this nation safe for both democracy and diversity. Twenty years ago this fall, in New York City, President Kennedy met for the last time with a Protestant assembly. The atmosphere had been transformed since his earlier address during the 1960 campaign to the Houston Ministerial Association. He had spoken there to allay suspicions about his Catholicism, and to answer those who claimed that on the day of his baptism, he was somehow disqualified from becoming President. His speech in Houston and then his election drove that prejudice from the center of our national life. Now, three years later, in November of 1963, he was appearing before the Protestant Council of New York City to reaffirm what he regarded as some fundamental truths. On that occasion, John Kennedy said: “The family of man is not limited to a single race or religion, to a single city, or country...the family of man is nearly 3 billion strong. Most of its members are not white and most of them are not Christian.” And as President Kennedy reflected on that reality, he restated an ideal for which he had lived his life -- that “the members of this family should be at peace with one another.”
xiaohe says...
zhouyun
Quite a lot of women nowadays are pursuiting for the Louis Vuitton Bags. And for these Louis Vuitton Outlet that also try hard to provid excellent lv products for all these consumers, and b itself. It is a fact that these designer handbags that come in high quality and the price always appear to be at quite high. So many people would turn to the louis vuitton online, because the handbags that the louis vuitton saleare much lower than these sold in the retailers. So if you can not afford for the designer handbags, so you can come to the louis vuitton online shop or some revelant lv outlet. However, do you know how popular this lv band is. In our website, you can get to know that the LV 2010 New Arrival that sold extrem well in the market. As well as the LV Wallets. I belive it is really worth for all of you to own the Louis Vuitton Handbags.
The winter is on the way. Quite a lot of people begain to look for the winter wear. And the Moncler Coats which are always appear to be popular due to the fact that these peoducts that are good at keepping warm. We a a great Moncler Coats Outlet which earn high reputation among the coats industry, and provide you the excellent products at much lower proce than these sold in the retailers. So you can find that most of consumers would turn to the Moncler Outlet Store Online. Apart from the coats, as well as the Moncler Vest, which also designed with high qaulity and come in fashion trend which make the moncler more and more popula ramong the world. So if you want to buy yourself the winter wear, than you can take the Moncler Coatsand the Moncler Jactets that sold in our webiste into consideration.
Among the various louis vuitton outlet that you can get the excellent louis vuitton peoducts. Including the handbags and wallets as well as the luggages. In various of Cheap Louis Vuitton that provide the excellent Louis Vuitton Replica that designed with high quality and the fashion trend which earn the bags high popularity. As well as the Discount Louis Vuitton, these Louis Vuitton Shop that also sold in the louis vuitton online come with high qaulity , and the stylish design that make the bags that appear to be unique and attractive. Such design would definitely draw much attention. We are a great louis vuitton online store, here you can get the louis vuitton bags and louis vuitton sunglasses, which definitely enahnce one’s status by the unique design, and people all say that the louis vuitton peoducts that are luxury. Definitely you can find many atars would carry the louis vuitton belts in hand when attending some big events.
We are a great louis vuitton outlet which earn high reputation and popularity among the consumers. Here these louis vuitton sale, I believe that most of you would love it. These louis vuitton for salewhich also provide you excellent products as well as the fashon and stylish design. People nowadays more likely turn to the louis vuitton online for the louis vuitton sell. They believe that the louis vuitton outlet storethat also provide you excellent products designed with high qailiy and the stylish design. However at much lower price. So if you are a designer handbags fans, just come to our website, where you can get the excellent louis vuittobn handbagsand the louis vuitton purses which also call the louis vuitton wallets.prada which is also a great designer bags brand. For some one who have owned the prada handbags that all know the high quality as well the appealing appearance that these prada bagsare designed with. In most of the prada outlet, you can get the varisou of prada products, including the most newly versions. And in some of the prada onlineyou also can find the prada salewhich sell you the excellent products however at much lower price. As well as other designer handbags brands, the prada also earn high reputation and popularity among the consumers. People all love the quality and the fashion design all the prada handbags that come in. among the prada outlet, it is said that the prada handbags that are sold most well in 2010. mainly due to the excellent design.
As a fact that the Chanel bags that always designed with high qaulity and also follow the fashion trend. In the Chanel handbags and the Chanel purses that you defintely can find such design. Recently the company is trying to release new version in order to meet the holiday demand. Due to the fact that winter is on the way, and most of people are now begain to look for themselves excellent Chanel bag. As a fact that all these Chanel handbags that all come in fashion trend it would definitely improve your personality. You also can find the Chanel sunglasses and thechanel shoes that all in our online store. Various of styles for you to choose from. And the chanel sunglasses as well as the Chanel Jewelry that all come in excellent design.Due to the fact that most of the designer bags that come in high qauality, so the price is high. For consumers to look for the Cheap Coach Handbagswhich become more and more popular online. These Coach Handbags that sold in the Coach Handbags Outletthat also come with high quality as well as the fahsion trend. In these various Coach Outlet Store Online, you also can get the Cheap Coach Bags and also some Discount Coach Handbags. Some people may doubt about the quality of the Cheap Coach Handbags that sole in the Coach Handbags Outlet. Definitely there are all come in high quality. As for the appearance that these bags that appeara definitely appealing and attractive. Just come to our website and get yourself the Cheap Coach Bags.
P90Xwhich sold well this years. More and more people nowadays want to own the P90X Workoutin order to make oneself more b and health. But how to use it. There are also the P90X DVD which for you to follow. And when you are out, you can have p90x reviews. We area great online store, there you can get the excellent cheap p90x and the cheap p90x dvd. As well as the 13DVD FITNESS GUIDE NUTRITION PLAN which would definitely produce great effect for you. Just come to the 13DVD FITNESS GUIDE NUTRITION PLAN for saleto own yourself the cheap 13DVD FITNESS GUIDE NUTRITION PLANwhich in ordet o make yourself more and more b and health.
In winter season, the Moncler brand seems to be extrem popular. For thse Moncler Sale you can find the excellent products that quite good at keepping warm. Recently the Moncler Outlethas alrady introduced the newly Moncler Jackets, and Moncler Coats, it is said that the Moncler USA is also popular this year. High quality and the high tech that applied in the designing, so you can find such products that can be worn for many years. People also love the Moncler Shoeswhich also come with high quality as well as the fashion design, most of these shoes that come in unqiue design that appeal quite a lot of consumers. Among them the Moncler Hoodies and Moncler Kidsseems to be most popular.
Here watches wholesale introduce three different gucci outlet: soft and light weight, and closely attached to the wood materials, the production of all kinds of hard case is more solid; solid used for different mobile soft gucci sale, backpacks and small leather goods; super tough because of the special enhanced resilience, then travel for a variety of large-scale leather manufacturing. monogram denim also popular this years.In addition gucci online discount to France, Spain and the United States factories, the Paris suburbs have shipping gucci bags, Insist gucci shoespurseson the quality of the production process is not limited to The more than 200 specialty stores is the only self-employed sales positions, especially louis vuitton monogram denim bag,product does not wholesale to other sales gucci store,we offer you wholesale or retail monogram louis vuitton monogram denim bags. To create gucci wallets discount travel leather cheap handbags first appearance in 1854, the Gucci Jewelry, followed by 1872 Fringe CANVAS, again is the 1888 Grid CANVAS. Each new design is created to deal with counterfeit goods. 1896 words for the first time LV pattern of Gucci Belts, is now a familiar pattern MONOGRAM LV tradition was born
kobe016 says...
Moncler,Moncler Jackets,Moncler Coats,Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Vest, Moncler Outlet Store, Moncler Online Outlet,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Sale, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler USA,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes, moncler sale,moncler on sale,moncler jackets cheap,cheap moncler jackets,moncler outlet,moncler outlet store,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes
coconut1955 says...
Loved Extract. I don't know how you sit through those slasher flicks. Love the reviews though.
Please login or you can
If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.