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CoopertheBeagle
Reviews
Clue (1985)
if you haven't seen this movie what have you been doing with your life
Classic madcap comedy crammed full of iconic lines and very clever dialogue. Probably a good one for fans of British comedy because the dialogue is smart and the characters are very specific, like in British films. As others have noted, the pace becomes more and more frantic as the film nears the end. So inventive to adapt the board game into such a high concept film. All the cast are at the height of their powers. Featuring great performances from Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd etc. A good movie to watch for not so scary Halloween or any time throughout the year.
The Society (2019)
Bingeworthy "what if?" show
This show features a lot of talented cast members who have started to show up In other projects since, from the new Elvis movie to Mare of Easttown. You'll likely watch and be intrigued to follow the careers of the stars , as the casting was excellent . Several are actually Australian. The show has a simple premise in many ways and it's perhaps best to not focus so too hard on the "how did they get there?" Question and focus instead on the ripple effects. Has quite a bit of interesting interpersonal drama and ethical questions without getting too dark. Makes for a good binge watching show. Too bad there's no season 2, probably because of Covid.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Solid viewing with a great cast
This movie manages to pack in an array of people you will have seen in subsequent projects, from John slattery to ginnifer Goodwin. The film has a vibe similar at times to dead poets society, but don't worry, no one dies. Is something of a chick flick with unsuccessful aspirations of being an Oscar caliber film. Features a lot of nice costumes, music , and cinematography that evoke that 50s vibe. Doesn't entirely succeed at being a serious feminist movie but is a nice journey with characters that feel like real friends . Ginnifer Goodwin and Maggie gyllenhaal especially stand out as they were relative unknowns at the time . Julia Roberts character is ultimately a lot less interesting than the students.
U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)
Must see for u2 fans
Can't believe I've never seen this film, as a long time u2 fan. Part of this is likely because the band itself treat this film as some kind of low point in their interviews . I really think the negative reaction to it at the time had everything with the band being overexposed in the press at the height of their Joshua tree touring . The film itself is very good! The music is great and sounds great . Bono's voice sounds amazing. There are quite a few fun candid interview bits. And the section in color where they perform many of their Joshua tree hits is as good as any concert film I've ever seen, reminiscent of The band in the last waltz. I could do with about 1/2 as much of the grainy black and white footage but overall an amazing concert film capturing them at the height of Their 80s fame.
The Master of Disguise (2002)
Genuinely terrible
I had always heard this movie was so bad it tanked Carveys film career but thought how bad can it be ? I don't have very high standards but It really is so terrible . Worth watching almost for the curiosity factor. The premise is ridiculous, the accents, the disguises. Features cameos from folks like Bo Derek to Jesse Ventura . Some talented folks you might recognize from other stuff like Jennifer Esposito. Overall really begs the question "how did this get made?" Worth checking out if you're a very big Dana Carvey fan-maybe. I guess it's a family movie but some of the jokes are just poorly written jokes for adults.
Claim to Fame (2022)
This is a silly show but fun mindless summer fare
This show is better than I expected. They did a good job casting people because most of them don't look so much like their relative that it's obvious who they are (with one clear exception). They also seem like people who have real lives that don't revolve entirely around their relative's fame. They are a lot more likeable than the schemers on shows like Big Brother, though it does take a bit longer than it should for them to really start playing to win. Has a more diverse cast than you'd probably expect. Will be interesting to see if they do another season, and if they do, maybe it'd be best to leave it even more of a mystery who their relatives are.
What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
A sublime comedy, consistently inventive
If you enjoyed the movie, or even if you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat with the comedy adaptation about vampires in Staten Island. The larger cast, including the core couple Lazlo and Nadja, makes for a lot of scenarios that succeed in going beyond the premises of the film. Somehow after 3-4 seasons they still come up with some of the most inventive concepts which leave the audience pleasantly shocked. Brings together a lot of the character based humor one sees in UK comedies but with the New Zealand quirkiness you see in any of the film's producer's other work. There are also a lot of moments where you realize the characters care about each other, as well as inside jokes that come back over the time, rewarding the audience for paying attention. You will laugh and be amazed.
Friday Night Lights (2006)
One of the great American TV shows
Must watch if you like a feel good drama with good character development. Like these creators' other shows , including Parenthood and This is Us, it's very heartfelt. If you're like me and you don't especially care about sports, that won't hamper your enjoyment of this show. If you're at all skeptical, give the first episode a try and you'll surely be sucked into the human drama by the end of episode 1. The character development is so subtle and nuanced, many characters go from what seem like tropes to fully fleshed out beloved characters. Many of the young people on the show give performances that don't seem to have been matched by anything they've appeared in since. Britton and Chandler of course shine as the central couple of the show, whose love shines through all the ups and downs. They have a witty repartee that forms a major part of the show's appeal. Jesse Plemons moves from a side character to a central part of the show. You can see why he's emerged as such a big star since.
The Hills (2006)
Totally mindless tv but sometimes that's what you're in the mood for
This show is a real blast from the past for folks around High school/college age when Laguna Beach and the Hills came out. Who can forget the endless drama between Heidi and Lauren, and the over the top womanizing bros like Brody Jenner and his crew? If you want to watch a semi real soap opera set against the backdrop of a semi glamorous Hollywood nightclub scene, this is the one for you. The storylines definitely get tiresome after a while. The seasons probably have enough storyline for half as many episodes. It's fascinating to see how the characters morph over time as their real life fame begins to grow-including some questionable cosmetic procedures. Without this show, we probably never would have encountered the Kardashians on our tv screens.
Dior et moi (2014)
One of the best fashion documentaries
Dior and I is one of the best fashion documentaries, up there with "Iris" or "The September Issue." It covers the months leading up to the new designer's first collection. It really builds up the stakes of Raf Simons and his staff coming into Dior on relatively short time period until his debut fashion show, and gives you lots of insight into what couture really is, and the characters of the tailors working on constructing the designs really shine through. And of course there are lots of beautiful clothes and flowers, and shots of Paris. Worth watching if you're at all interested in fashion, but also a well made documentary for fans of the genre. Features some good content on the history of the company as well. A fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of the best known fashion houses.
The Class of '92 (2013)
You don't have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this one
Even if you know virtually nothing about the sport of soccer on Manchester United either, this is a really well done film that explores the dynamic of a group of young men coming of age together. You really appreciate having so many people who are actually from Manchester; it's got a coming of age quality to it. Also has nice overtures to the cultural moment of the 1990s. Nice soundtrack of songs from that time as well.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
A delightful bromance
A zany fun time that also has great cast and location in Spain, witty dialogue, and awesome performances from Cage and Pascal. Nice to see Lilly Sheen pop up as the daughter and the wonderful Sharon Horgan of Catastrophe as the long suffering ex wife.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Simply a GREAT movie
This is a great movie and not just because of 80s nostalgia. The cinematography is beautiful, the action sequences are excellent, and the acting is very good! Tom Cruise hasn't given such a vulnerable performance in years. Worth seeing in the theater for the sound and overall experience.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
A romantic comedy that's really funny
This is a fun movie that has a lot of heart especially because Bullock does a great job having an emotional transformation not just a makeover. The situations and actions lead to lots of laughs. Really holds up watching 20 years later.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Modern classic action adventure film
Rewatching in 2022 and it still holds up well. The score is especially good. The film features many character actor types in unexpected parts where they truly shine. Never a dull moment. Special effects still look good after all these years. Great comedy and swordfights.
Redeeming Love (2022)
If you ignore how this movie was marketed you'll probably enjoy it more
The actors in this movie do a solid job with their parts and will likely pop up in future projects. It's a decent love story featuring attractive people in beautiful landscapes, like a historical Nicholas Sparks type vibe. Includes a number of "people you've seen in other stuff" in small roles. The religious themes might be more obvious in the book, but are a lot less obvious in the movie. So if you're thinking it will be heavy-handed "Christian" movie, it's really not. There are parts that seemed just as likely to be borrowed from "Les Miserables" as they did the Bible.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
absolute classic
Sean Connery, harrison ford, and the rest of the cast in Great performances, with action sequences, big ethical dilemmas and religious themes, comedy, family dynamics explored, what more could you ask for?
King Ralph (1991)
absolutely ludicrous film (but it's supposed to be)
Very fun and silly film that showcases the natural physical comedy and heart of John Goodman in a fish out of water role. Various famous British actors pop up as do wonderful locations (even the downton abbey house! ).
Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)
worthwhile sequel to the series
Definitely exceeded expectations. Lots of great moments and heart. If you haven't seen or didn't really like the previous movies, then you probably won't like this one much. Requires a certain level of investment in Bridget Jones. Is definitely better than the 2nd film as well. (and better than book 3, which is not connected to this movie.)
Enchanted April (1991)
movie has a certain magic to it
This is a period dramedy about 4 women sharing a house in Italy around 1920. The setting is so beautiful and each undergoes certain transformations in their personal lives. If you like British period movies or movies with strong female leads, or about female friendships, this is ideal. Some similar vibes to a Room with a View.
This Is the End (2013)
If you like the main cast members, you'll enjoy this movie (or at least the first hour)
If you like the sort of movies these main cast members have been in before-knocked up, pineapple express, superbad, etc., then this is a must watch to see all these actors in one place playing heightened versions of themselves and a lot of their former costars in wild cameos. This is a very rated R kind of movie. It's a very funny premise especially the first time through when you'll be shocked at the situations the characters find themselves in. Kind of runs out of steam as things stretch on, but certainly worth checking out.
The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
So much wit
Can't say I recall the play too well from high school, but the movie is very charming and witty. Colin Firth especially shines in a funnier role than his usual ones. There are a lot of twists and turns to keep the viewer interested.
Wimbledon (2004)
not quite a classic romcom but still pretty good
Charming movie that showcases its leads well, in particular Bettany. Heavily reliant on the charms of Paul Bettany and his many internal monologues on love and tennis. If you like English settings, London, or Wimbledon, worth a shot. Don't expect to see the leads returning tennis serves or anything too strenuous.
Timeline (2003)
worth watching once
This is a silly movie that doesn't completely make sense but includes a cast of folks you've seen and liked in other stuff, running around in ye olden times. Has some similar themes to Jurassic park but less effective. If you already have a streaming service that includes it, by all means give it a try.
Kate & Leopold (2001)
Underrated movie that showcases hugh jackman
Movie's plot really relies on Jackman's charm as a fish out of water in c. 2000 New York. Hard to not be won over by his character. Worth a watch if you're a fan of Jackman or Ryan, or romantic movies in general. Best not to think to hard about the time travel plot; it's not that serious of a movie.