The 7 Word Weekend Movie Review 5/21/10

New Movie Releases Reviewed in 7 Words 

180 South: Conquerors of the Useless (limited) - I fell asleep just reading the synopsis. 

Racing Dreams (limited) - Kids, NASCAR... Don't need another five words...

Shrek Forever After - Tell me it's really going to end...

MacGruber - I totally plan on see- *boom* "MacGruber!"

I suppose the question with MacGruber is whether or not a repetitive (though hilarious) 30 second skit can translate into a 90 minute movie. SNL movies are known to range from largely problematic to outright crap. Still there are a lot of very funny people involved in this film and the previews do look promising. I don't really agree with people that say SNL is the best it's been since the 90's. I think there's a lot of talent on the show, but the writing has produced a lot of mind numbingly bad sketches. From what I've seen, it's made for some really great shows where everything clicks, as well as episodes that are just unwatchable. My point? I like MacGruber, it's a funny skit. I just hope it's the brilliance that comes through in the movie and not waste.

Speaking of waste... Shrek Forever After comes out today. Oh don't worry, I'm not doing a Shrek related diatribe. I did actually like the first movie, I just think the series is overrated. No the Waste I'm speaking of is Eddie Murphy's career. I remember a short time ago when he was talking about retiring. I wish he had. I love his old stuff, but he just hasn't produced much of value in the last decade. Now I hear speak of a rumor that he's working on another sequel in The Nutty Professor series. Which is just... I can't do it... *sigh*

Here's some music till I regain my composure:

French Navy

Ok I'm back. A little Camera Obscura can soothe the savage breast. Evidently, thanks to reading Archie Comics as a kid, I spent many years thinking the expression was 'music can soothe the savage beast.' Thank you Archie Comics for contributing to an embarrassing episode in my youth. But I digress (if that were possible in a column that's about moving from one point to the next without any hint of transition).

So you remember that Superman car I showed you a while back? Well it turns out the guy who runs the local Essex owns it. Spent all kinds of money to customize it. I still think it's insane. I like the symbol on display, but the rest is too much. 

I decided to go against some of my own rules recently. I watched a Jennifer Aniston film. It's not so much that I won't watch a film with her in it as I try to avoid movies that are sold on her name. It's a quality thing. I liked her back in the 90's when I hadn't gotten tired of her playing the same character over and over. But in the words of the Monkees, 'That was then (that was then) and this is now.'  That said, I love Aaron Eckhart and decided to give Love Happens a try. I'm glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more his movie then hers. 

The film centers around Burke (Eckhart) a self-help guide who holds seminars aimed at helping people let go of their lost loved ones. With a best selling book and a rising career he should be doing great himself. But from the very start of the film it's apparent that Burke, A widower, hasn't been able to help himself. Not the most original of plots. But that doesn't matter because the story itself is well written. Perhaps a little drawn out in places, but very decent. Jennifer Aniston plays the catalyst for his change of life. 

The film is filled with drama but has a great sense of humor. As far as criticisms, like many films, I feel it could have been cut down a little in length for a better, tighter film. Judy Greer plays an exaggerated version of her usual character, which is a little annoying. But the supporting cast is more then made up for by the heartbreaking performance John Carroll Lynch delivers. Altogether I'd rate it: 7 out of 10

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on the essential oils reviews, and I was thinking of starting one on herbal supplements or natural medicine in general. I'm curious to know if any of you would be interested in something like that? 

I might post something later, but if not, have a great a weekend everyone!