Buy Up In The Air

It’s difficult to understand how a movie that manages to make you feel down in the dumps in many instances can have you laughing out loud the rest of the way. Perhaps it’s because UP IN THE AIR is a movie crammed full of surprises and total knowledge of its [...]]]>

Buy Up In The Air

It’s difficult to understand how a movie that manages to make you feel down in the dumps in many instances can have you laughing out loud the rest of the way. Perhaps it’s because UP IN THE AIR is a movie crammed full of surprises and total knowledge of its main subject. Throughout the movie I was expecting the obvious conclusion and was surprised to get something completely different in return, but even UP IN THE AIR’s shocker scene, managed to make so much sense it’s difficult for me to understand how I didn’t see it coming. There’s no question in my mind UP IN THE AIR will be the movie future generations will look back in trying to understand this particular era we live in. It is quite simply a classic.
 UP IN THE AIR is the story of Ryan Bingham, a businessman who spends most of his life on the road: in aeroplanes, hotel rooms and bars. His job is to travel from company to company firing people. He is never in one place very long, and he has no real relationships. He is even estranged from his own family. His main goal in life is to reach 10 million frequent flier miles, a number only 6 people have reached prior to him. His life is all about loyalty status and points. But suddenly, his company decides that they are going to try to fire people via internet video conferencing, instead of face to face. Bingham is going to be grounded, forced to live in Omaha, and to give up his jetset life-style.

Oh my, what will happen next?

Sean Vetter and Demetrius Hicks are members of the DEA who are fighting an ongoing drug war on the California/Mexico border, they are most successful at it because of their edge of growing up on the street and being thugs converted to cops. The DEA busts one of the major players by the name of [...]]]>

Sean Vetter and Demetrius Hicks are members of the DEA who are fighting an ongoing drug war on the California/Mexico border, they are most successful at it because of their edge of growing up on the street and being thugs converted to cops. The DEA busts one of the major players by the name of “Memo” Lucero and imprison him in the United States but then a major player named Diablo then takes over the business and now he is now the major player targeted by Vetter and his team. But when Vetter’s wife is killed in a botched hit organized by Diablo, he seeks revenge against those responsible and in the process has to seek help from the imprisoned Lucero in order to catch Diablo. But in the process, Vetter and Hicks have to fight their way up the chain to get to Diablo but it’s easier said than done when all Vetter can focus on is revenge.

A good two star movie that features Vin Diesel as a DEA agent. It’s kind of a downer, but has some good action scenes. Larenz Tate does a good job playing Diesel’s sidekick in this movie. Timothy Olyphant plays a good wacko just like he always does. Not a bad movie to watch if you like these type of payback movies.

“Let the wild rumpus start!” Nine-year-old Max runs away from home and sails across the sea to become king of the land Where the Wild Things Are. King Max rules a wondrous realm of gigantic fuzzy monsters–but being king may not be as carefree as it looks! Filmmaker Spike Jonze [...]]]>

Where the Wild Things Are DVD

“Let the wild rumpus start!” Nine-year-old Max runs away from home and sails across the sea to become king of the land Where the Wild Things Are. King Max rules a wondrous realm of gigantic fuzzy monsters–but being king may not be as carefree as it looks! Filmmaker Spike Jonze directs a magical, visually astonishing film version of Maurice Sendak’s celebrated children’s classic, starring an amazing cast of screen veterans and featuring young Max Records in a fierce and sensitive performance as Max.

This is one of the most imaginative and thoughtful films I have ever seen. The book was a childhood favorite of mine, so of course I was curious to see how it would be adapted for film. It is certainly not a cut-and-dry adaption; Jonze takes it in his own direction visually, but I think he completely captured the wild and wonderful spirit of the book. I was awed by nearly every scene. The movie carries so much heartfelt emotion, from anger to joy to love. I know some people couldn’t stand it, but I think they just lacked imagination and an open mind. If you expect a trite and simple children’s movie that strictly adheres to the look and feel of the book, you will certainly be disappointed. But if you are open to experiencing the more raw and vibrant essence of the book, you might find something really special in this film. And the MUSIC! Must not forget the excellent soundtrack. There is so much to love here.

This movie was magical. I think what people don’t understand is that Max is imagining these creatures. So, their mannerisms, their speech is all coming from the imagination of a child. That’s why it seems “off”. They are saying and feeling what HE is feeling. Much like when you’re a child and you act out your hurt or frustrations through the voices of your toys. If you don’t understand this, then I can see how it would seem obnoxious. I thought it was beautiful. Max obviously had a lot going on in his little head and a lot of misplaced anger. Children can’t regulate their emotions, so of course he’s acting out.

Yes indeed, this movie is a far cry from the book, but it is really the book for all those that have grown up in an imperfect world.I have not seen in any of the reviews yet the connection to the absolute therapy this movie can bring to so many that have tragic pains in their past. As mentioned in the review title “This is a movie for those on the journey of life” The movie is about making progress and not staying where you are in the situation of your pain. The movie is very similar to Robert Bly’s “Iron John” Those familiar with the book and have loved it, will know what I mean. This movie is pure symbolism and metaphor for the journey of every wounded soul. I will forever love this movie..thank you Mr. Sendak, and thank you Spike Jonze.