BREAKING IN is BACK!
You ever had that moment where you’re so sure something is good but no one else believes you. That’s how
I felt last year when I first watched the TV show “Breaking In” starring Christian
Slater. I actually found it interesting despite others around me consistently “bashing”
it. I stood behind this show even to its cancellation after only a seven
episode run. [Insert brief moment of silence] The cancellation was
heartbreaking and I just knew all the naysayers couldn’t wait to through it in
my face. I thought, for a split second, that I might be losing my touch. And
then something miraculous happened. Three months after the cancellation, FOX were
in talks of renewing the show for a second season. “Could this be?” I thought
as I grinned from ear to ear. “Has the TV gods given this show another chance…wait
for it….wait for it…YES!” As you can tell I’m quite thrilled by this decision
and also proud of myself for not giving up on this show. Seems I knew a good thing when I saw it. Now I’m
not going to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO! Before we break it down, check out the trailer for season 1 on Breaking In.
For those of you who haven’t seen Breaking In, and without
giving anything away, the show is about an eclectic team of geniuses and "legitimate" thieves who work at
a high tech security firm, led by "Oz" Osbourne (Christian Slater)
and are assigned to break into various high tech security systems by their
owners in an attempt to find any flaws in said systems. The
story begins with a hacker named Cameron
Price (Bret Harrison) who has settled for a cushy life
as a multi degree earning college student who uses his keen hacking abilities
to continue to receive scholarships, room and board, and other benefits from
the school. His abilities don’t go unnoticed and once Oz finds out about him,
he offers him an ultimatum to work for the team or get turned over to the
authorities (that’s OZ’s style for sure), resulting in Cameron leaving his
comfortable life to become a “responsible working citizen”. Once he’s
introduced to the team, the fun begins.
I’m recommending this show for a few reasons; first is
because Christian Slater just can’t catch a break (no pun intended). He’s a
pretty good actor and has recently come to be known as the “king of pilots”, having
been casted in many TV show pilots that never got picked up by a studio. In this particular show, he has made great
character choices for OZ, thus resulting in a likable jerk. He can be anal at
times, he never really trusts anyone, and yet we still find a way to like this
guy, go figure.
Second reason for
my recommendation is the team itself; comprised of the funny and intelligent
line delivery of Alphonso McAuley as Cassius "Cash" Sparks, a fanboy
genius and gadget guy who loves pranking. Odette Annable as Melanie Garcia, who’s
a thrill-seeking lock picker and safe cracker (with daddy issues, but not what you think) whom Cameron starts to fall
for. Of course he has to get past her annoying boyfriend, Dutch (Michael Rosenbaum)
who is not all there, if you know what I mean. The other team members also have
their funny little quirks that add to this functionally “dysfunctional” team.
Thirdly, as far-fetched
as it may be, the show’s concept is somewhat original (some might argue its a downgraded version of LEVERAGE) and allows for some
interesting “security system” creations to crack. This adds a new and
refreshing feel to the current TV show lineup. While I understand that one of
the reasons the show may have gotten canceled was the slight lack of character development
and one dimensionality of a few characters, I am confident that season 2 will
explore those lacking elements. Yes I’ll agree season 1 wasn’t mind blowing but
like Family Guy’s cancellation after its first and second season, a solid show
will always find its way back on the air. (most of the time…some of the time,
haha)
SOMETHING NEW TO LOOK
FORWARD TO
Season 2 has a secret weapon which is sure to boost ratings.
She is none other than Megan Mullally who is set to play the new boss of Contra
Security, Veronica "Ronnie" Mann. Mullally is a two time Emmy award
winning actress who brings a burst of energy and fun to her characters; the
energy that might have been lacking in season 1. As Karen Walker on the TV sitcom Will &
Grace, she racked up seven consecutive Emmy Award nominations for
"Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” and won the Screen
Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy
Series three times. She is funny without trying to be and she will be a great
addition and asset to the current Breaking In ensemble.
Season 2 actually starts today, March 6th at
9:30/8:30c. Do yourself a favor and bookmark, write down, set recording for
Breaking In tonight and enjoy…because THAT guy said it!
February 22, 2012
There Will Be Tears!
Before I get criticized for reviewing this film pretty late, understand that I hadn't seen it until recently. And with the Academy Awards right around the corner, this review couldn't have come at a better time. Also understand that I have not read the book so my review is on the cinematic integrity alone, not how it compared to the book.
Since most of you already knew that anyway, now we can dig into why I am recommending this movie. First, stating the obvious, the acting performance of Viola Davis is nothing short of brilliant. She finds a way to capture every moment and turn words on a paper into cinematic gold. The end scene, which I reluctantly will not give away, is emotionally gratifying; Not just because of the little girl, Mae Mobley Leefolt (played by sisters Emma and Eleanor Henry), but because we as the audience feel Aibileen's (Davis) plight. If she doesn't win for Best Actress in a Leading Role then something is truly wrong with the Academy... Meryl Streep you know I love you and Imma let you finish, but Viola Davis had a powerful performance in The Help and she deserves that trophy. 
Second reason to watch is the brilliant cinematography and Art Direction. While neither was nominated for an Oscar, its hard work should not go unnoticed. The choice of filming in Mississippi as opposed to LA really did justice to the authenticity of the film. The locations and art direction choices put the audience right into a 1960's setting and allowed us to "relive" a moment in history; a time of racial discrimination and class warfare. While I would say this film is an over simplification of what really went on during the time, I have to give credit for the look of the film.
The only real problem I had was the "Tyler Perry" effect of the villain Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard). At times she became unrealistically evil, much like all of Tyler Perry's villains in his plays and films. I understand that the screenwriter wanted the audience to get how "bad" of a person she was but that slightly made her a 2 dimensional character.
As one critic so eloquently put it, "A quiet but powerful film that really does have Oscar written all over it. - James Plath Movie Metropolis
January 26, 2012
Fox has finally "TOUCH"ed me with their new addition
I first had to ask myself "Is this a movie or TV show?". Never thought I'd have to ask but that's how captivated I was to the story. The cast was thoroughly picked and great acting reflected, although it was a little weird to see a much older Danny Glover, but it was eventually bound to happen. The dialogue is a benefit for the audience as well as the characters; Great dialogue usually allows the actors to make sense of the character and understand the best option for delivery. This show seems to be a combination of "Touched By an Angel" meets and prays with "Early Edition" and "Touch" being the answer to that prayer.
"From writer/creator Tim Kring ("Heroes," "Crossing Jordan") and executive producers Peter Chernin (TERRA NOVA) and Katherine Pope (TERRA NOVA) comes TOUCH, a preternatural drama in which science and spirituality intersect with the hopeful premise that we are all interconnected, tied in invisible ways to those whose lives we are destined to alter and impact.
Through masterful storytelling, the series follows a group of seemingly unrelated characters - beginning with a former firefighter tormented by his inability to save a dying woman, an Iraqi teenager who will go to great risks to help his family, a gifted singer whose actions at a karaoke bar save lives thousands of miles away and a British businessman desperately trying to retrieve a key piece of information from his lost mobile phone - who affect each other in ways seen and unseen." - Fox
Kiefer Sutherland had to do away with his running shoes from 24, well not completely, but with this show he is able to flex his acting muscle and prove he isn't a one dimensional character after all.
The first episode is a slow start so don't expect anything epic at the beginning but keep watching because it will keep you wanting more. This show has great potential and staying power and I can credit that to creator Tim Kring. However, you will find some "Heroes" elements in this show and yes expect subtitles for some characters. My warning is to invest into this show with caution. Heroes, after the first two seasons, went down hill so I just hope history doesn't repeat itself.
I also love the idea of the "international hot potato game with the cell phone" gag just hope that was a one time only thing, because that could get old fast.
With the 911 and "everything is connected" elements, I have finally found a TV Drama that kept my interest and found an interesting way to do so.
Just wait til the ending of the first episode, it has the most epic (sorry can't spoil it) but the ending is pretty emotionally epic; once you see it you'll know what I mean. So set your TiVo or DVR's to catch the new show TOUCH airing MON 9/8c MAR 19.
PS. If you missed the Pilot episode which premiered yesterday, check it out at: http://www.hulu.com/touch
January 24, 2012
Project X Could be the next Blaire Witch Project
Let me clarify a bit. The Blaire witch Project phenomena, as you are all aware, is when a film with a relatively low budget grosses a ridiculously larger amount. Now I wouldn't go as far as to say it will make Blaire Witch's 140 million Domestic gross (not ruling it out though) but I guarantee it will surpass its 12 million dollar budget.
Project X will not be a remake of the 1968 film featuring Christopher George or the 1987 film staring Matthew Broderick (and thank God for that, Matt hasn't done anything relevant since 2005 with the Producers...well unless you consider his voice acting in 2008's The Tale of Despereaux, but that doesn't count), no this in a comedy-drama film directed by Nima Nourizadeh, written by Michael Bacall and Matt Drake based on a story by Bacall, and produced by The Hangover director Todd Phillips. This film is an interesting take on the "unforgettable party" genre and should be something refreshingly new for Todd Phillips, because lets face it I still have a headache after watching the Hangover 2 and it wasn't for a good reason.
"PROJECT X FOLLOWS THREE SEEMINGLY ANONYMOUS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO FINALLY MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES. THEIR IDEA IS INNOCENT ENOUGH: LET’S THROW A PARTY THAT NO ONE WILL FORGET… BUT NOTHING COULD PREPARE THEM FOR THIS PARTY. WORD SPREADS QUICKLY AS DREAMS ARE RUINED, RECORDS ARE BLEMISHED AND LEGENDS ARE BORN. “PROJECT X” IS A WARNING TO PARENTS AND POLICE EVERYWHERE."
This film stars newcomers Thomas Mass, Oliver Cooper, Johnathan Daniel Brown, Dax Flame, Kirby Bliss Blanton, Brady Hender, Nick Nervies, Alexis Knapp and Miles Teller from "Footloose".
Now normally I wouldn't recommend such a film but a guilty pleasure now and then never hurt and plus from the trailer, there are several surprising elements that seems to spark my interest plus its Rate R (hells yeah!). I'm not one to say I told you so but like Blaire Witch and Paranormal Activity, this one has that "home footage" feel that could potentially be another cash cow. Not to mention I am a huge fan for "home footage/found footage" type films; I think I was one of the only ones who loved CLOVERFIELD; I really thought it was a WIN for the dried up monster movie genre.
As one critic said "[Project X] Kinda looks like The Hangover meets Skins, filmed as Paranormal Activity. I want to see this." Check out the trailer and see what you think
Also take a peek at the WEBSITE for a full synopsis and photos and make sure to catch it in a theater near you March 2nd...because THAT guy said it!
January 20, 2012
Ill take **Bleepin'** Modern Family for 2000 Alex
Emphasis on smart! Its all to often people tell me "Modern Family is alright but its not hilarious". I can agree that Modern Family is not a laugh track show with horribly cliched lines which aim to squeeze every possible joke out of their **bleep**. Im not a fan of those shows and rarely do they last long these days. Gone is the era of laugh track shows, although a few have slipped through the radar undetected (I know Im hurting inside just saying that). But Modern Family is funny because it doesn't try to be [funny].
Its just a story about an ordinary family that happens to not be your average family. There is a gay caucasian male couple Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), a lawyer, and his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) with an adopted Vietnamese baby Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons). An older caucasian male, Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill), the patriarch with a hot Colombian wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara) and her son Manny (Rico Rodriguez). Jay is the father to Mitchell and Claire (Julie Bowen),an over baring daughter. Claire has a husband, Phil (Ty Burrell), who is treading the midlife crisis fence just a tad, along with their three children.
**If your confused, 'cause I know I am, look at the picture above for reference! lol**
Now of course there are some stereotypical characters like the smart middle child Alex (Ariel Winter), the hot older child Haley (Sarah Hyland) and the "special" younger child Luke (Nolan Gould), but aren't stereotypes based on some truth, I mean if it didn't have some type of truth to it then would it be a stereotype? (Hmmmm)
Im sure I have bored some of you so lets bring it back around. The latest episode of Modern Family "Little Bo Bleep" was definitely a win for the franchise. I try not to give anything away but really you should be watching this show, in which case I am stating the obvious. But because I understand that some aren't, Ill say this episode had me actually laughing out loud. The brilliantly sharp line delivery by the cast really justified the jokes and made it that much funnier. And the unexpected word from Lilly just opened up a can of worms that could only be matched with an LOL.
Not to mention the ode to youtube's viral video craze. It's funny how things turn out when you try so hard to keep it together. Much like life it seems, no matter how organized you are, some things are just going to happen. That's the beauty of this show. And why I say Modern Family is definitely worth watching and my mouth just wrote that check that my **bleep** can surely cash.
BTW there will be quite a few "bleeps" in this episode so Im just getting you ready for it! So definitely make some time to catch up from season one because this show is definitely a keeper…because THAT guy said it!
Check out Modern Family's HULU page for the most recent 3 episodes if your interested!
January 19, 2012
CASTAWAY ON THE MOON (2009)
"There will be CORN" LOL. Once you watch it you'll know exactly what I mean. While Castaway isn't anything new it does have a refreshing take on a few classics like "Castaway" (staring Tom Hanks), Joon-Ho Bong's "Shaking Tokyo" from the 2008 omnibus film "Tokyo!" and a hint of "Rear Window" (directed by the amazing Alfred Hitchcock).
Now I am not one to give plots away so don't worry about me yelling SPOILER ALERT but what I can say is that this movie is about a man "drowning in debt" (story of my life) who decides that literal drowning would be a much better option...so he tries to commit suicide. But its the journey and realization he comes to after his failed suicide attempt that makes this movie such a success.
(SN: this film was a box office flop in Korea but don't let that deter you away from giving it a chance, besides if you haven't seen a foreign film in a while...or ever, its worth a try. The Passion of the Christ or Apocalypto (oh Mel Gibson) should not be the closest to foreign films you have seen, just sayin')
As Ki so eloquently put it "“Castway on the Moon” turns out to be a good ole fashion love story told from an unusual vantage point. Because of the distance between the main characters the pair rarely communicates in real time. This allows the film’s director, Hae-jun Lee, to integrate several charming vignettes on Mr. Kim’s plight as a castaway and Ms. Kim’s plight as another type of castaway. The heart of the story really unfolds in the third act once the pair makes overtures to meet face to face. Unlike most commercial Korean films, Hae-jun Lee leaves excessive melodrama alone and gives the actors room to bring about emotions more naturally. Kudos goes out to Jae-yeong Jeong for turning in his best performance since “Someone Special” and Ryeo-won Jeong for exhibiting more of her unique charms that she already displayed in “Two Faces of My Girlfriend.”"
If you are looking for a unique take on the "stranded" franchise, I would definitely recommend this film to you. It's a Korean film so expect to read subtitles but really they are not necessary to fully appreciate this film. Dialogue isn't the driving force, rather the emotions both main characters go though; the stories on their faces tell all. But for those who want to get a few jokes which are thrown out in the film and haven't had time to read "Korean for dummies", I heard Netflix has the film with subtitles. If you are one of the few Americans left who are without Netflix...THEN GET NETFLIX!!! lol But here is the link to "Castaway on the moon 2009 part 1". It has been uploaded (WITH SUBTITLES might I add) by InsaneRequest. Make sure to go to his youtube page by clicking HERE and subscribe. He not only has the rest of the Castaway to the Moon (in 12 parts I think) but he has a few other videos worth watching.
Here is what others have said about this film (from www.siff.net):
Wonderful !, May 26, 2010
By skinnytires
“Two desperate individuals find themselves in an extremely unlikely and humorous relationship where each discovers beauty and truth. You won't fail to be entertained and edified. ”
Castaway on the Moon, May 28, 2010
By tornadoZ
“This quirky and delightful romantic comedy manages to give audiences exactly what they want, but always in clever, unpredictable and inventive ways. While fully delivering on both the comedy and romance, the film also provides thoughtful commentary on self-acceptance, urban alienation (have you noticed that people in Seattle no longer acknowledge each other when they pass on the street?) and on the benefits of getting out from behind your computer to explore the exciting possibilities of the real world. * 90/100
**For a more in depth review of Castaway on the Moon, check out Asainmovieweb.com's review!!...because THAT guy said it!**
