The Righteous Gemstones

 

                                   I don't much go for anything that consist of Danny McBride mainly because majority of his work consist of him playing the same douche/dumb ass cliché person out there, well I take it back because I did love Alien Covenant mainly since its directed by a professional director like Sir Ridley Scott. But since we're living in mad, mad world, and was given access to HBO Max furthermore his, I figured what the hell might as well make the use of it. speaking of Hellfire and Brimstone Danny McBride's latest creation The Righteous Gemstones is surprisingly pretty good considering it's about televangelist family that cares more about their personal lifestyle than others. But, is somewhat the religious Walt Disney in which builds an empire in their name, kind of Jimmy Swaggart/Walt Disney. And I usually don't say this a lot, but this is hands down McBride's best work. Now I hope I don't say that in futures to come but will just have to wait and see. 

                                 The series centers around The Gemstones led by Dr. Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) a televangelist whose created a huge empire of gospel preachers, which I'm still stating it's like Jimmy Swaggart and Walt Disney created the Gemstones, in a secret lab. After his wife dies Eli has been trying to fill that void in hopes of his children can do that, but unfortunately his kids are spoiled and downright egotistical. All that changes when Eli's oldest son is being blackmailed and a long-lost brother in law (Walter Goggins) comes into the family's lives. Though when it comes to this family what can possibly go wrong?

                                 I had to re-watch the first episode with an associate of mine and he enjoyed it, and the only reason I did this because I wasn't quite sure how to make of this. Now that I got through all the first season I must say and hopefully this will be the last time I say this personally, but this was McBride’s best work. One of the reasons why this show is intriguing to me is well, it's about horrible people who use the fame and fortune in order to be a million dollar franchise this going back to Disney Company furthermore they also proclaim themselves higher being's and yet don't look at themselves in the mirror. Moreover, I must admit it's fun to watch horrible people trying to survive in a famous lifestyle. John Goodman as always does a great job playing the religious Don Corleone of the family keeping the children at check moreover feeling lost in terms of not having his wife around and Goodman’s a St. Louis Cardinals fan so anything he does I’ll give a chance in watching, well except for Rosanne and the other spinoff shows. Both of the kids (Danny McBride, Adam Devine and Edi Patterson) do a fantastic job playing so spoiled and cruel but strangely enough you kind of relate to them for most purposes is that they both bicker and fight furthermore are immature sometimes but deep down they love each other and will always help one another out. I do have to admit I was impressed with McBride's performance aside from him creating this fascinating show, but I have to say I love the fact that he plays a man who's a bit cruel sometimes, also thinking he's better than himself, but also kind of on the dumb side to be honest because there were amusing parts in which I think he's way late with the generation furthermore being a bit way to stuck in the eighties I guess. Goggins does good work as well playing a deceitful brother in law who hold a grudge with Goodman's character, and let’s be honest the man was born in Alabama so him playing a Southern man is always his best work. What I find most impressive with the show is that there moments where you'd think oh okay they settle it all in the first episode but after end of the first episode they real do good in making you come back for more. The other thing I found to be a nice touch was the fact that each member of the Gemstone family has a come to Jesus moment and I personally thought that was a great idea because as much as I enjoy seeing the family be terrible to everyone around them I also love the fact that they actually get a good glimpse of the mirror and see what monsters they've become. Unlike Scarlet O'Hara WHOSE A STONE COLD B***H THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE F**KING MOVIE OF GONE WITH THE WIND AND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE ONE SENSE OF REALIZATION OF WHAT A TERRIBLE PERSON SHE'S BECOME MOREOVER TOOK TWO AND A HALF HOURS OF MY LIFE. AND I WILL NEVER GET THOSE PRECIOUS HOURS BACK. Sorry I had to get that out of my system I just the thought of watching two and a half hours of Gone with the Wind and just listening to O'Hara b***h and complain just haunts me to this very day, which is why I advise you all to stay away from a terrible movie like Gone with the Wind. Okay, getting back on track, I highly recommend watching this show although there's quite of bit of men's packages throughout the show, which is why I was blinded sometimes. So, you can get through that disturbance then you'll be okay. But seriousness a side, this was a great show coming out of the mind of Danny McBride, furthermore, am looking forward to season two if it ever comes soon. And if you’re a fan of McBride's work than this will defiantly be a show for you. 

     

10 year Anniversary of Immortals

 

                            Ten years ago, the film that made Henry Cavil aka Superman, aka The Witcher a household name. That film was Immortals a Greek Mythology movie were Greek Mythos where nearly hitting the brink of destruction although this wasn't the reason why but this film at the time had some potential in a sense. I've seen this film in the theaters for which, why I went to it was, well because Cavil was reported to play Superman, so I must see this and so how does this film rank up now? Well, to be honest the film itself was not all bad but at least better than the 2010 and 1981 version of Clash of the Titans. Now don't get me wrong it does have some flaws moreover some moments where it could have been better and lastly has Stephan Dorff who consistently tries to have a career, but his talking fails miserably when opens his mouth. But on the bright side this has Mickey Rourke playing the bad guy in the movie which is convenient despite the fact that he was in the Wrestler two years prior to this film's release so obviously he brings wrestling fighting style when he takes on The Witcher. So, without further ado let’s talk and see if Immortals was as good as I or yourselves remember it.

                            The film is loosely based on Theseus (Henry Cavil) who fought the mighty Minotaur. After his mother is brutally murdered by King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke), Theseus goes on a quest that will change the very course of history when it is revealed to him that he was chosen or mentored by Zeus (Luke Evans and John Hurt who plays mortal version of Zeus). Accompanied by an Oracle (Freda Pinto) who can for see the future. Theseus leads the people of Greece to stand and protect Mount Tartarus or else Hyperion will unleash the Titans and bring Chaos upon the world.

                            Now before you call me out on this yes I know this film came out in November but since where living in a screwed up world, all thanks to the American Government I honestly don't have anything to talk about so I guess sorry but not that sorry. I got to say, I don't honestly remember my views ten years ago though honestly the film is okay-ish but there were mostly moments and visions I can't take much serious when it comes to the whole movie, plus its story as well. And I'll start with the story, the whole concept of a mad man taking revenge on the Greek Gods because his prayers weren't answered to save his family that whole concept for the antagonist I get, moreover Zeus's point of view of never interfering with mankind though he guides a demigod like Theseus to be a skilled warrior and a leader through mortal form that I get as well, but if he for saw the events of Hyperion trying to destroy mankind also the Gods themselves then why didn't he just summoned the assistance of other demigods like Hercules, Cadmus or even Perseus to help our main demigod since were telling a fantasy story why not just break a few rules and having a few demigods join forces to stop the mad man from destroying the world. For many reason's I'd rather prefer that concept than having to listen to Stephan Dorff talking, I mean holy crap there were times when I just wanted to shout at my TV "SHUT UP STEPHAN DORFF", I'm sorry but there was a time I view him as a mediocre bad guy and that was after watching Blade. I don't mind a whole lot of the Titans look per say, but the Greek Gods I do kind of have an issue because they all look like there about the same age especially when there's a scene between Zeus and Athena even though Zeus is talking to his own daughter who looks the same age as he is. I mean sure you can argue that the Greek Gods are supposed to be perfectly good looking but really you can at least make them different in a sense like at least for example have Zeus and Poseidon have at least a grow a beard for the presence that they're both brothers and they're also the origins of Olympus, Ares another great example since he's the God of War he can always have like a battle scar furthermore he also has post dramatic stress, but on the other hand Ares would also make a good antagonist as well instead of just writing a fictionalized mad King or Ares can also influence Mickey Rourke's character in mortal form as well. The other thing that I kind of feel confused nor don't understand is the whole battle sequence between the Gods and Titans is there's very few Gods taking on the Titans moreover it would of been in interesting fight if you had Hermes involved because he can use his speed to run over these Titans one by one, speaking of very few Gods they didn't have Hades involved and personally he come down and summon spirits of lost warrior's but I guess the only explanation I can think of is budgetary reasons which I don't know how that can make any sense or logic. Furthermore, this is one of those films that I believe could have been done better in terms of story and action sequences despite the fact that this film has already been made ten years ago. Now, I haven't seen the 2010 or 1981 versions of Clash of the Titans in quite a long time though I do have a unique memory of the 2010 version and I can honestly say that Immortals is a better movie than the 2010 Clash of the Titans a side of that being a very small complement because this film really has some flaws, but its honestly not all bad I just feel like it could of been made better although more appropriate version of this movie is logged in the forgotten reaches of my brain. Having watched this film for the first time in ten years, I have to admit it's really not all bad Henry Cavil isn't all bad as the protagonist in the movie Luke Evans does a good job as the King of the Gods, the story itself is decent and so is the action sequences, though in my honest opinion this film alone could of been done better. So, this film is in the one dollar bin or the five dollar bin I would recommend picking it up or just rent it on your phone or touch pad, just don't buy it for many reason's it cost fifteen dollars and to me that's expensive for a B-movie like Immortals, but if you’re not adventures I totally understand.         

February Recommendation: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

 

                                  Well its February everyone, to some it's the romantic time of the year via Valentine's Day. To the rest it's just a regular day in the month of February, for which means we don't really care about Valentine's Day because we're all single. Unfortunately, I don't know the best way to recommend a film based on February since it's mostly a romantic type month, but the good news is I'm recommending a good chick flick movie not just those dumb hallmark movies or any of Nicholas Sparks books that have been adapted to cliché like films. No this will be a real chick flick movie. And with that, I present Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a trippy science fiction-like, romance film developed out of the mind of Charlie Kaufman writer of such films like Being John Malkovich, Adaption and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. The film stars Jim Carrey before he becomes insane but look it's at least one of his finest acting roles since the Truman Show. Alright, enough talk so without further ado let's talk about Carrey hooking up with a blue haired Kate Winslet.

                                 Heartbroken and distraught, Joel (Jim Carrey) decides to erase memories of his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) who also went through the same procedure as well. But once undergoing the treatment Joel begins to relive memories of the good times with Clementine and decides to, he doesn't want this anymore and begins to fight it. With what happens in the mind hopefully can be remembered.

                                 I have watched this movie before, but just so all of you know I had to re-watch film to be sure that this would be my recommendation for this month. And I got to say that this was one of the most complexed films I've seen to date, mainly because Charlie Kaufman stated that he really doesn't use a whole lot of CGI when it comes to his movies but some of the shots in the movie, I believe they had to, in some cases. But behind the whole complexities of making a film like this, there a real theme to be learned in life that I think everyone needs learn from, and that's basically sure we've all had those moments in life where we want to forget the person that hurt us but you can't think of always the bad stuff you always got to remember the good times you had with that person even if they didn't go the way you think. Furthermore, that's in important lesson to learn, and not even Nicholas Sparks or any dumb Hallmark movie would ever use because let's face it their films would just have the same Romeo and Juliet type cliché in which they don't learn a lesson at all. Jim Carrey has always through the course of his career proved that he can do drama and not just be a comedic actor his whole life and this film I believe this is one of his finest works since the Truman Show, and I'll say it many times if I have to he really does a fantastic job showing his emotions on screen and showing some of his comedic side especially in some of the more trippy scenes where he's trying to hid in the courses of his mind, furthermore yes the man now has lost his bonkers, but deep down some of his drama made films, he really does an exceptional job and though the man never won in Oscar for any of his roles but let’s face it the Oscars are a popularity contest so deep down, WHO CARES. I really don't have much of a whole lot to say about Kate Winslet other than this is probably the only good movie I liked her in for many reason's it has been quite a while since I've seen Titanic and if I do proceed to watch it I might have a different reaction just like Avatar so I think its best I keep it that way till I kind of feel like it. The supporting cast of character's I give huge props for are Frodo aka Elijah Wood and Tom Wilkinson for the reason that, their characters are just horrible people in this movie, for example they both take advantage for the women throughout the movie moreover while watching this I was actually thinking if there was a moment in Middle Earth were Sam walked in on Frodo banging a female hobbit (maybe Sam's girl he's been eyeing through the trilogy) and Sam was asking what's going on here Frodo says he bang her, Sam reply's "you’re supposed to talk to her not have sex with her" then Frodo reply's okay well I did talk to her, then she told me to jug this big glass of tequila/ale, and then she told me to have sex with her". And then Sam and Frodo get into a brawl, okay so I'm sorry for that thought but I just wanted to share that with you because I can moreover, I'm always by myself sometimes and weird thoughts pop in. Okay, so all seriousness a side this is one of the many films I rank as one of the best Romantic/Drama/Comedies of all time moreover Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I'd rank in the top three of all time as well. Both Carrey and Winslet have great chemistry together, on screen the supporting cast are also fantastic as well moreover the best visual effects and directing I've ever seen in a romantic film. So to all the couples out there if you’re having a hard time finding a film to watch on Valentine's Day this would defiantly be the peacemaker, and if you’re bored moreover single like I am, this I guess would be a film to watch on a movie night but I leave that up to the single's out there. And closing Happy Valentine's Day.

 

                                          

Too Late for Tears

 

  

                                          There is rare few times I find a movie on YouTube or any streaming services that I honestly look at and just scream at the top of my lungs and say "OMG THAT WAS F**KING AMAZING", well in my random movie night picks this one was obviously the out of the park home run. Too Late for Tears, tells a simple story of how money can make you do the evillest things possible especially if it's a bag full of cash. And I myself don't seem to understand how this amazing well-crafted film isn't recognized by Turner Classic Movies, AFI or the Academy Awards, meaning this was hands down one of the many movies I consider the greatest movies of all time. Hell, I will even go so far and say that this maybe better than No Country for Old Men though I mean no disrespect to the Coen Brothers moreover I haven't seen it in quite a while. But we're going to have to leave that whole story later because now I'm going to tell you what great of a hidden find I found in Too Late for Tears.

                                     After an unknown driver throws a bag of money into a couple’s car things begin to become chaotic when the wife persists on keeping the money by any means necessary. Unfortunately, a mysterious figure shows up and tells the wife that it was his money she took. Now all hell breaks loose when a few begin to realize what the wife is planning to do with all the loose cash.

                                      I think what I love most about film noir's is that they impose a lot of psychologic elements to the story they really dive deep into what the person's drive furthermore their personal needs to survive, and what makes this great is through the course of the story you get to see some of the characters true colors, but then you also on the other hand see characters you don't know about nor no their background but then you proceed to understand who they are when your reminded a tiny bit of clue on who that person truly is. And so that's one of the many reason's as to why I love film noir is of its many surprises moreover the twists and turns they included, for which is way better pay off's than a M. Night Shyamalan movie. Lizabeth Scott does a great job in this film (now bear with me when I try not to spoil this film because I want you all to watch this) and I completely forgot the fact that she was also in another film which stared Barbra Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas, but that's for another time. Now back to this film, what I like most about Scott's performance in this film is that she first starts out as just a simple loving wife whose married to Arthur Kennedy (no not related to any of the Kennedy's, hopefully) but she begins to shed a different light when her character discovers the bag of money then slowly becomes a different person once you get to know her more, and to me that's really fascinating because one, its character development and two in on person/character slowly turning into a monster or being pushed into madness. Also, I love the idea where the beautiful/gorgeous female becomes the antagonist of the movie and I do wish they have more of that idea for modern day films like a slasher film or maybe a blackmailer type of a film because I'm a firm believer in that women can be villain's too if the story is good enough and right enough as well, just not movies like Obsessed with Beyonce and Ali Larter or, actually that's they only film I can think of so far but feel free to quote me on another film noir where the woman is the antagonist. Don Deforce I'm not quite familiar with moreover haven't seen any of his films if I remember right but him in this film does a great job as well playing the unknown stranger that comes in on the scene until the very end when we see his true purpose as to why he's involved so that's at least another good plus, I can give credit for and I apologize to anyone if I haven't seen any of his work, although I may have I just don't remember. What I'm madder at is the fact that this film has not been appreciative by anyone in the AFI list or Turner Classic Movies and I found this on YouTube for all things wrong about the world and yet I thought this was an amazing movie. But what really pisses me off, especially when it comes to the AFI is that this amazingly well-crafted movie isn't on the top 100 list but the Sixth Sense is? Though granted I haven't seen the Sixth Sense in a while but its Shyamalan, his films now are really on the crap side of things.  So, look bottom line if you’re looking for a film to watch on random movie night this is one of those movies you defiantly need to watch, this is everything I want in a Film Noir and it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the final frame.