April Recommendation: T2 Trainspotting

             

            Well, I did it everyone I finally got around to finally watching the sequel to Trainspotting, T2: Trainspotting another 20 years in the making sequel category of films.  I never really recommend a whole lot of sequels for a monthly recommendation, but this movie is surprisingly a well-made and more relatable, which is strangely weird because in the first movie, I'd never imagine finding a more f**ked up movie that could rival A Clockwork Orange. But with this movie it's more of a relatable story to the extent of growing old and as well as overcoming your personal demons.  

            First there was an opportunity, then there was a betrayal. Twenty years later, Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to the only place that he can ever call home. There waiting for him are old buddies Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, love, fear, regret, self-destruction and mortal danger are also all lined up and ready to welcome him. 

            Sadly the film is not realistic in terms of these addicts not looking like actual junkie's where they're hair is falling off as well as their own teeth falling off as well, though lets be fair the actors would never take the junk and sure you can use make-up but then it would make the characters less relatable so, deep down it would be less interesting. When you make a sequel, twenty years of the predecessor's last release they're at times, where the sequel can be either at least be good or enjoyable and some of them surpassed the expectations and some well, just failed miserably. With Trainspotting 2, it's more exceptional to the film being made and set twenty years after the film’s release, but more importantly was sets the film to where these characters you love from the first film would end up now furthermore would make a tone of sense as towards their attributes in life. Like Begbie being a psycho so, made ton of sense that he would end up in jail. Sick Boy is still doing lame schemes that would never work and Spud is still fighting with addiction. And the main protagonist of the original film Renton lives somewhere else but then has a breakdown in life that would soon take him back to where it all started. Furthermore, it's all great and everything but what really drives the sequel together is both Danny Boyle and John Hodge driving terrific themes about long-term consequences of addiction, the addiction to the past, especially trying to remember the good days and having no will in wanting to move on in the world. The other great themes to the film are also betrayal, revenge and forgiveness, and if you haven't watched the first film, basically ends with Renton betraying two of his three friends and leaving to start a new life and through the course of the movie Renton played by Ewan McGregor confronts his friends both of them resent him and later forgive him while Begbie played by Robert Carlyle is a raging nut case who just wants to kill him with forgiveness being out of the topic. But the most important two themes that make this film exceptional is aging and nostalgia for which that resonates with me in ways you can't imagine, I mean I'm now 39 years old and looking at the world now it's almost unrecognizable to me, like I worked at state basketball in Nebraska and some of the events were taking place at Bob Devaney Sports Center and my first time working, I couldn't recognized the place anymore and out of the many times I've went to that place for state wrestling it's like the memories went past me and I didn't know what to feel since the state has been producing the best Volleyball team under Coach John Cook. For good measure watching this film for the first time really resonated with me to that I can relate to these characters as time just losing touch with them. If I had to pick a character that I can relate to the most of the four friends it would most certainly be Spud played by underappreciated actor, Ewen Bremner who does such a great job playing his character with a man whose literally struggling with the world as well as addiction but feeling guilty as well and having a hard time overcoming the guilt and I love the scenes with him and Ewan, where Ewan is helping him find new things to be addicted to other then heroin and Bremner does a great job at that to where he's the only one out of the four friends that has a heart moreover would never hurt a fly or person. If you've seen the first movie as well as a fan of the original film I'm sure you all have your opinions of Renton as a character but in my opinion he's a guy who's trying to choose life more than having to put up with two of his toxic friends, Begbie and Sick Boy for which if I was in his shoes yeah I would screw them over because those two out what they are as people and you as an audience member would know they would never change, and the beauty of the movie is again is expressing betrayal, revenge and forgiveness at the same time that you see all of these elements working in the best way possible that you continue to feel blessed and appreciated with the film's ending. I don't think gave a whole lot of appreciation to the first Trainspotting film, but hands down is a great film from start to finish and does a fantastic job being unapologetic with the realistic tone of heroin addiction as well as expressing how dangerous these things really hard to T2 exploring the themes of life not being kind to either one of us and each of these films does a great job in exploring their own themes and I believe everyone needs to see these films to be understood, well, the first one you can just give the film a good once over. Yes, you have to watch the first film to get the understanding towards sequel's themes but each of them are great and both Danny Boyle and John Hodge does a great job with these films together, and T2 Trainspotting is a great film of exploring the aging and nostalgia and yet you have to move forward in life and that's what I love so much about the film and now having watched both films together, I feel blessed and appreciated in watching these films despite the first film being out of this world more F'd up than a Clockwork Orange, either way both films are great because you can never make those films to this generation. And though you'll have to purchase these films on Blu-Ray, I promise you they’re worth the purchase, though don't watch these with your own kids.

                  

Trainspotting

 

          

         

          I used to believe, The Lost Weekend was the most disturbing movie about addiction. Clearly, I was wrong, because after watching Danny Boyle’s classic Trainspotting I now feel so sick and disturbed that I truly need to take a long shower as well as cleaning myself about six times. And I'm not lying when I say that this movie is disturbing look on heroin addiction and why I will never in a million years, want to even touch that stuff.  

          Heroin addict Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends -- Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremmer) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald), along for the ride. After cleaning up and moving from Edinburgh to London, Mark finds he can't escape the life he left behind when Begbie shows up at his front door on the lamp, and a scheming Sick Boy follows.

          The film honestly starts off with a bang by having the characters run for their lives over lord knows what and I thought to myself okay at least this film is going on a fast-paced thrill ride. Then we get to scenes where it gets absolutely disgusting like Ewan McGregor having a bad case of the runs and going into the worst toilets ever upon which everywhere in this bathroom is LITERALLY filled with s**t and McGregor is pulling out pills he dropped from the SAME TOLIET. Which I was taken an aback on how gross this looked and new from that point on why I made the best choice in never EVER trying drugs. Although this doesn't stop there no, no, no sir, it doesn't after that TMI of a scene I wished never to watch again I stumble upon multiple scenes of disturbing images as well as Ewan finally getting detoxed from all the dope he's been injecting and it literally gets into that horrendous disturbed feeling in your gut that I was literally was wanting to look away and say to make this stop. And Ewan's character apparently hooks up with an underaged teen for sure that's horrifying but all the other elements that happen in the movie outweigh the underage romance. Danny Boyle said that he wanted his actors to watch older movies like the Hustler and A Clockwork Orange, for which "good for you" though the way I see it after watching this movie I think he was may or unintentionally wanting to be more dark and gross than A Clockwork Orange in my opinion. Granted there are some great comedic tones to the movie if you go back on YouTube and rewatch some of those scenes, but watching the whole movie for the first time the disturbing images outweighed the comedy to this movie. I will give this movie a ton of credit this film does have that crazy f**ked up feel to it, but more importantly explores the grunge puck rock themes in the early to late nineties that you forget happened but also focuses on a character that just wants a fresh start as well as getting off of the addiction but more importantly trying to get rid of friends that do nothing but steal and sell your stuff to get rich in a hurry, furthermore believe that's where the great comedic value comes into the movie. Good news you can't watch this movie on any streaming service you'll only get the sequel, in which I'm surprised now after watching the first film why they need to make a sequel because how these nut jobs are able to survive the heroin addiction is beyond me. So, now that I have this movie on Blu-ray and consider this movie as a good once over type film, like A Clockwork Orange, what I'm probably going to use this movie for, is if I have kids and they do stupid s**t like getting into drugs I'm going to sit them down and make them watch this film twice so they can get the horror of drug addiction in the back of their brain memories. Though hopefully that won't happen, I'm confident that won't happen because I know the difference between right and wrong in the world. 

    

               

10 Year Anniversary of Mortal Kombat X

 

             After finally completing the story mode of Mortal Kombat (2011). Moreover, learning about the ten-year Anniversary of its successor I figure well, I need to go back and replay a beloved sequel that has made everything better than I remembered in terms of giving Raiden much better combo moves, if you know what I mean. Though there are for certain a ton of great memories I have of the game in terms of the game’s promotion as well as a ton of new elements that still hold up. 

             Two years after the defeat of Outworlds ruler, Shao Kahn, Shinnok attacks Earth Realm with his army of NetherRealm demons, as well as Earth Realm warriors who were killed during Kahn's invasion and are now resurrected as revenants under Quan Chi's control. 

             I knew ten years ago I was planning on pre-ordering this game, but when the launch trailer came out and they included System of a Down's "Chop Suey" playing and it got me excited beyond measure that I even watched the trailer, multiple times. What really makes the MKX intriguing to play as well is a new set of characters such as Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs who are both the daughters of Johnny Cage, Sonya and Jax's, moreover brings something new as well as something exciting for story development because we always knew that Cage and Sonya would hook up and now is the time they finally do and that's something you'd love to see. Moreover, you do see the chemistry between the two from being annoyed with one another to truly caring for one another, especially their daughter as well. The other thing in what I like most about the game is, we get to see a much better look of Outworld on the outside aspect, usually and I would imagine Ed Boon and his crew didn't have enough money to make a better version of Outworld, but with this game you see Outworld with a mix of Middle East with Aztec vibes to it, and the new Emperor of Kotal Kahn sets a new tone for it as an Emperor whose on neutral sides to the coin in situations but a more respectable Emperor. The other thing and this is coming from a fans point is that we finally get to see Scorpion behind the mask, as Hanzo Hasashi a ninja whose not all about revenge but trying to restore honor to his forgotten clan almost the same as Sub-Zero moreover finally seeing these too finally become allies and not just rivals or enemies as well. The other entertainment factor is granted I was a bit weary on this idea, but having played Jason Voorhees in MKX, I have to give some bonus points for impressed because it truly is fun to play some of these characters like the Alien or Predator so, now you can have your own Alien vs Predator almost the same way you can have a 80's showdown between Robocop and the Terminator in MK11. Ten years after the games were released, Mortal Kombat X or XL still holds up from great story mode to increasing more special guest characters appearing in the game. And even having beloved characters like Liu Kang and Kitana as evil revenants to fight Earth Realm warriors, to make the story more compelling and not just allowing Liu Kang as the main hero but have some of these young warriors like Cassie Cage to be the new protagonist in this tenth installment to the Mortal Kombat franchise. So, if you have a PS4 or Xbox One then I would highly recommend playing this game as well as recommend having a horror movie showdown between Jason and Leatherface, for which would make a very interesting showdown, moreover shows Jason being offered an alliance with Liu Kang in the NetherRealm but decides to kill Liu Kang anyway for which shows why Jason is an unstoppable killing machine. 

    

Easter Parade

 

           Even though Easter is over, I still need to rush into a film about the Easter Parade. And although there's no Easter Bunny involved nor the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus. This happy Musical is all about finding love on the Easter Parade, hence the title of the film Easter Parade. A year ago, I tried to make it a mission to get my hands on any Judy Garland films that I haven't seen besides Wizard of Oz and Meet me in St. Louis. And with this film I have got to say it has all the elements of a musical for which I don't believe they had a script, just suggestions in a Musical suggestion box. 

            In this lavish musical, Broadway star Don Hewes' (Fred Astaire) dancing partner goes solo, and Don declares that he can make a hit performer out of the next dancer he sees. This turns out to be the inexperienced Hannah (Judy Garland), who bristles as Don tries to make her into his old partner. But as he realizes that he is falling in love with Hannah, Don knows that he must let her grow into her own kind of dancer if he wants her to reach her full potential. 

            Originally Gene Kelly was going to play the lead role of Easter Parade, the same Gene Kelly infamous for numerous Musical roles like Signin' in the Rain. Unfortunately, Kelly couldn’t accept the role due to an ankle injury while playing Volleyball in his back yard, for which if I was the producers at MGM, upon hearing the news I would probably have this sigh of "F*ck sakes" then pour a bottle of whisky. Luckily Kelly suggested Fred Astaire for the role and producers I'm assumed we're all like "what the hell". Although Gene Kelly wasn't the first injury towards this movie, actress Cyd Charisse was originally going to play the partner who becomes too big for her mentor, but withdraw due to torn ligaments in her knee, for which brought in Ann Miller for the role. So, with all these injuries that occurred during the pre-production of the film I would imagine that the producers, after the film’s release, all took a long vacation to avoid that cluster bomb. After watching so many musicals throughout my 39 years of existence I have to say that this is without a doubt one of those many musicals that you know where it's going from the very beginning of the film, I mean sure this film does carry some really good drama but I feel like even from a writers stand point, this is like the writers and the producer all had a conference meeting had a bag of writers ideas almost like a bag full of suggestions and each of them took turns picking out a writer's idea and that's how Easter Parade was formed, because this is one of those musicals where you can predict where it's going just because you know both Fred and Judy are going to end up together till the very end. Now that being said, does this film hold up in terms of entertainment value? For sure it does, because this film provides great musical numbers as well as great dancing sequences to disguise itself as a predictable musical. For a Judy Garland movie that I've not seen, the film alone holds up to one of her beloved classics it's both entertaining and enjoyable to watch on screen, moreover, provided something new and fresh to watch in the Easter season. So, if you’re a huge fan of Turner Classic Movies or have Live TV on either Direct TV or Hulu then I would highly recommend watching this for this Easter week or next Easter season. 

  

Easter Sunday Recommendation: Lilies of the Field

 

           Easter Sunday is among us ladies and gentlemen, for which I honestly say that even in these years of Lent I often wonder why not start the seasons of lent on a specific day or month just like Thanksgiving or Christmas are always on the same day. I mean not that I'm complaining because in all fairness it's all part of God's plan, I guess. Sadly, with all the evil shenanigans I couldn’t get caught up on season five of the Chosen, though I might be getting back sooner since season six is coming out later this year. Luckily, I found a movie that brought memories of seeing a long time ago, moreover, starring the great Sidney Poitier.

         When traveling African American Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) stops by a farm in rural Arizona, he is welcomed by a group of Roman Catholic nuns who have emigrated from Germany. Realizing that the farm needs a lot of work, Homer takes on several repair projects for the women, who are led by a head strong Mother Maria (Lilia Skala). Impressed by Homer's kindness and strong work ethic, the nuns come to believe that he has been sent by God to help build them a chapel. 

          I do in fact have a memory in seeing this movie, though granted it's been quite a long time since I've actually seen this movie whole, though I would imagine it's been my childhood years when I went to my Grandfather's house during Easter season, and all I remember is Sidney being concerned for breakfast when you can't eat before Mass. Now if your Catholic or Christian you would understand but if you’re not then no worries. The film alone was made for 240,000-247,000 and yet did a successful run at the box office with 5 million worldwide, for as a Catholic that's awesome considering now you don't see a whole lot of Christian based movies doing well at the box office unless it's The Chosen. Going back and watching this film all the way through this film does in fact bring a lot of Noah's Ark vibes to me to the extent that the character of Homer is being tasked by God in the form of a nun to task him into building a chapel and although the man is not perfect or up to standards of a good Christian, but with kindness towards others he feels compelled to build the Chapel. If there was anyone to make this film believable or authentic, you have to cast Sidney Poitier in the role of Homer Smith for a gillion reasons, the man brings a great sense of realism and relatability towards the character in that he's just a drifter, looking out for himself until he meets these group of nuns that slowly change his life one step at a time, and that to me is something more believable to me because we're all trying to get by on life and life isn't a great thing to rely on but we all have to find the inner kindness in all of ourselves not matter how life throws at you and when you see something that's in need of help you just have to help and that's what Poitier does really well in making the character relatable for the audience member. The surprising factor is that yes this is the movie that made Sidney Poitier a acting legend as well as being the first African-American actor to win the Oscar, but it's his only Oscar besides the lifetime achievement Oscar in 2002, for which sure it's great but I could of swore he won more Oscars especially with his great performance, In the Heat of the Night. But on the other hand, Denzel Washington has two Oscars under his belt so, can't win them all, I guess. Having the opportunity to go back as well as remembering, this great Christian movie classic this is hands down one of the best Catholic films since The Trouble with Angles because it, more importantly brings the diversity in terms of both religion as well as culture, but also brings a positive spin on faith and human kindness that everyone should see, especially on Easter Sunday, furthermore if you have Amazon Prime subscription and looking for a perfect Christian movie to watch this Easter than I would highly recommend watching this Sidney Poitier classic.