Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Let's Go Netflixing!

Greetings to all on this fine day.  Or—to those on the East Coast—warm thoughts and wishes to all.  As so many people are stuck inside in that area of the country, I figured they might be looking for something to watch at home.  As I get great use from my Netflix queue, here are some suggestions.


This quirky little straight-to-DVD film has been on my list for quite some time.  The whole idea behind it is both repellent and appealing.  Joel Murray plays Frank, a depressed office worker who is sick to death of all the stupidity, cruelty, and lack of common courtesy surrounding him.  His neighbors are loud, his spoiled daughter prefers to stay with his ex-wife, his coworkers are annoying, and reality TV is encouraging downright cruel behavior.  When he gets fired from his lack-luster job and receives the news that he has an inoperable brain tumor, Frank decides there’s nothing to lose and begins a killing spree.  On his first foray into the murder business, he accidentally acquires a 16-year-old protégée in Roxy.  From then on, they’re an unlikely but effective pairing that is just trying to cull the human herd, and make America a better place for all.

What I like:  This movie reminded me a lot of “Idiocracy”—another movie I highly recommend, but is sadly missing from Netflix.  GBA has basically the same themes, but with an incredibly violent twist.  It highlights the many ways in which people have lost touch with what’s important in life, while letting us laugh at the absurd way the protagonist decides to confront the problem.  Roxy is also a joy to watch, as we enjoy her witty banter with the much older Frank, as she too tries to understand how people can be so awful.  I also appreciate the fact that Frank treated Roxy like a daughter, as opposed to the extremely younger love interest other films might push for.  It reminded me a lot of Leon’s relationship with Mathilda in “Leon: The Professional.”

What I dislike:  Frankly, it was a bit too violent for my taste--at least insomuch that it’s meant to be a comedy.  While I understand that the overt blood and gore is meant to shock the viewer, I felt that they went a bit far in some scenes. 

Overall, I gave this movie an 8 out of 10.  It’s funny, while sending the message of: take a look at your choices!


Okay, I’ll admit I added this film as one of those “I’ll watch it when I feel like having something on in the background” kinds of movies.  I was stunned by how much I liked it.  After getting dumped by his high-school sweetheart for refusing to grow up, Joe (Ryan Kwanten) is kidnapped by his friends (Steve Zahn & Peter Dinklage) and taken to their annual battle of Evermore (which really shows that Joe’s former girlfriend made the correct choice).  The trio joins Eric (Zahn) and Hung’s (Dinklage) comrades, which includes Gwen (Summer Glau)—a girl who dislikes LARPing, and is really only there to keep an eye on her cousin.  While trying to level up as a sorcerer, Eric accidently summons a succubus—who takes the form of Joe’s former flame as she tromps around the woods in a prom dress and out for blood.  Once again, there’s a lot of blood and gore as the group follows the trail of bodies and tries to figure out how to defeat the monster.

What I like:  Let’s face it—a movie that stars River Tam (Glau), Tyrion Lannister (Dinklage), and Jason Stackhouse (Kwanten) was destined to win my heart at least a tiny bit.  I’m a little in love with Peter Dinklage and his ability to mold himself into any character.  In this movie, Hung is a complete stoner who excels at kicking-butt in the Battle of Evermore (but not in real life).  In Hung there is no sign of Tyrion’s smug intelligence couched in sly banter and machinations.  I also love that Gwen (Glau) is a master swordswoman, despite her lack of appreciation for the world her cousin has thrust upon her.  This is especially important where it concerns some of my points of disfavor for this movie.

What I dislike:  The entire premise of this story is pretty thin, but it gets by on banter and my love for the actors.  The effects are about what one would expect from a low-budget film, and I suspect many of their extras are actual LARPers (which is really a point in the film’s favor).  My biggest point of contention about the film, however, is how sexist it is.  While Gwen is a somewhat redeeming character, even she can’t help the fact that she’s a total Smurfette.  Though she isn’t a damsel in distress, she is the only female in an otherwise all-male cast.  This isn’t counting the succubus, who is the epitome of the Evil Demon Seductress.  However, I didn’t like the succubus because, instead of remaining true to the myth of a succubus (a female demon who descends upon and has sexual intercourse with a man while he sleeps), the writers created something more akin to a regular demon who just happens to use her looks to disembowel people.

Overall, I gave this one a 6 out of 10.  While I would normally have gone lower for the overpowering sexism, the fact remains that the casting saved this movie.  Sure, it’s still pretty sucky, but I love me some Dinklage.


While most people are more than familiar with the antics of Indiana public official Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), I admit I have only recently begun my journey.  This mainly stems from the fact that I watch a lot of shows, and unfortunately have to sleep at some point.  This series is a delightful comedy featuring the exquisite homance between Leslie and Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones) as they try to make their city of fictional Pawnee, IN a more beautiful and better place.

What I like:  Amy Poehler is hilarious, and she really shines in this role.  Her character is a mess, and she’s just trying to put her name out there for the world to see.  She has big dreams, but small ability, and the audience gets to cheer her on and laugh (both with her and at her) as she tries to make her place in the world.  This show is teeming with wonderful characters.  Some are meant to be loved, and others barely tolerated…though we still ending up loving them too.

What I dislike:  This is not so much a problem with the show as my own personal hang-up.  In a comedy show like this, the main character must necessarily make a complete ass of herself in order to advance the story and give the audience something to laugh at.  The situations are usually ridiculous, and most real-life people would never find themselves facing those circumstances.  That’s just the way it is.  However, when those scenarios arise, I find myself overwhelmed with empathy and I get incredibly embarrassed on the character’s behalf.  It’s a problem I’ve had with many shows and movies…so I know it’s definitely me, and not them, causing my issue.

Overall I’m not ready to give this one an official rating just yet.  I’ve only just finished the first season, and I think we can all agree that a show grows and changes over the seasons.  I’m tentatively giving this one an 8 out of 10, though I have a feeling that by the time I’ve reached the end of season 6, I’ll love it completely and give it a full 10.


Well, I think that’s enough to get you all started.  When in doubt, let you Netflix recommendations guide you…but don’t get trapped into watching some of the weird crap on there.  Stay safe all of you on the East Coast, and know the rest of us are both praying for your safety, and jealous of your ability to stay home ;)

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