The Simplistic Reviews Podcast (Ep. 26): June 2014

 FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY

The end of June brings another edition of the Simplistic Reviews Podcast.  This month the boys discuss Batman's out of control property damage, play a game of Word Association, berate Chelsea Handler, swoon rather uncomfortably over Fargo, Godzilla's tail and Eva Green, then promote the Patrick Dempsey 80s classic Loverboy.  Yes, we are using "classic" loosely.  All that and more on a dog days of Summer edition of the Simplistic Review Podcast.

Show Notes:
Loverboy
DJ's Hidden Eli Wallach Reference
Mad Max Reboot
Pacific Rim 2 Announcement
Cloud Atlas Valleyspeak
Gary Oldman Apology
Jonah Hill Apology

Music Notes:
Birds & Brass By Sort Of Soul

Lawyers, Guns, And Money By Warren Zevon
The Best By Tina Turner
Across 110th Street By Bobby Womack
I Dream Of Jeanie Remix 

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Simply TV: The Leftovers

AGAIN

The Leftovers - Again

Whenever there is a new show premiering on HBO it always seems to be an event. One, their marketing team could make a show about a misplaced sponge seem interesting and the fact that TV has pretty much overtaken film as the medium of choice for A-list actors, writers, and directors says a lot. Two, HBO gives no f*cks when it comes to outlandish ideas and taking risks that no other network does, outside of FX perhaps. Three, and most importantly, HBO has two series' ending this year, "True Blood" is mercifully coming to an end after six seasons, and surprisingly, "Boardwalk Empire" is ending after only five seasons, the latest being one of the strongest seasons to date. Bottom line, HBO needs some new programming that is going to stick outside of "Thrones" and they just might have it with "The Leftovers," again another series that is a huge risk, but can pay huge dividends.

What we know about "Leftovers" after the first episode is that on October 14th, 2% of the Earth's population suddenly disappeared. The series seems like it will take place primarily in Mapleton, USA, and follow the town's police chief, played by Justin Theroux, and features antagonists like the "GRE" a chain-smoking cult which doesn't speak, and Wayne, a mysterious man who people come from all over country to seeks his guidance. There are also wild dogs, a cool phone app on the iPhone, and high schoolers using the "c-word."

Created by Damon Lindelof, of "Lost" and "Prometheus" fame, or infamy, depending on how you look at it, and Tom Perrotta, who wrote the novel in which the show is based, leave a lot of questions on the table in the series pilot, but any good show will do that. If you are looking for immediate closure on plot lines that are just opened after one episode, than this show isn't the one for you. Plenty of interesting characters are introduced, and just as it was done in "Lost" we catch brief glimpses of flashbacks when characters are introduced. There is also a certain "Twin Peaks" creepiness to the town of Mapleton. Even with it's idyllic nature, there seems to be a dark underbelly that is being hidden by the officials in charge.

While some people give Lindelof a bad rap, I've never had a real issue with him. Yes, I think he can bite off a bit more than he chew as seen with "Prometheus" and "Cowboys and Aliens" but that isn't to say that the guys doesn't have a vision. As frustrating as "Lost" might have been for millions, that didn't stop those millions from seeing the entire show through. With Perrotta as a co-writer on the show, and helping Lindelof with the showrunning duties, I believe that "Leftovers" can be an interesting watch, as long as you're willing to commit yourself to the show.

Bottom line, I think there is a lot to like about "Leftovers." I enjoyed the performances for the most part, sure, there is some overacting, namely by Theroux, and Liv Tyler isn't exactly showcasing her "range," but I think Amy Brennaman is going to be one to watch along with Christopher Eccelston, who I think is criminally underrated and I'm surprised he hasn't found more work in Hollywood. As long as HBO is willing to see this series through (I see maybe 2-3 seasons tops to finish the narrative that Lindelof might have in mind) I believe both "Leftovers" and a little show called "True Detective" will be able to carry HBO through some thin times that I see in 2015.

Fun Fact: A study in 2012 reported that Americans throw away nearly $165 Billion in leftovers, annually.

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I Saw The Devil

RELENTLESS

I Saw The Devil - Relentless

There are so many things that, for lack of PC sense, the Orient had given us; pasta, dim sum, Akira, Nintendo, "The Interview," and so much more. Speaking of Korea, the South, not the North variety, they haven't gotten very good the past decade or so at creating outlandish and truly disturbing cinema. While I still hold Japanese horror (and no, I'm not counting J-horror) in high esteem, it's Korean horror/revenge fare that continues to give me what I want; horrific violence, creepy characters, and satisfying endings. "I Saw The Devil" is a relentless exercise in how long you can watch without squirming in your sit or questioning why you decided to sit down and watch; and that isn't a knock at all.

"Devil" is simple enough. The daughter of a secret agent and a police officer is brutally murdered by a nefarious serial killer. As the agent tracks the killer it leads him down a road where he will never be the same. I know it sounds melodramatic, but the since K-drama is so big these days, I thought it appropriate.

While Korean actors might not be household names, by now most people have heard of Min-sik Choi who plays the main antagonist Kyung-chul. Choi most will know from his roles in "Oldboy" "Lady Vengeance" and the upcoming Luc Besson flick "Lucy." Like he does in "Oldboy" Choi does a balancing act of mania and composure and he might be the most memorable on-screen serial killer since John Doe in "Se7en."

One complaint many people might bring up is the lack or character development and/or plot. I agree on the way the characters are handled, and I didn't really figure out that the protagonist Kim Soo-hyeon, played by Byung-hun Lee, was a secret agent until I read the film's synopsis afterwards. It made sense since he was very good at hand-to-hand combat and had an array of gadgets, but it was still generally vague for the most part. Being this is a foreign film, I'm sure a few things were lost in translation for me.

Another thing that might seem off to most people not familiar with the Korean Revenge Drama genre is the motive of the killer and the relentless violence that is seen throughout the film. The violence is brutal and it does go a little over the top in some scenes. Being a gore-hound, it really doesn't bother me too much, but even I, a believer in ultra-violence, found myself saying under my breathe ".....jesus." There is also a lot of violence against women in "Devil," including an attempted rape, who seems to be an underage girl. That might be enough to make people pump the breaks as well.

However, outside of the violence, and the simplistic narrative, the performances, direction and production design are fantastic. The atmosphere is eerie, and there is a haunted house feel throughout that never quite relents. Along with the atmosphere, the sense of dread is incredible and adds to the unease of "Devil." Bottom line, it's a horror film without being a horror film.

"Devil" is a must-see if you're into either horror films, splatter films, or serial killer films. If you've seen "The Vengeance Trilogy" from Chan-wook Park, and can handle the type of blood-letting you might have seen in a Takashi Miike film, "I Saw The Devil" is right up alley.

Fun Fact: The surnames of Kim, Park, and Lee account for nearly 50% of all Korean surname.

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Escape From Tomorrow

LYNCHIAN

Escape From Tomorrow - Lynchian

I'm not like most of my friends; I like to work for my movies. To me, I'm happy to take on a film and see if I can find something different from what other people might catch. I get that a lot when I watch anything by David Lynch, Terrence Malick, or Alejandro Jodorowsky; I do it both for the challenge and my overall enjoyment of film. However, there are times when I take something on and I'm kind of left with a feeling of bewilderment that I'm bewildered that I have....follow? Well don't worry, because I'm having a hard time myself after still trying to digest "Escape From Tomorrow," an extremely Lynchian take on the hidden horrors of The Happiest Place on Earth; Walt Disney World.

"Escape" is the tale of a family trip to Disney that takes a strange turn when Jim, the patriarch of the family, finds out that he has just lost his job on the last day of the trip. Things are harmless enough to start the day, but Jim begins to slowly lose his grip on reality as the day wears on. Between a pair of potentially underage French girls, secret Disney scientists, and Japanese businessmen that pay top dollar for Disney Princesses, this isn't your typical day at Disney.

I'll start with the merits of "Escape." For one, it takes balls to pretty much lampoon and make a dark film about Disney World. The "guerrilla-style" film-making approach also hits home for me because I can remember all the time I went to Disney World and my dad would film the entire trip, even when rides specifically told people not to film while on the rides. The black-and-white technique also adds an eeriness to the proceedings and reminds me a lot of what Lynch did with "Eraserhead" and "The Elephant Man."

Overall, the performances are decent enough. Jim, played by Roy Abramsohn, leads the way, and the performances by his two children, Sara and Elliot, played by Katelynn Rodriguez and Jack Dalton, respectively, are also very strong. However, "Escape" isn't so much about the performances, but what is going on around the actors. Repeated viewings, if you can handle more than one viewing, would be suggested in order to understand the narrative and how many different things are happening in the background; just like any other film that prides itself on being thought of as Lynchian.

What I also enjoyed is the the use of imagination as a main theme. When you're young, you go to Disney and think all of the characters are real and your young mind runs away with you. Now imagine what an adult might think about when they are walking through Disney, and think even more what an adult might think or see after they've lost their job, and think even more when that adult is drunk. A lot of interesting things could be happening. Too many times in films, the focus is always on the imagination of a child, and it's an interesting decision to delve into the mind of an adult who is having a very bad day in a place where everything should be Disney Princesses and over-priced food.

While being Lynchian might be one of it's greatest attractions, it's also the biggest weakness for "Escape." It's truly a hard film to get your head around. Instead of being a film, "Escape" is also a series of vignette's that happen to be taking place around Disney World, so there is a lot of disjointed narrative and you can easily be lost if you're not paying attention. "Escape" definitely isn't for the passive film fan. I'd like to bring up more about the plot and where the film goes, but as I said before, if I like to work for my films, why would I expect anything less from others.

All in all, "Escape" is a journey that might not be for everyone, but it is an interesting film from both a film-making perspective and the fact that the film is pretty much doing what a lot of people get thrown into Disney Jail for; making a mockery out of "god" who is Walt Disney and his apostle, Mickey Mouse.

Fun Fact: In 2009, a 60-year-old man named John Moyer was convicted of misdemeanor battery for groping Brittney McGoldrick, who was wearing a Minnie Mouse costume at Disney World. See more creepy stuff here

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Batman

Batman: Quintessential

1989/126mins/Action

There are only a couple films that I can pick from that have influenced me at a very young age. Back to Future is one and the other is today's review.

Batman is pretty much a perfect film even though its a film plagued with errors.

Vicki Vale entering the Batcave. (Say What?! Thanks Alfred)
Batman killing the Joker. (Wait... Batman just killed the Joker?)
The Joker killing Martha and Thomas Wayne. (Wait what?)
Batman creating the Joker. (Ugh you made me first)
Batman being a mass murder. (I think Batman kills more than the Joker)

These are big issues, yet Batman continues to be the best Batman film to have ever been made. How is that possible?

Because Batman 89 has everything to make a summer blockbuster and everything to make a staple of a film for a young boy’s mind.

Lets start with the cast
The cast is absolutely perfect. Of course at the time everyone had issues with it, but overtime the film holds up with help from its characters and actors. Michael Keaton is Batman! He will always be a favorite for us 80's and 90's kids. When I first met Neal he asked me about who I thought was the best Batman. I said Bale comes close but hands down I have to say Keaton. Keaton brought Batman from a joke to a icon. I am a big fan of the comedy of 66’s Batman but it will always piss me off. Batman was not that, he is what Keaton showed us. Keaton’s ability to pull off Batman and Bruce is something we really haven’t had since. Bale again is the only one that comes close, but falls short with that voice. Keaton got it. Keaton went to that dark place in his voice and for that he will always be the Batman/Bruce of the big screen.

Jack Nicholson as the Joker is hands-down one of the greatest castings in film history. He as a actor that took that role and stole each scene he was in. Vicki Vale played by Kim Basinger has always been my favorite Batman love interest since maybe Andrea Beaumont. No female since has been able to pull off her part. The cast is a classic and I hope we get another Batman film with a fantastic cast like this in the future.

The story is a simple telling of the origin while using flashbacks. It’s very well written, and the structure is fantastic. I’m amazed what Sam Hamm did with this script. I'm more amazed Sam Hamm didn’t become a well known writer. Right now Hamm’s IMDB page shows 9 credits. How is that possible? He really did a great job with this film. When Batman Returns came around he kind of was given the shaft. He gets credit for story but if you ever get a chance to read his script you’ll find a good read. In fact I really wish they went more with his then Daniel Waters.

That score and soundtrack, WOW!
Danny Elfman! Elfman created the greatest theme ever! Sure Superman has a good one, Star Wars is cool but Batman! Come on its amazing and why the hell did we not bring it back. Elfman created a score that just fits perfectly. It’s dark and beautiful. Yet it’s very strange and exciting. I want to feel this again in the theater and I hope we get this theme back, come on Zimmer DO IT! I double dare you! Now Prince created a period of time that will forever be playing in my ears. I listen to this soundtrack almost every week. The film gets watch almost every week too, yep I’m not joking. Happy or angry I will queue up that soundtrack and play the hell out of it.

Art direction is incredible. Something you will never see anywhere else. When I look at that set I think to myself this is a once in a lifetime experience. That suit is my favorite version ever to be done. Zack Snyder is coming close, still we haven’t seen it in color yet, but you can never go wrong with full black and that yellow belt and logo.

Tim Burton pulled off one of the greatest feats in film history. He was a kid at the time. A kid with the most expensive film riding on his back and he pulled it off. I don’t think he really tries anymore, which sadness me. His early work is far superior and is something I dearly miss. But what Burton gave me makes up completely for his recent films. He gave me a childhood, which I reminisce about once and awhile. Batman was and is everything to me. Without this film, things could be different. I might of not of been that little boy with the black towel attached with those clothes pins running. And for that I can only think of a simpler time and say thanks for the great film.

Happy 25th Birthday!

Oh and...


I'm Batman!

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22 Jump Street

COMFORTABLE

22 Jump Street - Comfortable

Taking a chance on a film that really doesn't need to be made is one thing, but taking a chance on a film that was a surprise success is another thing entirely. In there lies the beauty of "22 Jump Street," a film that is so comfortable with how good it is it's willing to take itself entirely unserious (a word?) during its entire run-time. I usually would save this for the end, but this will possibly be the best comedy of 2014.

"22" once again stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as Detectives Schmidt and Jenko, respectively, as they try to stop a new(er) designer drug called "WHYPHY" being spread across college campuses. Basically, it's "21 Jump Street" with a different drug....in college....and a bigger budget. The film's self-awareness and the chemistry between Hill and Tatum are once again the highlights of a film that could have easily been a mockery and easy cash-in, but both Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who were also responsible for stellar "Lego Movie" earlier this year, find just enough originality and heart to make this sequel equal, if not better, than it's predecessor.

What differentiates "22" from "21"is also the pacing and the use of ancillary characters from the first film. You have some great cameos, and the use of Ice Cube in a larger supporting role yields some of the funniest moments of the film, including a twist you probably don't see coming. Speaking of Cube, it's interesting that when he actually gets good material to work with, he's a real good actor. Yes, I didn't see "Ride Along" but it's hard to forgive films like "Are We There Yet?" Sorry Cube, maybe I'm playa' hating a little bit, but it looks like you're back on the right track.

While most of the performances are very funny and memorable, not all of the performances are memorable for the right reasons, namely Jillian Bell, who might know from "Workaholics." Now I'm not saying she isn't funny, she just happens to be the least funniest part of this film. Her schtick wears thin pretty quick and while she ends being a bigger part of the film come the end, she really wears out her welcome with her brand of comedy. Will Bell doesn't ring all that well for me, Wyatt Russell, the son of the legend Kurt Russell, and the Lucas Brothers, give some memorable performances and balance out the zaniness of both Hill and Tatum.

With self-aware comedy, Hill and Tatum at the top of their game, and some real great action set pieces, "22" is a winner for all the right reasons. Granted, I will say if you're a fan of the first film, I'm pretty sure you won't enjoy the sequel, even though this sequel makes sure that even if your didn't see the first film it provides you with a handy "previously on" segment to start the film, which I think was a stroke of genius that only a film this comfortable with itself would be able to provide.

Fun Fact: Across the United States there are five 22 Jump Street address; include two Florida.

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SR Podcast (Ep. 25): June 2014 - Batman 89 Movie Commentary

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY

 

It's June and it's Podcast time! But this one is special. Today we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of 1989's classic, Batman. So we decided to try something new, join us today as we give you a SR Movie Commentary! Our first commentary and very possibly not our last commentary ;)
So queue up those VCR's...hmmm wait sorry....DVD's, Blu-rays and this Podcast and have a blast to the past with us. You can watch our YouTube video, listen to the Podcast or stream the commentary with the full film on dropbox!

Click here for the Dropbox Stream

Show Notes:

Wait did Julie Kill someone?!

Music Notes:

Birds & Brass By Sort Of Soul

Batman: The Video Game Composer(s) Naoki Kodaka, Nobuyuki Hara

Batman OST by Prince

 

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Simplistic Sneak Peek Ep. 5

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY

Simplistic Sneak Peek is back and better than ever.  In this episode the boys take a look at some animated features and some 80s action stars WITH animated features.  Sinbad, The Ultimate Warrior, Dane Cook and a Holocaust amusement park all come up in this irreverent return of Simplistic Sneak Peek.  You can watch this episode's trailers below then click video above to hear Matt, DJ and Justin's thoughts on them in real time.

Planes: Fire & Rescue

Penguins Of Madagascar

The Expendables 3

Bonus Trailer

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