Boondock Psycho

SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY (1997): Very original, unique crime drama/dark comedy. This is a bizarre, stylish film that takes the formulaic story line of a guy making his way up the ranks in the mob and turns it on its head. The movie manages to mix the typical mobster plot with elements of Psycho (1960) and Primal Fear (1996) and the result is truly fascinating. Norman Reedus (best known for his role as one of the Boondock Saints) deserves praise for his portrayal of Harry Odum, the complex protagonist. Harry, who lives with his overprotective mother (Deborah Harry) is recruited by the Jewish mob as an enforcer after revealing his underlying aggressive tendencies. Six Ways is very much a dark comedy (of the darkest variety) and I certainly did get some laughs out of it, but more impressive is the psychological study of an unhealthy mother/son relationship that permeates the film. This film is teeming with interesting characters, relationships and situations, and I applaud writer/director Adam Bernstein for giving us something though-provoking that strays far from the norm. Adrien Brody and Isaac Hayes have significant roles, and Brody in particular is fun to watch in a film that never fails to be compelling. Intriguing, unexpected plot twists and a truly disturbing but apt ending left me a big fan. Highly recommended for those that seek something different, but be warned that there is some very taboo subject matter that may offend or scare off some viewers. Rater R for graphic bloody violence, strong language, sexuality and brief drug use. Genre: Dark Comedy/Crime Drama. 97 minutes. Available on DVD on 8/24/99. My score: 7.5/10

70s Suburbia and Irish Terrorists

These two films have nothing in common, except that I enjoyed them both immensely and they each feature a good ensemble cast.

LYMELIFE (2009): A period drama focusing on two Long Island families in 1970s suburbia, this is a fine first attempt for the Martini Brothers (Steven and Derick wrote, Derick directed). It has a bit of a somber tone and while it is very much a coming of age tale, it doesn't focus exclusively on the teen protagonists; but rather gives us deep insight into their parents lives as well (and in fact, it is very much about how our parents and their decisions and actions shape who we are and will become). The movie benefits from some well-placed dark comedy and an excellent ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton, Kieran and Rory Culkin (Macaulay's brothers), Jill Hennessey, Cynthia Nixon and Emma Roberts. Well-acted, written and directed, but it didn't quite blow me away. All in all, it's just an above average dysfunctional family film elevated by outstanding performances and commendable insight into human behavior. One of the better films of 2009 so far, but not the best. Rated R for language, some sexual content, violence and drug use. Genre: Drama/Comedy. 95 minutes. Available on DVD on 9/22/09. My score: 7.3/10

JOHNNY WAS (2006): Excellent British action/drama about a criminal who's gone straight and how he gets sucked back in to the world of crime. Sure, that premise sounds cliched, but this movie is actually quite original and takes this familiar storyline in interesting directions. I've never seen another film with both Irish terrorists and Jamaicans as central characters, and I'll be damned if that wasn't a captivating dynamic. Vinnie Jones plays Johnny, an ex-IRA bomber who wants to forget his past and now lives in London, sandwiched between a yardie drug dealer (Eriq LaSalle) and a Rastafarian DJ (Lennox Lewis). When someone from his past (Patrick Bergin) pays him a visit, demanding help and a place to hide, trouble ensues. Good performances by all involved, although Samantha Mumba was a bit wooden as a junkie for my taste. I was thoroughly entertained throughout and it must be mentioned that the Reggae soundtrack is top-notch and perfectly apt. Rated R for violence, pervasive language, drug use and brief nudity. Genre: Action/Crime/Drama. 93 minutes. Available on DVD on 9/19/06 . My score: 7/10

Mall Cops and Zombie Directors

Welcome to The Movie Man's blog. Here, you will find film reviews that range from obscure independent films to mainstream special effects fests. My taste in movies is quite eclectic. I watch it all, and I'll let you know what I think is worth your time and money and what wasn't worth making in the first place.
On the menu today, I've cooked up a couple movie reviews for those wondering what to watch this week.
OBSERVE AND REPORT (2009): From Jody Hill, creator of HBO's East Bound and Down, this bizarre dark comedy is sure to divide audiences. Personally, I loved it, but I feel that a disclaimer must accompany my recommendation. This is no Paul Blart: Mall Cop. This is more like Taxi Driver on drugs...in a mall. Seth Rogen plays Ronnie Barnhardt, the bi-polar head of mall security in this whacked-out farce. Fans of East Bound will most likely get a kick out of this, but those that like their comedies light should steer clear, because this film is loaded with amoral, corrupt characters. Rated R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence. Genre: Action/Comedy. 86 minutes. Available on DVD/Blu-ray 9/22/09. My score: 7.2/10
THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO (2009): An animated film by Rob Zombie based on his own comic book. This is exactly what I would expect out of an animated movie from Rob Zombie: excessive violence, nudity and curse words. It's insanely juvenile, but if you know what you're in for it's a fun enough ride. Sure, there's no character development or substance, but I got some laughs out of it. The song numbers are especially hilarious, mainly because the lyrics make reference to the stupidity and crassness of the script. Some other jokes are redundant and tedious, but a good voice cast (including Paul Giamatti and Rosario Dawson) livens things up and has fun with their roles. Fans of Zombie's films, Heavy Metal (the 1981 animated film), Ralph Bakshi's work, or males aged 16-30 who like a little humor with their sex and violence should check this out, but others beware (particularly the easily offended). Rated R for strong crude and sexual content throughout, nude graphics, language, violence and gore. Genre: Animation/Action/Comedy. 77 minutes. Available on DVD on 9/22/09. My score: 6.3/10