3 Days, 3 Movies

I saw three movies this weekend...one for each day.  The three movies could not have been any different, but I liked them all just the same.  Here are my reviews:

1.  Horrible Bosses





I gave this one an A for comedy.  I see a lot of comedies, and I have to say that this one had me laughing throughout.  I really went into it with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.  Colin Ferrell was the least recognizable and has turned into quite the versatile actor, I think.  I liked Jennifer Aniston in it, but found her character to be completely unrealistic. I thought Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis pulled off leading roles really well.  it will be interesting to see what they have coming out next.  And then there was my boyfriend Jason Bateman.  I love anything he is in.  He is just so great playing the straight person in comedy.  Horrible Bosses is definitely a fun movie, and I recommend seeing it this summer.

2.  Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest



Um, loved, loved, loved.  I give it an A+.  I posted before about my adoration of A Tribe Called Quest, but this film made me love them even more.  Not only was everyone in the theater bobbing their heads throughout the film, but people were definitely captivated by their story.  Like me, I think that most didn't know about the deep-seated drama and turmoil that the band went through while and after breaking up in 1998.  The film did a great job of telling the story and not taking sides.  Director Michael Rapaport did a Q&A after the showing and discussed all that went into the making of the film and shed some light about how the band feels about it.  They are ultimately happy with it, but some not as much since they didn't have full control as to the direction of the film.  If you're a fan of ATCQ music, you HAVE TO see Beats, Rhymes & Life.  It's opening nationwide soon!

3.  Terri



Most people haven't heard of this movie.  And, that's ok.  I gave Terri a B+.  I thought that it was super cute, heartwarming and funny.  John C. Reilly can't do a lot of wrong in my book and I thought that his performance was great as the Principal at this non-descript high school full of good hearted and bad hearted kids.  Jacob Wysocki plays Terri and is definitely going to be one to watch.  His sweet pj's are worth the price of admission.  I explained the film to a friend as being "super indie."  When I say this, I mean that is was a little slow moving, somewhat quiet and and very character driven.  I love those kinds of movies.  I think if Napoleon Dynamite had a fat cousin he would be Terri.  And I mean that in the most positive way.  If you are super indie movie nerd, this should already be on your list.

I should also note that I saw Terri at my new favorite theater, The Landmark on Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles.  I was all, Arclight who?  It's a shame that The Landmark is so far away; it takes a lot to get me to the Westside.  But, I give them an A++ for everything from service to snacks to parking to the leather seats that reclined deep.  I felt like I was in First Class! I'll be back for sure!

Way Back Wednesday: A Tribe Called Quest

It's weird to put A Tribe Called Quest in the Way Back Wednesday category because their music is just as relevant to me today as it ever was.  But, damn, "Can I Kick It?" was released in 1991.  I remember hearing it when I was in college and was just blown away.  It opened the door to a whole new hip-hop world for me, that had previously only been populated by Run DMC, LL Cool J and Beastie Boys.  (I grew up in Florida, what do you want?)

I'm really excited to see the new documentary Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest directed by Michael Rapaport, who went on tour with the band when they reunited in 2008.  The film features interviews with Kanye West, Common, Beastie Boys, Mos Def, De La Soul, Pharrell and The Roots.  Just watching the trailer makes me all excited and pumped.  It opens on July 8th...I'll see you there!