The day after Christmas had me at Best Buy amidst the droves of shoppers and returners. I was a shopper in this instance and a bargain shopper at that. I snagged eight DVDs for 51 bucks. Some were my favorites and some were just damn good. I'll give a brief description of each along with a rating and a recommendation. I'll start with my least favorite.
Team America: World Police ($5)
At five bucks, I thought this movie was a steal. It's first on the list only because I've yet to see it, but it's made by the producers and writers of South Park, so you know it's gotta be gold. The story follows a counter-terrorism unit that fights world crime. The main character is an actor turned special agent. Did I mention the characters are string puppets? IMDB.com gives it a 7.3 and being a huge fan of South Park, I can definitely say that I'm excited to see it.
Mortal Kombat ($5)
I know, I know. It's a bad movie. But it's a classic in my book and some of the action really isn't all that bad. The games for Sega Genesis and Playstation were great. And still are for that matter. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was just released and is already a huge hit. Anyhow, I find the movie to be entertaining and even find some of the mythology behind it to be intriguing. Like I said though, it's not winning any academy awards and the storyline is as simple as it gets. See it for some cool fight scenes and funky characters. IMBD.com gives it a 5.3. I give it a 6 for sentimental reasons.
Italian Job ($5)
This is a solid movie and remake of the 1969 Michael Caine flick. Mark Wahlberg headlines a stellar cast of characters including Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Seth Green, and Ed Norton. The film follows a group of high-end burglars who are two-timed by their friend (Norton), who steals millions in gold from them. The movie shows how they attempt to get the gold back. With dazzling car chases, hip characters, a young and talented cast, and good acting, this movie entertains at all levels. Check it out for a fun viewing. IMBD.com gives it a 6.9. I give it a 7.
Memento Special Edition ($9)
I was more than excited to say the least to see this special edition lying around for nine bones. It's a dark, psychological masterpiece about a man who loses his short term memory and his wife in an incident in his own home but struggles to find out who did it and how and why. Guy Pierce headlines and is joined by Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano, who both help and abuse their friend who's lost his mind. The movie requires multiple viewings because of the many subtleties inherent to it and because some of it is shot going backwards in time, revealing more and more of the plot. The viewer can really feel the main character's pain as he struggles with everyday life and continually writes notes to remember the simplest of things. We root for him the whole way, not necessarily knowing what to expect of the man, but full knowing that we want him to find his wife's murderer. See this movie immediately if you're a fan of film, specifically deep, intellectual pieces. This one will keep you thinking for days after. IMDB.com has it at an 8.6 and ranked #27 of all time. I give it an 8.5.
Reservoir Dogs 15th Anniversary Special Edition ($5)
Once again, five dollars for this special edition is a no-brainer. This edition carries its DVDs in a mock-oil can and a giant book of matches. It's awesome. If you don't know this Tarantino flick about a heist gone bad, you need to know, and you need to know fast. The movie is sheer style, with its cast (Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, etc.) oozing with early 90s confidence. The dialogue is extraordinary as is the case with Quentin's films. His great feat, however, is how he's able to tell the story without ever showing the actual heist. After they figure out that someone in their group ratted them out to the police, we see the members of the criminal team lose all faith in each other and completely lose their cool because of it. Throw in a nice torture scene and a little bit of the background information of the job, and you've got yourself a great movie. See it immediately. IMDB.com rates it at 8.4 at #68 of all time. I give it an 8.5.
Spider Man 2 ($5)
This movie is great. Enough said. The action is ridiculous, and it is arguable that this sequel is better than the original. I think so. Doctor Octopus (played by Alfred Molina) is a great villain. The backstory is pieced together nicely as always and the comic book feel is simply perfect. The minor characters are played well by James Franco, Kirsten Dunst, and J.K. SimmonTs. I guess I'm just a sucker for superhero movies, but make no mistake: this movie will knock your socks, sneakers, shoes, and galoshes off. See it now, or forever be a terrible person!!! IMDB doesn't give it enough credit with a 7.7. I give it an 8.5.
The Matrix ($7)
This is the first installment to what is easily my favorite trilogy ever. I honestly couldn't tell you why I didn't own it until now. I've owned the second two for some time now. The Matrix seems to be hit or miss with moviegoers, but I think it's just brilliant. It is easily the most psychological, philosophical, and religiously deep movie ever made. In fact, it's so deep that when someone asks you what it's about, you might as well order a pizza and break out some diagrams for the night because there's no way they'll understand you otherwise. Each of the three films requires multiple viewings to grasp all of the nuance and subtlety. This first one follows Neo, a computer junkie who feels that there is something more to his life. He is found by a man who says he can show him the path, and he evolves into the leader of a revolution to save humankind from complete destruction. Now, this is just the base storyline, and the film has top-notch dialogue, mind-bending action, and drama, with deep characterization to boot. I do realize that some critics and filmgoers do not like the movie. And their opinion is noted, but I strongly urge anyone to see this movie and see it fast. It truly is the full experience. IMDB.com gives it ans 8.6 and the #30 ranking of all time. I give it at least a 9.
American History X ($7)
Here's another gem, starring Ed Norton and Edward Furlong. This movie is a hard-nosed drama about racism and ethics in sub-urban America. Norton plays a devout neo-Nazi, who changes his ways after many trying experiences and must teach his younger brother (who has followed in his footsteps) of his new epiphany. It chronicles not only the main character's past experiences, but also the relationship between the brothers. Revealing much else would do a disservice to the film. All that needs to be said is the acting is marvelous and the movie includes some of the most gripping, most hard-hitting, most issue-driven drama in recent memory. Norton is at his absolute best here, and the story is haunting. IMDB has it rated at #40 all time with an 8.6. I give it a 9.
So, I think these are 8 decent flicks. Check them out if you can. If not, I think you're a cotton-headed ninnymuggins. I think the real moral of the story here is to get your ass to Best Buy immediately.
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