The Other Guys: Is Will Ferrell Funny Again?

For a while, I was actually a big Will Ferrell fan following his post-Saturday Night Live career; Anchorman and Old School being evidence for this (the former is one of my favorite comedies ever). But as of late, Ferrell hasn't worked in a movie that really even passes for a DVD rental for cheap laughs; they're all almost entirely forgettable (okay, except for Step Brothers, that one was hilarious). A new trailer co-starring Farrell has recently been released however, and it doesn't look half bad. It co-stars Mark Wahlberg as Ferrell's partner, as well as Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson. The film hasn't been given a rating by the MPAA yet, but if it gets an R-rating (which I doubt), consider me sold. The idea of Wahlberg's character from The Departed and Will Ferrell teaming up as partners against crime sounds genius. The problem with Wahlberg is he can't be Wahlberg unless he can properly cuss at all the idiots he desires.

Trailer:

Review: Funny Games

Funny Games is an Austrian film, directed in 1997 by Michael Haneke. It's simply about a couple of oddballs who fool a trusting family into letting them into their home, only to terrorize them and torture them, both physically and psychologically. What starts out as a small argument leads to Paul smashing Georg's (Dad's) kneecap in with one of his own golf clubs, which Paul will often refer to as "Georg's fault for slapping him" (he of course fails to mention this was a result of Paul telling him to "suck his balls").

Favorite Scenes: Adaptation.

Adaptaion. is a rare gem not only because it features a set of chubby, curly-haired twins portrayed by Nicolas Cage, but it stars Nicolas Cage in a convincing, worth-watching role. It's one of those films where Cage will make an out-of-nowhere comeback after doing a series of unintentionally laughable movies, reminding us why people keep giving him work. Adaptation. doesn't exactly have a plot, or at least a plot that can be easily explained; it's essentially about a screenwriter who is suffering from writer's block. It is an excellent film, and the video below is proof why. Although it's one of those sappy, 'brotherly love" moments, it is a tearjerker for saps like myself. Ah, unrequited love. How I despise you.

New Trailer: The Human Centipede

This is a new horror movie about a nutty doctor who kidnaps a bunch of kids and forces them to do an experiment. He sews one of their heads up another's butt, and sews that guy's head up a third person's butt (in case you're wondering, yes, I am minoring in English). When the one lucky enough to no have his head shoved up someone's ass eats something, it goes through his body, the second one's body, and comes out the third, thus creating the "human centipede". I know what you're thinking: "Sucks to be the guy in the middle!" That is what you're thinking, right?

New Trailer: The Expendables

The Expendables is an upcoming film directed by Sylvester Stallone, and stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Stratham, Jet Li, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren (the badass Russian fighter from Rocky IV), Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and more. Not to mention the several cameos that will be involved as well.

Let me just say, Jesus Christ. If this isn't the biggest action star orgy I have ever seen, I don't know what it is. I think it's safe to say that no matter how awful or great this movie is, it is bound to make millions out of ticket sales from interest in the cast list alone. I am proud to admit I will gladly give them my 10 bucks, because this looks fuckin' sweet. I'm a sucker for movies like this; anything I have learned about quality films over the years is totally irrelevant here.

The only downside is the list of actors who we know won't be appearing in the film. Actors ranging from Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, and Kurt Russell have apparently turned down offered roles. Jerks.

Favorite Scenes: Synecdoche, New York

Now here's a scene from a film all three of you who reguarly read this blog most likely haven't seen: Charile Kaufman's directorial debut Synecdoche, New York. Kaufman is better known for writing more popular films such as Being John Malkovich, Adaptation., and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (the latter two are personal favorites of mine). Synecdoche doesn't exactly hold up well with his previous efforts, but it is still a noble and interesting debut. It is incredibly hard to follow, and probably requires several views to get a decent grasp of it (even the title doesn't make sense). Nevertheless, there is a scene that struck me the first (and only) time I watched it, I guess you could say because I can relate to it. The odd part is, being the most powerful scene, it is a speech given by a character who does not appear for the entire film, with the exception of this one scene. It is depressing yes, but he seems to pull the words right out of my mouth, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels the same, at least at one point in one's life. I don't remember the full context of the scene, as in why they are at a fake funeral and such, but I guess that mean's if you like it, you should watch it to find out for yourself.

Favorite Scenes: The Big Lebowski

Thought I'd try something a little different today, although I admit, it isn't entirely original. Everyone once in a while I'll pick a scene from a movie, with a videoclip of it, and start kissing the scene's ass. My first ass-kissing scene will be the "Gutterballs" scene from The Big Lebowski. It's incredibly hard to choose just one scene, because it is one of the most quotable films of all time. If you haven't seen it yet, shame on you.

The scene doesn't make much sense and is very abstract, but that doesn't make it any less amazing. Everything from Jeff Bridges' slick dance moves to his wide, gaping smile upon looking at the endless shoe rack is terrific. I'm not exactly a big Kenny Rogers fan, but the song fits strangely well here, not to mention catchy. Why don't I have awesome dreams like this?