Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

This. Is. Comedy. Ever since seeing Borat's Official Home Page, I had wanted to see this movie. And apparently, I wasn't the only one considering Borat blew the top off box office forecasts. I recognize that this isn't a film for everyone, but in complete sincerity, I haven't laughed harder in the theatres all year. In fact, it's been a few years since I've laughed this hard. Sacha Baron Cohen goes to great lengths to offend every possible person and group. Feminists. Jews. African Americans. The South. Fraternity members. Rodeo fans. Homosexuals. Charismatic Christians. Baywatch lovers. Politicians. And of course, anyone who lives in the "glorious nation" of Kazakhstan.

Even if you do want (and follow your instinct) to turn away from some scenes, there are plenty of others that will leave you rolling. I could talk about all the people Borat makes a mockery of, but you really should just see this yourself. This isn't a movie for kids, even high-schoolers in my opinion, but that's just another reason Borat is so refreshing: it's a stupid comedy, done intelligently, for adults. Or, I like how Ty Burr of the Boston Globe puts it... "[Borat] is Jackass with a brain and Mark Twain with full frontal male nudity." Yes, there is indeed male nudity, so you cannot say I didn't warn you.

While I still haven't decided whether Borat or Mission: Impossible III ranks now as my number one most rewatchable film of 2006 (thus far), I can decidely say that Borat is worth watching, and rewatching, and rewatching, and... well, you get the idea. Go see Borat as soon as you can. It may "make benefit glorious nation of Kazakhstan," but it will definitely make laugh glorious nation of U.S. and A.

The bottom line: Compulsively Rewatchable

Half Nelson

On my continuing quest to review the best films of the year, Half Nelson cannot be overlooked. While this is indeed a small, independent story about people trying to overcome their holdups in life, whether addiction or family problems, this film hits every note perfectly. This is what movies can and should be. Stories of real (types of) people, struggling but overcoming, even if it is only one small hurdle at a time.

Since Ryan Gosling broke out with his role in The Believer, critics have taken notice of him. But it wasn't until his 2004 role in The Notebook that the general public recognized him. But even with that hit on his hands, he still takes on roles that challenge him. Stay is another example of that. He embodies the characters he plays until you think you're just watching a documentary about a real person. That's acting. If Gosling is not at least nominated by the Academy early next year for his performance here, it will be the final straw. I will finally agree with the majority that there is no justice with the Oscars and it is purely a political game. The optimist side of me wants to believe otherwise, that the Oscars are there to truly rewards the best of the year, but if Ryan isn't there, I just won't be able to believe that any longer. He gives the best male acting performance of the year without comparison. I was moved beyond explanation by his performance and left the theatre smiling, hopeful for the human race.

This is not your typical Hollywood film. It's a realistic story about a teacher and one of his female students (played wonderfully by Shareeka Epps) who form a true friendship. They are people that actually desire the best for one another and do all they can, in their own small and unspoken ways, to help each other.

Buy Half Nelson as soon as it's made available on DVD. It is the second best film of 2006 (thus far) and I cannot recommend it enough. It will move you, empower you, give you hope... all human responses too rare to pass up. After watching and rewatching this movie, you'll realize the truth: that your glass is actually Half full.

The bottom line: Rewatchable

United 93

As we near the end of 2006, I feel compelled to write reviews for the films I believe have been the best (though not necessarily the most rewatchable) of the year. While some of these are not yet available on DVD, by beginning to write these reviews now, I will be able to quickly point people to them as they are released on DVD.

Currently, of all the movies I have seen thus far through 2006, United 93 stands high above the fold. Hands down, this is the best, most powerful film of the year and Paul Greengrass, the writer and director, deserves congratulations, recognition and the opportunity to do whatever he wants next. Studios should just hand him a blank check. He does not sensationalize the event, but creates a very realistic picture of what happened that tragic September day, truly capturing the true courage of those United flight 93's passangers. He depicts how these ordinary men and women united together to respond courageously and extraordinarily in the face of fear.

Seeing this opening night, I experienced something I had never before witnessed at the movies: complete silence. After the chaotic, frantic ending you hope to end happily, like most Hollywood endings, and the screen cut to black, no one in the entire theatre made a sound. They didn't move an inch. People sat in their chairs, quiet, still and sober, internalizing everything that had just taken place on screen in one of the most terrifying one hour and fifty-one minutes ever captured on film. And even once people began to shuffle their way out of the theatres, people still did not talk.

Now, this film is not extremely rewatchable. The tragic material makes it a movie that you will rarely, if ever want to rewatch. Nonetheless, it is an important film. And it's one I can't recommend you see enough. Rent United 93 as soon as you have the chance and sit down to watch and marvel, in humble silence, a few of your fellow Americans' bravery.

The bottom line: Rarely Rewatchable

Five Film Treats for Halloween

When the holidays come, it always seems difficult to decide which movies to watch or rewatch. Of course, on days like Christmas and Thanksgiving, you need those uplifting, family-oriented stories to complement your joy. On Valentine's Day, you need something romantic and that gets you in the mood for love. But with Halloween, you need something scary. A movie that'll make you jump, get spooked, maybe even tinkle your pants a little, even if you've already seen it before. With that in mind, here are five good treats (not tricks) that I recommend for Halloween. They aren't necessarily slasher films or overflowing with blood, but they do create a good eerie mood and will help you and your party guests pass the goulish night with ease.

The new release: Slither
Slither is not at all the scarriest of my Halloween recommendations, but it is a great humhorror (humorous horror) that will have you grossed out and laughing at the same time. Think of it along the lines of Tremors, if you're looking for something to compare it against. While this film may not scare you all that much if you're a horror buff, those little slimy, slithering slugs will give you the heebie geebies no matter who you are... it may even cause you to avoid taking a bath anytime in the near future. The bottom line: Rewatchable

The family scare: Monster House
This was the first film I reviewed when starting this site. If you have small children, or even young children, you obviously can't plop in any of my other herein listed recommendations. But if that is the case, don't feel like you're missing out. Monster House is the ideal family movie for Halloween. That isn't to say this animated adventure isn't scary in its own right, but it is much safer than the other choices available. For more details, read my full review of the instant animated Halloween classic. The bottom line: Frequently Rewatchable

The completely evil and distrubing: Haute Tension
In all honesty, I cannot in good conscience recommend this movie. Undoubtedly, this is the most horrifying film I have ever seen in my entire life. After seeing this movie with my then-pregnant wife, we both agreed that, for the rest of her pregnancy, we would no longer watch scary movies. She was kept up at night all that week and made me sleep nearer to the bedroom window due to her fear that a killer like that in Haute Tension would pop through it at any moment. This movie is evil, disgusting and disturbing in every way imaginable. Of course, if you like that sort of thing, this may be the flick for you. On a critical note, the ending of this movie is completely contrived and ruins the rest of the story. It does not ruin the horror of the film, just the story. Like I said, I cannot in good conscience recommend this movie, but if you want to not sleep tonight (or the rest of this week), Haute Tension is your film. The bottom line: Watchable

The eerily realistic: Frailty
This is not your typical horror. Actually, there's barely any blood in the movie at all. Instead, the film tells a story that, when all is said and done, hits too close to home. Through documentaries and novels, we've all heard real life serial killers talk about how "God" told them to kill certain people. And that is what makes this film so scary. It's believable. Matthew McConaughey and Bill Paxton turn excellent performances and will have you immersed in the story from beginning to end. I was quite surprised by how smart this horror film is and recommend it to anyone looking for a realistic scare this Halloween or any other. The bottom line: Rewatchable

The classic: Psycho
Okay, so this is no real surprise, but Psycho clearly represents one of the scariest movies ever made. Hitchcock outdid himself with this thriller and made showers almost unapproachable for millions of men and women. If you want a good old, black and white horror fest, complete with its fair share of scares, Psycho is it. The bottom line: Rewatchable

Well, that about does it for me. Tonight we're having a small party at our house and we have some great scares in store for our guests. Happy Halloween to all you movie lovers out there! And please, be sure to stay safe.

Mission: Impossible III

Let me start by saying I never loved the first Mission: Impossible, and I absolutely despised M:I:II. Now, having said that, let me state the plain and simple truth: Mission: Impossible III rocked my face off. From the first frame to the last, I was captivated, on the edge of my seat, completely blown away. This is the action movie everyone hopes for. The type of film that ranks up there with Die Hard, T2: Judgment Day and Aliens. The summer movie everyone wants to see, but rarely has the opportunity to because Hollywood shells out formulaic crap after uninventive crap after ridiculous crap.

Unfortunately, a lot of people didn't see this movie because they think Tom Cruise has jumped off the deep end. And sure, I agree, his personal life seems weird. But this is a movie, people. And as far as movies are concerned, I think Tom still has that thing that can carry a movie. That natural star quality. All in all, I think he's a better actor than most people give him credit for, and if you don't believe me, go back and watch Rain Man, Magnolia, Born on the Fourth of July, Collateral, Minority Report, A Few Good Men, Jerry Maguire, or the long list of other good, even rewatchable films he's done. He has quite a resume if you think about it.

But I'm not here to talk about Tom or TomKat, I'm here to rate M:I:III's rewatchability. So let me put it this way: I saw this movie five, count 'em, five times in the theatre. That's just something I don't do. With ticket prices as expensive as they are, I have already spent over $70 paying to watch this movie and treat others to it. Yes, it's that good. In fact, the latest installment to the Mission: Impossible franchise has not only made this my number one most rewatchable film of 2006 (thus far), but has put it at number six (thus far) on my ten best films of 2006 (see the bottom of the right sidebar for my full list).

Tom Cruise is great. Philip Seymore Hoffman plays one of the most ruthless villains in action movie history. And, of course, the action is non-stop. Right when you think the movie might slow down to let you catch your breath, it starts right back up again. It's almost like when you're swimming and you need a fresh breath, but you only come up long enough to catch a brief little gasp of air, barely enough to hold you until the next time you make it out of the water. And it's two freaking hours of that.

Even if you hate Tom Cruise and his antics, or you despised the first and second Mission: Impossibles, I can't recommend you buy this movie enough. This is pure slam bang, non-stop, one-of-a-kind, compelling, compulsively rewatchable entertainment at its finest. Kudos to Abrams, Cruise, and the rest of the Mission: Impossible III team. After seeing this, you made me believe again that making action films of the highest quality is not impossible, just a rare gift worth hoping for, no matter how long the wait.

The bottom line: Compulsively Rewatchable

The Queen

After seeing the trailer for The Queen, I had no desire to see it. Both my wife and I thought it looked no better than a made-for-TV movie you might find on PBS long after it had originally aired on BBC. But then, I read the reviews and, much to my surprise, they were in universal agreement: The Queen was not only a good film, but according to them, a great film. (On a side note, here's why I listen to critics as a general rule.) So, my wife and I and our six-week old daughter headed to the movies for a Sunday afternoon matinee. And we were glad we did.

While my wife didn't enjoy the film quite as much as I did, I found The Queen an immensely entertaining, insightful, and wonderfully scripted and performed docudrama. Also, given the fact that this deals with the tragically true story of Princess Diana's unexpected death, the movie is surprisingly (and tastefully) humorous and witty. The audience chuckled throughout.

But the script is not the only star here. Undoubtedly, the true reason this movie succeeds is due to the outstanding performances. Michael Sheen, who plays Tony Blair, brilliantly reenacts how Britain's youngest Prime Minister in history responded to the sad event so shortly after being elected. He commands the screen, and yet at the same time, plays the character with a certain down-to-earth verisimilitude that makes you understand how he won over England's people. And of course, Helen Mirren, as you may have heard already, gives a career-crowning performance as the title character. I've always loved her, but this gave me a new appreciation for her range. Mirren's depiction of HM Queen Elizabeth II will assuredly be seen as the lasting portrayal of who the figure was, a truly dignified and respectable leader even if the public did not always understand her more traditional values. There are still some female performances to look out for in the next couple months, but come Oscar time, I would not at all mind seeing Helen awarded for her pitch-perfect performance.

This isn't the most rewatchable of films. However, given the film's outstanding performances, unexpected humor, and insightful commentary on modern day royalty, I look forward to seeing The Queen again sometime in the future, and recommend you visit the theatres for this delightful surprise or rent it as soon as it makes its way to DVD.

The bottom line: Rarely Rewatchable

The Princess Bride

Considering I just began this site, I should start by providing an example of just what ranks among the stratosphere of infinitely rewatchable movies, and there's just no better example than The Princess Bride. It has everything. Adventure, comedy, fantasy, true love, inconceivable sword fights, Cliffs of Insanity, R.O.U.S., Billy Crystal in heavy makeup... and even all that's just scratching the surface. Rob Reiner's 1987 flick unfortunately did poorly in theatres, but once it made it to video, it became a sensation. And growing up with parents who entertained people all the time, this was the default choice when we wanted to watch a movie.

Of course, The Princess Bride only gets better with each successive viewing. It's a movie you can watch again right after it ends because it's just that much more fun when you know what's coming up. I can't recommend this film enough. In complete honesty, I have rewatched this movie over 60 times... and I love it more each viewing.

Don't rent this movie. Buy it. I can't put this strongly enough...

Buy The Princess Bride if you do not already own it!

And one last note: if you don't like this movie, you might as well stop reading this site. The Princess Bride encapsolates all the values of rewatchability in the most fun hour and thirty-eight minutes possible.

The bottom line: Infinitely Rewatchable

Nacho Libre

When Nacho Libre came to theatres, I only heard bad reports, that it was "stupid." Of course, the main thing I and everyone else heard was, "It's not nearly as good as Napoleon Dynamite." But as a fan of Jack Black, my wife and I took a trip to the theatres on our weekly date night and gave the thing a go. And boy, were we ever happy we did.

This movie, while somewhat silly and childish, is just good, clean, wholesome fun. Nothing more, nothing less. Yeah, it is a little "stupid," but not in a bad way. In a way that you should expect, even hope a movie about Lacha Libre wrestling starring an overweight man-child in tights with an over-the-top accent to be. As far as a comparison between Napoleon Dynamite, the director's previous film and surprise phenomenon, I disagree with the majority. While I enjoyed Dynamite's unique sense of humor and think there are a lot of good, repeatable lines, I can also understand how a lot of people hated that movie. With Nacho Libre, however, you can't help but feel happy after watching this flick. It's a blast of a movie that, personally, I can't wait to rewatch with my family and friends. I'm smiling just writing about this movie.

If you go in expecting a fun, silly adventure, I can't see how you'll come out dissatisfied. Even for you Napoleon haters, don't let that deter you from watching Nacho Libre. It's totally safe for kids and a perfect, rewatchable comedy that will have your whole family, from grandparents to young children, smiling. As for you people that thought this wasn't "nearly" as good as Napoleon Dynamite, give it a second chance... and this time, don't compare it to anything, but just sit back and let Jack Black's cheesy performance, accent and costume wrestle you the other way. After all, a little cheese is always good with Nachos.

The bottom line: Rewatchable

Groundhog Day

Sitting at coffee with my wife earlier today, she asked me out of the blue, "Do we own Groundhog Day?" Sadly, the answer was no. But this perfectly displays the nature of a compulsively rewatchable film and how you think about it even when you're not watching it. Compulsively rewatchable films are the type of movies that make you laugh just thinking about them, even when you're in a room alone. And Groundhog Day fits that mold.

Right up there with classics like What About Bob, Bill Murray turned in one of the funniest all time performances as the egocentric Phil Connors. It's not that he's over the top, but rather, that he's a droll schmuck of a man who you really can't help but like. You won't learn any profound life lessons watching this little gem (other than to "Watch out for that first step," of course), but there are just so many scenes and lines in this movie that make it memorable and worth watching again, and again, and again. "Am I right or am I right or am I right?"

I'm pretty sure almost everybody has seen this movie by now, but if you had forgotten about it, rent it or buy it and pop it in. One thing's for sure, I'm changing my answer to that question my wife asked. "Bing!"

The bottom line: Compulsively Rewatchable

Flags of Our Fathers

Flags of Our Fathers is the perfect example of a well done movie that just isn't that rewatchable. Even with movies like Saving Private Ryan and Braveheart, you could bare to watch them more frequently because the payoff appeals to all of us: ordinary men overcoming great odds to do something extraordinary.

Then again, that's the point of Clint Eastwood's latest directorial venture. That these soldiers were ordinary men, and maybe not so much "heroes" as they were just guys trying to live through the madness of war. So, it's not a fair reason to discount the movie, but purely a reason that I won't be antsy to pop this one in the player when it comes out on DVD. It's a historical account of the flag raisers at Iwo Jima and, while there is no real payoff, the message is quiet and profound. As one of the characters puts it in the film, "Maybe there were no heroes, but just men like my dad."

It's not an action-packed film, nor is it one where you leave cheering and stirred to go try great things, but it is a moving, honest, new perspective of the war we have come to admire as a "Good War..." and Flags of Our Fathers may persuade you to think a little differently. While I enjoyed the film immensely and appreciate its new take on an old genre, it's not a movie I'll be eager to rewatch anytime soon.

The bottom line: Rarely Rewatchable

Marie Antoinette

The sets are lavish and the costumes, gorgeous, but as for everything else? Well, let's just say it's hum drum. While Sophia Coppola may have been purely trying to depict the decadence of an era and ruler, as well as the redundancy of such a royal life, as a movie, it's pretty boring. Like I said, the visual aspects of the film are beautiful, but the story is virtually non-existent and the acting is sub-par. Most of all I was disappointed because, especially after The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation, I expected more of Coppola's third writing and directing effort. Her two previous films were superb freshman and sophomore outings by any standard, and this just doesn't come anywhere close to the depth or power of those movies.

If you like watching movies for their sets and costumes, you may enjoy Marie Antoinette. But if you want insight into history, acting range, and a three-act story structure that moves a film along at a steady pace, you won't find it here.

The bottom line: Watchable

The Prestige

Immediately after seeing The Prestige, I wanted to rewatch it. Christopher Nolan, the director of this movie, has a pattern of doing that, as he was also the writer and director of Memento and Batman Begins, two movies I find frequently rewatchable. While this movie does not quite make it to that level of rewatchability, it's an enjoyable film I definitely look forward to purchasing and seeing again when it comes out on DVD.

Personally, however, I don't want to rewatch The Prestige for its magic and the tricks it has up its sleeves, but purely for the performances, period and story that so expertly unfolds before your very eyes. That's the true magic of this film. This marks Hugh Jackman's best performance to date, and while it may not be Bale's or Caine's strongest ever (they both have a longer resume anyway), they are equally strong. Also, with as much jumping back and forth in time that the film does, it never feels like Nolan uses it purely as a plot device, as it has been most often used since Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Instead, it actually aids the story and allows for the audience to try and figure things out a little longer as the magic show take place before our very eyes.

This is one I was glad to see before the masses, on its opening night, and don't want to spoil anything for anybody. Go see The Prestige before being told anything about it. I enjoyed piecing the puzzle together before the secrets were revealed, but that's not to say it's a cheap trick. Go in with your mind and eyes open, ready for anything. It's an entertaining movie that had me intrigued all the way through, from the first frame to the last. The first line of the film asks the audience, "Are you watching closely?" I did. And I can assure you, I'll be rewatching the movie just as closely.

The bottom line: Rewatchable

Monster House

I rewatched this one last night with my wife and a couple friends. Just like I thought after seeing this the first time, Monster House is a fantastic adventure and trip back to the joy of 1980's cinema. The time when "family" movies didn't have to be 100% safe, politically correct, or non-threatening enough to satisfy ultra conservative parents. It's the movie of an era past when films the Goonies, or E.T., or Stand by Me, or Adventures in Babysitting were what kids watched and rewatched. Films that are a little bit scary, but exciting and fun at the same time. While I can't recommend this film for very young children, anyone seven and up should love this movie, and thankfully, parents will, too.

Undoubtedly, this will be my first pick for the DVD player every Halloween and I can't wait to introduce more people to it. It's a funny, exciting, sometimes scary adventure packed with realistic pre-teen characters right smack dab in that awkward place we all remember, between childhood and seeing yourself as a "grown-up." This was the most pure, unadulturated fun I've had at the movie theatre and on my couch so far this year and beats out Cars (by a long shot) and Over the Hedge (by a slim margin) as the best animated film of 2006. Rent it or buy it, it's up to you, but you won't be sorry for watching or rewatching this one.

The bottom line: Frequently Rewatchable

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I'm not a snooty critic or anything, I'm just a husband, a father, an 8-to-5 employee, and a guy who really freaking loves and watches a lot of movies. In my opinion, films can and should entertain, enlighten, encourage, and empower. But to make things simple, I'm just going to classify movies and DVDs into one of seven categories that explain one thing: how much you will want to watch and rewatch them. You won't find that kind of simple honesty anywhere else on the web or in the papers. Consider me like your friend that recommends the entertainment I enjoy and lets you take it or leave it. Maybe you'll find out we have similar tastes, maybe not. Whatever the case may be, hopefully you find my opinion uncomplicated, short and sweet, something too often missing if you ask me.

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