The Post with me Listing the top 20 Teen Comedies of the past 25 years (#5-1)
I've been teasing you all purposefully but here is my top 5 starting with the movie I usually take flack for my liking it so much. As an added bonus I've included two quotes to each of these top 5 films.


5. Porky's-- PORKY'S takes a look at the sex lives of a group of teenage boys in 1950s Florida in all their obsessive, unfulfilled glory. Pee Wee, the main character in this group of 6 Angel Beach high schoolers, is so named for the size of his appendage; nonetheless, he wants nothing more than to lose his virginity. All six spend most of their time devising easy ways to score and spying on their coeds in the shower, taking breaks only to insult their large dictator-like teacher Ms. Ballbricker and play pranks on each other. They devise a plan to take a trip to a divey strip club in the Everglades called Porky's, where they are sure to get some action; unfortunately, owner Porky doesn't much care for the underage likes of them, and after humiliating them and stealing their money, he kicks them out, deflated.---This movie is raunchy and at times is sleazy to watch. This movie treats the 50's like they actually were. Women were nothing but sexual objects and the men in here treat sex like it is a scary concept leading to all the sex scenes being more about hurriedness than enjoying the female form....Also stars the beautiful Kim Cattrall before she hit it big in Sex and the City. Mostly remembered for the Pecker Pulling scene but has more to offer than that.

Quote: Tim: Anybody wanna go fly a kite with me tonight? I hear it's great weather for flying KITES! I wonder if there's any KITES around here we can fly!
Brian Schwartz: Hey listen, Cavanaugh. It's not kite, it's KIKE! K-I-K-E, "kike." You know, you're too stupid to even be a good bigot!


Tommy Turner: Holy shit! It's the mother lode.
Billy: I never seen so much wool. You could knit a sweater.
Tommy Turner: This has gotta be the biggest beaver shoot in the history of Florida.

4. Say Anything-- John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler, a high schooler on the cusp of graduation who devotes himself to the pursuit of Diane Court (Ione Skye), the aloof class valedictorian who happens to be beautiful-as Corey (Lily Taylor), Lloyd's best friend puts it, "she's a brain trapped in the body of a game show hostess." When Lloyd calls Diane to invite her to a graduation party, she doesn't know who he is, but she's charmed by his nervous chatter and surprises everyone by accepting. Lloyd at first even manages to charm Diane's overprotective father Jim Court (John Mahoney) as well, with whom Diane is very close, though Jim can't see why his daughter is wasting her time with Lloyd.

The party scene in SAY ANYTHING ranks among the best ever, with Eric Stoltz making a cameo as the party host, Lily Taylor as the ultimate lovelorn rock chick, and even Chynna Phillips putting in an appearance. After their successful first date, Diane asks Lloyd to dinner with her father and some of his associates; there, when asked his plans for the future, Lloyd lets loose a speech way ahead of its time, which slackers everywhere will be able to appreciate. Unfortunately, Jim Court does not, and Lloyd's professed intention to "spend as much time as possible with your daughter" strikes a chord of horror for him; he wages a campaign to sabotage the relationship, which almost succeeds. But when Jim's secrets come to light, Diane is forced to question who it is she can really trust in her life.--- Just a film that works on almost every level and works because Cameron Crowe's directing shows a love for the lives of these two kids.

Quotes: Mike Cameron: I don't know you very well, you know, but I wanted to ask you - how'd you get Diane Court to go out with you?
Lloyd Dobler: I called her up.
Mike Cameron: But how come it worked? I mean, like, what are you?
Lloyd Dobler: I'm Lloyd Dobler.
Mike Cameron: This is great. This gives me hope. Thanks.



Lloyd Dobler: I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that.


3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High--
This highly appealing teen comedy created a host of new stars -- including Sean Penn -- and features a lively rock music soundtrack. The freewheeling story chronicles the sexual insecurities and adventures of a group of Southern California high school students. These shopping mall regulars experiment with drugs, surfing techniques and various fast-food secret sauce combinations. And in class (when they even go to class!) they wreak havoc -- especially when the pizza delivery arrives...--- Memorable for so many reasons. Sean Penn doing the stoner character by which all others should be measured. The classic nude scene from Phoebe Cates. The dialogue the characters, the music--it all adds up to a great film.


Quotes: [the "five-point plan"]
Mike Damone: First of all Rat, you never let on how much you like a girl. "Oh, Debbie. Hi." Two, you always call the shots. "Kiss me. You won't regret it." Now three, act like wherever you are, that's the place to be. "Isn't this great?" Four, when ordering food, you find out what she wants, then order for the both of you. It's a classy move. "Now, the lady will have the linguini and white clam sauce, and a Coke with no ice." And five, now this is the most important, Rat. When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV.



[after Spicoli wrecks Jefferson's car]
Jefferson's Brother: My brother's gonna kill us! He's gonna kill us! He's gonna kill you and he's gonna kill me, he's gonna kill us!
Jeff Spicoli: Hey man, just be glad I had fast reflexes!
Jefferson's Brother: My brother's gonna shit!
Jeff Spicoli: Make up your mind, dude, is he gonna shit or is he gonna kill us?
Jefferson's Brother: First he's gonna shit, then he's gonna kill us!
Jeff Spicoli: Relax, alright? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.


2. The Breakfast Club-- When five high school students from different social groups are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention, they find themselves interacting with and understanding each other for the first time. A jock (Emilio Estevez), a criminal (Judd Nelson), a princess (Molly Ringwald), a basket case (Ally Sheedy), and a brain (Anthony Michael Hall) talk about everything from parental tension to sex to peer pressure to hurtful stereotypes while serving time. Ultimately, the five find that they may have more in common than they ever imagined and learn more about themselves as well as each other. The only question is, Will they remember what they’ve learned after they leave detention?--- A communication scholar's wet dream. This movie is all about the trials of high school and the way we fill roles for people out in our own heads. Are people brains because they are or becasue society looks at them that way? An intriguing question. The Brat Pack members in this film do some great acting movie gracefully from coedy to drama and back again.


Quotes: Claire Standish: You know why guys like you knock everything?
John Bender: Oh, this should be stunning.
Claire Standish: It's because you're afraid.
John Bender: Oh God, you richies are so smart, that's exactly why I'm not heavy into activities.
Claire Standish: You're a big coward.
Brian Johnson: I'm in the math club.
Claire Standish: See, you're afraid that they won't take you, you don't belong, so you have to just dump all over it.
John Bender: Well, it wouldn't have anything to do with you activities people being assholes, now would it?
Claire Standish: Well, you wouldn't know, you don't even know any of us.
John Bender: Well, I don't know any lepers, but I'm not going to run out and join one of their fucking clubs.
Andrew Clark: Hey. Let's watch the mouth, huh?
Brian Johnson: I'm in the physics club too.
John Bender: Excuse me a sec. What are you babbling about?
Brian Johnson: Well, what I had said was I'm in the math club, uh, the latin, and the physics club... physics club.
John Bender: Hey, Cherry. Do you belong to the physics club?
Claire Standish: That's an academic club.
John Bender: So?
Claire Standish: So academic clubs aren't the same as other kinds of clubs.
John Bender: Ah... but to dorks like him, they are. What do you guys do in your club?
Brian Johnson: Well, in physics we... we talk about physics, properties of physics.
John Bender: So it's sorta social, demented and sad, but social. Right?



[Vernon catches Bender playing basketball in the gym]
Bender: Don't you want to hear my excuse?
Richard Vernon: Out!
Bender: I'm thinkin' of tryin' out for a scholarship.




The greatest Teen Comedy in my opinion of the past 25 years is....drumroll please


1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off-- Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is a tricky but harmless fast-talker. But he knows how to have fun, which is exactly what he sets out to do when he feigns illness and talks his parents into letting him stay home from school. The perpetually lucky Ferris enlists his hypochondriac best friend, Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck), into springing his girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), from class, and the three embark on a raucous downtown Chicago adventure. From Wrigley Field to the Art Institute of Chicago to a Polish pride parade, Ferris and his friends make the most of their day off. But Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron might not get away with playing hooky. Ferris’s sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), is determined to prove that Ferris is faking sick and make him pay for it, and the bumbling school dean, Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), is sure that Ferris is pulling a fast one.--- I love this movie since I feel a personal connection to Ferris. A fast talker who always has a scheme ready to go and is 2 steps ahead of everyone else. Funny situations abound and some great performances--including Alan Ruck portraying Ferris' best friend make this an excellent movie. A high schooler's fantasy--playing hooky from school and spending a day on the town. Twist and Shout indeed


Quotes: Shermerite: [a student is walking around with a can collecting money] Save Ferris? Save Ferris?
[Solicits Jeannie]
Shermerite: Save Ferris?
Jeannie: Excuse me?
Shermerite: Well, a group of us are collecting money to buy Ferris Bueller a new kidney. Save Ferris?
Jeannie: Go piss up a flagpole.
Shermerite: I'm sorry?
Jeannie: You should be.
[Knocks the can out of his hand]



Sloane: What are we going to do?
Ferris: The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
Cameron: Please don't say were not going to take the car home. Please don't say were not going to take the car home. Please don't say were not going to take the car home.
Ferris: [to the camera] If you had access to a car like this, would you take it back right away?
[beat]
Ferris: Neither would I.



There you have the culimination of my list...Feel free to agree, disagree wiht top 5 choices or even where I have them in my list. Thank you for reading.
- posted by Brian @ 9/26/2005 02:16:00 PM

 
My life is a country song
I meant to put this in the blog two weeks ago as I typed it on my computer in my room but never transferred it down to this computer with the Internet connection. Here is my non-fictional account of the night of September 3, 2005. People and place names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Saturday September 3rd was starting out to be an excting day for me. I had a wedding to attend, well nto just attend I was performing at it. See the girl getting married was someone I had went to high school with and I also worked with her mother for years. At work to pass time I would break into song--which really isn't uncommon for me. So when it came time for the daughter to get married I was asked to sing The Lord's Prayer at the service. I begrudgingly agreed. The song is a tough one to sing, especially for someone who hasn't sang formally in 6 years. It also came around the time where I wasn't really pleasant to be around, so the feeling of doing something nice for someone wasn't really grabbing me. Anyway the day came and it was time for me to hit the high notes.

I took my place behind the mic and began singing. It went worlds better than it had any right to go. I blasted the high notes and moved a few people to tears. It was hard to hide my beaming smile as I walked back to my seat. After the wedding I was hanging around waiting to see what my next move was and quite a few people showed up to offer me praise and tell me I had a great voice. I sheepishly accepted the accolades. Sheepishly, although the egotist in me was thinking I know I'm good.

From the wedding we moved to the reception. The reception was nice but too fancy an affair for me. The place had an open bar though so that made it more fun for me. I was told there was no hard liquor but there actually was, so I drank my share of Jack and Coke for the 4 hours I was there. In fact, I probably drank about 40-50 dollars worth of them. So with my brain properly soaked with whiskey I shook off people asking me if I needed a ride home and got in my car and began the 35 minute ride home.

Why do I pound whiskey like crazy--refer to the title of the post.

During the trip home I needed gas so I stopped at the cheapest station I found on the way there. I pulled into the pumps and got out only to realize I had the wrong side of my car facing the pumps. I then got in my car and swung around to the other side of the pump btu not reversing how my car was facing the pump. I didn't realize this until I was out of my car again. This time I got back into my car--forgetting to hang up the nozzle again letting it dangle on the pavement. I finally backed my car into the proper position (finally = 5 minutes), and pumped my gas. I'm sure I looked like a person who was every bit as inebriated as I actually was.

I got back in my car and began heading home some more when I got stuck behind a car doing about 15 miles an hour. I had finally had enough and sped up to pass the car. As I did I saw another car in front of it that wasn't visible from behind the car. Also the double yellow line came up faster than I thought. So I pounded the gas pedal hitting 85 just so I could pass the cars and avoid the car that flew down over the hill the opposite way. I made it with about 5 seconds to spare and then blazed it out of there so I couldn't be traced. Yes I know what could've happened and I know I could've ended up being jailed or having my license taken away but it didn't seem to bother me at that time.

Why do I recklessly drive and drink--refer to the title of the post.

I decided to venture off the main road, and relax for a while. I drove up into the wooded area into a park area and turned off my engine. I got out and wandered towards the fence on the side of the hill. I took in a long, deep breath of clear air and felt my lungs burn from the purity of it, in opposition of the toxins currently in my lungs. From that location I spotted a little bar at the bottom and got back into my car to venture down to it.

Why do I feel at home in nature away from main society---refer to the title of the post.

When I pulled into the parking lot the sign said, "Jackyl's Beer Pizza." I was intrigued about the Beer Pizza making me want to enter even more. I walked into the bar and noticed there was very little action going on in a par tof the bar. There was plenty of action in another part as some college students were celebrating a friend's 21st birthday. I settled dowon in the quiet portion of the bar and ordered a Rolling Rock. I began nursing the bottle, prepared to wait an hour or so here and then head home. The door at the end of the bar opened and closed and out from the bathroom walked a man who was probably in his late 50's and who had been drinking for a while. He stood and took a look at me as he passed. I decided to clear the airwaves.

"Am I in your seat man?"
"Nope. You're fine. You're pretty dressed up to come to this place."
"I was at a wedding."
"Makes sense. Let me buy you a beer."
"Alright." (Hey I was already drunk but who turns down a free beer?)
"Hey Jim. Boy needs another Rock."
"Thanks man."
"My name's Karl by the way."
"Brian." (We shake hands)

Karl then turns his attention to the television sitting on the ledge behind the bar where the Phillies were playing the Washington Nationals.

"You like the Phillies there Brian."
"Absolutely."
"These assholes. All they do is screw up anytime something good happens."
"Where;s your faith man?"
"Fuck faith. They're losing 4-1 now and their season is almost done. They should just quit now. 3 outs left for them."
"They'll tie the game."
"They tie the game and I'll buy us a pizza to eat. They don't you buy." (I was nervous to take the bet but the thought of pizza soaking up the alcohol in my system was a good idea.)
"Deal. I'm anxious to try the Beer Pizza." The bartender looked at me with a puzzled stare.

"Beer Pizza?"
"Yeah it's on the sign."
"That should read Beer and Pizza. Silly me the sign was missing an ampersand.
"Man. I thought maybe Beer Pizza was like a special thing here. Yeah well Pizza's pizza"

The Phillies would end up tying the game scoring me some free pizza, and extra innings to watch with Karl. For the next twenty minutes not much was said except for some idle small talk. A slice into the pizza and Karl started up again.

“So why are you here tonight?”
“I had nothing else to do.”
“Ah. At least we’re here for the same reason.”
“Well that makes for something I guess then.” (I smirk). At this point one of the college students tucked away in the other room of the bar makes her way to the bartender close to me.

“We need another shot glass.” She turns towards me. “It’s my 21st birthday.”
“They sent you to get the shot glass then?”
“I saw an opening to get away for a minute to take a breather.”
“Smart move. So what are you drinking?”
“Not sure, something with tequila in it. It’s rough.”
“Bartender get this girl a shot.” (Far be it from me to pass up buying someone something on their 21st.)
“Thanks babe.”
“I try.” She then talked to me for about 5 minutes about how nervous she was for her upcoming school year. She was studying to be a nurse and this year would be clinical work.

“I’m just worried I’ll give someone the wrong medicine.”
“Maybe they’ll be unconscious so they won’t notice.” She laughed and threw back her shot.
“I should be getting back to my friends. Thanks for the shot, and the laugh.” She kisses me on the cheek before she walks away.

Karl turned and looked at me. “She was cute huh?”
“Kinda.”
“But you won’t go over and try to talk with her.”
“Nope.”
“She looked back at you as she walked away.”
“You’re not making it easy on me.”


Again silence.

By now the Phillies had ended up losing their game and we were watching some stuff about Hurricane Katrina on the news.

“Thank god I didn’t have to go there.” Karl said.
“Vietnam was bad enough.”
“You were in the service?”
“Oh yeah. Served 2 full years in Vietnam. There something bad happens it doesn’t register. Hurricane hits here National Guardsmen are searching for fellow Americans.”
“You didn’t enjoy Vietnam.”
“I didn’t enjoy much of my life from 18-30.”
“12 year time span. That sucks.”
“I got out of high school with big plans. Since I had no way of reasonably executing them I found an alternative and enlisted in the forces. Lots of people did back then. I got out after 6 years of duty and came back to nothing.”
“No family or anything?”
“Of course there were family and friends but I pushed them away. I felt nobody understood what I’d seen or how I’d passed over my dreams. My dreams dried up like a raisin in the sun (Did he just quote Langston Hughes I thought?) So I drifted away from friends and became extremely introverted.”
“That’s sad.”
“It isn’t sad because I searched it out. At some point I could’ve said-this isn’t what I want to be but I still traveled down that path. Feel no pity for me.”
“Ok.”
“I didn’t meet any women, I didn’t have anyone to hang out with. I drifted slowly towards madness. Then I made a huge mistake by jumping into a relationship with a woman my parents insisted I date. Don’t get me wrong I liked her but I always felt like I was doing stuff for someone else again. For some reason I blamed her for that. Now here I am 57, single and hanging out every weekend night in a bar. That my friend is why my life is going nowhere.” He talked to me for another 45 minutes about his life and where it went wrong. He then seemed upset by the story and got up to leave throwing down 30 bucks on the bar.

“That should cover me. Brian, you’re sad about where you’re at. I can tell. Find a moment of clarity in it all. It’ll help.” He then walked out the door.

I sat for a moment thinking about what he said to me. The bartender then walked over and said.
“Don’t worry he tells his life story to everyone. Then he gets sad and leaves.”
I couldn’t help but think to myself that maybe he did tell his story to everyone but does it touch people like it just did me, knowing that between us swapping stories we were in similar positions at this point in our lives.

I threw down some money as a tip and for a six pack of Miller Light I bought. I picked up the rest of my pizza and the beer and walked towards the door. I got in my car and looked at the clock as it blinked 3:00. I drove the rest of the way home, with no problem as I was sobered up pretty well at this point. I got home and sat at our patio table and ate the rest of my pizza and drank the six pack of beer while I watched the sun appear over the horizon. I will never let myself become that sad I thought to myself. In fact, in this exchange of stories the old man had unwittingly given me that moment of clarity he had talked about. I finally went up to bed as the clock read 6:15. I slept til about 1:30 that day and never felt more refreshed in my life when I got up.

Postlogue: So what did I learn. I learned things won’t just get better overnight but as long as I find moments to build on—I’ll be ok……Sometimes you need that lesson reinforced. Not sure what made me take the course of actions I did that night but I’m glad I listened to the voice inside pushing me there.

And what can I say—My life is a country song
- posted by Brian @ 9/13/2005 05:24:00 PM

 
The Post with me reviewing The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is that rare horror movie that reaches to rise above convetional horror and give its viewer something to ponder while being terrified of the events happening. It is based on the terrible story of a young farm girl who went off to college and suddenly became afflicted with what appears to be an epileptic disorder. However, after doctors try to treat her with drugs to little success her family turns towards their parish and an exorcism is performed. So how did Emily die? Was it negligence on the priest's behalf or did the Devil take this young woman from the Earth.

Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is put on trial for the girls death and is being represented by Erin Brunner (Laura Linney) who is taking the case so she can make senior partner at her high-powered law firm. Moore is offered a plea bargain deal but he refuses saying, "I want to tell Emily Rose's story." From there the action moves into a courtroom where Ethan Thomas, a devout Methodist, is ruthlessly trying to prosecute the defendant although he is troubled by the talk of good and evil.

As we proceed through the witnesses testimony we are told the story of Emily Rose through flashbacks, revealing her joy at being accepted to college through the terrible ordeal in college and back to her family farm. The crux here is Moore was allowed to perform the exorcism although the Archdiochese publicly pulls away from the trial. See it is widely believe that demons exist and Catholics believe people can become possessed but many think publicizing the fact leads to trouble for their ministry. It's a religious catch-22.

Meanwhile Brunner is being haunted by some of the same events that surround the night Emily took on full possesion of the devil. She has troouble with the case becasue she is agnostic and doesn't believe demons walk among us. The courtroom drama is intense and the back and forth between the factions makes for the film's best moments. The story is told in such a way that when the Father offers his views on what happened the prosecution delivers the same story but gives an alternative as to what might have happened. For instance, did Emily really see faces in the lightning outside her hospital room or did her epileptic fit create imagery and hallunciations. We are showing it both ways and it is left to the viewer as to what they believe happened to Emily Rose. At many times I felt like I was in the jury box hearing the lawyers present their case.

Brunner also takes a U-Turn with her case when instead of trying to punch holes in the prosecutions argument she decides to legitimize demonic possession as a possibilty. She doesn't believe in the same things as Father Moore, but she believes in Father Moore.

There is a lot to like about this film. The story as I mentioned is told in an interesting way where the viewer is allowed to guess when they think is happening before the film gives us its conclusion. The leads are very good with Linney and WIlkinson both shining (again) but being upstaged by Jennifer Carpenter (who has graduated from movies like White Chicks) whose performance as the tormented 19 year old is gut wrenching in its grittiness and realness.

The action is shot in white hews when the scenes are meant to provide some form of hope, and in a harsh dark orange when things look bleak. Even the barn and pumpkins out back look creepy as hell when ominously focused on. Lastly, the exorcism scene is intense and has you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is going to be compared (unfairly) to that other little movie about exorcisms but the comparison is off-base. The Exorcist treated exorcisms like they were an everyday occurence, the main drama there was whether the young priest would believe himself enough to go through with it. In Emily Rose, the priest belives the whole time his mission is right and just and an exorcism is what Emily needs. The movie would be better served being named What Happened to Emily Rose? because in the end that is the question raised by the film. Do demons exist? Do you believe in them? Was this a cold blooded murder, or compassion gone too far? The Exorcism of Emily Rose allows the viewer to make up their own mind about that.


A-
- posted by Brian @ 9/09/2005 08:10:00 PM

 
The Post with me Listing the top 20 Teen Comedies of the past 25 years (#10-6)
As a quick aside before I start. JJ had some quibble with me placing Pretty in Pink at #20 on my list. Let me say--I totally understand your argument for the film,, I've kind of wrestled with my own feelings about it for a while. The ending works in a lot of ways but still to me feels kind of off. Personally I feel like the ending is saying, "Choose money over true love," and whether that's Hughes' intention or not it's what I draw. It's a message I can't condone. I also wasn't enirely honest about the list. I included movies that were comedy/dramas, or comedy/romances in addition to just straight comedies. So that's why Pretty in Pink gets nominated.

I should also mention though as an aside JJ threw some good superlatives my way in his blog so allow me to do the same thing. It is onyl a short time I've known him but the man is incredibly knowledgable and talking to him for 5 minutes is better than talking to a lot of people for 5 hours. Also people could learn a lot from him about how to act when entering a discussion. Go in believing you are right but allowing for the possibility you are wrong. I wish I'd have met you when I was around Lancaster more often JJ.


Now on with the show:

10. Risky Business--A suburban Chicago teenager's parents leave on vacation, and he cuts loose. An unauthorised trip in his father's Porsche means a sudden need for lots of money, which he raises in a creative way.--Maybe I've been too hard on Tom Cruise over the years. I kind of like him in some movies, but I love him in this film. The movie helps epitomize the 80's. Well to do families are "invaded" by lower class citizens. Rebecca DeMornay is hot in this movie and the dialogue and chemistry between her and Cruise is excellent. Lastly the best aspect of this film is how they use the different forms of music perfectly throughout--the soundtrack couldn't blend any better.

Quote: Miles: Sometimes you gotta say "What the Fuck", make your move. Joel, every now and then, saying "What the Fuck", brings freedom. Freedom brings opportunity, opportunity brings freedom. So your parents are going out of town. You got the place all to yourself.
Joel Goodson: Yeah.
Miles: What the fuck.

9. 10 Things I Hate About You-- Updated version of William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew," set at Padua High School in Seattle where a new transfer student, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is interested in the popular sophomore Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). But Bianca's overprotective and domineering father (Larry Miller) forbids Bianca to date unless her older sister Katerina (Julia Siles), an unpopular and hostile senior, does. In a bid to get Katerina a boyfriend, Cameron sets up a plan to have the school stud, Joey Donnar (Andrew Keegan), bribe Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), an outcast senior with a rumor-filled past, to take the violatle Katerina out on dates so he can go to the school's homecomming dance with Bianca. However, neither Pat or Kat expect their 'going steady' to lead where nobody expects it too.-- It is rare the teen movie that treats the teens like real adults. This is one of those few. All the leads in this movie are great and all work well together. The story is fast moving and never slows down. Also for those that hate those moments it avoids the melancholy moments and when they do happen it is quick but powerful and helps the story immensely. PLus you get an early glimpse at how good an actor Heath Ledger was going to become.

Quote: Walter Stratford: I delivered a set of twins to a fifteen-year-old girl today, and you know what she said to me?
Bianca: "I'm a crack-whore who should have made my sleazy boyfriend wear a condom"?
Walter Stratford: Close, she said "I should have listened to my father."
Bianca: She did not.
Walter Stratford: Well, that's what should would have said if she wasn't so doped up.

8. Dazed and Confused-- In a small Texas enclave, highlights the rites of passage on the last day of school in 1976 for the new, incoming freshmen at the hands of the class of '77 at Robert E. Lee High School. Freshman boys are physically punished, while the girls largely face the brunt of verbal abuse and humiliation. Two main figures emerge. Incoming freshman Mitch Kramer comes to a new realization in his role as a major target of senior hazing. And, among the seniors is Randall "Pink" Floyd, the school's star quarterback, who moves with facile grace among groups of greasers, nerds, stoners, and athletes alike.-- I know someone will complain this movie isn't in the top 5 but I will say this, in my eyes from 8to 1 they are all real close in my eyes and on a different day and time I might have this movie in the top 5 but not today. The movie is made for survivors of the 70's although in any high school in America you went to school with these kids. I think this movie is good though becasue of the actors though. The writing isn't really that strong and Linklater has too many characters end up as being caricatures as opposed to being fully developed characters. Another movie with a large familiar cast that went on to great things.

Quote: Cynthia: God, don't you ever feel like everything we do and everything we've been taught is just to service the future?
Tony: Yeah I know, like it's all preparation.
Cynthia: Right. But what are we preparing ourselves for?
Mike: Death.
Tony: Life of the party.
Mike: It's true.
Cynthia: You know, but that's valid because if we are all gonna die anyway shouldn't we be enjoying ourselves now? You know, I'd like to quit thinking of the present, like right now, as some minor insignificant preamble to something else.

7. Election-- Tracy Flick is the smartest student in all Carver High and the only one having an affair with a teacher. Her other teacher Mr. McAllister is the most involved teacher at Carver High and is messing around with his wifes best friend. Elections are coming up and Tracy Flick is the only one running and after seeing Tracy always winning something and doing everything right, Mr. McAllister bribes the dumb jock Paul to run against her for his own pleasure. Tracy is mortified that Paul is even trying to compete. Tammy, Paul's lesbian sister who got dumped by her girlfriend to go with Paul decides that running against her brother is the best revenge. After the three say their speeches everything goes on a downfall. Who will win the election this year?-- Much like our #9 entry a movie that treats the high-schoolers like adults making decisions with very adult consequences. The movie is at heart a political satire but works extremely well as a character piece. The pace and direction are strong throughout this film making the time just breeze by. The film is funny without being dumb, and wistful without taking itself too seriously. The movie is smart, funny, and biting--plus Reese Witherspoon gives another fantastic performance.

Quote: [all praying to God]
Tracy Flick: Dear Lord Jesus, I do not often speak with you and ask for things, but now, I really must insist that you help me win the election tomorrow because I deserve it and Paul Metzler doesn't, as you well know. I realize that it was your divine hand that disqualified Tammy Metzler and now I'm asking that you go that one last mile and make sure to put me in office where I belong so that I may carry out your will on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Tammy Metzler: Dear God, I know I don't believe in you, but since I'll be starting catholic school soon, I though I should at least practice. Let's see. What do I want? I want Lisa to realize what a bitch she is and feel really bad and apologize for how she hurt me and know how much I still love her. In spite of everything, I still want Paul to win the election tomorrow, not that cunt Tracy. Oh, and I also want a really expensive pair of leather pants and someday, I wanna be really good friends with Madonna. Love, Tammy.
Paul Metzler: Dear God, than you for all your blessings. You've given me so many things, like good health, nice parents, a nice truck, and what I'm told is a large penis, and I'm very grateful, but I sure am worried about Tammy. In my heart, I still can't believe she tore down my posters, but sometimes, she does get so weird and angry. Please help her be a happier person because she's so smart and sensitive and I love her so much. Also, I'm nervous about the election tomorrow and I guess I want to win and all, but I know that's totally up to you. You'll decide who the best person is and I'll accept it. And forgive me for my sins, whatever they may be. Amen.

6. American Pie-- At a high-school party, four friends (Jim, Kevin, Finch, and Oz) find that losing their collective virginity isn't as easy as they had thought. But they still believe that they need to do so before college. To motivate themselves, they enter a pact to try to be the first to "score." And of course, the senior prom is their last best chance. As the fateful date draws near, the boys wonder who among them will get lucky. More importantly, do they really want to do it at all?-- Even if you hate this film you've got to say this..It has the courage of its convictions. It is a movie about teen boys wanting to get laid and then presents a full blown sex comedy about the trials and tribulations of chasing that goal. The movie is laugh out loud funny and not just with the over-the-top gross out gags. There are a lot of funny lines spouted throughout. The main reasons to like this film though are Jason Biggs excellent portrayal of the awkward Jim and the relationship between Biggs and Eugene Levy's characters. There is a lot of sweetness to their interaction as the dad is trying to be helpful without embarassing his son.
Again, another strong ensemble cast.


Quote: Jim: Guys, uh, what exactly does third base feel like?
Kevin: You want to take this one?
Chris "Oz" Ostreicher: Like warm apple pie.
Jim: Yeah?
Chris "Oz" Ostreicher: Yeah.
Jim: Apple pie, huh?
Chris "Oz" Ostreicher: Uh huh.
Jim: McDonald's or homemade?


Part 4 coming soon
- posted by Brian @ 9/06/2005 04:08:00 PM

 
The Post with me Checking this Out



What do you think?
- posted by Brian @ 9/04/2005 07:11:00 PM

 
The Post with me lamenting about 15 minutes
Andy Warhol supposedly once said, “In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” (I say supposedly because it seems like one of those quotes that are too perfect to have been said verbatim.) I’ve been wondering the last couple days if that is such a good thing.

We know what has been going on in our own country for the past week. A hurricane rips through New Orleans and cripples the levee system there flooding the city and putting thousands of people out into the streets with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In the aftermath of that New Orleans has been plunged into a state of anarchic chaos. I’ve been watching the coverage on the news and am becoming more and more disenfranchised with our own culture’s search for that elusive 15 minutes.

15 minutes of fame for everyone is a good idea in principle. I mean really--who among us doesn’t want to be famous? We’d love to be the hero who pulls a person from a burning car in our hometown. Or the person who invents something that everyone needs but doesn’t know they need it just yet. If those both fail we’d love to be a movie star or singer or even end up on one of those “reality” shows where they find a way to make you appear in the worst possible light. I always laugh when I read how Trishelle Canatella complains because the Real World producers made her look like an alcoholic during her stay on the show. Or the way Survivor producers made Jerri Manthey look like a bitch to everyone. Boo-hoo! You asked for that 15 minutes. You actively sought it out and signed a paper that said (and I’m paraphrasing here),, “I sign my soul to you Satan to do as you wish.” I see no problem with that. But the tragedy in New Orleans and disasters in general make me sick to my stomach, and makes me wonder what happens when that 15 minutes finds you.

I should stop here and explain something before I move on. I hate seeing coverage of disasters on television. Whatever it is I don’t like it. War torn countries—I turn my head. Tsunami footage taken by someone who decided to weather the storm makes me nauseous. This latest round of coverage makes me queasy thinking about it. It isn’t the coverage necessarily; it’s more my hopeful beliefs that things like that don’t exist. Maybe if I turn away long enough, when I turn back the news report will be gone and things will be normal. Inevitably it isn’t and I find myself donating some monetary donation to my local Red Cross.

This past Tuesday I came home, kind of late and absolutely starved. I turned on the television in my dining room and sat down with my big plate of ham and string beans. The six o’clock news theme blared and they led off with the words I dreaded to hear, “First this evening, more coverage from the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.” I immediately looked down from the tv and went back to reading my sports section. Then I heard the report that made me give pause. I only heard a little bit of the beginning, “Some reporter somewhere interview some African-American man probably in his late 40’s, early 50’s.” It was after the first sentence that came out of his mouth I heard his voice break. This sadly peaked my interest. (Sadly because I couldn’t shake the feeling I was paying attention because I heard despair in someone’s voice and knowing that was precisely the reason I was paying attention.) I saw the man standing next to two young boys—probably 11 or 12 tops—looking absolutely terrified. The man then continued, “The water came into my house, and I had a hold of my wife’s hand. I was holding as hard as I could.” (At this point he is wildly frantic and crying recounting the story—I felt tears welling in my eyes for those that care). “Then she says to me Let go of my hand you can’t hold onto me. Take care of our kids and grandkids. Then I lost my grip and now I can’t find her. Now I don’t know where she’s at. My house and my wife was all I had and now they gone.” (At this point tears are no longer welling—they are pouring down from my eyes). The reporter then asks—with her voice breaking into tears—“What’s your wife’s name in case someone finds her?” The guy then said her name and I really hate myself for not remembering it. I sat and stared at the tv for a few minutes before I went back to my meal but the story moved me in a sympathetic way and a very angry one. It’s one of the saddest stories I’ve ever heard—more so because of the telling but it would’ve been sad regardless. That sadness was quickly displaced by the angriness though.

It was very noble that the reporter asked the guy his wife’s name so he might be reunited someday. That wasn’t the intention though. This reporter was sent to New Orleans with one distinct purpose—find some good stories for us to tell on the news, and what better story than the guy crying in the streets calling his wife’s name. How does your humanity react to that? You see a guy crying for his wife and you have two options. You either console him and try to help him look for her, or you jam a damn microphone in his face and ask if you can have a few minutes of his time for tv. How sick and twisted is that logic? What tempts a reporter to do something like that? How do they sleep with themselves? Sure she cried and showed passion but I’d bet when that camera went off she was gone and will someday use this tape on a resume package to get a better paying job.

It’s crass and it’s rude and it’s uncalled for. Don’t tell me it’s news. A hurricane hitting New Orleans is news. Talking about the chaos and displaced citizens is news. However, taking someone’s real pain and sympathy—a nostalgia for a life he had not but 48 hours ago when he had all he wanted, his house and his wife—and turning it into a sound bite that can be accessed from any computer or news service around the globe is incorrigible. This man was hysterical and wasn’t able to stop and think, “This news station might be exploiting me.”

If you have no idea what video I’m talking about—you’ll see it again. I’ve seen it twice since the original viewing. It’ll be replayed at the end of the year in some remembrance of the year that passed. It’ll be played when the guy hopefully is happily reunited with his wife. (I say happily because after being whored out on tv like that he deserves finding his wife safe and sound.) Most importantly it’ll get re-played because it gives him his 15 minutes of fame.

Maybe Andy Warhol said that quote at the beginning, but I think they left part of it out, “In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes—whether they want to be or not.”
- posted by Brian @ 9/02/2005 06:18:00 PM