I'd like it noted that Best Buy has a big DVD sale this week. $4.99 per movie.
That's not the point of this post, however.
The point is that for $4.99, these aren't the greatest of films. On the list? Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Little Black Book, Saw, Van Wilder, and Hollow Man, to name a few.
That's not the point, either.
The point is that ALSO on the list is Crash.
That's right. Last year's Oscar winner for Best Picture is being sold for peanuts along side a whole list of crappy, B-movies, like Starship Troopers 2 (not even the original).
The point?
I was right in thinking Crash was a terrible movie. Yeah, it had a couple interesting insights on racism in American, but overall, it's no better than Men in Black (which also took a look at racism, if you'll remember, and is on sale for $4.99).
That's not the point of this post, however.
The point is that for $4.99, these aren't the greatest of films. On the list? Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Little Black Book, Saw, Van Wilder, and Hollow Man, to name a few.
That's not the point, either.
The point is that ALSO on the list is Crash.
That's right. Last year's Oscar winner for Best Picture is being sold for peanuts along side a whole list of crappy, B-movies, like Starship Troopers 2 (not even the original).
The point?
I was right in thinking Crash was a terrible movie. Yeah, it had a couple interesting insights on racism in American, but overall, it's no better than Men in Black (which also took a look at racism, if you'll remember, and is on sale for $4.99).
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Now.
Van Wilder and MiB are both SWEET MOVIES and you know it! And I own Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights because dance movies are full of passion, have great costumes and rockin soundtracks.
I must point out, though, that plenty of movies that I consider substantial or quality films are on sale for a pittance because people have no class, culture or sophistication, or they only like movies like MiB and don't like movies like L.A. Confidential, etc etc.
In Crash's defense, Reservoir Dogs was also on sale for $4.99, and is consistently under $10. And there are small treasure that slip through cracks and end up on sale racks (it's how I acquire most of my movies). However, it's usually when a film gets to be 7-10 years out of the public eye (as is true for both Reservoir Dogs, LA Confidential, and others like Forest Gump, Titanic, American Beauty, and hell, even The Godfather can be found on sale).
Less than a year after winning Best Picture, though, I would hope for a better response. Million Dollar Baby, Lord of the Rings, Chicago, Gladiator...none of them are nearly that cheap.
Meh, I'm super biased and still bitter. I mean, I didn't entirely hate Crash, but I don't think it should have even been nominated for Best Picture, let alone won it. I mean...it was against Brokeback, Capote, Good Night and Good Luck...all of which were better films. Someday I'll let it go. :-)
Because I love cowboys.
And gay men.
Oh, and Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhal.
But seriously, those three movies were all phenomenal, but were really about rather narrow, depressing topics, and the average person wants fun date night popcorn movies to own so they can watch them again and again. How much is someone like, say... Elliot, going to watch Crash? Or Capote? Like, never. You are a much more discerning buyer, because you don't just buy things you're sure you'll watch again and again, but things you think are important works that you should have in your lovely collection.
Second, I'm totally going to keep up with every comment you leave because a) I know you're bored at work and b) I have the time and effort.
Third! (The actual comment.)
I'm not really upset about the pricing on DVDs or what people buy versus what stays on the DVD store shelves. Personally, I am a more astute buyer and I do own Brokeback Mountain and have watched it several time (it's gay cowboys...what could be better?), I also own Good Night and Good Luck (though I have yet watch it a second time). Either way, they are both much better than Crash and while I like the theme of racism, there are a million ways it could have been manifested better.
Instead, I think we should discuss the following ten items. They should last the 45 minutes I have left on my shift. You have five minutes to answer the following (from 10:07pm):
1. What the hell happened to my copy of The Big Lebowski??
2. Are you at all intrigued by Miss Potter?
3. What's going to be hotter: Shooter or Reno 911?
4. Will Gray Matters bear any resemblance to The Dreamers?
5. How come I didn't know about Amazing Grace until I was putzing around imdb?
6. Who is a better male character actor than Chris Cooper? And saying Willem Defoe is a cop out.
7. Why didn't I know about Blake Snake Moan--and how the hell am I going to find it??
8. Do people really change their pants in the car like Dennis Haysbert says on the Allstate commercial?
9. When's the next vote for a new M&M?
10. Is it worth seeing 300 for Lena Headey???
1. Sorry, I can't say for sure what happened to your Big Lebowski, but it's under $15 at amazon.com, and probably most other places like Target or Wal-Mart.
2. I am intrigued by Miss Potter. I wasn't by the looks of it originally, but I watched the trailer and despite (or perhaps because of) Ewan McGregor and his tooly little mustache, I'm most certainly putting it on my "list."
3. SHOOTER is definitely going to be way hotter than Reno 911. I've never watched the TV show and am not the least-bit interested in the movie version, but Shooter? Oh man, I am practically creaming myself in anticipation!
4. I think Gray Matters will not resemble The Dreamers, because a) I think Heather Graham's character starts out in a heterosexual mindset, but upon finding this fabulous girl for her brother, realizes she wants him for herself. It lacks the tag-team seduction and becomes more of a competition (possibly?). The Dreamers is far too dark and European. And while I would be so excited if Bridget Moynahan decided to take Heather Graham, I'm afraid that Heather will end up alone (or at least without Bridget). I'm excited nonetheless, and I took my icon from the movie poster (if you hadn't noticed).
5. There have been previews for Amazing Grace for well over a month, I was starting to think it was overkill, so perhaps you need to see more movies? I also remember discussing it with you, briefly, because we were having a discussion about how the hell Ioan Gruffudd pronounces his name (YO-an GRIFF-ith, according to IMDb). I also remember mentioning how unenthused I am about Albert Finney. So you totally knew, you just didn't remember a thing I said. I'm interested in the movie, though, and if you watch the preview carefully, there's a moment when you see Rufus Sewell looking like a TOTAL tool in a pilgrim-ish hat, and that alone is enough to draw me in.
6. Character actors are some of my favorites, and finding one better than Chris Cooper is nearly impossible. On the same level, however, I would nominate David Strathairn and James Cromwell. (Frankly, one of my favorite Cromwell roles was in Star Trek: First Contact).
7. I have seen the name everywhere, but haven't watched the preview. There was a clip I caught somewhere (possibly a commercial, in passing) with Christina Ricci terribly thin and on a chain leash? I don't know what's up with it, but I'm not sure I'm interested at all.
8. I've totally changed from a prom dress into jeans and a tee-shirt in the car, but not while driving. I have taken off/put on jackets or sweatshirts while driving though. It's hard, but can totally be done. It's also dangerous and I wouldn't recommend it.
9. I'd rather vote out and M&M than vote a new one in (I hate the blue and always have). But I don't know if they will be adding new colors to the bag, because you can go online and order whatever colors you want in a mix. There are also M&M things in candy stores where you can pick and choose your colors (like with jelly bellies, except they all have the same chocolately flavor). You should try creating your own M&M character on their website, though. It's sweet.
10. And no. 300 looks terrible. Though I'm not really a fan of graphic novels (and no, I still haven't seen Sin City) and while Lena Headey if fucking hot, I'll watch her in Imagine Me & You until 300 comes out on DVD, at which point, maybe I'll rent it. Besides, I don't think Lena Headey makes out with girls in 300, so that's another reason why Imagine Me & You is a better.
You're thoughts?
I'm not going to go in order.
I wouldn't put James Cromwell in there. I've seen him in a lot of things (LA Confidential, I Robot, The Queen, Babe, Six Feet Under, when he was on ER), but he doesn't stick out as fantastic. Which piece of his made you go Woah? David Straithairn I adore, but have seen less, I think I kind of forget him because he's also so... quiet or subtle or something I can't quiet name (still waters run deep?) that it's hard to put him next to people like Willem Dafoe. But I can't get enough of Sad Sack Russel Terziak and A League of Their Own.
Yeah, Christina Ricci superthin and on a leash, I just can't take my eyes off her when she's onscreen. The summary looks fascinating, and when was the last time you saw Samuel L.--you know I love him to death--stretch himself? Rules of Engagement? The Red Violin? The Negotiator, probably? He can do it, and I like watching him do it.
Fine, no 300. Lena needs to do more movies. I need to see her naked. Like, seriously. Talk about creaming yourself. Marky Mark all grown up does it, too, but in a "OH JESUS FUCKIN H CHRIST TAKE ME NOW YOU BIG, GENETICALLY SUPERIOR HE-MAN WITH THE SWEET SWEET SMILE! I WANT YOU AS DORKY AS I HEART HUCKABEES AND AS SMOKIN HOT AS ITALIAN JOB" way, instead of in a "OH WHAT A SUBTLY CURVED LADY I'D LIKE TO WOO-HOO WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM!"
See Sin City. Seriously. Justin, his G/F, friend Kyle and his G/F might drive to la floride and if they do I'm hitching a ride and crashing with you wherever you are and we will watch it. Two reasons, beyond the overall awesomeness / sexiness / interesting debates one can have post-viewing: Rory Gilmore tarted up so that you're thinking your very naughtiest thoughts, and Clive Owen in red converse sneakers, a leather duster and saving the ladies.
I agree with you on Miss Potter, and now that you mention it, I remember the convo about Ioann Gruffudd. I was concentrating on not slipping on the ice and falling on my ass near Mary Lyon, so I just listened enough to respond and put the rest of my brain to keeping me upright. I just didn't see a trailer.
I know what happened to my Big Lebowski, I just wondered what you'd say if I asked. (A kid stole it when I lived in Peabody with Libby.) And I asked the M&M question to see if you'd bring up your hatred for the blue M&M. Which you did. Cookie (que qui?) for me!
Do you have a list of Zoe? (To be read the way Ferris says "Do you have a kiss for Daddy?")
The Ferris-style "Do you have a list for Zoe" thing made me laugh really hard outloud for a good three minutes. Oh Zoe. The things you won't say.
And Lena + Mark Wahlberg would be like triple orgasmic delight!
Also, setting me up for a rant on blue M&Ms was mean and underhanded...I loved it!
I'm not a fan of Rory Gilmore really, but she's in Bride and Prejudice (which is awesome, by the way), and it did bump her up.
And the reason I added James Cromwell to the list was because he was on Sunday Morning Shootout talking about how he will always be a character actor and not a lead and that he likes it like that.
And now, your list (it sucks compared to yours):
1. The chance of Meredith actually dying tonight on "Grey's."
2. On a scale of gross inappropriateness, from a scale of 1 to 10 (whereas 1 is calling a current girlfriend/boyfriend by an ex's name, 5 is getting caught in a giggle loop at a funeral, and 10 is shagging a catering girl at the wake of your best friend on the same day you were supposed to be the best man at his wedding with his bride-to-be/widow is in the room), how grossly inappropriate was Izzie telling George that he made a mistake marrying Callie while Meredith is dying in the next room?
3. The chance of there being a confirmed gay character in Harry Potter (statistically someone must be).
4. The possibility that Snape will die in the end (as a martyr, of course): literary cliché or necessary evil?
5. Phil Collins - why is it that everyone makes fun of him, but I dare you to find a single person who won't bop his head along to "Sussudio," or feel something deep inside when listening to "Another Day in Paradise" or "Against All Odds"?
6. With the loss of trans fats, have we lost all good flavor too? (i.e. McDonald's fries)
7. Why is the dime so small?
8. Why is it that we are so attracted to controversial or banned books, music, movies, etc?
9. M&Ms: plain or peanut?
10. Ewan McGregor or Jonathan Rhys Meyers?
1. Even before it aired, I thought there was no chance. Besides the fact that she's the lead character, she voices the narration and she holds the threads together, her character has this quality that everyone responds to that you need with everyone else being so volatile. PLus, as you pointed out tonight, what's McDreamy without McMeredith?? A hunk of sad, sad surgeon, that's what!
2. Izzy overstepped there, way bigtime. I think she's terrified about loosing Meredith so she's picking a fight, kind of parallel to the way that Cristina hit up the dollar store, but there's really no excuse. She and George have both lost someone recently and just because George has someone new to support him while Izzy doesn't, doesn't mean she gets to poop on him.
3. First off, is the 1 in 10 is gay stat a worldwide stat, or an American one? Just wondering. I think the chances are pretty much zilch. I'm sure JKR knows that pervy people everywhere speculate on the gayness of her cast of characters, but I wonder if she intended people to come off that way, or if it's just they're all so intriguing and fit together in surprising and beautiful ways and we're all just responding to the awesomeness of her characters' 3-Dness? If there's only one, though, logistically it would be someone minor, like Seamus or Dean--but in my dreams... oh man, I couldn't pick only one! The cliched answer would be that Hermione's a big lesbian... but I don't like that. She's firmly boss-a-man-around to me. Not that some good Ginny stress relief is adverse to me.
4. Snape as a martyr. Hmm. What I keep thinking is, it's like Stranger Than Fiction. I'm assuming you saw it; if not, you won't get this next bit and you can ignore it. As in, JKR can do the thing that makes the most sense, or she can do the other thing and make everyone turning her pages happier. Personally, I think a big part of Harry's post-war healing will have to do with accepting that everyone has complicated reasons for everyrhing, tangled alliances, and mixed feelings about other people, and that sometimes people can only handle doing certain things so they can't always make the right choice. Do I think he's going to die? No, I don't. But it would be a cop out, not a cliche or necessary evil, in my book.
5. I don't mock him (though I must say that I hate the Tarzan song), but I only know "Another Day in Paradise" of the songs you listed... So I feel unprepared tot answer this question fully.
6. I hated McDonald's fries to begin with. BK's are better. So I don't care. I don't think having or not having trans fats is really going to affect me much anyway...
7. Because it's worth less than half of a quarter?
8. First off, we're pervs. Pervy voyeurs, really. Not only do we like the sorts of topics/words/opinions that banned things have/mean, we want to know what other people find offensive and bannable so that we can read it and giggle over it--we know we're going to enjoy it. I don't think there's a book on the banned book list for, say, K-12 that I disliked!
9. Peanut! But I really really fucking hate peanut butter M&Ms with a passion. Even though I love peanut butter in general. Crazy.
10. What an unfair question. Firstly, I haven't seen either of them recently, so I don't know how they look now. I'd take Ewan in Velvet Goldmine and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Titus. But I couldn't pick who's better. It's like asking whether you wanted to throttle Carl more after choosing The Sound of Music or The Boy Friend...
I'm not giving you a list of ten. I'm putting a big, for-everyone list of 10 on my LJ sometime soon. Watch out.
To leave you with a quote that'll make you laugh like the Ferris one (I hope), here's: "The real question is: How can I make love to her when she's *not* at fat camp?"
And I love all naughty things. And I agree with the "it sucks to not like the banned books" thing. You want so much to be all "yay!" and champion the good fight for rebellion and revolution, but damn. Some things just aren't good.
That's really all. My list was lacking, but I'm going to try to think of more (better) questions and possibly post them for the world at large.
Hope you're enjoying your TVness and have a lovely evening!