It might be after Christmas, but the hits keep on coming from Netflix. I managed to get this dvd in the mail, so I had to watch it and review it, since it’s a little taste of Christmas past. Scrooged is a movie that takes the classic Charles Dicken’ s book and spins it into a contemporary comic frenzy, via Bill Murrays’ performance as a rich television executive who needs a talking to badly.
Here is a trailer for Scrooged:
The movie does not look bad at all. I was impressed with the way the camera and lighting played a good overall role in this film, and while the movie didn’t seem like it was dated, the surroundings made it seem older than it was. Meaning, the cabs, the television network rooms, the clothing, and the actors themselves. Murray hasn’t aged well at all.
The movie, for the most part, follows the same retelling of the old Christmas Carol, only it has Bill Murray adlibbing a ton of lines, and just going wherever he wants. I didn’t think you could make an original movie out of the Dickens classic, but Richard Donner manages not to screw things up here and really puts a good spin on a classic. It might not be Christmas anymore, but I certainly enjoyed Scrooged in this bright new year.
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Best of Film 2008
When compiling this top ten list of movies this year, I had to take into account a lot of different things. First and foremost, these films are only selected from a list of films that I actually saw this year. Secondly, they are only movies that came out this year. Lastly, they are movies that I liked enough to put on this list, and while the order is arguable, these are just the movies that I enjoyed and of course…that means I saw some terrible movies. In the new year I won’t be seeing as many releases, but will be watching more dvd’s to off set that. Here’s the best that I saw this year.
1. The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight blew me away when I first saw it. I easily found problems with it the more I thought about it, but overall it was worth all the hype and more. This movie is epic, and it really did top the first film that Nolan did in the Batman universe. Now on dvd, I like it just as much.
2. Zack and Miri Make A Porno
Kevin Smith does it again, and you know what? It works. He really has grown as a film maker and a screen writer. This film is more than just a movie about some roommates making a porno, it’s about love, friendship and well…Jason Mewes’s penis.
3. Role Models
Paul Rudd is amazing in this one. He plays me, well, a version of me that would exist if I wasn’t married. I swear the role is like I was in high school and college. Sarcastic, cynical, and alone; this movie was filmed in my old stomping grounds in Southern California so it has a little sentimental value thrown in for good measure.
4. Strange Wilderness
No one really talks about this one, but the guys that did “Grandma’s Boy” are back at it. This movie had me in stitches, it is absurd humor from the Happy Madison (Adam Sandler) studios, and I found it hilarious.
5. Iron Man
Iron Man was good. Half good, so it makes it to number five; I liked it but it was too linear for me. It was dumb after I thought about it, but it was better than most comic book movies before it came out.
6. Semi-Pro
I liked this movie on a lot of different levels. It was funny. If you saw it, than you know how this is cool
7. Step Brothers
Step Brothers was funny to me. It’s not a great movie, but it was funny.
8. Death Race
I got to see this movie for free and it was enjoyable. So I threw it in here.
9. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
This movie is a love song for Millennial children. I liked it, since I have a lot of admiration for independent music.
10.The Ruins
The Ruins wasn’t overtly scary, but it had enough to make it on my list. There is some of the sickest gore was found in the leg amputation scene, and I liked it.
There you have it, the year that was. In the new year I’ll have more of the same.
Lastly, if you want a shot at winning a free book, click here to comment and I’ll announce the winner asap.
Further Reading