Matt At The Movies: Oscars Edition

What up movie fans? Welcome to the latest blog series brought to you by yours truly. In what I am calling "Matt At The Movies", I will review movies that I see throughout the year right here.

Thanks to a pass that allows me to see movies at a certain movie theater in Columbus for free, I have made it a point to see a lot more movies than I usually would. That includes movies I am excited to see and others that I just go see because it's free and I hav nothing to lose but a few more brain cells.

I will review my first movie in due time but before that, it's Oscar Week! Depending on the year, I'm either excited or apathetic toward the Academy Wards. This year, I'm excited. I've seen a good share of the movies that are nominated and seen many of the performances that are nominated in the acting categories. And while some of the awards are no in doubt of who will win, it's exciting to see those awards that are still up in the air.

At the end of this post, I will share my Oscar picks. But before that, I will share my picks of best movies and performances of the year. I thought of coming up with a great name for these awards (Barnsies, Simbas, Moscars) but I didn't like any of them. So instead, they're just winners.

I'm not exactly going to use the Oscars categories. Best Actor means for the year, not just for one movie sometimes. And instead of best picture, I split them up by genre. And you'll notice, not all categories will have 5 nominees. These are my awards so I'll do them my way.

In all, I saw 23 movies that came out in 2012. I will only be judging performances from the movies I have seen. Those movies are (in order of release): Safe House, Project X, 21 Jump Street, American Reunion, The Avengers, Ted, Magic Mike, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises, The Campaign, Premium Rush, End of Watch, Looper, Taken 2, Seven Psychopaths, Argo, Flight, Skyfall, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, This is 40, Django Unchained

BEST ACTOR NOMINEES - 2012
Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln
Joseph Gordon-Levitt -  The Dark Knight Rises, Premium Rush, Looper, Lincoln
Channing Tatum - 21 Jump Street, Magic Mike
Denzel Washington - Safe House, Flight

BREAKDOWN: Cooper's performance was simply amazing. It came out of nowhere for me, considering his other fare (The Hangover, The A-Team). But he really threw himself into this role. He made me hate him, like him, root against and root for him, all within 2 hours. Easily the best performance of his career... Day-Lewis is no doubt one of the best actors out there right now. There was simply no one better to play Abe Lincoln than him. Never during the movie did I ever think it was him. I always thought it was the President... Gordon-Levitt had a busy year. Premium Rush was entertaining and he was solid. Looper was probably his best performance, as he went toe-to-toe with Bruce Willis. I bought him as an action star for the first time. Yes, he starred in The Dark Knight Rises but that movie was never about him. He was also solid in a complimentary role in Lincoln, especially in an emotional scene with his Dad upon seeing the body parts of soldiers... Tatum was in more than just these 2 movies he is nominated for. In all, he starred in 4 that were released in 2012. He showed some above-average comedic chops in 21 Jump Street. Many times, he was funnier than co-star Jonah Hill (who I think overdoes it too much). Magic Mike was not supposed to be a lesson in acting but he was admirable in it. I bought his character because he was that guy... Washington is among my favorite current actors right now. Yes, he tends to play the same character (angry Black man, whether in power or not in power), but he does it very well. Safe House was nothing special but not awful. But Flight showed a side of him I had not seen in a long time. A vulnerable, emotional wreck side that captivated me from start to finish.

BEST ACTOR - 2012: Daniel Day-Lewis

BEST ACTRESS NOMINEES - 2012
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
Mila Kunis - Ted
Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
Leslie Mann - This is 40
Kelly Reilly - Flight

BREAKDOWN: Chastain was spectacular in this role. She had to play a tough and at times, heartless person and she did it well. She did not overact and made her character likable despite the rough exterior... Kunis is becoming one of the most reliable actresses in film right now. She's not going to wow you (acting I mean) but she will give you a solid performance that compliments her fellow actors and the movie. I thought in Ted, she did a nice job playing off of Wahlberg and a dirty-talking bear that she can't even see... Lawrence probably was good in The Hunger Games but I wouldn't know. I didn't see it. But I did see her in this movie and am already excited to see her next movie. She's just 22 but in a role that demanded her to act older, she prevailed. The intensity she brings to that performance is truly impressive. And it wasn't all drama as she had some nice one-liners that showed she can act with the best of them. Her chemistry with Cooper to was top notch... Mann is never going to win any awards in her career. And honestly, most people don't know her name. But for me, she is one of the best comedic actresses out there right now. She's a real trooper, going that extra mile so the joke lands. She clearly knows how to ad-lib with the best of them. And maybe most importantly, has no shame, which makes her likable in every movie she's in. She's not trying to be funny. She just is... Reilly was a no-name to me before I saw her in Flight. In fact, she still is a no-name to me, as I had to look up her name for this. But her performance in the movie stood out. Alongside Washington, she helped drive the movie to its thrilling conclusion. She was pushed hard by Washington's character but instead of fading into the background in those scenes, she shined right with him.

BEST ACTRESS - 2012: Jennifer Lawrence

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR NOMINEES - 2012
Alan Arkin - Argo
Javier Bardem - Skyfall
Robert De Niro - Silver Linings Playbook
Leonardo DiCaprio - Django Unchained
Samuel L. Jackson - Django Unchained
Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln
Matthew McConaughey - Magic Mike
Chris Tucker - Silver Linings Playbook
Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained

BREAKDOWN: Arkin is 78 years old. Wouldn't know it by his lightning quick retorts and overall great acting in this movie. Great in comedies or dramas... Bardem plays one of the best Bond villians I've ever seen. His performance was simply genius. Creepy and engaging... De Niro has been doing a lot of weird movies lately. Movies like Meet The Fockers and such. Nice to see him in a movie that challenges him and forces him to use his skills, because when he does, he proves yet again he is one of the best. An amazing performance in this movie... DiCaprio is already known as one of the best actors in the game right now. And in his first turn as a bad guy, he excelled. Loved every second of his portrayal of a slave owner in this over-the-top Tarantino film... Jackson is known for his propensity to curse in movies and that's about it. But I think people forget he can really act. He proved that in this movie...Jones clearly put all he had into this performance. His speech was one of my favorite moments of the movie. You can feel the conviction he had, which was critical to making the movie impactful. One of the best performances of his career... McConaughey has long been regarded to me as one of the worst actors in the world. He changed my mind for at least 2 hours in this movie. Playing a role he would normally not play, he really showed some acting chops...Tucker has not been in a movie since the 1990's it seems like. And it was with Jackie Chan. Yikes. But for real, it's good to have him back. And shockingly, it's not for his comedy. In fcta, it's for his earnest performance in this movie. Welcome back Chris... Waltz is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I adored him in Inglorious Basterds. In fact, I thought he carried that movie. He didn't have to carry this one but he still stole much of the spotlight with his great timing and ability to make you believe everything he is saying.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - 2012: Robert De Niro

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - 2012

Judi Dench - Skyfall
Sally Field - The Amazing Spider-Man, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway - The Dark Knight Rises
Melissa McCarthy - This is 40
Kerry Washington - Django Unchained
Jacki Weaver - Silver Linings Playbook

BREAKDOWN: Dench has always been good in the Bond movies but in this one, she was stellar. The storyline called for a big performance and she gave it. She deserved an Oscar nomination I thought...Field was steady in The Amazing Spider-Man, giving enough to make me care about her character. But it was her performance in Lincoln that impressed me so much. A little bit crazy, a little bit snarky and a lot bit passionate. She aced this tough test of playing Mary Todd Lincoln... Hathaway was probably better in Les Miserables, but I didn't see it so I can't judge her on the performance that will likely win her an Oscar. But I did like her in the role of Catwoman. She had the right amount of pizzazz for the role and thought she added to the movie more than took away from it... McCarthy may have been in the movie for less than 5 minutes but it's 5 minutes I remember. Her scene with Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann in the principal's office goes down as one of the best scenes of 2012. Can ad-lib with the best of them... Washington got zero credit for understated performance. I'm not sure why either. I thought she was outstanding. Her performance made me really believe in the relationship with Django... Weaver had the tough task of acting alongside three Hollywood heavyweights but aptly delivered in her role as matriarch of one o the most dysfunctional families in Philadelphia. A very solid performance that I'm gald got recognized by the Academy.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - 2012: Sally Field

BEST MOVIE: COMEDY NOMINEES - 2012
American Reunion
The Campaign
Ted
This Is 40
21 Jump Street

WINNER (AND WHY):  Ted - This was really between Ted and American Reunion. This is 40 was in a clear third. What puts Ted on top is that it was an original idea that was hilarious from start to finish. The jokes are some of the best I've heard in a comedy and being a big fan of Family Guy, I knew they would be a little raunchy too. The movie never drags and ends in a fulfilling way. The same can be said for American Reunion but with it being the fourth movie of a series, it loses on originality. With that said though, really gald they made it.

BEST MOVIE: ACTION NOMINEES - 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Avengers
The Dark Knight Rises
Looper
Premium Rush
Safe House
Skyfall
Taken 2

WINNER (AND WHY): Skyfall - This was a pretty easy decision. Looper was great, don't get me wrong. Original, exciting stuff. The Dark Knight Rises was good as well, though the first hour was pretty brutal. Skyfall though had it all. Superb acting. Amazing cinematography. Quality music. And one bad-ass hero. I think it is the best Bond film ever. Even if you aren't a Bond fan or seen zero of them, this is one you HAVE to see. It's that good.

BEST MOVIE: DRAMA NOMINEES - 2012
Argo
Django Unchained
Flight
Lincoln
Magic Mike
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

WINNER (AND WHY): Silver Linings Playbook - This was a tough decision. 5 of these movies are up for the Oscars Best Picture prize and for good reason. And the 2 that are not are fine movies as well. Magic Mike was unexpectedly good. Actually had a plot to it. Flight had me engaged from start to finish and had an ending that I really enjoyed. Django Unchained was not only funny and entertaining but action-packed. A wee bit long but it never lost my attention. Zero Dark Thirty was intense as expected. The scene to go kill Osama Bin Laden made you feel like you were there. Lincoln took me into 1865 and for nearly 3 hours, lost me in the fight for equality. Thanks to amazing acting, costume design and many other things, it provided me not just a historical lesson but a lesson in great movie-making. Argo was simply terrific. I did not know the story beforehand which likely helps it rank higher in my book than Lincoln but it's a fine movie because of the acting and the flow of the movie. It kept moving and kept you engaged. Loved it. But Silver Linings Playbook wins because it affected me. I left the theater and remember thinking just how well done that movie was. It made me think. It made me hate and love characters at times. It frustrated me but ultimately entertained me. It had plenty of comedy and more than enough drama. Best movie I've seen this year for sure.

As far as the movies I wanted to see but unfortunately did not, they are: Red Tails, Jeff, Who Lives At Home, The Hunger Games, The Five-Year Engagement, Seeking a Friend For The End of the World, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Celeste + Jesse Forever, The Bourne Legacy, 10 Years, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Cloud Atlas, Life of Pi, Les Miserables

And last but not least, my picks for the Academy Awards this Sunday. These are not so much who I think should win but who will win.

MY OSCAR PICKS
Best Director: Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Best Supporting Actor: Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Best Picture: Argo

Hope you enjoyed the inaugural "Matt At The Movies" post. Hopefully, many more are to come.

Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: #1

1. The Lion King (1994)
Voices of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones
Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

And here we are. The countdown that was only supposed to take 3-4 months but instead took me nearly a year comes down to this post. As Luke told me last week, "the post that will define this whole countdown".

That's a big statement but hey, "Hakuna Matata".

I saw this movie in theaters at 7 or 8 years old. Saw it with my entire family and I still remember that day. I remember bobbing my head to the great music. I remember smiling, laughing, and getting close to crying at times. I remember leaving the movie thinking it was the best movie I had ever seen. And maybe most importantly, I remember the phrase "Hakuna Matata", a phrase sung in the movie that translates from Swahili as "There are no worries".

All 4 of those things I remember still stick with me to this day. The only difference is that instead of bobbing my head to the music, I sing the words. I'm a proud owner of the soundtrack and the trilogy of movies on DVD. And if you think I have any shame of admitting any of that, you don't know me very well.

I'm just going to assume anyone reading this has seen the movie. Nearly every kid does, whether born in 1986 or 2006. It's a movie that will never get old. In fact, even though it was 17 years old, Disney re-released the movie in 3D and it made $94 million, proving that the movie is a true American classic.

And it is one for many reasons. Reasons that sometimes are hard to describe. So instead, I'll say what I say to everyone when they ask me why is this my favorite movie.

It is the perfect combination of everything you want in a movie. Action (fight scenes), romance (Simba and Nala), comedy (Timon and Pumbaa), drama (Will Simba come back?), horror (Scar and his hyenas), tear-jerking moment (Mufasa's death), underdog story (Timon and Pumbaa being heroes), great music (seriously, buy the soundtrack), and an amazing ending (you know it). And the best part, it is enjoyable for everyone, no matter their age, race, gender, or culture.

And of course one of the biggest reasons why this is my favorite movie is because from it, I gained a personal life motto: "Hakuna Matata". The song says "it means no worries, for the rest of your days. It's a problem-free philosophy". Well, everyday, I try to live that exact way.

I'm a normally carefree, happy guy. It's not easy to rile me up and even harder for me to get angry. The phrase "Hakuna Matata" is exactly why. For me, it's the perfect mindset to get through the day in the best way. It allows for pleasant interactions with both friends and foes and keeps stress away at all times. It helps me keep a smile on my face, which I've been told, is much more attractive than my frown.

I wake up to that song every morning. No lie. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so fortunate to have seen this movie because in a way, I feel like it has guided my life. I don't have one tattoo on my body but if I ever do, you can bet that phrase from this movie will be it. It means that much to me.

So with that, I end my countdown with a movie that is not just funny, exciting, dramatic, thrilling, and downright entertaining, but a movie that has in a way, made me who I am. And THAT is why "The Lion King" is my all-time favorite movie.

TRAILER


FUN FACTS

One of the bugs that Timon pulls out of a knothole during Hakuna Matata is wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

There have been rumors that when Simba collapses on the cliff after talking with Timon and Pumbaa about stars, the dust that flies off the cliff forms the letters SEX. In fact it forms the letters SFX, the abbreviation of the special-effects team that worked on that portion of the film. For all subsequent releases more flowers and dust were added to the scene to avoid controversy.

Originally titled "King of the Jungle", it was supposed to be about African lions living in the jungle until the production team realized that lions don't live in the jungle.

The best selling home video of all time, with more than 55 million copies sold to date.

Pumbaa the Warthog was the first character in Disney films to exhibit flatulence (fart).

When Mufasa tells Simba about the Great Kings of the Past if you look at the stars in the wide shot you can see Mickey Mouse.

The lyric for the opening chant of "The Circle of Life" is: "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba / Sithi uhm ingonyama / Nants ingonyama bagithi baba / Sithi uhhmm ingonyama / Ingonyama Siyo Nqoba / Ingonyama Ingonyama nengw enamabala". This translates as: "Here comes a lion, Father / Oh yes, it's a lion / Here comes a lion, Father / Oh yes, it's a lion / A lion We're going to conquer / A lion A lion and a leopard come to this open place".

This is the second movie in which James Earl Jones (Mufasa) and Madge Sinclair (Serabi) perform together as an African King and Queen. Jones and Sinclair were also King and Queen of a fictional African nation in Coming to America.

Script writers envisioned Sean Connery as the voice of Mufasa. 


MEMORABLE QUOTES

Pumbaa: [about "Hakuna Matata"] It's our motto.
Young Simba: What's a motto?
Timon: Nothing. What's a motto with you?

Zazu: Checking in with the morning report.
Mufasa: Fire away.
Zazu: Well the buzz from the bees is that the leopards are in a bit of a spot. And the baboons are going ape over this. Of course, the giraffes are acting like they're above it all... The tick birds are pecking on the elephants. I told the elephants to forget it, but they can't. The cheetahs are hard up, but I always say, cheetahs never prosper... 

Pumbaa: It's times like this my buddy Timon here says: you got to put your behind in your past.
Timon: No, no, no. Amateur. Lie down before you hurt yourself. It's "You got to put your past behind you."

Matt's Top 100 Movies: #2

2. Hardball (2001)
Starring Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes
Directed by Brian Robbins

Yep, that's right. My second favorite movie of all-time is this movie from 2001 that many of you either have never seen or maybe even heard of. But before you judge my decision here, hear me out.

I'm not a fan of sports movies. Never have been and probably never will be, especially ones based off a true story. I just don't like how they manipulate the truth of what happened just for the movie's sake when sports in and of themselves are great drama, action, and comedy.

This movie though is not based off a true story. Instead, inspired by one so it has a chance to really spread its wings. And I think it does in many ways.

Quick plot synposis. Keanu Reeves is a gambling addict. Needs to pay off a huge debt so he goes to his friend for a loan. To get his money, he has to coach the little league team the friend is supposed to coach. This is no regular little league team though. This is an inner-city team with  undisciplined players who have filthy mouths considering their age. It takes a while for Reeves to gain their trust but eventually he does...and well, I could go on, but I don't wanna give it away.

First thing you notice about this movie, the acting. I know I know, Keanu Reeves is a bad actor. In fact, I think he's one of the 5-10 worst in my generation. He just has this way of never showing any emotion and when he does, it looks so forced. But his character in this movie is one of a guy disconnected with the emotions of others. So as he bumbles his way through acting, he actually is spot on with how his character feels. In other words, there may not be a better actor to play this hapless guy thrown into a tough situation but grows from it with each day and new experience with his young team.



The other stand out acting comes from the young actors playing the baseball players. None of them were household names then and none of them are now, which is a shame because many of them are pretty damn good actors. For all I know, how they act in this movie resembles their real lives so it wasn't hard. Whatever it was, they were great. Honestly, they steal the movie, especially in the following clips.





But it's more than acting. It's the story. I'm a sucker for underdog stories. Many of us are. Well, this is one of them. It's not just the team that's an underdog. It's also Keanu Reeves too, who many gave no chance to coach this team and also, get the girl (Diane Lane, who plays a teacher at the school all of the kids go to).

As the movie progresses, you see this team go from being frustrated with themselves and each other to a team that realizes that if they just relax, have fun and trust each other, they can achieve great things.

Now many of these underdog movies follow the same storyline. They stink, they get better, they win the whole thing. Oh, but don't forget the obstacles thrown at them as they travel that road to success. This movie does follow that storyline but one obstacle thrown their way comes so far out of left field (pun intended) that makes this movie so special to me.

I'll be honest. It is the only movie that consistently make me cry. I won't give away what brings on the tears but it does. And how the movie goes through that scene is well done. It is powerful, emotional and inspiring.

By no means did this movie deserve an Oscar or Golden Globe. I'm not an idiot. But I think it deserves the respect of people. Get past the fact Reeves is in the movie and look closer. This is inner-city Chicago. Life is not easy there for anyone, but especially kids who are tempted to join gangs at young ages and threatened/beat up by those same gangs. I know this is a movie but there are kids now who live that life everyday. The scenes where you really get a feel for how tough life can be in violent environments...they're tough to watch. But you gain such an appreciation for each kid and how they approach life....by living it to the fullest and "showing up".

I love this movie and ever since I saw it for the first time, it's been my second favorite movie. It's gonna take something really, really good to change that too.

TRAILER



FUN FACTS

Before the film was released in 2001, posters and ads reflected the rating as R before it was re-edited to dub over the kids using the "f" word. Despite quite a bit of profanity remaining, the film was then released with a PG-13 rating.

All of the league's team names are taken from tribes in Africa.

The soundtrack for this movie includes "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G., "Where The Party At" by Jagged Edge, "Hardball" by Lil' Bow Wow, Lil' Wayne, Lil' Zane and Sammie and "The Storm Is Over Now" by R. Kelly

MEMORABLE QUOTES

G-Baby: "All right, let me break it down to you right quick. Andre says he can catch any pop-up anybody can throw. Kofi say "That's bullshit. You a busta.". Andre say "Roll up, bitch". Kofi say, "I'll give you all my gum if you can catch this ball.". He threw the ball. Andre caught it. Andre say "Pay me my money". Kofi say, "You a cheatin' bitch.". No wait. Kofi say, "You a motherf - "

Raymond 'Ray Ray' Bennet: Coach Conor? You're not really trying to get Ms. Wilkes, are you?
Conor O'Neill: No.
Raymond 'Ray Ray' Bennet: Good. 'Cause I already tried and she ain't havin' it.
G-Baby: Yeah, me too. 

Kofi: It was booty. That girl Meg is dumb. Thinkin' her fathers comin' back from wherever. That's stupid to believe in. That girl and her mom are both trippin'. Cuz where I'm from... don't nobody's father come back.

TEASE FOR #1

If you need a tease for my favorite movie, you either don't know me very well or are not very good with the concept of context clues. 

Matt's Top 100 Movies: #3

3. Forrest Gump (1994)
Starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Directed by Robert Zemeckis

There are very few movies, especially non-action movies, that can hold your full attention for 2 hours and 20 minutes, while at the same time, make you laugh, cry and smile numerous times through the movie. There also very few movies that are written and acted as well as this one.

I was just a wee 8 years old when this movie came out and if I remember right, I saw it in theaters with my family. And despite the graphic nature of some parts, I don't think there is any part of my parents that regret taking me to see it at that age. It was just one of those movies with such a strong message, not to mention it was a great U.S. history lesson.

The movie begins and ends with just your love of the main character Forrest Gump. I don't see how you can't enjoy his character. He's a true underdog from the start with a kind heart, absolute innocence and a little bit of stupidity. But as the years go on, he goes from underdog to one of the guys to genuine hero. But what never leaves him is that kind heart, innocence and yes, the stupidity.



As you can see in that clip, this movie does an amazing job adding Forrest into historical scenes. It may not seem like much but it's cool to see things like that, especially as a young kid who doesn't know any better.

I think one thing people don't know is that Forrest Gump is slightly based off a true story. Well, at least parts of it. For instance, the scene where he gets shot while trying to save Bubba in Vietnam is true. I know this because the guy actually came to my first news station and did an interview.

But anyways, back to the movie. Another thing I love about this movie are the relationships Forrest has with various people. There's the one with his mom, the woman he reveres so much and quotes constantly even as he grows older. There is his friendship with Bubba, one struck by happenstance on a bus. It's a friendship so loyal that he not only risks his own life to save Bubba's but also takes on Bubba's lifelong dream of being a shrimp boat captain and when successful doing it, makes sure he gives money to Bubba's family. There's also his relationship with Lieutenant Dan. It starts rocky as one might expect with a commanding officer but the respect Lt. Dan gains for Forrest after he saves his life and subsequently takes on Bubba's dream is a great sight to see.

But the relationship that the whole movie seems to really focus on from beginning to end is Forrest's love for his childhood friend Jenny. She doesn't live the American dream sort of life and many times, seems to be the complete wrong fit for a clean cut guy like Forrest. But thanks to a great screenplay, you find yourself rooting for the two to work the entire time, even as it seems like her life is flying off the rails.



Simply put,this movie is maybe the ONLY movie that no matter what I'm doing, I stop and watch the rest of it. I've said that about other movies on this list but I know for a fact, this is the one where I have lost many a minutes and hours of studying in college watching. And I don't mind that one bit.

There is a reason this movie won the Oscar for Best Picture (over the likes of Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction) and Tom Hanks won Best Actor. It's because this movie is about as flawless as any movie can be when it comes to entertaining an audience from start to finish.

TRAILER



NOTABLE QUOTES

Forrest Gump: "My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

Forrest Gump: "And cause I was a gazillionaire, and I liked doin it so much, I cut that grass for free."

Bubba: "Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that's about it." 

FUN FACTS


Bill Murray, John Travolta and Chevy Chase turned down the role of Forrest Gump. Travolta later admitted that passing on the role was a mistake.

David Alan Grier, Ice Cube and Dave Chappelle turned down the role of Bubba. Chappelle thought the movie would bomb, and has since admitted to deeply regretting not taking the role.

In the 1988 movie Punchline, Sally Field plays a love interest for Tom Hanks's character; in this movie, released six years later, she plays his character's mother.

TEASE FOR #2


The movie that no one besides a couple people know I even like. It stars one of the worst actors of our time and is a sports-ish movie, two things that normally don't mix but in this case, it does.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: #4

 

4. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004)
Starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd
Directed by Adam McKay

After a 5 month hiatus, I am back to finish off this list. I know people don't really care too much about this list besides myself and Luke. I also know a lot of people though will agree with where this movie ranks among my top 100 movies.

Not many movies can make laugh like this movie. In fact, no other movie can as this movie ranks as my highest comedy (spoiler for the top 3). Nearly every line is a great one-liner, probably ad-libbed and sure to make me if not laugh out loud, at least chuckle and make some weird noise that makes people think I'm choking a kitten.

I'll be honest though. When I first saw this movie, I wasn't a huge fan. I liked it, thought it was decently funny, but nothing special. It took the second showing for me to really love it...and now, every time I see it, I love that much more. It all begins just with the start of the movie that is so random and so hilarious, you;re only scratching the surface of the comedy to come.



What I think really makes this movie great is the cast. First off, it may not get any better in comedy than Will Ferrell. He just knows how to strike the right tone with just about any character. And with Ron Burgandy, that is confidence, arrogance, but also a bit of vulnerability. Yeah, big words but then you remember, his lines are hilarious. Then you have a guy like Brick (Carell) who is well, as dumb as a brick but incredibly lovable. You've got Champ (David Koechner), who is the cocky, dumb jock-ish sports guy who doesn't really care about anything. And Brian Fantana (Rudd), the ladies man who plays it cool. Combined they form what seems like a comedy superhero troupe that is only rivaled by The Hangover trio I think.




What I also love about this movie is that it deals with the profession I am in. If you didn't know (which is unlikely), I work in television. And while there are many scenes that in no way mirror what we do on air these days, there are some instances. Those moments are ones I truly enjoy. For example, the fake talking until you go off the air. This movie finds a way to make a mundane 5-10 seconds on local TV everyday and turn it into one of the funniest moments of the movie.



Honestly, I could post 50-60 more scenes here that I am sure will make you laugh. but I think if I post anymore, I'll have to just watch the movie right now and not finish the 3 movie posts I have left. So I'll stop here.

Of course, it is now official there will be an Anchorman 2. When I first heard of it, I was lukewarm to the idea. I hate to see great movies be ruined by mediocre sequels. The Hangover almost did that. Speed 2 did just that. But I'm fairly confident McKay, Ferrell and company won't mess this up. I'm encouraged by the fact that all the main players are returning. That's huge actually. Now let's just hope the movie lives up the hype that it will surely get until its release.

TRAILER




NOTABLE QUOTES

Ron Burgandy: "What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing. How 'bout we get you in your p.j.'s and we hit the hay."

Brian Fantana: "They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time"

Brick Tamland:" LOUD NOISES"

Ron Burgandy: "Hello? Who's there, I'm talkin? Hello? Who is this? Baxter... is that you? Baxter! Bark twice if your in Milwaukee... Is this Wilt Chamberlain? Have the courage to say something! Hello?"

FUN FACTS

The first draft of the screenplay included suggested actors for various roles:

• Champ Kind: John C. Reilly
• Brick Tamland: Chris Parnell
• Brian Fantana: Ben Stiller
• Ed Harken: Ed Harris
• Garth Holiday: Dan Aykroyd
• Frank Vitchard: Alec Baldwin

The Mexican restaurant Veronica visits with the girls from the station is named "Escupimos en su Alimento". In Spanish, that means, "We spit in your food".

TEASE FOR #3

He is not "the most interesting man  in the world" in the commercials but if he were real, he sure would be heavily considered for it.