THEPOPFIX.COM » The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com What's Your Fix? Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:38:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.2 Everyone’s Sexy In A Soderbergh Movie – The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/30/everyone-looks-sexy-in-a-soderbergh-movie-the-watchlist/ http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/30/everyone-looks-sexy-in-a-soderbergh-movie-the-watchlist/#comments Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:27:10 +0000 http://thepopfix.com/?p=9678  I’m in a Soderbergh state of mind this week on The Watchlist. Read on for my thoughts on what I’ve been watching, and leave a comment below to wax poetic on the movies you’ve been loving, loathing, or playing on repeat this week!

“Erin Brockovich” 2000

 Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney

Rating: R

TRT:  131 mins

Erin Brockovich

There’s so much to love about “Erin Brockovich,” the biographical story of a legal clerk turned whistleblower that earned Julia Roberts an Academy Award. Roberts sizzles on screen, and I’m not just talking about her character’s scandalous wardrobe. It’s not often that we see a strong, female lead character that brings both passion and profanity to the table in a way that leaves the viewer feeling inspired, instead of turned off.  Even though the big screen depiction of Erin Brockovich was definitely exaggerated, it still feels real in the adept hands of Roberts, who beautifully infuses life into every aspect of the character.

Director Steven Soderbergh, often recognized for his versatility, had the perfect playground with “Erin Brockovich” giving us a film that’s cinematic shots while retaining an art-house feel.

Oh, and impeccable lighting. Even when it’s not supposed to be impeccable. Because everyone looks sexy in a Soderbergh movie.

High points: Julia Roberts sparkles as Erin Brockovich –  definitely recommended for suckers of all things “based on a true story” with an added splash of sex appeal.

Low points: Pleather.

 

 

“Magic Mike” 2012

 Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer

Rating: R

TRT:  110 mins

Magic Mike

Strippers, Genuwine’sPony,” and Matthew McConaughey in the role he was born to play? Consider me intrigued.

Sure, it’s an easy sell to the female crowd, but there’s more to “Magic Mike” than first meets the eye. Florida strip club Xquisite is a sneaky setting for a movie about the economy, gender roles, and the failure of what we’ve been raised to expect of the American Dream. The genius of “Magic Mike” is in it’s ability to be experienced as either a sexy romp, or a smart and solid Soderbergh film.

High points: The solid performances. I’ve always cited this film as the start of the McConaissance – McConaughey’s portrayal of an aging strip club owner was both hilarious, tragic, and definitely robbed of an Oscar nomination.

Low points: Your boyfriend doesn’t want to watch it with you? Here’s some incentive: Olivia Munn’s boobs.

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Cinematic Support For A Quarter-Life Crisis – The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/25/cinematic-support-for-a-quarter-life-crisis-the-watchlist/ http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/25/cinematic-support-for-a-quarter-life-crisis-the-watchlist/#comments Fri, 25 Apr 2014 16:42:41 +0000 http://thepopfix.com/?p=9605 Nobody ever said our 20′s were going to be easy.  Sure, they come with their fair share of perks, but not even the blessings of wrinkle-free skin, a fast metabolism, and the freakish ability to function with a hangover can save you from the perils of paying off student loans in a job-less economy.

As if weeding out your college drinking buddies isn’t hard enough…

In the spirit of the quarter-life crisis, and transitioning into adulthood, I went on a search to find some cinematic support either inspired by, or featuring characters currently experiencing the all-too-familiar trials and tribulations that come along with being a 20-something in this week’s installment of The Watchlist. 

 

“Reality Bites” 1994

 Director: Ben Stiller

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder

Rating: PG-13

TRT:  99 mins

We know, we know, the 90’s were a time of angst. Anyone who’s ever listened to a Nirvana album, or sat through half an episode of “My So-Called Life” could tell you that. A 29-year-old (and most likely flannel-clad) Ben Stiller knew it too, and perfectly captured the spirit of 90’s angst in his directorial feature debut “Reality Bites.”

This coming of age classic follows aspiring filmmaker Lelaina (Winona Ryder) as she sets out on mission to document the disenfranchised lives of her freshly graduated circle of friends. The result? A movie that effectively bottles up feelings of disappointment, depression, and impending identity crisis all in an angsty little time capsule from 1994.

High points: Talented cast, killer soundtrack, and enough 90′s nostalgia to last a full calendar year.

Low points: You might find yourself having a few “did they get work done” distractions…

 

 

“Frances, Ha” 2012

Director: Noah Baumbach

Starring: Greta Gerwig

Rating: R

TRT:  86 mins

Having a bad day? Month? Decade? Get ready to feel better about yourself…

“Frances, Ha” follows the story of a woman in her late 20’s who loses her job, apartment, best friend, and relationship all in the span of 86 minutes. Finally, a film that accurately captures the conundrums and cringe-worthy awkwardness that comes with along with the overall inadequacies that make up the majority our 20’s.

Snarky synopsis aside, it’s not a total downer. In fact, it’s in these dark moments where Frances (Greta Gerwig) finds her strength and unyielding resolve to her follow her dreams. Thus, making “Frances, Ha” the only feel good movie that may simultaneously make you very feel bad. Or at least very, very awkward.

High points: Greta Gerwig’s performance as Frances is specific, captivating, and absolutely dead on. If you’re a fan of this talented indie actress, don’t miss “Frances, Ha.”

Low points: It gets awkward. Brace yourself.

 

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More Scares The Second Time Around – The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/18/more-scares-the-second-time-around-the-watchlist/ http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/18/more-scares-the-second-time-around-the-watchlist/#comments Fri, 18 Apr 2014 17:51:42 +0000 http://thepopfix.com/?p=9357  “Sinister” (2012)

Director: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Ethan Hawke

Rating: R

TRT: 110 mins

Screen shot 2014-04-18 at 10.47.22 AM

Have you ever had an experience where you revisit a movie and the second viewing is somehow very different than how you had originally remembered it?

After a recent trip to Blumhouse, I came home with some horror goodies including “Sinister” on Blu-ray. Although I had seen it a few years ago, I couldn’t resist returning for round two on a overly-caffeinated sleepless night.

Now I don’t think I’ll ever sleep again…

Clearly I didn’t retain very much about this film, or I probably wouldn’t have popped it in at 2 AM. The gruesome ending, creepy found-footage, and startling soundtrack echoed in my mind for hours, even days after giving “Sinister” a second try. Horror films rarely have this type of hold on me – chalk it up to the eerie elements, combined with Ethan Hawke’s solid performance as a troubled writer on a mission to uncover the truth about a haunting mystery. Although the scare tactics may be considered to be “old school” by some, in my case, they were certainly effective.

When it comes to “Sinister” I’d watch it again. But I wouldn’t watch it alone.

High points: Another solid performance from Ethan Hawke. Enough said.

Low points: Staying up until 5 AM after a late-night viewing. Looks like “Sinister” might have to be going into my personal daytime movie category.

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Music & Musings – The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/09/music-musings-the-watchlist/ http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/09/music-musings-the-watchlist/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:29:41 +0000 http://thepopfix.com/?p=9308 What have I been watching? This week I delved into the music  of “The Doors” and “The Magic Flute” as well as the comedic ramblings, stories, and musings from Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in Britain’s TV-to-film adaptation of “The Trip.” Read on for information, and insight in this week’s edition of The Watchlist.

THEWATCHLIST

 

“The Doors” (1991)

Director: Oliver Stone

Starring: Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan

Rating: R

TRT: 140 mins

 

I don’t know what exactly inspired me to watch “The Doors.” But considering it was a semi-hungover day off with nothing but Netflix to do, I wouldn’t put it past me either.

Oliver Stone’s biography of The Doors frontman Jim Morrison isn’t exactly a glowing portrait, but it’s in those moments of darkness and drug-use that we find an unforgettable performance from Val Kilmer. It’s hard to believe actors like Johnny Depp, John Travolta, and Richard Gere were once considered for the role. But even Kilmer’s brilliant take on Morrison couldn’t save this movie from script-level problems that ultimately result in a languid style of story-telling that seems to float in and out of finding it’s pace.

High points: Kilmer, the costumes, the soundtrack, and Kyle MacLachlan as Ray Manzarek – most ridiculous wig ever?

Low points: Meg Ryan’s generic performance as love-interest Pamela Courson lacked the specificity I was hoping to see in the girlfriend of a rockstar in the distinct times of the 60’s and 70’s.

 

“The Trip” (2011)

Director: Michael Winterbottom

Starring: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon

Rating: NR

TRT: 115 minutes

 

Calling all improv aficionados! If you haven’t seen “The Trip,” do it now. You’ll thank me later. This highly improvised film from Michael Winterbottom is the entertaining story of a road trip starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as amplified versions of themselves. “The Trip” is an interesting take on the buddy comedy sub-genre that’s funny, and smart. Though a wee bit slow at times, it’s still certainly worth a watch.

High points: Coogan’s charm, and chemistry with Brydon will draw you in and make you “feel like you were there.”

Low points: It’s definitely the kind of thing that you have to be in the mood for. AKA: Lots of dry, witty dialogue, but very little action.

“The Magic Flute” (2006)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Joseph Kaiser, Amy Carson, Rene Pape

Rating: G

TRT: 135 mins

 

Could anyone other than Kenneth Branagh combine the fairy tale of Mozart’s most beloved opera with the stark setting of World War I? The answer is no. Though my doubts started at the DVD description, I ended up enjoying “The Magic Flute” much more than I had originally anticipated.

Somehow, Branagh was able to execute a movie version of this larger-than-life opera in a way that actually works. The modified setting and story-arcs retain the fantastic elements one would expect from “The Magic Flute” while simultaneously providing historical context that brings it back down to reality. A little…

High points: The talent. Every cast member in “The Magic Flute” really brings their A-game to this English-language adaptation of the opera.

Low points: I didn’t know this movie existed until today. Low point, indeed. But in my defense, it has not yet been released in the United States. Lucky for you, it’s now available on Netflix.

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Sinners & Saints – The Watchlist http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/04/sinners-saints-the-watchlist/ http://thepopfix.com/2014/04/04/sinners-saints-the-watchlist/#comments Sat, 05 Apr 2014 05:48:57 +0000 http://thepopfix.com/?p=9195 Welcome to the first installment of The Watchlist – a new weekly column all about what I’m currently watching and what I thought about it.

My name is Erin Darling, and I’m a LA-based TV/web host, writer, and producer. For the past few years I’ve been mainly covering, reviewing, and hosting shows about movies, and as a result I end up watching a lot of ‘em. Between screenings, homework for projects I’m working on, and/or nights in with my Netflix account, I normally watch between 7-10 films per week. Some of them old, some of them new, some of them virtually unheard of outside of uber specific niche communities of which I’m clearly not cool enough to belong.

I digress. The point is, there’s a huge world of cinema out there, and it’s a fascinating world I’m constantly exploring. Now I’m here to share my discoveries with you!

Join me on this journey, send me your feedback in the comments below, and stay tuned for more weekly installments of The Watchlist on THEPOPFIX.com – where movie suggestions, opinions, and stimulating conversation are always welcome!

 

Sinners & Saints – The Watchlist

 

Screen shot 2014-04-04 at 10.47.19 PM

 

“Noah” (2014)

Director:  Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson

Rating: PG-13

TRT: 139 mins

Oh Aronofsky, how greatly I’ve missed you! Anyone that’s heard me wax poetic on AMC Movie Talk or It’s A Wrap is well aware that I have an affinity for visionary director Darren Aronofsky. With only seven features to his name, his body of work may be small, but there’s no denying it’s impact. His films never fail to capture my attention, break my heart, or and ignite my imagination. Although Noah was received with mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike for it’s Biblical inaccuracies, and lack of pace, I fell in love with the movie for it’s scope, sound, and solid performances.  I left the theatre impressed by the entire cast (particularly Emma Watson, whose performance as Noah’s adopted daughter Ila blew me away), moved by the score by frequent Aronofsky collaborator Clint Mansell with incredible editing from John Finklea, and so very glad that I got to see this movie on an IMAX screen. If you have the option, I highly recommend it.

 

“The Boondock Saints” (1999)

Director: Troy Duffy

Starring: Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery

Rating: R

TRT: 110 mins

You know how everybody has at least one classic film, or cult favorite that you’ve somehow managed to go through life without seeing? For me, that movie was “The Boondock Saints.” This week I finally had the opportunity to right this wrong, and I’m so incredibly happy that I did. Then again, how could I not love this movie? It combines three of my favorite things – the 90′s, 90′s action, and a thought provoking ending. My only regret was that I didn’t watch it on St. Patrick’s Day.

 

“Into The Abyss”

Director: Werner Herzog

Rating: PG-13

TRT: 107 mins

And now for something completely different, I was also very impressed with “Into The Abyss” the Werner Herzog directed documentary on crime and capital punishment from the perspective of the people affected. Definitely not light-hearted material, but a rather compelling and comprehensive look at a very controversial topic. If you haven’t already seen this film, it’s absolutely worth checking out.  Added bonus – “Into The Abyss” is currently streaming on Netflix.

 

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