Bad Santa (2003)

One of my favorite Christmas movies is 'Bad Santa'. Not because I get sentimental watching it...not because it is a beautiful film...'cause lets face it, it is not. The movie is disgusting, Billy Bob Thornton is digusting and the language is pretty disgusting too. I guess that is why I love it so much. The film is so far out there, yet a little sexy. I find it frightening that I am slightly attracted to Billy Bob's character, and if you watch this film you too will find that frightening. Brett Kelly playing the little kid is wonderful and so is Bernie Mac. John Ritter too is a delight, playing the typical "I-want-to-please-everyone" character.

This is the kind of movie that makes you laugh out loud at inappropriate places, while still having enough heart to move you just a littlebit. It is far from a comedy, yet no drama and certainly no action film...so what is it? I have no idea. But it sure is fun!

Just a heads up, if you havent already seen it.

Captain Abu Raed (2008)

So...this years 'BIFF' (Bergen International Film Festival) is over, and as usual I left a substantial portion of my salary at the event. Somehow I seem to enjoy this festival more and more as the years go by. Perhaps I am more open minded about foreign films or maybe I have a higher appreciation for film in general than what I have had in the past. I suspect it is a combination of the two.

Either way I am not going to give the usual rundown of the films I watched, although I would recommend most of them...it was especially interesting watching the documentaries about homosexuality among muslims...But I would like to single out one specific film. The highlight of the festival for me this year was a beautiful film from Jordan; 'Captain Abu Raed'. A film by director Amin Matalqa who has only done short films prior to this one. Considering that this is his first feature film, I have a feeling we will be seeing more of this guy in the future.

The film is about an airport janitor who is mistaken for a pilot by the neighborhood kids. Greatful for the company, Abu takes the kids on travels around the world through his fictional stories. Although Abu is a great escape from reality for the kids, it is reality that is the center of this film. -The everyday life in Jordan, the struggle to make ends meet and the need for someone to inspire the individual to follow its dreams.

As this film is Jordans candidate for the 'Best Foreign Film' category at the Oscars, there is an actual possibility you may be able to watch it at your local theater in the nearest future.

If you get the chance, I hope you take it. This is a film you really do not want to miss.

The Dark Knight 2008

As I have written down my thoughts about Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker before, I will not talk about it here. I will instead refer you to this: http://skiscorner.blogspot.com/2008/07/respect.html

if you wish to read it.

I watched this film a couple of days ago and it is still burned into my memory. Something happens to me when I see a film I really enjoy…I am left with a sensation that makes me feel…how should I say it…alive. Some people use drugs, some people drink and others jump out of airplanes. I watch movies. I know…its perhaps a little weird…but it has become a part of who I am. Some movies just get to me. Rarely do action films have this affect on me…but this one did.

I don’t care to tell you the story…you can easily figure that out for yourself if you wish to. I am more interested in the feel…the sensation you are left with. The film is dark, however not as visually dark as ‘Batman Begins, 2005’. If you haven’t seen ‘Batman Begins’ you probably should before watching ‘The Dark Knight’…although I wouldn’t say it is a requirement. ‘Batman Begins' is literally dark…It is night most of the time and if the story is taking place in daytime, we are usually inside or underground. This gives it a very gothic feel. ‘The Dark Knight’ actually has a great deal of scenes taking place outside in the middle of the day. You will even see the sun over Gotham. To me this was unexpected. However, the film is just as dark, if not darker than the previous thanks to the characters. Thanks to Heath Ledger and ‘The Joker’. Its is pretty amazing how you can watch a movie like this taking place in sunlight and you still feel like you are watching a very dark and moody film. Obviously there are night scenes and underground scenes and all the other type of scenes you expect. But what got to me is the dark and horrified feeling you are stuck with, even in sunlight.

The story also takes you on a rollercoaster and there will be at least 3 incidents in this film that have you believe it is ending. Just as you prepare to see the credits something else happens and you are thrown right back into it.

So…still wondering if you should check it out? Please do, if not for anything else; to see the peak of Heath Ledgers career.

I for one will watch it again…and again.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

"Yesterday's history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

"Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend."

"I just ate, so I'm still digesting, so my kung fu may not be as good as later on."

It just goes on and on...There is something about Jack Black that just makes me laugh. All he needs to do, is open his mouth and I start laughing. Go spend your hard earned 10 bucks on Kung Fu Panda and you will "go blind from over-exposure to pure awesomeness."

I sure dug it.