I can't think about this movie without also thinking about There's Something About Mary, which is also on this list. Cameron Diaz talks about her dream guy being a fan of Harold and Maude which she calls "the greatest love story of our time". Might be a bit of an exaggeration since the movie seems to be more about appreciating everything life has to offer rather than just a love story. I guess Brett Favre didn't like it.
I think the screenwriter said it best when talking about how Harold and Maude has stood the test of time: "We're all Harold, and we all want to be Maude. We're all repressed and trying to be free, to be ourselves, to be vitally interested in living, to be everything we want". That seems to explain why each new younger generation finds this movie and keeps the cult status going. I have to say that as a 23 year old I resonated with Harold who watched in awe as Maude fluttered around every scene, each time revealing something amazing that she'd done or seen. Seeing Maude made me feel so utterly unaccomplished and lame. I want to join a revolution; I want to learn how to play like 20 different instruments; I want to feel free like she was. But today's youth are weighed down by crippling student loan debt, few job prospects, a melting planet, and a general sense of hopelessness that makes you kind of want to just stay in bed rather than enact change or enjoy life. Cat Stevens tells us that there are a million things to be (yeah you know that there are) but it doesn't feel that way. Hopefully by watching this movie our generation can learn to be a little bit less like Harold and more like Maude.
I could say a lot about this movie but I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it.
Most important question in relation to this blog is: Was it funny?
Although I don't find death funny, there is humor to the exploration of life. Of course death is a part of life, no matter how uncomfortable that is for us, so I guess I can appreciate writing that tries to get us to stop taking it so seriously.
No laugh out loud moments. This is no Mrs. Doubtfire.
Funny-o-meter: 2/10
Not funny, but a good movie. My advice is to watch There's Something About Mary for laughs in relation to Harold and Maude instead.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Friday, October 25, 2013
Beetlejuice- Is that Robin Thicke or Michael Keaton?
Beetlejuice is on ABC Family right now so I figured I'd write about it. Remember when Alec Baldwin was young and hot? Now he looks more like his brother, Daniel Baldwin. But his eyes are like two ice cold pools.
I love Beetlejuice because it's Tim Burton, but it's a more commercial Tim Burton so it's not too out there. Plus it was before Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp became his muses which is refreshing because that's getting annoying. And I love Johnny Depp. One of the reviews on imdb says, "It may take two or three viewings to warm up to Beetlejuice". I think that's totally not true. I've always loved Beetlejuice from the first time to the 50th time right now. Even watching it right now I just found another joke I didn't understand when I watched it as a kid.
I mean how perfect is it that limbo is this complicated bureaucracy like the DMV where all you have is a handbook that reads likes an engineering textbook. That sounds like exactly what limbo would be; it's not hell so it's not full of fire and torture, but it's full of petty annoyances that you wouldn't find in heaven. Plus the fact that you're stuck in a house just watching things changing around you and if you go outside a giant sand-snake might eat you. You're trapped. That's what limbo is all about.
Beetlejuice is more clever than people give it credit for. It might just be a stupid movie that ABC Family decides to play close to Halloween, but I think it's better than that.
I love everyone in this movie. Michael Keaton=comedy genius. Geena Davis is always fantastic. Winona Ryder is pre-shoplifting incident so she's still cool. Catherine O'Hara is perfection. I already talked about Alec Baldwin's eyes. And Jeffrey Jones is no longer cool since the whole child porn thing (he RUINED Ferris Bueller's Day Off).
Plus it has.........Robert Gouleeeeeeeeeeeet
I love Beetlejuice because it's Tim Burton, but it's a more commercial Tim Burton so it's not too out there. Plus it was before Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp became his muses which is refreshing because that's getting annoying. And I love Johnny Depp. One of the reviews on imdb says, "It may take two or three viewings to warm up to Beetlejuice". I think that's totally not true. I've always loved Beetlejuice from the first time to the 50th time right now. Even watching it right now I just found another joke I didn't understand when I watched it as a kid.
I mean how perfect is it that limbo is this complicated bureaucracy like the DMV where all you have is a handbook that reads likes an engineering textbook. That sounds like exactly what limbo would be; it's not hell so it's not full of fire and torture, but it's full of petty annoyances that you wouldn't find in heaven. Plus the fact that you're stuck in a house just watching things changing around you and if you go outside a giant sand-snake might eat you. You're trapped. That's what limbo is all about.
Beetlejuice is more clever than people give it credit for. It might just be a stupid movie that ABC Family decides to play close to Halloween, but I think it's better than that.
I love everyone in this movie. Michael Keaton=comedy genius. Geena Davis is always fantastic. Winona Ryder is pre-shoplifting incident so she's still cool. Catherine O'Hara is perfection. I already talked about Alec Baldwin's eyes. And Jeffrey Jones is no longer cool since the whole child porn thing (he RUINED Ferris Bueller's Day Off).
Plus it has.........Robert Gouleeeeeeeeeeeet
AND Beetlejuice looks like............
Funny-o-meter: 7/10 because it's mostly very dark humor, not laugh out loud humor which I prefer.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Ghostbusters- Da da NAH NAH NAH NAH nananananan
There is no Dana. Only Zuul.
Halloween will be here soon, kiddies, and I've been watching lots of scary movies. Did I just say "kiddies"? When did I become the crypt keeper? Law school must have aged me 8,000 years in two months.
Today I watched Ghostbusters and I said to myself, "Hey isn't that on this list?" And it is. I do not live under a rock so I have obviously seen Ghostbusters at least a dozen times before today. When I was little I thought the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was called "State Puff". I very vaguely remember watching the cartoon as well (probably annoyingly because my brother watched it). Actually I think I saw the cartoon first and then when I saw the movie I was like, um why isn't Slimer hanging out with them the entire movie? They don't even officially call him Slimer. Slimer deserves more credit than he gets. He's a class act. He's the real star.
Oh god remember Ecto Cooler Hi-C? I just threw up in my mouth a little bit because a local bar serves Ecto Cooler fish bowls that are so sickly sweet you die. Actually I just found out that the bar is closing...probably has something to do with the Ecto Cooler fish bowls.
I ain't afraid of no ghosts!
So is Ghostbusters funny? It's not as funny as I remember it being. It has incredible one liners like "Cats and dogs living together...Mass hysteria", "This man has no dick", and "Ray when somebody asks you if you're a God you say you're a God!". Most of it was ad-libbed, especially by comedy genius, Bill Murray. I love ad-libbed stuff.
I'd say it's about a 7/10 on the Funnyometer.
The funniest part of this movie is how terrible the effects are. They must have looked so cool in the 80s.
Maybe Ivan Reitman should pull a George Lucas.
Halloween will be here soon, kiddies, and I've been watching lots of scary movies. Did I just say "kiddies"? When did I become the crypt keeper? Law school must have aged me 8,000 years in two months.
Today I watched Ghostbusters and I said to myself, "Hey isn't that on this list?" And it is. I do not live under a rock so I have obviously seen Ghostbusters at least a dozen times before today. When I was little I thought the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was called "State Puff". I very vaguely remember watching the cartoon as well (probably annoyingly because my brother watched it). Actually I think I saw the cartoon first and then when I saw the movie I was like, um why isn't Slimer hanging out with them the entire movie? They don't even officially call him Slimer. Slimer deserves more credit than he gets. He's a class act. He's the real star.
Oh god remember Ecto Cooler Hi-C? I just threw up in my mouth a little bit because a local bar serves Ecto Cooler fish bowls that are so sickly sweet you die. Actually I just found out that the bar is closing...probably has something to do with the Ecto Cooler fish bowls.
I ain't afraid of no ghosts!
So is Ghostbusters funny? It's not as funny as I remember it being. It has incredible one liners like "Cats and dogs living together...Mass hysteria", "This man has no dick", and "Ray when somebody asks you if you're a God you say you're a God!". Most of it was ad-libbed, especially by comedy genius, Bill Murray. I love ad-libbed stuff.
I'd say it's about a 7/10 on the Funnyometer.
The funniest part of this movie is how terrible the effects are. They must have looked so cool in the 80s.
Maybe Ivan Reitman should pull a George Lucas.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Silver Streak- This is a comedy?
Uhhh I think AFI made a mistake....this isn't a comedy; it's actually a thriller or an action movie. Seems like just because Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor are in it, they decided it deserves to be called a comedy. However, there's maybe like one legitimately funny scene and then sprinkles of comedic lines throughout the rest of the movie. I would therefore not expect it to be on this list.
Yes, Richard Pryor's character is funny but he doesn't show up until like an hour into the movie. I found myself bored just waiting for him to show up because Gene Wilder's character is really straight-laced and normal. I found myself going, "Isn't Richard Pryor supposed to be in this movie?". Until he appears there is really no comedy at all.
So what is the one funny scene you ask? In order to evade the cops, Richard Pryor makes Gene Wilder dress in black face using shoe polish. It is really racist but really funny. However, I don't think it's worth getting through the rest of the movie just to see this scene. I'd say skip Silver Streak unless you're into action movies with train crashes and shoot-outs.
Another thing, this movie requires a lot of suspension of belief. The situations are extremely unlikely; almost impossible, so if that's something that annoys you, again I say skip Silver Streak. Usually I can accept a movie as it is and not worry about truth in reality but even I was like what the hell.
However, the best part of this movie is that it was the beginning of Wilder and Pryor's comedy relationship so at least something good came out of it.
Funny-o-meter: 1/10. One point for the blackface scene.
Yes, Richard Pryor's character is funny but he doesn't show up until like an hour into the movie. I found myself bored just waiting for him to show up because Gene Wilder's character is really straight-laced and normal. I found myself going, "Isn't Richard Pryor supposed to be in this movie?". Until he appears there is really no comedy at all.
So what is the one funny scene you ask? In order to evade the cops, Richard Pryor makes Gene Wilder dress in black face using shoe polish. It is really racist but really funny. However, I don't think it's worth getting through the rest of the movie just to see this scene. I'd say skip Silver Streak unless you're into action movies with train crashes and shoot-outs.
Another thing, this movie requires a lot of suspension of belief. The situations are extremely unlikely; almost impossible, so if that's something that annoys you, again I say skip Silver Streak. Usually I can accept a movie as it is and not worry about truth in reality but even I was like what the hell.
However, the best part of this movie is that it was the beginning of Wilder and Pryor's comedy relationship so at least something good came out of it.
Funny-o-meter: 1/10. One point for the blackface scene.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Blazing Saddles- Hey where the white women at?
I'm getting lazy and just using quotes from the movie as a title. Forgive me.
Much like Woody Allen, you either like Mel Brooks or you don't. Site gags and puns happen to be among my favorite types of comedy so I of course love Mel Brooks. If you're looking for something intellectual and layered, I don't suggest Blazing Saddles. Mel Brooks puts everything out there on the table which you can either sit back and enjoy or find annoying and inappropriate. If you don't like Mel Brooks then there is nothing I can say that would make you want to watch Blazing Saddles. If you do like Mel Brooks then Blazing Saddles is arguably his best parody.
And if you don't know if you like Mel Brooks or not, I bet you a million dollars that you've seen Robin Hood: Men in Tights because it used to be on like ABC family every weekend (before they got the rights to Harry Potter, I'm assuming). If you found that funny, then you will love Blazing Saddles.
If you're still not convinced, do you like fart jokes? If yes, then you'll like Blazing Saddles. If you don't like fart jokes, then go watch Garden State in your mom's basement you loser. (disclaimer: I do like Garden State).
Remember Richard Pryor? He co-wrote this movie. That should be enough for you to check it out.
Funny-0-meter: 9/10
Can't wait to rewatch Young Frankenstein.
Much like Woody Allen, you either like Mel Brooks or you don't. Site gags and puns happen to be among my favorite types of comedy so I of course love Mel Brooks. If you're looking for something intellectual and layered, I don't suggest Blazing Saddles. Mel Brooks puts everything out there on the table which you can either sit back and enjoy or find annoying and inappropriate. If you don't like Mel Brooks then there is nothing I can say that would make you want to watch Blazing Saddles. If you do like Mel Brooks then Blazing Saddles is arguably his best parody.
And if you don't know if you like Mel Brooks or not, I bet you a million dollars that you've seen Robin Hood: Men in Tights because it used to be on like ABC family every weekend (before they got the rights to Harry Potter, I'm assuming). If you found that funny, then you will love Blazing Saddles.
If you're still not convinced, do you like fart jokes? If yes, then you'll like Blazing Saddles. If you don't like fart jokes, then go watch Garden State in your mom's basement you loser. (disclaimer: I do like Garden State).
Remember Richard Pryor? He co-wrote this movie. That should be enough for you to check it out.
Funny-0-meter: 9/10
Can't wait to rewatch Young Frankenstein.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Jerk- Don't Trust Whitey
If you've taken away any message from the classic yet canceled too soon TV-show, Freaks and Geeks it should be this: If your girlfriend doesn't think The Jerk is funny you should break up with her. If you haven't seen the classic yet canceled too soon TV-show, Freaks and Geeks, what are you doing with your life? It's on netflix watch instantly so put down the hot dog (Happy National Hot Dog Day!) and watch Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel bro out before they hit the big time.
I don't think I need to waste my time telling you how funny Steve Martin is. And if you're not following him on twitter, put down the hot dog (Happy National Hot Dog Day!) and follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo.
The Jerk is a classic comedy that everyone needs to see at least once. It's funny and so random and clever and well you get the idea.
Funny-o-meter: 9/10
If you still need convincing, just watch the classic cans scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXRM3lFRwRI
I don't think I need to waste my time telling you how funny Steve Martin is. And if you're not following him on twitter, put down the hot dog (Happy National Hot Dog Day!) and follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo.
The Jerk is a classic comedy that everyone needs to see at least once. It's funny and so random and clever and well you get the idea.
Funny-o-meter: 9/10
If you still need convincing, just watch the classic cans scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXRM3lFRwRI
Sunday, July 21, 2013
When Harry Met Sally- Have fun storming the castle! Whoops wrong movie.
Did you know that Billy Crystal was the voice of John Adams on Liberty's Kids? Now that show was entertaining AND informative. I just found my way out of an imdb blackhole which is similar to a wikipedia blackhole except at least you're only following a linear pattern of TV and movies. On wikipedia you can get from like Barack Obama to ice fishing. FYI you can get from Billy Crystal to Kevin Bacon in two degrees (thanks imdb!).
When Harry Met Sally is such a feel good comedy, I can just picture droves of white women popping on this DVD on a lonely Friday night while simultaneously ingesting a bottle of wine and a gallon of ice cream. Rob Reiner is the best.
But is this romantic comedy funny? Yes it is. Billy Crystal could just stand there and I'd find him funny. It's weird for him to be a romantic lead but you get over it quickly. I hope I always find Billy Crystal funny unlike Robin Williams (RIP :( )
But Billy Crystal doesn't carry the whole movie; Meg Ryan is funny too playing his opposite. I don't particularly like Meg Ryan as an actress but I found her endearing and charming in this classic movie.
Everybody should probably see it once before they die.
Funny-o-meter: 6/10
Blog confessions:
I really just want to re-watch Veronica Mars but The Jerk came in the mail and I know that's gonna be funny so I'm excited. So be excited about Steve Martin.
Also, I hate arial font but I feel like I haven't used it yet so I need some diversity.
And I hate seafood.
End of confessions.
Bye.
When Harry Met Sally is such a feel good comedy, I can just picture droves of white women popping on this DVD on a lonely Friday night while simultaneously ingesting a bottle of wine and a gallon of ice cream. Rob Reiner is the best.
But is this romantic comedy funny? Yes it is. Billy Crystal could just stand there and I'd find him funny. It's weird for him to be a romantic lead but you get over it quickly. I hope I always find Billy Crystal funny unlike Robin Williams (RIP :( )
But Billy Crystal doesn't carry the whole movie; Meg Ryan is funny too playing his opposite. I don't particularly like Meg Ryan as an actress but I found her endearing and charming in this classic movie.
Everybody should probably see it once before they die.
Funny-o-meter: 6/10
Blog confessions:
I really just want to re-watch Veronica Mars but The Jerk came in the mail and I know that's gonna be funny so I'm excited. So be excited about Steve Martin.
Also, I hate arial font but I feel like I haven't used it yet so I need some diversity.
And I hate seafood.
End of confessions.
Bye.
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