movie a day challenge

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 262! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, I recently curled up for a movie night with an oldie but a goodie, “Splash” directed by Ron Howard. This flick is a fun blast from the past, especially for a die-hard Tom Hanks fan like me. Watching Tom in one of his early roles is like seeing him when he was just a rookie in the big leagues—totally fresh-faced, charming and a bit goofy. I mean, who doesn’t love young Hanks? The guy’s been a favorite of mine forever, and it’s like digging up a little treasure seeing him in his younger years.

“Splash” isn’t just a typical rom-com; it’s this whimsical romantic comedy that mixes romance with a splash (yup, pun intended) of fantasy. It’s the story of Allen Bauer (played by Tom Hanks), a dude who’s kind of unlucky in love, who ends up falling head over heels for a mysterious woman named Madison, who is, plot twist, a mermaid! Yeah, you heard that right, a mermaid in New York City! Madison is wonderfully played by Daryl Hannah, who brings this innocence and charm to the whole fish-out-of-water (pun totally intended) scenario. Imagine falling in love with someone who’s got a scaly tail hidden under her clothes. Kind of makes your worst date seem pretty okay, right?

The story kicks off with a flashback to Allen’s childhood when he first encounters Madison in the waters off Cape Cod. Fast forward years later, and they meet again under rather unusual circumstances—she’s naked at the Statue of Liberty. Classic, right? Madison’s got a limited time on land, and the clock’s ticking on their quirky love story as they try to dodge scientists and government officials.

Now, let’s talk about the supporting cast because, oh boy, they are a hoot! We’ve got Eugene Levy and John Candy—both absolute legends. Eugene Levy plays Walter Kornbluth, a zany scientist who’s hell-bent on exposing Madison as a mermaid. He’s awkward, a bit of a klutz, and you can’t help but love to hate him. Then there’s John Candy as Allen’s brother, Freddie, who’s just the right mix of sleazy and sweet, providing a ton of the laughs and some surprisingly tender moments too. Candy brings his trademark humor, playing the lovable rogue who’s always got a wisecrack ready.

I gotta say, the chemistry between Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah is pretty magical, though. You genuinely root for these two to make it against all odds. And the comedic timing? Spot on. The scene where Allen discovers Madison’s secret? Absolutely priceless! It’s moments like these that remind you how fun movies used to be before everything got so heavy and high-tech.

One of the coolest parts about “Splash” is how it mixes the everyday hustle and bustle of New York City with this magical mermaid lore. Madison’s adaptation to human life has some truly adorable moments—from her first encounter with television to picking up English from watching it nonstop on TV.

Visually, “Splash” has this vibrant, almost dreamy quality to it, especially the underwater scenes. The way they portray the ocean, Madison’s home, is just enchanting. And considering this was the early ’80s, those effects were pretty cutting-edge. It’s kind of cool to see how they pulled off the mermaid tail and underwater sequences without the tech we have now.

What I think makes “Splash” so memorable, aside from the whole mermaid romance angle, is its heart. The movie doesn’t just go for easy laughs; it digs a little deeper. It’s about finding your place in the world and figuring out where you belong, whether on land or sea. Plus, it’s about the lengths we go to for love, and how sometimes, the right person (or mermaid) is worth jumping oceans for.

Fun fact: Did you know that “Splash” is credited with popularizing the name “Madison” for girls? Before the movie, it was virtually unheard of as a first name, but it shot up in popularity in the years following. Talk about a cultural impact, right?

All in all, “Splash” is a total feel-good movie that’s perfect for a chill night in. It’s got romance, comedy, a bit of fantasy, and young Tom Hanks. What’s not to love? If you haven’t seen it yet, or if it’s been a while, definitely give it a watch. It’s like a little escape into a world where love is as deep as the ocean.

Catch you later,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 258! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey Folks,

So, I finally got around to watching “Van Helsing” – yeah, the one from 2004 directed by Stephen Sommers. Let me tell you, it was a blast! Imagine stuffing Dracula, his brides, Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s monster, and the wolf-man into a little over two hours of screen time. Sound like a giant monster mash party? Absolutely, and I’m here for it.

First off, Hugh Jackman plays our hero, Van Helsing, the monster hunter extraordinaire and honestly, who better to wrangle a bunch of supernatural baddies than Wolverine himself, right? Jackman brings this rugged, brooding charisma to Van Helsing, a man haunted by his past and on a mission to rid the world of evil. And let’s not forget Kate Beckinsale as Anna Valerious, who is just phenomenal. She’s this fearless noblewoman, and together with Van Helsing, they’re like the dynamic duo of monster hunting.

The plot? It’s pretty wild. Van Helsing is sent to Transylvania to take down Dracula, who’s been terrorizing the region along with his brides. The whole movie is this intense, gothic adventure with lots of twists and turns through dark castles and eerie landscapes. It’s like stepping into a Halloween theme party that doesn’t end.

The special effects, oh man, they’re a hoot! Sure, by today’s standards, they might not hold up, but back in the day, they were pretty cutting-edge. The transformation scenes of Dr. Jekyll and the wolf-man are particularly cool, and those flying sequences with Dracula’s brides? Totally over-the-top but in the best way possible.

Now, I know the critics weren’t exactly throwing roses at it, and yeah, the plot can feel like a kitchen sink drama with monsters. But honestly? I think that’s part of its charm. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it such a fun ride. Plus, the music by Alan Silvestri adds this epic, adventurous feel that just pulls you in further.

In terms of acting, Hugh Jackman is clearly having a ball as the titular hero. He brings a sense of rugged charm and charisma to the role that’s hard to resist. Kate Beckinsale is equally captivating as Anna Valerious, a woman determined to break her family’s curse.

As for the creatures, Dracula, played by Richard Roxburgh, is as charismatic as he is menacing. He’s delightfully sinister as The Count. And the brides? They’re terrifying yet oddly mesmerizing. There’s this scene where they swoop down from the sky, and it’s just pure cinematic candy. And don’t get me started on Frankenstein’s monster — he’s got this tragic vibe that adds depth among the chaos.

One of the things I appreciated most about “Van Helsing” was its sense of adventure. The movie takes us from the cobblestone streets of Transylvania to the snowy peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, and each location is rendered in stunning detail. It’s a movie that truly transports you to another world.

Of course, “Van Helsing” isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, and some of the plot points are a bit predictable. And some of the stunts were way over-the-top. But if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and just go along for the ride, you’re in for a treat.

So yeah, “Van Helsing” is a reminder of why we love movies in the first place – they’re an escape, a chance to experience worlds we’d never otherwise see. So, if you’re in the mood for a campy, action-packed adventure that doesn’t skimp on the monsters, give it a watch. It might just be the fun escapade you’re looking for.

TTFN,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 257! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, guess what movie I finally got around to watching? Yep, “Isn’t it Romantic,” directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, and honestly, I’m kicking myself for not watching it sooner. I loved this film to bits! It’s like, you know how sometimes you’re just in the mood for something that doesn’t take itself too seriously? That’s exactly what I got with this gem.

The movie stars Rebel Wilson as Natalie, an architect in New York City who’s, let’s be real, a bit of a cynic when it comes to love, especially the rom-com variety. She, like, totally despises romantic comedies. Can you blame her? Rom-coms can be so predictable with their perfect endings and over-the-top romantic gestures. But here’s the kicker – after a knock on the head, Natalie wakes up in the middle of a real-life rom-com, complete with all the clichés and tropes you can think of! Cue the cheesy music and ridiculously attractive guys.

Now, Rebel Wilson? She’s a riot. I’ve always appreciated her knack for comedic timing and the way she can, like, totally own a scene. She’s witty, she’s sassy, and her comedic timing is on point. And the confusion mixed with horror as she navigates this sugar-coated world is just priceless. Then there’s Adam Devine, who plays Josh, Natalie’s best friend who might just have a thing for her. Their chemistry? Absolutely adorable. And don’t even get me started on Liam Hemsworth as the handsome client who suddenly shows interest in Natalie. He plays the charming yet shallow romantic interest to a T.

The film does this brilliant thing where it pokes fun at all the absurdities of typical rom-coms – the spontaneous dance numbers (yes, there’s dancing!), the way New York looks suspiciously clean, and even how everyone seems to find parking right in front of their destination (seriously, where does that ever happen?). It’s like the movie is saying, “We know how ridiculous this looks, and we’re totally here for it.”

What I really dig is how the film wraps itself in all the rom-com fluff but also manages to deliver some pretty cool reflections on self-love and being the protagonist of your own life. Natalie’s journey of realizing she doesn’t need anyone to complete her is, you know, pretty empowering. It’s refreshing to see a film that not only makes fun of the formula but also embraces what’s good about it – the hope, the optimism, and the belief in happy endings, even if they’re not what you’d expect.

And, oh boy, the scenes are just packed with eye candy – the colors, the lighting, and the picturesque settings all scream “rom-com paradise.” It’s like stepping into a world where everything is designed to be Instagram-worthy.

Honestly, I laughed so hard during this movie. The jokes are clever, the situations are absurd, and the whole thing is just so much fun.

Oh, and I have to give a shout out to Betty Gilpin. She plays Whitney, Natalie’s assistant-turned-enemy in the rom-com world, and she is absolutely fantastic. The switch from loyal assistant to trope-y “workplace nemesis” had me rolling.

So, yeah, “Isn’t it Romantic” is a sweet, bubbly concoction of fun, self-awareness, and critique wrapped in a sparkly rom-com bow. It’s a love letter to the genre that also manages to cheekily tear it apart. If you’re looking for a light-hearted watch that’s aware of its own silliness, this is it. Put it on your watch list, like, now.

Peace Out, ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 256! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, I finally caved and watched a “Paranormal Activity” movie – “The Ghost Dimension,” the sixth and apparently final one. I’d heard mixed things about the franchise, but I was curious, especially since everyone said this one was supposed to wrap things up. Well, let me tell you, this movie was a major letdown.

Now, let’s talk turkey. This movie, directed by Gregory Plotkin, was definitely… something. It’s like that one guest at the party who doesn’t really start chatting until it’s almost time to leave. Seriously, the pacing could give a snail a run for its money. It’s mostly slow, and not in that artsy, building-suspense kind of way. More like, I checked my phone kind of way. And when things finally did pick up towards the end, it felt rushed—like the filmmakers suddenly remembered they had a plot to wrap up.

The plot centers around this family who moves into a new house and finds a spooky old camera a that captures things invisible to the naked eye — like ghosts. Spooky, right?

So the dad, Ryan, becomes obsessed with filming everything, which is weird because his daughter, Leila, is clearly being haunted and needs help. Seriously, Ryan spends more time fiddling with the camera than comforting his terrified daughter. The mom, Emily, is pretty useless for most of the movie, just freaking out and screaming. There’s also this random ghost guy, Toby, who shows up and acts creepy, but his role is never really explained. Like, is he a ghost? A demon? A figment of their imagination? Who knows.

As for the ghostly elements themselves, I’ve gotta say, while the idea of a camera that can see what our plain old human eyes can’t is pretty slick, the execution was more or less a mixed bag. There were moments that made me lean in a bit closer, squinting at the screen, trying to catch every detail. But just when you think you’re about to get that big scare that sends your popcorn flying, it fizzles out. I mean, you want that heart-pounding, hide-behind-your-hands kind of thrill, but it was more like a mild nudge in the spooky direction.

The acting was pretty mediocre.The only standout was Ivy George as Leila, who did a good job of being creepy and possessed. She definitely had the most interesting character arc, going from a sweet little girl to a terrifying vessel for evil. The rest of the cast was pretty bland, with no one really leaving a lasting impression.

The pacing was another issue. The movie was incredibly slow for the first hour or so, with nothing much happening except for a few jump scares. These jump scares were so predictable, by the way. It was always the same thing: a loud noise, a shadowy figure, and then nothing. Then, in the last 30 minutes, everything goes crazy.

Speaking of the ending, it was kind of a disappointment. All the buildup and anticipation led to a rushed and confusing climax that left more questions than answers. Honestly, I don’t understand why this franchise is so popular. The scares are cheap and predictable, the characters are boring, and the plots are convoluted. Maybe I would have appreciated this one more if I’d seen the other ones. Or maybe not.

So yeah, that’s my two cents on “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension.” If you’re a fan of the franchise, you might find something to enjoy here, but if you’re new to it like I was, I’d recommend skipping it. But if you’re looking to dip your toes into the murky waters of “Paranormal Activity,” I’d recommend starting from the beginning (like I probably should have).

Catch you on the flip side,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 255! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

Last night, I finally got around to watching “Angels & Demons,” the 2009 thriller directed by Ron Howard, and let me tell you, it was pure adrenaline for two and a half hours! Honestly, I don’t know why I waited so long to see it!

If you haven’t experienced this cinematic masterpiece yet, let me fill you in. It follows the brilliant symbologist Robert Langdon, once again played by the ever-charming Tom Hanks (seriously, is there anything he can’t do?). This time, Langdon finds himself entangled in a high-stakes race against time to prevent a catastrophic attack on Vatican City by the Illuminati (yes, those guys). The stakes? The potential destruction of the entire Vatican City. It’s a wild mix of ancient secrets, religious symbolism, and heart-pounding action – a recipe for a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end.

One thing that really blew me away was the attention to detail in recreating the grandeur and mystique of Vatican City. From St. Peter’s Square to the Sistine Chapel, every location was visually stunning and added a layer of authenticity to the story. And let’s not forget the incredible soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. Absolutely stunning!The music was so perfectly synchronized with the action and suspense, it was like an extra character in the film, intensifying every emotion.

Hanks totally nails it as Langdon, bringing that mix of earnestness and intellect that makes you feel a bit smarter just watching him. His partner in crime-solving this time around is Ayelet Zurer, who plays Vittoria Vetra, a scientist whose coolness under pressure is honestly goals. Their chemistry isn’t the rom-com type, but more like a dynamic duo you’d cheer for in a buddy cop film—minus the cops and plus a lot of historical puzzles.

The visuals in this flick really deserve a shout-out, too. The cinematography captures the beauty and grandeur of Rome in a way that’s practically a love letter to the city. Every scene, from the dark catacombs to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, is framed to perfection. It’s like a mini-vacation with a side of heart-pumping action.

Now, as for plot twists, “Angels & Demons” is full of them! Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the movie throws you a curveball that’ll leave you reeling and has you rethinking your entire life choices—or at least your guess on who the bad guy is. The pacing was perfect, never letting up for a moment, keeping me glued to the screen until the very end. And the ending itself? Let’s just say it’s one that will spark debate and leave you thinking long after you finish the film.

I remember reading that despite its portrayal of various historical elements and organizations, “Angels & Demons” stirred up quite the conversation about its accuracy when it came out. But hey, it’s Hollywood, and a little dramatic license never hurt anybody, right? As long as it makes for good storytelling! Just something to keep in mind if you watch it.

So yeah, “Angels & Demons” is a movie that deserves a spot on every thriller fan’s watch list. It’s a visual feast, a sonic masterpiece, and a mind-bending puzzle all rolled into one. I guarantee you’ll be talking about it with your friends for days to come. It’s the kind of movie that entertains, educates (sort of), and excites, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 254! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi Friends!

Today we’re talking about a 2010 flick totally tickled my fancy – “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” directed by Jon Turteltaub” Seriously, this movie was like a tailor-made suit for my geeky soul. If you’re a fan of magic, mayhem, and a dash of romance, then this is your jam.

First off, the plot? It’s a whirlwind! We’re talking about a modern-day fantasy that tosses you right into the deep end of an ancient conflict between sorcerers. The legendary Merlin had apprentices, and one of them, Balthazar Blake, played by none other than Nicolas Cage, has been on a centuries-long quest to find the “Prime Merlinian,” who is supposedly the only one capable of finally defeating the dark sorceress Morgana. Enter Dave Stutler, an average college student and physics nerd, portrayed brilliantly by Jay Baruchel. Dave’s just minding his own business when, bam, turns out he’s this prophesied wizard. Talk about a major life update!

Nicolas Cage brings this quirky, off-beat vibe to Balthazar that’s just infectious. He totally rocks the whole eccentric sorcerer vibe. He’s all in, with the trench coat flaring and mystical rings flashing, and you just can’t help but love the guy. And Jay Baruchel? He’s the perfect reluctant hero, mixing in just the right amount of awkwardness and humor. Dave’s got the potential to be the next Merlin, but first, he’s gotta learn the ropes, battle an evil sorcerer, and maybe even win over the girl of his dreams. Typical day in the life of a sorcerer’s apprentice, right? Oh, and his chemistry with Cage? Spot on. They’re like this odd couple that you can’t help but root for.

But what really blew my socks off were the special effects. Nothing short of spectacular. The magic battles, the spells, the energy blasts, the way everyday objects come to life—it’s all so visually captivating. I mean, there’s a scene with animated mops that’s just so whimsically chaotic, it’s fantastic. It made me wish I could wiggle my fingers and make my chores do themselves!

Alfred Molina plays the villainous Maxim Horvath, and he’s just delightfully evil. You know, the type of bad guy you love to hate. His character adds this delicious tension to the film, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you wonder what move he’s going to pull next.

What I absolutely loved about this film is how it blends light-hearted banter with thrilling action sequences. It’s this mix of light and shadow, humor and danger, that keeps the narrative so engaging. Plus, it’s refreshing to see a fantasy film that doesn’t just dive into doom and gloom but keeps you laughing while on the edge of your seat. And it still delivers a story that’s engaging and fun.

Now if you haven’t seen “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” or if it’s been a hot minute since you last watched it, definitely give it a go. It’s a blast—a magical, spell-casting, totally enchanting blast that’s right up the alley of anyone who loves a good dose of wonder in their movies.

Catch you on the flip side,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 253! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi friends!

So, I just watched this flick from 1977 called “The Psychic,” directed by none other than Lucio Fulci. You know, the guy who usually dishes out those spine-chilling horror movies? Yeah, him. But let me tell you, although “The Psychic” is branded as a horror film, it leans more towards a thriller vibe. Let’s dive into what makes this movie tick, shall we?

First off, the storyline has some juicy bits that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about this woman, Virginia, played by Jennifer O’Neill, who’s got these psychic visions. I mean, who wouldn’t want a sneak peek into the future, right? But here’s the twist: her visions are more of a curse than a blessing. She sees glimpses of a gruesome murder and guess what she ends up finding in the wall of her husbands’s old mansion? You guessed it—a skeleton! Talk about your housewarming gifts!

Now, Fulci, he’s a master of visuals, and in “The Psychic,” he doesn’t disappoint. The way he portrays these visions is just, you know, mind-bending. The use of mirrors, the smashing of a mirror—each piece reflects a fragment of Virginia’s visions. It’s artistic, it’s eerie, and it absolutely pulls you into the narrative. You feel as if you’re piecing together a puzzle along with Virginia, and it’s super engaging.

The acting? Stellar. Jennifer O’Neill carries the movie with a sort of graceful tension that fits perfectly. You can feel her confusion, her fear, and her determination to figure it all out. And then there’s Gianni Garko, playing her husband, who adds to the drama in the most subtle ways. Their chemistry is not the usual lovey-dovey stuff but more like a mysterious and strained relationship that adds layers to the storyline.

What’s really cool about “The Psychic” is how Fulci plays with the concept of premonition. Unlike many other psychic-themed movies where visions are typically straightforward, this one leaves you, the viewer, interpreting these fragmented, symbolic messages. Every time Virginia has a vision, you’re trying to decode the future right along with her, and let’s just say, it’s never what you expect.

Now, if you’re into the whole blood-and-gore type of horror, this might not be your cup of tea. “The Psychic” is more about the suspense and the psychological twist, which personally, I find super intriguing. It’s like, every scene is carefully crafted to build up the suspense, making you wonder what’s going to happen next.

So yeah, “The Psychic” is a gem from the 70s that’s definitely worth a watch if you’re into psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural. It’s not your typical Fulci gore-fest, but it’s a film that proves this director can totally rock a thriller with just as much skill as he does horror.

Peace Out,
Roger