One of my absolute favorite genres of film is the horror genre. The reason I love horror films so much is because rarely is there a time where while I’m watching a horror film, am I not having a good time. There are two categories when it comes to horror, except in some infuriating cases, but for the most part you’re either watching a brilliant horror film such as The Shining or The Thing or you’re watching an awful horror film and more often than not, when horror films are really bad they’re hilarious making for a fun time anyways.
The film Rubber fits in neither of these categories. I sat down to watch the movie about a tire with telepathic powers expecting to laugh at how awful it was, I mean how can you turn down that premise? I walked away realizing that Rubber wasn’t the horror movie I thought I was going to watch at all. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t be able to find what genre it would fit in at all. Rubber was just Rubber, a truly one of a kind movie and you know what. It was rather awesome.
At times, while watching this film you’ll find yourself laughing just as hard as you would for the average hangover type movie, at other times you’ll be attempting to guess what’s next on the agenda for the mystery that is Rubber, other times you’ll sit and appreciate the direction and the fact that the film breathes so much life into the main character, a tire, but most of all I found myself pondering about things films don’t usual force you to ponder about.
What Rubber is, to put it simply, is an oddity. I’ve never seen anything like it nor do I believe I ever will and if I do, I would be a little frustrated that someone was attempting to circumnavigate these waters again. This film very unique to say the least and not in the Incefption or Memento kind of way where I’d find it hard to believe someone doesn’t enjoy them, but unique in its own kind of way where I could completely see someone hating it. I for one enjoyed myself through and through. I’m being vague, but I’m being vague about a vague movie and in that idea, lies it’s beauty. Also, I basically went in blind and I’d like to pass along that courtesy, it might help.
It is always refreshing to see a comedy in this age of comedy we live in that has laughs that aren’t solely based on sex or the word “fuck”. Horrible Bosses is a film that exemplifies that very idea. This is not to say the film exemplifies this idea perfectly because it most certainly doesn’t. Horrible Bosses was however very entertaining and made me laugh out loud through out.
When a film has such a fun premise and great actors playing very comedic characters, its hard to fail and this film doesn’t. The film follows three average joes whose bosses fit the build of “horrible”. When they can’t take it any longer the three friends device a plan in order to take care of the situation. Hilarity in ensues. And I’m being serious, the movie was rather hilarious. Some of the plot devices used were generic and almost too easy, but they get the characters from point A to point B and at the end of the day, its the comedy that matters and this was a well made comedy.
Of the employees, my favorite was by far Charlie Day’s character who was playing virtually the same character he plays on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, but what are you going to do, the character is funny and I laughed a lot. Jason Sudeikis definitely played his part making for some great moments. Bateman had his moments, but I’ve just never found him that funny to begin with. His delivery just doesn’t do it for me.
My favorite boss is a doozy. Kevin Spacey is with out a doubt the greatest actor working in this film, but this is a question of who was funnier. Even though Kevin Spacey was fabulous as the worst boss, but for me Jennifer Aniston was absolutely hilarious. You’ll find yourself dumb founded at times wondering to yourself if she actually just said that. It was completely out of character and I loved it. Colin Ferrell was also fun as the drugged up boss of Sudeikis, unfortunately he just didn’t get the chance to show anything off because he wasn’t in it as much.
There were some blatant flubs that you’d find resemble the kind you’d find in plenty of other namable comedies. There were a fair share of those laugh out loud moments that comedies aspire to have and there were some dull moments. So no Horrible Bosses wasn’t some kind of comedic gem, but it was a very funny movie that I would certainly laugh at again.
I’m trying to figure out how best to establish my views regarding the Pirates of the Caribbean series, while establishing my opinion on this single film, the fourth in the series. I think the best place to start is by saying that my favorite film in the series probably have to be the third, At World’s End. From a filmmaking stand point, yes The Curse of the Black Pearl is unquestionably the best of the series. I just have such a blast watching At World’s End that I can’t help it.
Is the film that great when looking at it with a tasteful or artistic eye, no, not really at all. The film however is fun as hell and a huge guilty pleasure of mine. I honestly believe this can be said about all the films, on a quality level, the Pirates of the Caribbean series is not great, but I love the characters, I love the wit, I love where they start, where they’re going and especially how they get there. Above all I just love watching them and I think you know where I’m going with this. The same can be said when it comes to this new feature in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
In this fourth installment, you’ll find exactly the right ingredients: a fun adventure story, a good villain (a constant in this series), the best Barboosa subplot in the entire series and of course Jack Sparrow being Jack Sparrow. This film is right on par with the other Pirates of the Caribbean films and as a result, a fun time at the theater. My complaints on the film would come in the form of some screwball comedy and a dull love plot between a bible friendly crew member of Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge and a mermaid, but this is all made up for in the idea that all these characters are respected. This is made apparent in the greatest aspect of the film, a revenge plot revolving around my favorite character in this film, Hector Barbossa and Blackbeard.
All and all, if you got any enjoyment out of the three first films, it would make no sense at all to not find enjoyment out of this film. And if I didn’t state it clearly enough already, then here’s the statement again; Pirates of the Caribbean is in no way cinematic brilliance. It is however, undoubtedly one fun trip to the movies and you can’t ask for much else.
Cars 2 was a film that somehow managed to be disappointing, completely expected and a blast at the same time. I will say this very early on, this is the worst Pixar movie I’ve seen. I’ve loved every Pixar movie I’ve seen except for Cars 2. Which is not to say I didn’t enjoy Cars 2, because I did and rather thoroughly, its just a Pixar film that didn’t reach the quality that every other Pixar film managed to reach.
This as I said before, completely expected. This film simply did not look nearly as amazing as any Pixar movie we’d seen before. It just wasn’t the right decision overall. This would be the sequel to virtually the worst received of all Pixar films, Cars. I loved Cars with a passion, but it can’t be denied that Cars did not get nearly as much reception as films such as The Incredibles or Up. Why make a sequel when we’re all aware you’re capable of creating beautiful originals such as Wall-E. (But don’t get me wrong, if you’re gonna continue a series with a film as flawless as Toy Story 3 then don’t let my words hold you back)
With every Pixar movie, they’ve essentially taken a very general thing (Monters, Rats, Toys, Bugs, Cars, etc.) and created some type of enthralling tale behind it. Cars 2 was essentially Pixar’s take on Spies, they just happened to throw the characters from their story about Cars into this tale and to that idea I say, why not? Just do what you do best and in this case, Pixar has unfortunately not.
That’s where the disappointment comes in. Even though, this was a little bit expected, its just downright disappointing that there actually is a Pixar film in existence now that isn’t amazing. That fact is not only disappointing, but utterly sad. With Cars 2, instead of having sweet morals and storytelling you get a film more heavy on action and attempts at jokes. And the jokes that used to be filled with brilliant wit were now corny and childish. You could certainly recognize some of that originality in its craft that you come to expect from a Pixar film, but this originality overall just wasn’t being used to its full potential. The best way to describe my take on Cars 2 would be to say that it was a pretty great animated film, but only a pretty good Pixar film.
The animation studios at Dreamworks have created some films to be proud of whether they be the first two Shrek’s, How to Train Your Dragon and with Kung Fu Panda as another fun animation that I can say they indeed can be proud of, I can say sincerely that Kung Fu Panda 2 had the potential to be another enjoyable animated movie. And where it did have its flaws I will say without a doubt that I had decently fun time at the movies when I watched this one.
A large factor in my rushing out to see this movie was to see Gary Oldman at work. He’s one of my favorite actors and he’s always excellent as the villain. The same could be said about his voice acting in this piece. As for everyone else, I have no complaints, their job was done. The comedic timing was on, its just the writing that wasn’t. None of the wit that you might find in other fantastic Dreamworks movies was there, but it was a children’s movie so what are you going to do? It guess its only Pixar who can manage to please all audiences.
The strength of an animation are in its endless possibilities. This is the aspect that makes both Kung Fu Panda movies so fun. The fight scenes are downright awesome because they realize they can do anything and they do, they have no limitations here and both films use this idea to their full potential. The story and the way its told is just much better in the first film making for a few dull portions when it comes to this sequel.
It was a fun film, I’m glad I saw it if at the very least to see Gary Oldman’s character connive. I think my biggest problem with the film is in its ending. I obviously won’t ruin it, but I will just say that I found it extremely out of place and a failed attempt at trying to get you excited for a sequel. Kung Fu Panda 2 was an entertaining animated film, but not one I intend on getting entertained by again.
One of the greatest aspects of the show LOST, right up there with the mysteries, the secrets, the moments, the cliffhangers, the emotions, are the characters that we were able to go on this journey with. These characters are the super glue that hold the entire distorted plot together. They are the reason we always crave for more. This is a list of my top ten favorite characters from a show filled with fantastically layered and fascinating characters. Before I get into a top ten, I’d like to throw in some honorable mentions in no particular order that just barely missed the list…
Honorable Mentions
Frank Lapidus: Frank was my favorite of the freighter crew members and though his character never got his own episode and there was never much more than what met the eye, he was always a lot of fun when he was on screen.
Rose Nadler: Quite honestly, even over Hugo Reyes, the most kind-hearted and caring person on the island. She is my second favorite female character and here relationship with her husband Bernard is simply tear-jerking.
Jin Kwon: The character of Jin offered such a beautiful character arc from someone who, from the first episode, I thought for sure I’d hate until he died of, but I ended up loving until one of the most powerful deaths in the series.
Daniel Faraday: From the many pivotal plot points he added to, to the beautiful way he uttered every piece of dialogue, it would be unjust not to put Faraday on at least a list of Honorable mentions.
Kate Austen: I think Kate unjustly gets a bad reputation most of the time on the show, and I would agree that too much was focused on her when it could’ve been focused on more interesting characters, but I still loved Kate Austen.
Mr. Eko: Mr. Eko was an absolutely fascinating character. I loved every second he was on screen. He also had one of the most surprising deaths in the entire show. Had he been on longer, he might just have made my list.
Jacob: If I had to say who my number 11 would be, it would be Jacob. It wasn’t even when Michael Pellegrino was playing him (don’t get me wrong, I found him phenomenal) it was the aura of mystery surrounding him throughout the series up until the beautiful moment that opened the season finale of season 5. “It only ends once, anything that happens before that is just progress.”
Okay, there’s the list of awesome characters that unfortunately were not able to make my top ten. Here is the list of my top ten favorite characters in the vast history of LOST:
10. Hurley
I think anyone who loves LOST would be in agreement that Hurley deserves a spot on this list. Most would actually prefer to see him higher, but this is where he’d have to fall for me. Hugo Reyes is the character that, no matter how dark or convoluted times may be, will always put a smile on your face. When Jack is being obsessive about getting off the island or Locke is being obsessive about keeping everyone on, Hurley is making a golf course or fixing a car just for a bit of fun.
9. Juliet Burke
Juliet Burke is with out a doubt in my mind the greatest female character in the entire series. In a character who didn’t first appear until the first episode of the third season, there wasn’t much to expect. What we got was a brand new character to care for in the way that she cared for the people who deserved to be cared for while offering a new dynamic in the idea that “Others” are people too. Who would’ve thought that such a spectacular character wouldn’t come until the beginning of season 3.
8. Richard Alpert
While there were many questions and mysteries surrounding the island and the entire scope of the show, but no single character was as mysterious as Richard Alpert. Sure there was Jacob and The Man in Black eventually, but we didn’t really start asking questions about them until late in the fifth season. There was always this mysterious presence of Richard from third season on. It was “Ab Aeterno”, that showed us his true character, answered our questions on him, and solidified his slot on this list.
7. Sayid Jarrah
In a beautiful tale filled with checkered and interesting pasts, Sayid Jarrah’s is one of the most checkered and interesting. With a past that could’ve made for one of the most notorious villains of the show, you in-turn get one of the most heroic. And it’s the fundamental ideas like those that make LOST so brilliant. Sayid knows that in his past life he was an awful person and now wants nothing more than to do what he feels in his heart he will never be able to do, make up for the awful things he’s done.
6. Sawyer
In a character, you start by hating with his smart-ass remarks and nicknames, James Ford eventually becomes one of the most loved characters based on the fact that you come to not only expect his attitude, but enjoy it because you can respect it. Â We know of his gritty back story about a con leading to his parents’ death and his unrelenting journey of vengeance. The thing that solidifies his position here though, is how he tries so hard to show his “stripes”, but by the end can’t fight what he truly is, a good man.
5. Jack Shephard
Most would argue that Jack Shephard is the main character of the show and yes the series opens with his eye opening and ends with his eye closing, but that’s just beautiful full circle imagery. The beauty of LOST is that there is no single “main character”. Jack Shephard is, however, one of the greatest characters in the show due in part to having the greatest character arc in the series. In a series driven at points by the opposing views of a “man of science” (Jack Shephard) and a “man of faith” (John Locke), Jack by the end keeps the late John Locke’s spirit a live in him by, becoming what he never saw in himself, some one with a higher purpose, some one with an impacting destiny.
4. Desmond Hume
Desmond’s introduction starts out as simply an answer to one of the most mind-boggling questions of Season 1 of what’s in the hatch. Then a picture starts to become more clear and he slowly but surly becomes one of the greatest and most benevolent forces of the entire series. Surrounding him are some of the greatest episodes of the series with “Happily Ever After”, “Live Together, Die Alone” and of course, the classic “The Constant”. And he is also holder of the greatest romance in a show full of terrific romances. He’s not one of the original members of the plane crash and in that way, not as flawed, but its an epic story of forbidden love, loss, phone call and love again that just lifts up your heart when times seem dim in wonderland.
3. Benjamin Linus
The beauty of Benjamin Linus would eventually come from the idea that you always had to expect the unexpected. First he begins a simpleton whose hot air balloon crashed on the island, then you learn he’s actually an expendable member of the “Others”, then you learn that he’s actually their leader and the main antagonist of the series, then he’s tricked by the true antagonist of the series into killing one of the most important of the protagonists of the series and everyone slowly realizes that he might have more of a heart than the original sociopath you saw him as at first.
If that doesn’t make for one of the most fascinating characters ever, I don’t know what will. Ben Linus is a huge factor in what makes LOST fantastic and Ben Linus is made great due to brilliant writing and brilliant delivery by actor, Michael Emerson. At times he’s almost Hannibal Lecter like in the way he manages to be charming, while at the same time alarmingly sinister. There are so many memorable moments involving him in a show full of memorable moments. He’s manipulative, conniving, cunning, sadistic, and eventually remorseful. He’s one of greatest characters in a story full of great characters.
2. The Man in Black
Whether he’s a “pillar of black smoke”, he’s being played to perfection by Terry O’Quinn, or being played just as brilliantly in his original form by Titus Welliver, The Man in Black always has such a beautifully magnificent and commanding presence. He is quite possibly the most pivotal character in the entire story, he is what makes the wheels turn because he is the antagonist. Sure there are many villains in the show, whether they be Benjamin Linus, Martin Keamy or even Mikhail. But if you truly look at this epic tale of mystery and wonder as a whole, the true antagonizing force from beautiful beginning to enigmatic end is The Man in Black.
From the very beginning, my favorite question, mystery, secret, whatever, of the show was the “black smoke monster” and the reveal exceeded my expectations in every sense. Never once did I think that the black smoke would actually turn out to be one of the most fascinating characters of the entire series, but that’s exactly what he was. His story is absolutely phenomenal in the way that the entire first five seasons is essentially him moving chess pieces for his final move in the end of season 5. This is illustrated with gusto with what might be my favorite quote in the entire series, “Indeed I did, and you have no idea what I’ve gone through to be here.”
1. John Locke
John Locke of LOST is not only the greatest character in the entire series of LOST. He’s also undoubtedly one of the greatest characters in existence. He is the only character that makes it into my top four that was actually in the initial plane crash. I loved him from the beginning and followed him to his bitter end and then kept right on following him as he lived on in spirit through Jack Shephard. Where as every other survivor of Oceanic 815 saw the island as a hell they had to escape, John Locke saw it for what it truly was, “a place where miracles happen”.
That is of course because on day one, a miracle did happen to Mr. Locke. As Jacob told Richard in “Ab Aeterno”, “their pasts don’t matter…” and that was true with wheel chair bound Locke, he could walk again and he was given his second chance away from the world in a place where he could show what he could do. It was the same story with every other character, he was just the only one who was willing to except his destiny from the beginning.
There was always something about him, almost unexplainable, that kept him a step above the rest. He was just as much of a leader and hero as Jack was, but just performed his duties in what sometimes looked to be a questionable matter, but these duties always were performed for a greater purpose and were much more profound and important than just simply surviving. John Locke is the face of LOST for me and always will be. LOST is a show made up of some of the greatest characters ever created, but it’s John Locke that is the best of best. He is the greatest character of LOST.
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