The Bear Necessities

2) Have you noticed all of the previews/commercials for the new Harrison Ford movie “K-19: The Widowmaker”? This is not a judgement on the movie but, I have noticed that in these previews they play music from the soundtrack of “Gladiator”. To me, that seems to imply that the director/producer/what have you did not have the money/desire/devotion to quality to see that good music was written for K-19. This lack forced the preview makers to turn to a soundtrack that has already been proven successful, namely, the “Gladiator” soundtrack (ok, so maybe that was a judgement on the movie). Of course, another answer may be that the film makers didn’t want to tip there hand and give their music away. Interestingly, when the movie “U-571″ came out, it also played music from another movie in its preview (It played music from “Glory” - an excellent movie by the way, I highly recommend it). I don’t remember the music from “U-571″, so, maybe that is an indication that it was not particularly good (although, admittedly, I probably don’t remember the music from most movies). Now the odd thing is that “K-19″ and “U-571″ are the only two previews that I can recall playing music from other movies. Maybe it is a submarine thing? Anyways, I just though I’d share this little tidbit, fresh from the frying pan. I’m sure one of you movie afficionados out there will tell me that using music from other soundtracks in a preview is a normal part of the movie business, but hey, into the fire right?

ok, so ive never been the kind of guy who could pick just one thing as my favorite. so, here is the start of a list of my favorite films (in no particular order):

Last of the Mohicans - a movie set during the french and indian war about the last few members of the mohican tribe. based off of the book (but not really all that much like it) this movie has a cool story and great music. in fact, i think it won an oscar for the best original score. I love the music and love this movie. ive seen it probably 7-8 times and would watch it again.

Glory - movie set during the civil war with morgan freeman, denzel, and matthew broderick (a very atypical role for him). this movie also has great music, but has a much more heart-felt plot line then last of the mohicans. A quality movie, i feel that this is one of those movies that everyone should watch.

Amadeus - a best picture film from years ago, this movie is great if you like classical music. kinda long, but definately a fun thing to watch on a slow evening.

Tombstone - a movie about Wyatt Earp and the OK Corral, the highlight of this movie is absolutely Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday. This character is absolutely unbelievable. I love him and never tire of watching the scenes that he is in. the acting in the rest of the movie is now always all that special… but hey, you take what you can get right?

The Goonies - A classic movie from the 80s about a group of friends who go on a treasure hunt in new england. Fun for small parties as long as no one takes themselves too seriously. I loved this one as a kid. probalby cause i always wanted to go on a treasure hunt like the one they do in the movie. Plus, there are lots of one line quotes from this movie that i like to use that most people dont ever recognize (most of the time they just give me strange looks). if you watch this movie, then you too can be in the loop!

The Goofy Movie - This is a disney movie that has found a special place in my heart. sometime many years ago (maybe during junior high? or was it high school?) munie (a friend if you dont know him) came over to my house for new years eve and late at night we decided to watch this movie. for some reason it really connected with us. probably cause its kinda the story of a dorky kid becoming the cool kid and getting the girl. and there are a number of really funny scenes in this movie. in any case, we love this movie. watch it sometime! if you need an excuse, then next time you are babysitting go and rent it!

Beauty and the Beast - the only disney movie ever to be nominated for best picture, and for good reason. This movie a truly a thing of beauty. i love the music and the plot. when my sister was young she used to refer to this movie as “beast” and make us watch it over and over… and over… again. at one point i had the entire movie memorized (along with aladin). If you want to watch a disney movie, but are too self-conscious to spring for the goofy movie then this is a good choice.

Willow - a movie for true connieseurs . This film is a fantasy movie with warwick davis and val kilmer (again). Some people dont care for this movie, but then again, some people dont have any taste. dont listen to them. you should watch this movie.

The Game - a thriller/mystery type movie with michael douglas. This is an incredible movie that keeps you guessing the whole time. I absolutely love this movie and would recommend it to everyone. This movie rocks. the first time i watched it i was sooo confused. but, at least when you walk away you feel like you understood what happened (unlike some movies which confuse you and then never bother to unconfuse you). yup, definately worth watching.

More to come!

I’ve decided that i need to start a thread on movies. First, id like to explain my philosophy on watching movies. you see, some people accuse of my liking bad movies, but i often enjoy watching movies that arent particularly “good” simply because they are entertaining (quick interruption: i happen to be blogging in front of my tv this evening, and i randomly stumbled upon a life recording of vienna teng performing some place in berkeley. currently singing “gravity”. its soooo good. and very distracting. hopefully this entry wont lose coherency…as if it ever had some to begin with…)

alllll right, where was i? Right! bad movies. or perhaps, good trashy movies. you see, whenever i get asked how i liked a movie right after ive seen it i inevitably answer that i thought it was pretty good. because i enjoyed myself, regardless of the cinematic merit of the film (she’s moved onto “the tower” now).

Now, before you run off thinking i just said that i like bad movies, i would like to let you know that most of my favorite movies are, in fact, quite good. its just that i have a hard time saying particular movies are bad. yeah. thats all. im just too nice.