Blog Pick Week #35

   Occasionally a movie can bring out the kid in you. I'm not necessarily talking about an animated feature, but one that makes you remember your youth. For me, the pick for this week reminded me of just this. Our pick is the Academy Award winning film "Almost Famous".
   Set in the 1960's, "Almost Famous" tells the story of high school student William Miller (Patrick Fugit), who gets the dream of a life time, the opportunity to tour with a rock band and write an article about them for Rolling Stone magazine. Young William is your typical adventurous teenager but finds himself in very adult situations. Touring with the band are "band-aides", (young female groupies). Drawn between his admiration for the members of the band, and one of the "band-aides" Penny Lane, (Kate Hudson), William is stuck in an old fashion love triangle.
   "Almost Famous" is a great film, that deserved the Academy Award for Best Screenplay which it won in 2000. In addition, "Almost Famous" was more than a love story, it was a story of friendship. Not all films could absolutely hit it out of the park with an almost completely unknown cast, "Almost Famous" definitely did. This week check out "Almost Famous". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Almost Famous" trailer

Blog Pick Week #34

   This is a prime reason why this blog exists, to simply recommend a movie. About a year or two ago, a friend had told me about this particular film. So that weekend I watched it and immediately fell in love with it. This week our pick is the 1988 Academy Award Winning film "Cinema Paradiso".
   "Cinema Paradiso" tells the story of a filmmaker named Salvatore Di Vita. Looking back at his childhood, he recalls how he fell in love with film. When he was a boy working at the local cinema, assisting the theaters projectionist. With his responsibilities growing at the theater, young Salvatore has his passion for film growing each and every day. His almost father son bond with the theaters projectionist brings Salvatore coming back even as a teenager. Fast forward to adulthood, when Salvatore is now an accomplished filmmaker. He returns to the town he grew up, only to discover his favorite theater is in ruins, but what happened to his friend the projectionist?
   "Cinema Paradiso" is a foreign language film, that deserved The Academy Award it ultimately won for Best Foreign Language Film. This was a wonderfully heart warming story without being overly sappy. In addition to the overall movie, is an ending that is one to remember. This week check out "Cinema Paradiso". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Cinema Paradiso" trailer

Blog Pick Week #33

   He was often considered a controversial figure. Either entertaining people or offending them. Whatever the case may be, he was an interesting and original character. Played to almost perfection by one of the best comedic actors of this generation. Our pick is the 1999 film "Man on the Moon".
   "Man on the Moon" tells the biography of comedian Andy Kaufman (played by Jim Carrey). From his early childhood growing up on Long Island NY, to his stint on the hit show "Taxi", in addition to his antics as the inter gender wrestling champ. Andy Kaufman worked in an environment where his stage was his life. So when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, was that real or fake? That was Andy Kaufman.
   Andy Kaufman certainly didn't live a dull life, and Jim Carreys performance was nothing short of amazing. Capturing the facial expressions and mannerisms Andy often made, but more than that..he captured the persona.
   "Man on the Moon" is a movie that should have had more Oscar buzz. Although he won a Golden Globe for this role, Jim Carrey gives arguably the best performance of his career. Even more than his performance was the execution of the film itself. Directed masterfully by Milos Forman, "Man on the Moon" was an entertaining and good film. This week take the time and watch "Man on the Moon". Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Man on the Moon" trailer

Blog Pick Week #32

   A good thriller is almost always a good watch. That edge of your seat suspense that can keep you guessing. Some thrillers take it a step further and incorporate clever elements into the plot. Our pick for this week is always a favorite for us here at webmoviepick. This week our choice is the 1995 psychological thriller "Seven".
   Based on the seven deadly sins, "Seven" follows two police detectives, David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), as they try and solve the mystery of a serial killer, finding and killing his victims based on the seven deadly sins. Mills and Somerset are hot on the trail, but always seem to be one step behind. Will they catch up before all seven have been exhausted?
   "Seven" is a great film, directed by accomplished director David Fincher. With a stellar cast consisting of Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey, in addition to a very solid script. "Seven" is a dark film, but a clever thriller. Going beyond your typical thriller, instead "Seven" is a psychological thriller that doesn't require a degree in mental health to understand. So this week check out "Seven". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Seven" trailer

Blog Pick Week #31

   Some directors come along and make great movies. Some come along and make movies that last forever and become classics. Most people have seen or at least heard of this film. Our pick is the 1980 Academy Award winning film by Martin Scorsese, "Raging Bull".
   "Raging Bull" tells the tumultuous story of boxer Jake La Motta. From his illustrious boxing beginnings and all the way down to his fall from grace. Jake La Motta (played by Robert De Niro) not only battled in the ring, but had struggles at home. Marital issues and tension with his own brother and friends, made a recipe for disaster.
   Robert De Niro gives one of the greatest acting performances, not only in his career, but in cinema history. In addition "Raging Bull" is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. According to The American Film Institute it came in at #4. An amazing bit of film making, Martin Scorsese proves with "Raging Bull" why he is one of the best directors ever.
   "Raging Bull" is a triumph and a movie that every person should see. Whether you have seen it before or not, watch "Raging Bull". Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Raging Bull" trailer

Blog Pick Week #30

 

   Sometimes the lead actor in a film is enough for people to go and see the movie. They can have that star power that brings in the audiences without doing any promotions. This was the case when I went out to catch this film last year. This week our pick is the 2012 Academy Award Winning film "Flight".
   "Flight" stars the incredibly talented Denzel Washington, playing "Whip Whitaker", the substance abusing commercial airline pilot. High on cocaine and alcohol, Whip encounters a life and death emergency up in the air, when the plane he is piloting malfunctions. Quick thinking and raw talent could be the only solution to the dilemma, and landing the plane safely is only the beginning of the battle for Whip Whitaker.
   "Flight" was directed by Academy Award Winning Director "Robert Zemeckis", and starring Academy Award Winning Actor "Denzel Washington" (who also was nominated for this role). Beginning with the edge of your seat plane emergency sequence and all the way through to the end, "Flight" was a thrilling film. Not many actors could elevate a film like Denzel Washington can. "Flight" was a film that if it had starred a different actor, I may have never seen it. Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Flight" trailer

Blog Pick Week #29

   Sometimes in life, events occur that make you say...why? People may not realize the full story, until they take a step back and see the overall picture. The pick for this week is a perfect example of this. Our pick is the 1998 Academy Award Nominee "American History X"
   After being released from prison for committing a violent racially motivated murder, neo-nazi skinhead Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), finds his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), going down that same dangerous path.
   Derek goes through a mental roller coaster with his emotions and also with a friend he meets in prison. Still in touch with one of his high school teachers, Derek finds himself on the road to recovery, and asks himself that elusive question...why? Putting things in perspective, he wants to stop Danny from following in his own footsteps, but will it be to late?
   Edward Norton gives an Academy Award Nominated performance as Derek. This movie was more than his great performance, it really makes you think...why? No this film is not a heart warming tale, yet a great film that should be watched by all. We highly recommend "American History X". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"American History X" trailer

Blog Pick Week #28

   When you have numerous films in an already legendary series, it can be difficult to make a new film that matches the best of the bunch. Last year they might have achieved this feet. The pick for this week is the Academy Award winning film "Skyfall".
   "Skyfall" is the twenty third James Bond film, and the third starring Daniel Craig playing the lead role. The past comes back to haunt M (Judi Dench), as MI6 is under attack by former operative Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) that wants nothing but to seek revenge on M for betraying him. After a failed assassination attempt at MI6 headquarters on M, Silva launches a severe cyber attack on MI6. Forcing Bond and the rest of MI6 to go "retro".
   Daniel Craig has to be one of the best Bonds of all time, next to only Sean Connery, and "Skyfall" has to be one of the best Bond films, ever. Winning two Academy Awards and under the direction of Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. With Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes, plus a great script how could you go wrong? If you did not get a chance to see "Skyfall" in theatres or you were a fan of the classic Bond films, then see "Skyfall". This film will please both the old and new fans. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Skyfall" trailer

Blog Pick Week #27

   When you read the pick for this week you may think I'm crazy. Whether you have seen this movie or the show that it was based on or not, either way you know exactly who they are. In addition not every pick is every body's cup of tea. That being said the pick for this week is the 1996 comedy "Beavis and Butthead Do America".
   Based on the edgy MTV series from the early 90's, Beavis and Butthead make it to the big screen. Finding their television stolen, Beavis and Butthead are on a quest to find out who took their TV. On their journey they get mixed up in a murder for hire attempt between a feuding husband and wife. The not to intelligent boys think an entirely different plot is going on. Only Beavis and Butthead could manage to not understand what is occurring.
   If you have watched the show, you understand that Beavis and Butthead are two dimwits, which makes you laugh each and every time. If you have never watched the show, believe me the comedy is in how these two teenage boys view the world in the eyes of every young adult that seems to think they know all. No this is not an Academy Award winning film, nevertheless this was a funny and clever movie. Don't be turned off by what you have heard about these two, watch "Beavis and Butthead Do America". Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Beavis and Butthead Do America" trailer

Blog Pick Week #26

   While The United States celebrates it's Independence Day, what better time to recommend this weeks title. Some movies come along and really makes you think of what some people had to go through to give us what we have today. Here is a movie that did exactly that, but also was a great film. Our pick for this week is the 1989 Academy Award Winning film "Glory".
   The time is the early 1860's. The United States is in the midst of a civil war. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) is given command of a unit comprised of former slaves following the Emancipation Proclamation. In that unit is Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and Pvt. Trip (Denzel Washington). Dealing with already incredible circumstances in battle, the new 54th Regiment also faces the battle of race.
   "Glory" is a magnificent film, everything from it's story line and Oscar winning Cinematography to it's Oscar winning performances (Denzel Washington won for Best Supporting Actor). This is a film that should not only be watched now during the July 4 weekend, but should be enjoyed by audiences year round. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Glory" trailer

Blog Pick Week #25

   Some film makers have such a vast collection that it can often be difficult to select just one title to recommend. We find ourselves in this dilemma. His work has spawned similar styles by other film makers, but it can be difficult to match the original. Our pick for this week is "Ken Burns Lewis & Clark".
   "Lewis & Clark" certainly was not one of Ken Burns more mainstream titles, but it was just as good as any of them. "Lewis & Clark" chronicles the cross country journey of Merriwether Lewis and William Clark, as they explored the vast new territory of the west. Told through the celebrity filled narration of actors like Matthew Broderick, Adam Arkin and Hal Holbrook. In addition to the visually stunning presentation of what we have come to expect from a Ken Burns film. Lewis & Clark were sent to explore this uncharted territory and in this film you feel history come alive. At no point did I ever feel like I was getting a history lesson, when in actuality I was nothing but entertained.
   As we approach Independence Day, what better film than this. A story that was a part of the history of this great nation we call The United States. Celebrate July 4 with this unknown classic. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

Blog Pick Week #24

   The saying, "Never judge a book by it's cover", well that saying could not be more accurate than it is here. When I tell you what the pick of the week is, I don't want you to judge me based on this pick. Every movie has an audience that it aims to please. In some cases they inadvertently go further, and capture the audiences of various likes and dislikes. Our pick for this week is the 2004 romantic classic "The Notebook".
   "The Notebook" is a love story that follows a young couple through the trials and tribulations of life, a young pauper named Noah (Ryan Gosling) and the wealthy Allie (Rachel McAdams). A modern day Romeo & Juliet, "The Notebook" follows Allie and Noah through war, other love interests, and dealing with different social classes. Told from the perspective of an elderly man (played by James Garner) who is telling the tale of these two young lovers to his wife (played by Gena Rowlands). The mystery of why he is telling this story to his wife has a meaning and purpose, but the question is, why?
   Yes this is a romantic drama, aka chick flick, but when I started this blog post with "Never judge a book by it's cover", I meant it. This is a well told and well made movie. Sure it is a heart warming story but trust me guys, this is a good flick. I definitely and confidently recommend "The Notebook". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"The Notebook" trailer

Blog Pick Week #23

   When you look at the impressive career of Brad Pitt, certain movies comes to mind. From the young and ambitious son Paul in "A River Runs Through It" to his Oscar nominated lead role as Billy Beane in "Moneyball". Sandwiched in there is a movie that somewhat slid under the radar, but really might have been one of his best roles. Our pick for this week is the 2008 Coen brothers comedy "Burn After Reading".
   "Burn After Reading" is loaded with an all star cast, along side Brad Pitt is George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Richard Jenkins and Tilda Swinton.
   A computer disk, containing the memoirs of a CIA agent (played by John Malkovich), is found in a gym locker room. An unsuspecting gym employee turns it over to his coworkers (Frances McDormand & Brad Pitt), discovering what the disk contains and the value they could get for it, they decide to hold it for ransom.
   Tangled in a web of characters and brilliant performances by all. The one that stands out among them, is the flamboyant fitness freak named Chad (played by Brad Pitt). To me this is one of his best performances in a very impressive career. His comedic timing and delivery not only enhanced his performance but also complimented his fellow cast members. In addition, meshed well with the overall story line. Each character in the film has a purpose and helped drive the story.
   "Burn After Reading" was a top notch comedy. This is a Coen Brothers gem, if you are not familiar with their humor, you need to, and fast. This was an entertaining film that should never have flown under the radar. Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Burn After Reading" trailer

Blog Pick Week #22

   Here at Webmoviepick, we are a fan of the classics. They are the films that have established the industry into what it is today. This week our pick is one of these classic films. The pick of the week is the 1968 Academy Award winning movie "Bullitt".
   "Bullitt" stars the late great Steve McQueen, as Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco cop. Frank is sent to protect a star witness in a major case. Despite his professional protection, Frank struggles with securing his safety, when someone gets through and compromises his defense. Who could have been so skilled to accomplish this feet? The answer is half the battle.
   From the opening credits, into the exhilarating car chase scene, "Bullitt" drives it home. Besides the performance by Steve McQueen, "Bullitt" won the Academy Award for editing and after watching this movie you can see for yourself why it did.
   Don't think this was a film with lame cheesy effects and obvious phony stunts. "Bullitt" was a well made and entertaining film. Steve McQueen apparently doing most, but not all of the stunts himself, including the classic car chase scene. This is a movie for most to enjoy, so this week strap in and watch "Bullitt". Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Bullitt" trailer

Blog Pick Week #21

   During our unexpected long layoff, we were able to take the time to reflect on some good movies. This week our pick is a film that certainly took me by surprise. Basically only watching it because I threw it on my Netflix instant list and it was about to expire. Our choice for this week is the 1983 film "Risky Business."
   Tom Cruise stars as Joel Goodsen, a teenager that behaves in the same manner many rambunctious young adults do. Engaging in parties, pranks and cars. With his parents away on vacation, and awaiting a visit from a college recruiter, Joel stumbles upon an unexpected business venture. The only problem with that is, he gets more than he bargained for.
   "Risky Business" is a film that not only was very good, but has one of the best songs ever in a movie. After the film was finished I bought the title track, "Love on a real train". Starring a young Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay and Joe Pantoliano, and a solid script. Not all movies are as pleasantly surprising as this one was for me. "Risky Business" will make you think of your teenage years, and possibly even make you ask yourself "why didn't I think of that?" This week definitely check out "Risky Business." Until next week happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com


"Risky Business" trailer

Blog Pick Week #20

   Sometimes there are movies that remind us of what was, or what you may have dreamed of doing yourself. If you have never seen this movie before, here is your chance to get in on one of the biggest hits of the 80's. The comedic classic starring Matthew Broderick in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
   Ferris (Matthew Broderick) is your typical slacker teenager, who would rather go out and have a good time then get stuck spending a day in school. So to accomplish this he fakes being sick so his parents keep him home, and then enlists the help of his girlfriend and best friend, in living in up for a day. Ferris of course has his enemies, his jealous sister (Jennifer Grey) that cant stand how he gets away with everything, the school principal (Jeffrey Jones) that will stop at nothing to bust Ferris in the act.
   "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was a comedic home run in the 80's and arguably one of the best movies to come out of that decade. Loved by audiences everywhere and still quoted to this day. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" will leave you laughing and also bring back memories of your younger days. I'm sure Ferris will remind you of someone you may have known, I know he did for me. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" trailer

Blog Pick Week #19

   Webmoviepick had made this pick previously before we went to blog, but nevertheless we felt the need to recommend this movie once again. A film that captivated audiences everywhere and one that took home two Academy Awards. Our pick for this week is the 1995 crime thriller "The Usual Suspects".
   According to some, when crimes occur and a police lineup is setup, a group of regular suspects are brought in. Criminals that may or may not have had anything to do with the crime in question. In "The Usual Suspects" that is what we have here.
   A boat explosion with all of it's crew and cargo destroyed, except for one person. His name is Roger 'Verbal' Kint (Kevin Spacey), and he isn't your ordinary criminal. 'Verbal' is a partial 'cripple', who seems more like one who would be a victim and not a felon, still he may be the only clue to unlocking the mystery of what happened on that boat. His tale begins with his telling of how he got mixed up with 'the usual suspects', and leaves the question of who in the world is Keyser Soze?
   "The Usual Suspects" is a brilliant crime thriller that will keep you guessing. Masterfully directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie (who won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay on this film), in addition to a spectacular cast headed by Kevin Spacey (who won The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor on this film). In my opinion this movie is the perfect example of a great film. So this weekend take the time to see "The Usual Suspects", if you don't Keyser Soze will get you. Until next time happy viewing. 

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"The Usual Suspects" trailer

Blog Pick Week #18

   With the Oscars just days away, we felt this was a good time to recommend this movie. Directed by one of the nominees from this year, and one of his earlier films. For this week we are recommending the 1971 TV movie "Duel" directed by Steven Spielberg.
   Yes we did say a TV movie, but don't let that fool you. "Duel" stars David Mann (played by Dennis Weaver), as a businessman simply on the road. Along his journey he comes across an irate truck driver who wants nothing less than to drive David off the road. What could cause the truck driver to behave in this manner?
   "Duel" has the genius that is to become Steven Spielberg in it from start to finish. We all know what Steven Spielberg has become, but in this film he keeps us on the edge of our seats with his editing, just like he did in "Jaws". Sequences where we aren't sure what is about to happen and simply keeps us in suspense as we slowly round the corner. One thing we wont see around that corner is the face of the truck driver. That is because at no point do we know who the man behind the wheel is, only that he has a serious gripe with David.
   Here is a film that is solid from beginning to end. Nothing but quality filmmaking without the fancy special effects. "Duel" may have been a TV movie but this is in no way an after school special. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Duel" trailer

Blog Pick Week #17

   Sooner or later this movie was going to be our pick of the week, and it so happens to be this week. The movie stars two talented actors and directed by an equally talented director. We are talking about the very dark but knockout film, "Fight Club".
   With a title of this kind you can imagine this isn't a family film. "Fight Club" stars Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. Meet "Jack" (Edward Norton) an insurance claims adjuster who to put it simply, hates his job and the direction his life is going. Suffering from insomnia, he begins going to focus groups for various illnesses in which he doesn't have, all to try and end his own suffering. May not make sense right? Well it shouldn't because this is only the beginning. Traveling on assignment he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). Tyler is the solution to Jacks ailments, simply because Tyler is everything he isn't. Soon enough the two form a club in which members can let out aggression by engaging in hand to hand combat. The club grows to take on other tasks but will Tyler and his cohort go along? Who is this Tyler Durden anyway?
   "Fight Club" is considered a dark film, but this is an engaging thriller from start to finish. One of David Finchers finest films with two brilliant performances by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. This is a film that is a guaranteed hit. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Fight Club" trailer

Blog Pick Week #16

   We have a unique situation here for our pick this week. Usually when a remake of a movie is done, it rarely is better than the original. This time the remake is comparable to the original and is basically just as good. The movie in question, and therefor our pick is: "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."
   Based on the Swedish novel of the same title by author Stieg Larsson. The Vangers, a well to do family  with a substantial fortune, has an unsolved murder of a young girl named Harriet, who is a member of the Vanger family, that occurred forty years prior. Without any real leads only suspicions of what happened to her, one member of the family has not been able to let it go since the crime happened. Enlisting the help of banished journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), who is convicted of libel in a story he published earlier and about to serve a jail sentence. Mikael is hired to uncover and solve, if possible, the mystery behind what happened, and who killed Harriet. Brought in for help to uncover the clues, is a girl that is not the run of the mill investigator, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a girl that is known as a problem child but has a talent that makes her the perfect person for the job.
   An Oscar nominated performance by Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in the remake film by director David Fincher, as well as an Oscar win for film editing, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is an exhilarating thriller that was equally as good as the book.
   The original is a Swedish film in English subtitles. If you don't mind watching a movie with subtitles, watch this one. In the event of a tie, the original might have a slight edge over the American version.
   Either film is worthy of watching, so we are taking the easier way out and recommending both. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" trailer

*SPECIAL PICK*

   Yes we have given our pick already for this week, and no this is not an advancement of next weeks pick. Considering today is Groundhog Day, take a wild guess what movie we are recommending to watch?? Think real hard and it should hit you in the face. You guessed it, the best movie to see today is the 1993 Bill Murray classic "Groundhog Day".
   A television weatherman named Phil (Bill Murray), is sent to Pennsylvania to cover the famous groundhog, and discover whether he sees his equally famous shadow. When the entire event is over, Phil believes his adventure is over and he will go back to covering real important news. To his dismay he discovers he is trapped on the date of February 2. Reliving the day over and over drives Phil to the brink of insanity, to the point he will do anything to end his misery. Ever have that feeling of deja vu where you feel like you have experienced a situation before? Phil has, and his is multiplied by 10. What will he do to escape this fate?
   First rule of thumb, if Bill Murray is in it, it has to be good. Bill Murray plays one of his memorable roles in this film and surrounds himself with an equally hilarious script that adds up to a comedic home run. "Groundhog Day" is considered a classic for a reason, this is not only the perfect film to watch on Groundhog Day, but a great film to watch all year round. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Groundhog Day" trailer
 

Blog Pick Week #15

   You know when someone recommends a movie for you to watch, you then watch it and walk away thrilled you saw it (hopefully you get that same reaction here). This scenario came about after I saw the movie which is ironically the pick for this week. The brilliant 1981 comedy, "Arthur".
   "Arthur", starring the late Dudley Moore as the title character, is an unambitious heir to a vast family fortune. His main goal in life is to basically enjoy life to the fullest. For Arthur that means partying and drinking excessively, and having some fun with the ladies in the evening.
   It all seems like fun and games until he realizes there is one thing that money can't buy, true love. Cue Liza Minnelli who plays Arthur's love interest, Linda. No this is not a mushy love story but rather a great film and a fantastic performance by Dudley Moore, (who was nominated for an Academy Award for this role). Along with Arthur is his butler Hobson, played by John Gielgud (who won the Academy Award for his performance).
   In order to get the keys to the fortune Arthur must marry a woman named Susan in an arranged marriage. Will he go for the money or with his heart?
   Dudley Moore gives an unforgettable performance as Arthur in addition to the supporting cast. Arthur is a movie that will make you crack up but not just laugh, also entertain you in a wonderful film. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Arthur" trailer

Our new video!!

Blog Pick Week #14

   Occasionally you come across a movie that was critically acclaimed. After watching it, you thoroughly enjoyed it but found out not everyone shared your opinion. I am not sure if that is exactly the case with this weeks pick but it might be similar. The movie in question is Paul Thomas Andersons "Magnolia".
   "Magnolia" boasts a cast that may not rival the all star ensemble of "Ocean's 11", but still impressive enough to turn some heads. When you have Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards and others, how can you go wrong? As good as this cast may be, oddly enough this wasn't the strength of the film. Carrying this picture was a favorite of mine, the interlacing characters and storylines. Situations where characters from various locations in a given city, may not know each other but somehow are connected. "Magnolia's" web of stories contain everything from a resentful son towards his dieing father, a former game show wiz kid spiraling out of relevance, and a good cop looking for a wife, and many more. It's brilliance is what makes "Magnolia" a great film, in how its many characters come together, but also it's execution. A well made film that has it all.  
   This isn't a sappy emotional tearjerker, nor is it a dark film. "Magnolia" is a film that was for the most part critically acclaimed, considering it was nominated for three Academy Awards. Without question take the time to watch this movie. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Magnolia" trailer

Blog Pick Week #13

   The Holidays are spent sharing quality time with friends and family, but also getting the chance to see some great films. I saw one movie during our time off that really stood out among the crowd. The little film that could get buried in the library of movies. Which is more ironic than anything considering that is the title for our pick this week, "Buried" starring Ryan Reynolds.
   "Buried" takes place in present day Iraq. Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), is an American citizen working as a truck driver, when his convoy is ambushed and attacked. Few, if any from his company survive. We don't know what happens to everybody else because essentially Paul doesn't know either. "Buried" is a very unique thriller in the fact that the entire movie from the opening to the closing credits, takes place inside a wooden box, which is the home of Paul Conroy. Inside with Paul is a bag that contains a lighter and cellphone. Throughout the film, Paul goes through the range of emotions while trying to seek answers how he went from getting ambushed to waking up buried alive.
   As I stated before, this is the only scene in the movie. Since he is the only one in the box, he is the only person we see, but not the only character. Equipped with a cellphone, Paul reaches out to family and the government not to mention calls from the kidnapper who wants him to make a video plea for help.
   "Buried" really takes a bold step in pushing the limits of filmmaking. To have such a minuscule set and make a movie that is so grand, is a heck of an achievement. Lets start this year off right and watch "Buried". Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

"Buried" trailer