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