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rob-1748
Reviews
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)
Totally Rocks... may or may not Rock Your F***ing Socks Off
There is no question that this movie rocks, mostly for either D fans or potential D fans who haven't yet discovered JB & KG. I am a D fan.
I was expecting a pretty silly movie. I was expecting A LOT of profanity. I wasn't expecting much of a plot. But I didn't care... D on the big screen would have to rock.
What I found was a movie that wasn't (very) silly, although funny and entertaining. I found, for D, NOT a lot of profanity. I also found a coherent plot that, at least for a D fan, was followable throughout the movie.
I don't know if I was disappointed, but probably not. I didn't laugh as much as I expected, but I didn't roll my eyes at mine or D's childishness as much as I expected either.
What I did expect, and got, was ROCKIN'! The music was great. It's so easy with the D to get caught up in the catchy lyrics and overlook the musicianship behind those lyrics. This movie helps the viewer better catch the musicianship, which is more accomplished than anyone would notice in a lot of what D has come up with. I think that one of the best things about this movie is how it shows KG to be an equal partner in the sick genius of the D.
I'm looking forward to getting the CD... it will be different from the first. I am addicted to the first but didn't necessarily need another one. I will get another D, not a regurgitation thereof. And that fact DOES rock my f***ing socks off! By the way, unlike everyone else in the theater I went to... don't leave during the credits. Besides the theme song from the movie (which plays first) there's another song and a skit. They are worth waiting for that smoke.
If you think you'll enjoy this movie, I think you will. If you think you won't, you may well not. But in either case, if you go, leave your expectations in the ashtray in the car... you're not going to get what you expect. And that's not a bad thing (in this case, anyway)!
Things Change (1988)
After reading the other comments
Obviously, by my rating, you know I love this film. It is a desert island disc.
I read the other reviews and have some comments. These are not criticisms of others criticisms or accolades, just my own thoughts after having seen the movie so many times.
Having never been in the mafia myself (and I suspect that none of the other people rating this movie have been either), I find this work consistent with our cinematic understanding of the mafia. First of all, if the mafia does ask you for a favor which it thinks is fair sounding and you decline, depending upon the favor asked, security may demand that you be silenced (killed). Secondly, our cinematic understanding of the mafia also says that very few people, even in the mafia, truly know who, as it is put in the movie 'the man behind the man behind the man' might be. So, when the hotel staff and low level mafia flunkies (hooray for the blond WHM!) at the other end of the country, who are expecting to meet people they don't know, accept DA as someone very important, this is realistic. And with such a classic mafia stereotype as JM's character as front man, DA as shoe shine turned mafioso really sells. After all, DA is Italian and distinguished looking... as well as very old school. As for DA's new mafia friend, it is quite clear in the movie that the luck and skill of DA's character actually traversed some very high barriers to survive and flourish in the situation.
While the premise of the circumstance of the ending may be predictable (I don't want to give it away), the actual final actions and outcome are definitely not expected.
As for comparison to Mamet's other works, stage and screen, perhaps this isn't his "best." But in terms of appeal, it reaches many more people than most of his work... and in such a pleasing way without being daft. Entertainment and emotional appeal are not vices, even for Mamet.
And just because a movie makes you smile and laugh, that doesn't make it a comedy... merely comedic. This is a dark drama, a human study, and features friendship and betrayal. Perhaps the comedic and light-hearted aspects are merely the glue that holds this piece so well together. The glue may be on the surface, but that doesn't mean it doesn't function here. Frankly, I absolutely love House of Games, but a little more comedic treatment might have even improved that masterpiece. One can like Mamet and like smiling as well.
The Big Blind (1999)
Target Audience Only!
This movie's target audience is poker players. It's not for people interested in cinema in general, simply curious about poker, or even non-poker playing gamblers. The movie would not make much sense to anyone but poker players.
This movie does not have high production values, excellent cinematography or music, or inspired sets. The direction is actually surprisingly good, considering that this a very low budget, independent, special interest film. It will only appeal to it's true target audience, to whom the story and the characters are the main attraction.
Do not be mislead by the aggregate rating... it should get the lowest rating from those to whom the movie was not targeted... and many of those people to whom the movie was not targeted saw it and graciously provided their (negative) opinion... a correct one from their point of view.
So, if you are a poker player, this movie will definitely appeal to you. If you are not, it definitely will not.