Did The Illlusionist knock me on my ass? Not exactly, no, but I did feel like I was treading a path that was not too well-worn. The actors are all good (Paul Giamatti in particular is excellent) and there were some moments of real wonder. I don’t think “Illusionist” is going to be one of those films that sticks in my imagination and I don’t quite know how I feel about the Shymalan-like twist ending, but I certainly didn’t feel my time had been wasted. If you’re in the mood for an offbeat story with solid period detail then you could do a lot worse.
The Illusionist
Neil Burger, writer and director
*** (out of five)
Okay, I’ve got no excuse for this one. Tivo’s been around for like seven years so I’m really late to the game this time out. A couple of weeks ago I took advantage of a special offer wherein I got the machine itself for free and the monthly service plan for a reduced rate. I don’t know why Tivo is marketing itself so aggressively but I’m glad they are; I’m loving the service. It really is one of those deals where you scratch your head and ask yourself how you lived without it. With my work schedule and recently-complicated family life, I rarely know if I’m coming or going (okay, you got me, I didn’t know before all of that stuff happened but that’s a whole other issue). The ability to watch my TV shows according to my own schedule is a godsend. Before, I often questioned why I was paying for cable but now I don’t worry about it. I feel I’m getting my money’s worth out of it for the first time in years.
Tivo rocks. I wanna marry Tivo and father a little Tivo child. –There; I said it.
I’m a big fan of Anchorman. That movie’s got such a unique sensibility and bizarre style that I’ve enjoyed it more upon subsequent viewings than I did in the theatre (and I had a lot of fun with it in the theatre). Will Ferrel’s new flick Talladega Nights is from the same team that brought you Anchorman. First the bad news: “Nights” doesn’t have that same sort of loopy rhythm that I enjoyed so much about “Anchor”. The supporting cast isn’t nearly as strong either (I missed Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and all of the cool cameos). The good news, however, is that the flick is funny. No question, there are laughs to be had here and I can’t imagine anyone leaving the theatre in a sour mood.
So go already; you’ll have yourself some laughs and that ain’t so bad, right?
Talladega Nights
Adam Mckay, director
*** (out of five)
As someone who works in the entertainment/tech industry I’m behind the curve surprisingly often. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I’m a virtual pop culture dinosaur a lot of the time! And thus it is that I now tout my latest discovery (only two years after its premiere on HBO!) Entourage. My wife and I have been Netflixin’ the DVDs and I must say I’m really diggin’ the show. I hear you out there, you’re saying ‘Why you diggin’ it, man? Give us the 411.’ Well, I’m glad you asked. My reasons for diggin’ Entourage are two-fold. Reason #1: It’s the most accurate show about show business (and, by extension, Los Angeles) you’re ever likely to see. Sure, it’s satirical, but there’s a lot of truth in the show’s observations about the Business of Show. It’s a sharp-witted look at the f’ed up machinations of Hollywood, and all of the locations you see are the genuine article. Maybe I dig that aspect because I live in the L.A. area, but I’ll let you be the judge. Reason #2: The show is about 4 guys in their 20s and 30s who live together in a house. It’s just as crass as you’d think it would be because of that. And y’all know me, you know how I roll. Your boy P likes the crass.
Check it out. Entourage. Good show.
And, oh yeah, lest I forget: Entourage features a star turn from Jeremy Piven; an actor I’ve dug from way back. He’s awesome as the type-triple-A agent Ari Gold.
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